Our Team

Get to know our amazing and dedicated staff

We can't wait to meet you!

Grace Christian Child Care has a dedicated staff with decades of experience. We love helping children grow and foster a supportive and nurturing environment. We look forward to meeting you.

Joanne Stong

Director

I became the Director at Grace Christian Child Care in January 2018.  I taught in the 2’s & 3’s Preschool Class at Grace Christian Preschool prior to that. I graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Communications/Child Development & Family Studies. After college, I moved to South Carolina and then on to the coast of California, before returning home to PA in 2014.  Throughout my career I’ve worked on youth initiatives in non-profits, and the television/advertising industry. It has been both exciting and rewarding for me to be able to combine my knowledge of the business world and my love for children over the years. I really enjoy helping young children discover the wonders of the world around them, especially the wonders of God’s love. I have two energetic sons. We enjoy going to Senators baseball games, Hershey Park and traveling to the beach together. I also love music, chocolate, and anything Penn State!  I feel very blessed to be a part of the Grace family.

Sherry White

Associate Director

I began working as a Child Care Professional in 1995, while obtaining my Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Education from Elizabethtown College.  I have been an employee of GCCC since February 2001, and have held my current position as Associate Director since 2002.  As Associate Director I have the wonderful opportunity of working in all of the rooms and spending time with all of our fantastic children and staff.  One stipulation I had when accepting this position was that I did not want to give up all my time in the classrooms.  I truly enjoy interacting with all ages and couldn’t see myself working exclusively in the office.  There isn’t a day that goes by that the children don’t make me laugh and smile.  I enjoy spending time with my husband and son when not working. You can also find me at a Zumba class 2-3 times a week, reading a book, listening to music, or playing games with my son.

Madison Black

Teacher

I began working at GCCC in August 2022.  I am currently a Puppy Room teacher.  There’s never a day I don’t look forward to seeing the kids. I was raised in the Philadelphia area.  I went to private schools throughout my life and graduated from high school in 2021. I now live in Harrisburg.  I plan to obtain my Early Childhood Care And Education Certificate from HACC and then move on to a Bachelors. Working with children has always been a passion of mine, as I am the eldest of 5. I have two younger sisters who are 12 and 13 years younger than me.  I always enjoyed taking care of them since they were born. I used to work at a nursing home, while babysitting family friends’ children, so I always enjoyed being a caretaker. During my free time, I love going on road trips, going to the beach, gardening, cooking, and spending time with my family,  boyfriend, and with my cat, Dexter. I also have a bunny named Max. Oh and did I mention shopping? I am thankful God led me to the GCCC family.

Emily Deamer

Teacher

I grew up in Lancaster county and graduated from Manheim Central High School in 2004. I am currently taking classes at HACC and slowly working towards a degree in early childhood education. I have previously worked as a nurse’s aid, both in the hospital setting, as well as, long term care. After I adopted my son Zachary in 2020, I realized that my passion was working with children. I was hired here at GCCC in January of 2022, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the 2-3 year old’s in the Puppy Playhouse. In my spare time, I love spending quality time with my son and going on adventures with him. I also love music and the great outdoors.

Diane Ehrhart

Teacher

God led me to Grace in 2011.  I began working part time in the Jelly Bean and Big Kidz classrooms.  I’ve worked in every room, but found my home in the Busy Bee room!  I was born in Hershey and have 3 children of my own and 4 grandchildren.  I also worked several year in Grace’s church nursery on Sunday’s.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, doing crafts with my grand kids, and photography.

Donna Espenshade

Teacher

I have been a part of GCCC since it was established in 1992. I have worked in every classroom over the years, and even prepared the children’s meals for several of those years. Currently, I am a teacher in the Jelly Bean classroom with children ages three and four. I enjoy teaching your children new things and love watching them learn and grow. They truly put a smile on my face each and every day. Thank you for allowing me to be part of their lives. Just a few things about me: I like reading books and I also love going to the beach.

Deb Flage

Teacher

I joined the GCCC staff in October 2022 and am very happy to be working here.  I worked in the health insurance industry for over 40 years before I retired.  Then I decided to work part-time in a totally different field - child care.  I was at another center for 2 1/2 years until it closed.  My husband and I have lived in Hummelstown for 27 years.  We have no children and one very spoiled dog.  I enjoy walking, reading, Zumba and cardio-drumming class (with Zumba Jeff), checking out craft shows and spending time with friends.  Working in the infant (Little Roos) room is fun and rewarding. I enjoy being a part of a young child's growth and watching them achieve new milestones.

