Meet Our Staff

LBLC Staff

The teachers and leadership at Ladybug Learning Club are committed and passionate about excellence in early childhood education. Our staff is dedicated to our school values and curriculum which focuses on developing the whole child. Our Master teachers have varying levels of education, experience and certifications. Most of our Ladybug staff members have worked with young children at Ladybug for several years. Each staff member is finger-printed and background checked. They also hold first-aid /CPR certificates and are required to complete 30 hours of Early Childhood Training each school year

 
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jenifer Merriam

Jenifer Merriam

Jenifer Merriam is the Director and Owner of Ladybug Learning Club Christian Preschool.  Jenifer has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. Jenifer has been an early childhood educator for 20 years. She has directed and owned her own preschool for 12 years. Jenifer is an early childhood specialist and curriculum designer.   She is also a member of the NAEYC & AzAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children ).  

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Cathy Merrill

Cathy Merrill

Cathy Merrill is the school’s office coordinator. She has an English degree from ASU. She came to LBLC 6 years ago as a parent. While her children where in the classroom, she began working as an aide. She has worked as the office coordinator for 5 years.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jill Dunigan

Jill Dunigan

Jill has taught the fours program since 2004.  She is our LLP teacher.  She has a BS in child development from Cal. State University of Fullerton. She taught in California for six years before moving to Arizona in 1997. Jill also teaches first graders each Sunday at her Church, Central Christian church, and is involved with first through third grade curriculum and Application Activities. Jill is passionate about teaching young children and is dedicated to helping them develop socially, academically and spiritually!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Laura Richardson

Laura Richardson

Laura has several years experience working as an Early Childhood Educator. She has an associates degree in Child Development.  She has previously worked as a preschool teacher and a nanny. Laura has taught in our Three's and Pre-K programs.  Laura is pursuing her Early Childhood degree at this time. She attends East Valley Bible Church with her husband and 4 children. She loves teaching and being able to instill a love for school and the Lord at a young age. Her passion for working with young children is evident to all who have the opportunity to see her teach. She is excited to be a part of our program and feels very blessed to be a part of the Ladybug staff. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Lynda Earls

Lynda Earls

Lynda has been at Ladybug since 2006. She currently teaches in our Three's program. Lynda is currently finishing her early childhood degree.  She is creative, energetic and very nurturing to her students. Lynda has also been a school aide before we discovered how incredible she is in the classroom. She is the Lead Teacher for our Lunch Bunch after school program.  Lynda attends Superstition Springs Community Church and has two children. Her son is a former Ladybug student.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Kristin Hanson

Kristin Hanson

Kristin Hanson is excited to be joining the Ladybug family this year! She will be teaching the 3's program.  She has a B.S. in Elementary Education and taught for 6 years in 1st and 2nd grade. She is also involved in teaching and creating curriculum for the 2 and 3 year olds at her church, Cornerstone.  Kristin loves working with children and has a 2-year old son and a new baby girl! Her passion is to mold children into lifelong learners who will grow up to love Jesus and make a difference in the world.