The dedicated staff at Circle of Friends Early Learning Center is experienced in and devoted to quality early childhood education. We meet the requirements set forth by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Day Care, and continually update our knowledge through participating in early childhood seminars and workshops.
Director & Day Teacher
Ms. Kathleen has been teaching children, particularly early childhood, all her life in New York City, Long Island and Westchester in all subjects including Christian religion and is state certified. She has her Masters in Elementary Education from Queens College. Throughout the years she has cantored, lectored, and sang with choirs as member as well as soloist with various Christian churches and groups as the international Concordia Choir. Ms. Kathleen lived in Flushing till college, and resides again so in recent years. She delights attending First Presbyterian Church of Flushing which Circle of Friends Early Learning Center is a sub-ministry of! As her third year here, she oversees the children being loved and contributes to them getting the best possible Bible-based education. One of the many scriptures treasured by her is ‘…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the World.’ 1 John 4:4
Teacher Extended Day
Ms. Leashie is longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Flushing and has volunteered as teacher of their Sunday School, and director of Vacation Bible School ministries. Furthermore she volunteered at its ministries Circle of Friends Early Learning Center, and FPCF Afterschool! This followed being a counselor/teacher, site supervisor and director for the church’s K-8 Grades Afterschool. Prior to this she Sunday School taught as well as directed for VBS at various churches for 25 years. Ms. Leashie earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood from Brooklyn College, her Masters in Bilingual Education from City College and is state certified. Her else teaching experience has almost a decade of being a teacher assistant in Paraguay, Connecticut & NYC. In 10 of her years teaching; she was the grade teacher to Kindergarten, First and Fourth. And she taught all grades for over two decades for physical education. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. A Bible quote close to her big heart is ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11
Teacher & Teacher Assistant Substitute
Ms. Paula received her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Queens College and is state certified. She taught 2 and 3 years old. For 17 years, she taught 4 year old at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran school in Glendale, Queens. In addition, she started a Bible and evangelism club there! She has blessed Circle of Friends Early Learning Center as extended day teacher for two years! In her spare time, Ms. Paula volunteers as a gardener in Old Westbury Gardens. A favorite Biblical verse of hers is ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.’ Psalm 8
Teacher Day Assistant
Ms. Vicky lives in Queens and is a dedicated, passionate and caring mom of two children with her husband. She is a believing Christian and her daughter had attended Circle of Friends Early Learning Center. Her son attends Christian middle school. Ms. Vicky has been a hard worker throughout her life, cares for others deeply and is always sharing His love with her actions and words! She enjoys doing homemaker projects and spending quality time with her precious family. She speaks Cantonese and Mandarin. This courageous woman looks forward to serve Him through this ministry school of First Presbyterian Church of Flushing. One of her very well liked Bible quotes is ‘Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’ 1 Corinthians 13:7