Crystal Hoy

Teacher

I began working at GCCC in March, 2022. I’ve been a resident of Hummelstown since 1993, but grew up in a small town in Snyder County. I’m  a 1989 graduate of Central Pennsylvania Business School in the Physical Therapy Assistant program.  I spent 30 years in the career before deciding to go in a different direction. Even though I no longer practice, I continue to maintain my license while providing TLC to our little ones at Grace.  My husband, Doug, and I have raised 2 boys, Ben and Adam. We enjoy spending time with them as young adults. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family,  walking,  biking,  everything camping, crafting and time with friends. God has provided many opportunities over the years to make an impact in the lives of others and Grace is no different.  Blessings!

Denise Lebo

Teacher

I started working at Grace Christian Child Care in May 1998. I have worked in every room and with children of all ages, from babies to school-age children in first through fifth grade. My primary classroom to work in during the school year is the Big Kidz classroom with Kindergarten and school-age children. While working at GCCC, I attended Millersville University and completed my Elementary Education Degree. I also attended Penn State University and completed my Master Degree in Teaching & Curriculum (creating and writing effectively), and have obtained a Reading Specialist Certification. I am married and have a daughter and son.

Sara McCurdy

Teacher

I grew up in Hummelstown and graduated high school from Commonwealth Charter Academy in 2019. I went on to get my Associates at HACC. I worked as a preschool aide and in the after school program for Seven Sorrows. I began working at GCCC in September 2022. I’m currently working in the Busy Bee room.  I really enjoy working with the one year old’s. I love seeing how much they grow and change in such a short period of time. In my free time I love to spend time with friends and family and enjoy doing pretty much anything active. I’m on a ninja warrior team. I love to hike, ski, and volunteer/spend time at Hershey Park. I’m so grateful to be working at GCCC and I am looking forward to what the future holds!

Denise Miller

Teacher

I began working at GCCC in January 2022.  I currently work in the Little Roos classroom two days a week.  I love being able to see the little ones grow and mature. I have two children and two grandchildren. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and designing.  I studied child psychology in College. I work in the health field when not at GCCC. I owned an in-home daycare before working in the health field. 

Madelyn Miller

Teacher

I grew up in Hershey and graduated from Lower Dauphin in 2018. I am currently enrolled at HACC and hope to obtain my Associates Degree in Psychology. I then plan on furthering my education at Penn State University, where I will earn a Bachelor’s of Psychology.  I have a daughter named Evelyn and a son named Cooper. I began working at GCCC in November 2020.  Previously to GCCC, I worked at Kids Club through the Hershey Recreation Center. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I always enjoyed being around children. I grew up helping at my mom’s in home daycare and just followed her passion working with children.

Sharon Schofield

Teacher

I started working at GCCC in May 2022. I currently  work in the Busy Bees room and enjoy being with the one year old’s. I was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia .  I currently live in Hershey.  I am married and have 3 daughters. My passion is helping others.  I have my diploma for Licensed Practical Nurse and have been practicing for 30+ years off and on. I worked in various nursing homes and doctor offices. I enjoy working with the geriatric population.  I am fortunate to have been employed at Grace Christian and for the opportunities presented to me. I love to interact and play with the children and act like a child myself. I enjoy watching football, a Penn State fan of course! I love painting and reading. I attend Hershey Free Church and am a greeter there. I enjoy spending time with my girls and husband, Jeff. I have 2 cats, sprinkles and sassy, (they are brother and sister). I look forward everyday to see the Busy Bees and to see what adventures await us.

Kim Shearer

Teacher

I was born and raised in Lebanon, PA, and graduated from Lebanon Senior High School in 1987.  I was one of the many “Miller’s” from Avon in Lebanon.  My grandparents had 9 children, yes there are a lot of Miller’s at our family reunion!  I met my husband, Andy, in 1988, married in Octover 1993, and have been married for 25+ years.  After purchasing our first house in East Hanover in 1998, we raised two girls, Andrea and Kristina. I joined the Grace family October 14, 1996.  I started in the 2 year old room and tried the 1 year old room, before finding my “home” with the infants.  It is wonderful to be a part of a great Christian based work family everyday.  Where children are brought up in an atmosphere where they are all loved and are continually learning about God’s love for them.  I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, trying new restaurants, and vacationing in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee just about every year.  I also try to visit the New England states with my mom on bus trips every fall.  I continue to enjoy being in God’s presence here at Grace, and always remember, God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good!

