Shannon Miller, Preschool Director
Welcome to Loving Hands Preschool! My name is Shannon Miller, and I began my career as the Preschool Director at Loving Hands Preschool in 2010. I earned my BA in Child/Family Development from the University of Akron. Before, coming here, I was employed at the Canton JCC as a three year old preschool teacher for seven years and at the Shaw JCC as a Pre-K teacher and School Age Child Care Supervisor for four years. I reside in Hartville with my husband Chris. Our son, Logan attends the University of Akron.
Email: smiller1950@sbcglobal.net
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-3:00
Brittney Hurley, Administrative Coordinator
Hi! My name is Brittney Hurley and I am the Administrative Coordinator here at Loving Hands Preschool. I work in the main church office and provide administrative support to the preschool, keep the website updated and process tuition payments, as well as the Assistant Teacher in the Enrichment class on Monday/Wednesdays. I was hired in at Loving Hands in 2016, after my children had attended since 2011. My husband Ryan and I have three children; Rylan, Quinn and Phiona along with our Golden Retriever, Mac. I am looking forward to a great year!
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 3:00
Email: Bhurley119@gmail.com
Alicia Sobieski, Lead Teacher, Purple Room
Hello! My name is Alicia Sobieski and I will be the Lead Teacher in the Purple Room. I started teaching at Loving Hands in 2018 and I could not be more excited to be a part of this amazing team. Originally from California, my husband and I moved to Ohio in 2015 and we have loved every minute of it. Currently, we live in Uniontown with our three children, Gavin, Kennedy and Brody. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Cal State San Bernardino, as well as my Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies. I am currently working on my Masters in Elementary Education. I am so excited for this school year and cannot wait to meet all of my students and their families!
You can contact Miss Alicia at aliciasobieski27@gmail.com
Kate Gifford, Lead Teacher, Yellow Room
Hello! My name is Kate Gifford and I will be the Lead Teacher in the Yellow Room, and the Enrichment Teacher on Mondays and Wednesdays this year! I live in Green with my husband, Jim; our children, Emilia and James; and our very energetic dog, Lucy and our small snuggly dog, Millie. Before joining the Loving Hands family in 2015, I was fortunate enough to stay home with my children, both of whom attended (and adored) Loving Hands. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing school and look forward to the wonderful year ahead!
You can contact Miss Kate at misskate.lhp@gmail.com
Libby Marks, Lead Teacher, Green Room
Hello! My name is Libby Marks and I am so excited to be the Lead Teacher in the Green Room, and the Enrichment Teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year! I live in Green with my husband, Josh, and 4 kids – Cade, Ellie, Jane, and Charley. I grew up in Akron, and graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I taught six years total before deciding to stay home to raise my own school of kids! Our family loves sports, especially football and baseball, and taking trips to the beach! I fell in love with Loving Hands Preschool while my own children attended here over the last several years, and am thrilled to be a part of the staff and have the opportunity to work, learn and play with your young ones each day since 2018.
You can contact Miss Libby at Libbyway4@hotmail.com
Jessica Gasparik, Lead Teacher, Blue Room
Hello! My name is Jessica Gasparik. I completed my student teaching at Loving Hands Preschool and earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education after completing my student teaching at in the Blue Room. I was hired as a Lead Teacher in 2016. I knew from an early age that I wanted to work with young children and I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Loving Hands Preschool Family. I live in Minerva with my husband, John and our son LJ, who attended Loving Hands. We enjoy spending time outdoors and with our families.
You can contact Miss Jessica at jfulmer0805@gmail.com
Shannon Belaney, Co-Teacher, Orange Room
Hello! My name is Shannon Belaney. I am the Lead Teacher in the Orange Room on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as the Assistant Teacher on Monday and Wednesday. I returned to teaching in 2019 after about a ten year break! I earned my Bachelors degree in Education from Mount St. Mary’s University in 2003. I currently live in Jackson with my husband Corey and our four children, Morgan, Mason, Mackenzie and Reese. We also have 3, four-legged family members, two puppies named Baker and Bernie and a cat named Queenie. My four children attended Loving Hands. I am excited to be a part of Loving Hands and looking forward to the new school year!
