Meet Our Team

 

Kerri Thomas is the owner of Early Foundations Academy and has over 20 years of experience in education. As a public school teacher, she

understands the importance of providing students with a strong foundation of academic skills in preschool to help ensure their success throughout their educational careers. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Mid-Level Math and Science, and K–12 Principalship. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a PhD in Educational Psychology.

In 2017, Kerri founded the preschool and daycare to create a warm and supportive environment that fosters a love of learning while also providing the academic rigor needed to help students build strong foundational skills for future success in school.

Kerri and her husband, Marko, have four sons and reside in Penn Township. They spend much of their free time traveling to their sons’ baseball, basketball, and football games.

 

Becky Leonard serves as the Director of Early Foundations Academy, bringing over 25 years of dedicated experience to our early learning community. With a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University of Pa,  Becky is passionate about creating nurturing environments that foster social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Throughout her career, Becky Leonard has specialized in early learning, ensuring every child receives a well-rounded foundation for lifelong learning.  Ms. Leonard believes in building strong partnerships with families and mentoring a team of educators who share a vision for excellence. She  is committed to fostering a supportive culture for both staff and students, ensuring every child has the best start in life.

Outside of the center, Becky is the proud wife and mother to Doug and their 6 beautiful children. With strong faith, she enjoys camping, gardening, and spending time with family.

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Lauren Savinda is the Director of Preschool Education and teacher for the 5 year old Preschool, and KEP program at Early Foundations Academy, bringing over 10 years of experience working with children to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Inclusive Education, and is deeply passionate about supporting each child’s individual growth and development.

Lauren loves getting to know her students and their families, and believes that strong relationships, patience, and encouragement are the foundation of successful learning. She strives to create a nurturing, engaging classroom environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to explore new ideas.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her family, watching her children play sports, visiting the beach, and traveling to Disney World.. These experiences inspire her both personally and professionally. Lauren’s goal in the classroom is for her students to develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning that continues long after they leave Early Foundations Academy.

 

 

Kendyl Baughman serves as the Administrative Assistant and School Age Teacher at Early Foundations, where she has brought creativity, dedication, and care to both her classroom and administrative roles since the fall of 2022. Currently enrolled at WCCC, Kendyl continues to grow her knowledge and skills while supporting children and families each day. Local to the Penn Trafford area, Kendyl enjoys being part of the community she serves. Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her partner, her cat; Pickle Marie, and her best friend Miss Anna. Kendyl loves video games and is especially passionate about art and animals. She is committed to creating an independent, organized environment where children feel confident in themselves, and are encouraged to learn.

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Karee Botti is the 4’s Preschool Assistant Teacher at Early Foundations Academy, bringing over 10 years of experience in childcare and preschool settings to her role. A graduate of Penn Trafford High School, Karee brings energy, patience, and a hands-on approach to her classroom, creating meaningful learning experiences for children each day. Karee loves helping children learn and discover something new every day and truly enjoys getting down on their level to play, explore, and connect. She believes that learning happens best through hands-on experiences and strives to create a fun, supportive environment where children feel confident, curious, and excited to grow.

Outside of work, Karee enjoys spending time outdoors camping and boating, making memories with her two nephews, and taking her Goldendoodles to the dog park. Karee feels grateful to be part of each child’s early learning journey and is passionate about making every day positive, engaging, and full of smiles.

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Anna Frieze is the After Kindergarten Teacher at Early Foundations Academy, where she brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a caring heart to her classroom each day. Since joining EFA in the summer of 2022, Anna has enjoyed building strong connections with her students and creating a positive, welcoming space where children feel supported and excited to learn.

Originally from the local area, Anna continues to live in the community and is proud to work with the children and families she grew up around. Anna enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her teenage sister and her 8 year old brother, who she is very close with. Outside of the classroom, she spends her time playing video games and spending time with her best friend, Miss Kendyl, and her cat, Finchel.

Anna is passionate about creating a fun and supportive environment where children feel encouraged to learn, grow, and be themselves.

 

 

Angela Guthridge is the 4’s Preschool Assistant Teacher at Early Foundations Academy, where she brings a caring nature, enthusiasm, and a passion for helping young children learn and grow. A proud Penn-Trafford local and alumni, Angela earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her background in child development and personal experience as a parent help her understand the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. Angela first became part of the Early Foundations family when her youngest daughter attended the 4’s Preschool program. After experiencing EFA as a parent, she joined the team herself and has enjoyed being part of the same community that played a role in her own family’s journey. Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Jeff, and their three children. She loves spending summer days at the beach and cheering on her children at their sports games and practices. Angela is happy to be part of the Early Foundations family and loves helping make preschool a fun, memorable, and meaningful experience for every child in her classroom.

 

Jennifer Rhodes is the Lead Teacher for the 3's Preschool classroom at Early Foundations Academy and also works with the afternoon preschool childcare program. With an Associate's Degree in Childhood Development and years of experience working with children since her teenage years, she brings knowledge, patience, and a genuine love for working with young children to her role. She enjoys helping children learn new skills, explore their interests, and build confidence as they grow. Jen is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming classroom where children feel comfortable being themselves and excited to learn something new each day. She believes in the importance of making learning enjoyable through play, exploration, and positive connections with the children in her care. She loves being part of each child's early learning journey and helping them develop the skills they need for future success. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts, spending time with friends and family, and simply having fun. She is also a proud cat mom to Niko, Cheese, and Shadow! Jennifer loves working with children and strives to make each day at Early Foundations Academy a positive experience filled with learning, laughter, and opportunities to grow.

 

Amy Rugh brings over 25 years of experience in Elementary and Special Education to her role. She currently serves as the Before Care Teacher at Early Foundations and works as a Special Education Teacher and Behavior Specialist for a Cyber Charter School in the afternoons. Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Edinboro University, then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Special Education at Seton Hill University. Her greatest accomplishment is her family. She lives in the Penn-Trafford School District with her husband, Ken, their two boys, Kenny and Ryland, and their dog, Luke Skywalker. Amy loves every minute of working with children and watching them grow into the young people they are meant to become. She feels honored to be a part of each child’s journey.

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Shalini Paliwal is a Childcare Teacher at Early Foundations Academy, where she brings warmth, creativity, and a genuine love for teaching into the classroom each day. She completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in English Literature, and enjoys using her educational background to support language development, storytelling, and a love of learning in young children.

Shalini truly loves working with children and feels grateful to be part of their early learning journey. Outside of work, Shalini enjoys listening to music, reading books, taking long walks, shopping, traveling, and trying new foods. In her free time, she loves spending quality moments with friends and family, making memories, and exploring new experiences. 

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Barb Clark is the Custodian at Early Foundations Academy, bringing many years of experience in school maintenance to her role. Barb takes pride in helping keep the building clean, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, and families each day. Having worked in schools for many years, Barb knows many of the children and enjoys seeing familiar faces as well as building new connections. She loves being part of the Early Foundations community and appreciates getting to watch the children grow throughout the school year.

Outside of work, Barb enjoys spending quality time with her family and making special memories together. Barb is grateful to play an important behind-the-scenes role in supporting the learning environment and helping create a comfortable space where children can thrive.

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