Kendra Siemers

Teacher

I was raised in Lancaster County, PA. My maiden name of Stoltzfus is a typical Pennsylvania Dutch name. I am a lifelong learner, always looking for new adventures and creative outlets. Some of my hobbies include reading, gardening, baking, and pampering my three cats. My love for music led me to study at the University of Georgia where I received a Bachelor of Music Degree. Prior to teaching at Grace Christian Child Care, I worked in Activities and Social Services for Senior Citizens. When my husband and I moved to the Hummelstown area in the year 1999, I “switched gears” and started teaching at GCCC. Most days you will find me teaching the Transitional Kindergarten and working with the children in Grades K – 5. During the summer months, I teach in the older preschool class. Thank you for the privilege of being a part of your child’s care and education. May each child know that they are special and a creative expression of God.

EmmaGrace Simpson

Teacher

I grew up in the Grace church. I helped with playgroup on Thursday nights when I was 10. I also helped with Vacation Bible School.  I’ve always loved working with children, especially babies and toddlers . My home school is Lower Dauphin, but my freshman year I went to Dauphin County Technical School (DCTS). I graduated in June 2022 from DCTS. I trained in the cosmetology program and am a fully licensed cosmetologist. I may go back to school to become a labor and delivery nurse, if I decide not to enter the cosmetology field.  I’m the oldest child.  I have 3 younger brothers, Grayson, Abram and Everett. I enjoy listen to country music and having bonfires with my friends!

Linda Still

Teacher

I began working at Grace when it was established in 1992.  I worked full time as a cook, as well as a caregiver in a classroom with 5 year olds, preparing them for Kindergarten.  I then gave up the cook’s position and went into the Pound Puppies classroom (older toddlers) for a few years.  My next adventure took me to Sunshine Corner (pre-K) for many years.  I then decided to work part-time at Grace, working one summer in the infant room, followed by several years as a Summer Camp employee, and finally to the Busy Bee room in the summer of 2017.  Come September 2017, a position opened up, and I was hired full time again in Busy Bees.  I love this daycare and all that is stands for.  I am proud to say that I am employed here.  

Lisa Turnbull

Teacher

I began working at Grace Christian Child Care during the summers in 2000.  I began working full-time in November 2002.  I have worked in every room from Little Roos (infants) through Summer Camp (K – 5). Children have always been a passion of mine. I enjoy helping children in the process of learning and growing, knowing that each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. During the school year you will find me “chasing” after the toddlers in the Puppy Playhouse classroom. Working with toddlers is very rewarding. It always brings a smile to my face when they reach a milestone and get so excited over their accomplishments. In the summer months I take a break and venture out on field trips with the Camp program. It is a great change of pace and I definitely appreciate the value of a child being able to tell you what they need or want, as conversations are limited with the toddlers during the school year. I am married with two children, a girl and a boy, who keep me on my toes.  On the weekends you will find me camping, attending dirt track races, or just relaxing with a good book. During football season you will hear me yelling at the television cheering on the Dallas Cowboys! I have developed many professional relationships with all of the families of GCCC, old and new. I hope to continue those relationships for many years to come.

Cheryl Waldron

Teacher

I began working at GCCC in 2001 in the Summer Camp Program. At that time I was earning my Bachelor Degree in Applied Behavioral Science at Penn State University. Upon graduation, I accepted a fulltime position in the Sunshine Corner classroom. Each summer I have had the opportunity to continue being a part of the Big Kidz Camp Program. As a preschool teacher, each day brings a new adventure. I truly enjoy watching each child accomplish new goals. I look forward to each day and interacting with every child! When I’m not busy preparing for school, you’ll probably find me shopping!! I can always find a good bargain. I also enjoy reading and spoiling, I mean spending time with my amazing nieces and nephews.

Jen Wootten

Teacher

I started working at GCCC in January 2014 as the cook.  I was in the kitchen for a few years before hanging up my spatula and entering the Busy Bee room.  I was born and raised in Hershey, PA.  I graduated from Hershey High School in 1987.  I have been married to my husband Scott for 25 + years and we have raised two wonderful boys, Sam and Max.    When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, gardening and spending time outside and listening to music.