Janet Tinkel, 5 day Fours Lead Teacher
I am so blessed to be able to teach at PCP. My belief is that each child is special and unique with various talents and skills. My goal is to help develop each child’s individuality by providing them with a fun, positive and nurturing environment!
Prior to PCP I taught Pre-K at a private preschool in Pennsylvania for nine years. I also have previous experience with the three-year-old program and kindergarten as well. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. My membership with The National Association of Education for Young Children (naeyc) is currently in excellent standing. I am passionate about my job and want to foster a love of learning in all my students.
My husband, Scott, and I moved to Daniel Island in July 2016. We really enjoy living here and are comfortable calling it home. We have two grown children who are such joys in my life. In my spare time I enjoy being outside hiking or bike riding. I also enjoy traveling whenever I can, reading and spending time at the beach!
I appreciate everyone trusting me with their most precious gift…their children. Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Danielle Tamez, 4 day Fours Lead Teacher
Hi! I graduated from Monmouth University with a B.S. in Special Education and spent several years teaching in NJ public schools until taking time off to stay home with my kids. I moved from New Jersey to Charleston in 2009. I live in Mt. Pleasant with my husband, three children, ages 15, 13 and 10, and my two dogs (Cordelia) and (Tucker). I was extremely excited to join the Providence Preschool team this year as a lead teacher for the 4's.
When I'm not teaching you can usually find me binge watching old tv shows with my kids. I also enjoy trying to keep my houseplants alive by ignoring them as much as possible and listening to music too loudly in my car.
Vanessa Hildebran, 4 day 4's Teacher Assistant
Hello all! My name is Vanessa Hildebran, and I am the teacher assistant for the 4 day 4's. I'm originally from western North Carolina. My family and I moved to Daniel Island in 2014. I have 2 daughters who have attended Providence Church Preschool, and I fell in love with the curriculum and community of the school! I started substitute teaching in 2022, which led me to a full time teaching position in 2023.
My background is in healthcare. I've been a Registered Nurse for 13 years, including pediatric experience. I have a Master's Degree in Education; nursing. I am very excited to be in the classroom every day this year. I can't wait to explore and connect with your children!
Loretta Slease, 5 day 3's Teacher
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania. I studied early childhood education, and I taught preschool for years. I am truly passionate about my work. I love my career choice, and I know the children receive part of my heart every year.
I enjoy spending time with my two adult children. I also love yardwork, reading, crafting, and helping others.
Kelly Grossman, 5 day 3's Teacher Assistant
I graduated from the University of Georgia and then moved here to Charleston and became a science teacher. I traveled to many schools around the Charleston area teaching science. While teaching science, I also designed jewelry. I then became a jewelry artist and decided to open a gallery, Art Mecca, on King Street. Sixty one artists made up the gallery. The gallery closed during Covid, and I started substitute teaching at Providence and decided to start teaching again because I loved it so much. I'm really enjoying my first year teaching at Providence in the 3's!
Kristin Fennell, 3 day 3's Teacher
Hi, my name is Kristin Fennell. I moved from Atlanta to Charleston in 2007 after earning my BA in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I have previously worked as a lead teacher in a two-year-old classroom, as well as an ABA therapist for children with Autism. I am looking forward to starting my first year here as lead teacher in the three-day threes class. This is such a wonderful age to watch the children learn and grow throughout the year.
My husband and I have two energetic boys, ages 8 and 5, along with our beagle (Gir) and cat (Godzilla). We love to make the most of our home on Daniel Island. On most weekends you can find us kayaking, swimming, or going on hikes together.
My youngest just finished his last year at PCP and will be joining his brother at Daniel Island School. We have had such a fantastic experience here and I am looking forward to joining this wonderful team!
Vanessa Schlegel, 3 day 3's Teacher Assistant
Hello, my name is Vanessa! A lot of kids call me Nessa. I'm originally from Stuttgart, Germany, but moved to the USA in 1999. When I met my future husband, I transferred to Charleston in 2006. We now have two energetic boys (9 &7 years old). Our family is very active, and I love to be outside, go hiking, bike rides, anything with water, and read.
As my son attended Providence, I got familiar with the preschool and started being a substitute teacher for a couple years. In 2020 I became the teacher's assistant for the 3 year old class and truly enjoyed it.
I love to connect with the children, see their eyes light up when they learn something new, and all this through play, craft, singing, etc! Their personalities are just precious and the preschool age is so much fun. I feel very honored and excited to meet the new children and parents (& the extended family).
Charlene Monteleone, 2's Teacher
My name is Charlene but most people call me Chaz. I am originally from Scotland and moved to America 8 years ago!
I am a big lover of sensory play for kids, and do this a lot at home with my own 5-year-old son Bash. I am beyond excited to be back in the classroom. I look forward to helping your child learn and grow.
Jennifer Reed, 2's Teacher
My name is Jen Reed. I was born in Australia, but grew up in Connecticut. My family and I moved from California 4 years ago. I have 2 kids - age 8 and 5. I taught English in the Peace Corps and I am excited to be teaching again!