Precious Hearts Daycare

Shelva Calhoun

Executive Director and Head Teacher

Shelva and her husband Ron will be married 50 years in July, 2009. Shelva and Ron have 3 adult children and 7 grandchildren.

Shelva holds a B.S. in Secondary Education, a M.A. in Religion and an M.A. in Biblical Studies. She taught grades 9-12 her first year of teaching. She and Ron were married and moved to another state where she was asked to teach third grade. When Ron became a pastor, they moved and she taught in a one-room school house teaching grades K-8. That means she has taught all grades. Shelva and her husband then went to South Africa as missionaries where they spent 37 years. Shelva taught in Bible College including degree level classes and served as Academic Dean. She has experience in all levels of teaching as well as training teachers and leaders. She has experience in administration. When Shelva and her husband returned to the States to “retire”, she began investigation and research for daycare on behalf of Millville Church of the Nazarene. Precious Hearts Daycare opened its doors on September, 2008. The dream is becoming a reality.

Kalena Thompson

Director

Kalena was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in the suburbs above Pearl Harbor. She has a BA in liberal arts and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. She has worked as a youth leader, training young people to minister using dramas. Watching young people minister to each other and grow spiritually has been so heart warming. She has also worked as an administrative assistant for a church, Christian school and Christian radio station. In those capacities she didn't see herself as being capable but “with the Lord all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). Kalena found that with God's help she was not only capable but did an exceptional job. God has blessed her with a love for children and a desire to show them how much he loves all of us. Becoming the director has been an answer to prayer.

Barbara McDowell

Floater Caregiver and afternoon staff supervisor

Barbara has raised 6 children and has 14 grandchildren. She has been active in children's work in the church for many years. She presently works at Millville Senior High School in the cafeteria but comes to Precious Hearts mornings and afternoons to help wherever needed. She is loved by all the children and co-workers. Barbara is a great blessing to Precious Hearts Daycare.

Millie Welch

Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Lead Teacher/Caregiver for Playful Puppies (1 ½ yrs. to 2 ½ yrs)

Millie is the oldest girl of a family of nine. She has two grown sons and one grandson. She has been an active teacher since age 17 (Sunday School, Girl Scouts and Children’s Church). She has an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education (Ashworth University). She has worked 11 years with children in a Crisis Group Home. She has also worked at a daycare as a relief teacher and administrator Assistant. She currently works part time as a church secretary. God laid a love of children on Millie’s heart when she was still a young girl and He has given her many opportunities to fulfill her heart’s desire. Now that she is serving as administrative assistant, she feels she gets the best of both world–greeting parents and interacting daily with children. She says, “What joy this brings my heart! Our God is an awesome God!” Millie continues education through various monthly classes/workshops in the field of childcare.

Michelle Ross

Lead Teacher and Caregiver for Little Lambs (6 weeks - 12 months)

Lead Teacher and Caregiver for Little Lambs (6weeks - 12 months). Michelle is a high school graduate and has earned some credits at Cumberland County College in early childhood education. Michelle is also in process of completing requirements for her Child Development Associate. She has raised 4 children of her own (the youngest currently 11 years old), cared for nieces and nephews and church nursery. Michelle joined Precious Hearts Daycare in January of 2009. Babies are her passion and believes with her whole heart that God lead her here. She is a firm believer in singing, reading and praying with and for infants. “They are God’s precious gifts to us—tiny miracles and should be loved and cherished always.”

Carol Hitchner

Lead Teacher and Caregiver for Tiny Tigers (9-18 months)

Carol is a graduate of Vineland High School, a mother of 3, and grandmother of 3. Carol previously worked at a daycare but wanted a fulltime position. She is a recent addition to the Precious Hearts family but is a great asset. Carol envisions going back to school to earn a bachelor's in education. She loves “to take care of little ones.”

SherryLynne Pierro

Lead Teacher/Caregiver for Frisky Foals (2 ½ yrs and up)

Sherry graduated from Vineland High School and took some courses at Cumberland County College. She homeschooled her 3 daughters. One is a college graduate; the second is a college student, and the youngest in a senior in high school. Sherry has worked in church nurseries for over 35 years.

Serlelar (Lela) Glenn

Assistant Teacher/Caregiver for Frisky Foals (2 ½ yrs and up)

Lela graduated from Millville Senior High School in 2008 and enrolled in Cumberland County College. She is presently undecided as to her major but is interested in nursing. She has a certified nurses' aide certificate. Prior to joining the Precious Hearts family in March 2009, she did home babysitting, taught children at church, and worked at a daycare. Lela loves working at Precious Hearts. “I love the Christian environment. I felt the love as soon as I walked in the door.” She has felt welcomed and honored to work at Precious Hearts.

Robin Rogers

Assistant Teacher/Caregiver for Playful Puppies (1 ½ yrs to 2 ½ yrs)

Robin is a graduate of Cumberland Regional High School and briefly attended Cumberland County College. She is an experienced teacher and caregiver. She and her husband are currently fostering their grand niece with the intention of adopting her and her little brother.

Hannah Merki

Part-time Caregiver/Floater

Hannah graduated from Millville Senior High School in 2009 and is currently a student Cumberland County College majoring in elementary/secondary education. She plans to earn her Associate's degree at CCC and transfer to Rowan University to get her bachelor's. Hannah has been working at Precious Hearts since we opened in September '08 (afternoons after school). She says “I have enjoyed building relationships with the children, their parents and my co-workers, as well as being able to show them God's love.”

Sarah Fisher

Floater

Sarah is a recent high school graduate. Before graduating, she came to the daycare at the end of the school day. She preciously did babysitting and has helped at her church with the little ones. Since working at Precious Hearts, she has taken several classes on child education. Sarah works at PHD because she says, “I love kids.”

Jessica Jarvis

Aide

Jessica is a junior at Millville Senior High School and has been a volunteer at Precious Hearts Daycare. She comes after school and helps in the nursery, Frisky Foals room or where ever help is needed.