You can reach Miss Shannon at csbelaney@gmail.com
Tara Barrick, Co-Teacher, Orange Room
Hello! My name is Tara Barrick and I’m so excited to be the Lead Teacher on Monday and Wednesday and the Assistant Teacher on Tuesday and Thursday in the Orange Room! I graduated from Mount Union College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Minor in Special Education. I taught preschool for 3 years before deciding to stay home with my own children. I live in Green with my husband Carl and our two girls Genevieve and Gia. We also have 2 dogs Bella and Charlotte. My youngest attended Loving Hands. I am so excited to be working with preschoolers again and to be part of Loving Hands Preschool!
You can reach Miss Tara at biedentm@gmail.com
Courtney Van Voorhis, Co-Teacher, Purple Room
Hello. My name is Courtney Van Voorhis and I will be the Co-Teacher in the Purple Room with Miss Alicia this year. My husband, Michael, and I have lived in Green for almost 20 years and have 3 children, Dorian, Finn and Evelyn who attended Loving Hands. I have been fortunate to be able to stay home with my kids and volunteer with a lot of their interests and activities. This helped me realize I love working with, teaching, and watching kids grow. The last four years I have worked at Greenwood Early Learning Center as a Substitute Teacher. I am so excited to be back in the Loving Hands family and look forward to this coming year.
You can reach Miss Courtney at cevan636@icloud.com
Tina Billick, Assistant Teacher, Yellow Room
Hi, my name is Tina Billick and I will be the Assistant Teacher in the Yellow Room! I am looking forward to meeting all of you and being a part of your learning experience. My husband and I have 3 children, Brandon, Brooklyn and Briley, all who attended Loving Hands. I graduated from Stark State in 2003 and have had the flexibility of staying home with the kids along with being employed as a Occupation Therapy Assistant. I cannot wait for our next school year to get started!
Jess Leech, Assistant Teacher, Green Room
Hi! My name is Jess Leech and I will be the Assistant Teacher in the Green Room this year, as well as the Assistant Teacher in the Enrichment class on Tuesday and Thursdays! I live in North Canton with my hubby, Ryan,and our three kids- Caroline, Blane and Avery. They all attended preschool at Loving Hands. I joined Loving Hands in 2021. I am so excited to meet all the kiddos and their families!
Renee Cox, Assistant Teacher, Blue Room
Hi! My name is Renee Cox and I will be the Assistant Teacher in the Blue Room. I live in Green with my husband, Michael and daughter, Kira. She loved attending Loving Hands and I was hired in 2021. Prior to that, I received my Bachelors of Business degree from Kent State University and spent 10 years in finance before staying home for a few years. I am excited to be part of this amazing preschool! Our family enjoys spending time outdoors and many weekends at our campground, where I also volunteer and help coordinate the children’s activities. I’m looking forward to meeting the children and families this school year!
Terri Nettleton, Lead Teacher, Pink Room
Hello! My name is Terri Nettleton and I am the Lead Teacher in the Pink Room. I came to Loving Hands in 2019 after spending over 20 years in the public education system working with kindergarten age multi handicapped students as well as the typical Ed population. My family and I value education and spend a great deal of time discussing its importance when we were all together. My husband is a retired middle school principal and two of my three sons are high school teachers here in Ohio. I am also the proud Nana to my first grandaughter! I’m eager to begin working with your children and I look forward to forming a team with you and our staff this year!
You can contact Miss Terri at Tnettleton316@gmail.com
Leanne Magyarics, Assistant Teacher, Pink Room
Hello! My name is Leanne Magyarics I am the Assistant Teacher in the Pink Room. I live in Canal Fulton with my husband Josh and our 4 children Carter, Quinn, Marlie and Evie, who is a proud graduate of Loving Hands Preschool! I have a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science. I have been blessed enough to be able to stay home with my children for the last 16 years. I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and watching Heidelberg University athletics where my son plays football and baseball. I’m so excited to be back to work working in the Pink Room!