Administration and Educational Team

Our teachers are a talented and experienced group. They have been chosen for their training, experience, character and ability to relate to young children. All lead teachers are degreed and credentialed in early childhood education. They are also a dedicated group - each has been with the school at least five years.

JoAnna Collins is the educational director and co-owner of Creative Play Day School. She holds a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership and curriculum development and a Bachelor of Arts degree suma cum laude in early childhood education from Neumann College. Joanna has more than a decade of experience as both a teacher and early childhood education program director. She believes that children learn best through imaginative play and by following their natural curiousity.

Lisa Voicheck is the business Manager and co-owner of Creative Play Day School. She attended both Delaware County Community College and York College of Pennsylvania. She has more than 15 years experience in accounting management. She's also a mother of two boys.

Tamara Acura is the lead teacher in our two-year old extended day classroom and also serves as Assistant Director of the Infant/Toddler Program. She is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in education. Tamara joined Creative Play Day School in 2004 and has been instrumental in developing both the toddler and two year-old curriculum. Her knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices have helped to make these early childhood programs an enriching experience for all the children.

Betsy Crothamel teaches the three-year-olds in the extended day program. Betsy joined the CPDS staff in 1997. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in child development from Millersville University as well as an Early Childhood Education credential. She has more than 10 years experience teaching preschool children and has operated a home-based daycare. In her classroom, Betsy emphasizes the importance of children becoming active participants in their own learning through exploration, questioning and investigation. She has three grown children and she's a great cook!

Lauren Rickard teaches in the two-year-old program. She received her degree from the University of Delaware. Her teaching experience range all the way from preschool through 5th grade. Lauren is well versed in curriculum development and environmental education. She is the mother of two children and enjoys being involved in their activities. Lauren has been both a Girl Scout and Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Soccer Manager and Sunday school teacher. She enjoys gardening, tennis, travel and reading.

Christy Loretto wears many different hats at CPDS. She serves as the Assistant Director of Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Christy is also lead teacher in the 4 year-old extended day program. Christy has been part of our organization since 1994. She received both her bachelor of Arts Degree and her Masters of Science Degree from Neumann College where she majored in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership. Christy believes in providing a curriculum that allows for the many different ways that young children learn and prides herself in helping every child in her care to grow to their fullest potential.

Lynn Pantazes teaches the four-year-old preschool program. Lynn joined CPDS in 1994. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bucknell University. She has been a teacher for more than 10 years including several as the lead teacher in a kindergarten program. Her focus is in the individual developmental needs of her students, and believes that learning takes place best in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Lynn has three children and she loves to read!

Vicki Smith teaches music and movement for our preschoolers and kindergartners each week. Vicki has a degree in dance and has taught children and adults for 20 years. She also teaches music at the Center for the Creative Arts and leads dance classes for special education students in the Christiana district. Vicki also performs in community theatre in the area.