At Smart Start Preschool we are blessed to have wonderful staff! Each of our teachers and assistant teachers have a degree in Early Childhood Education and/or many hours of on the job training. We even have multiple children of our staff who have gone through our program. We all have a joy in seeing young children learn and succeed, and enjoy being able to be a part of a small part of that!
Ashley Larck is our preschool director. She holds her BA in Early Childhood Education, and has been a part of our staff for over 10 years. She has three children of her own, two of whom who have attended our program here. Ashley and her family enjoy spending time in their large garden, and camping as a family.
"My favorite thing about preschoolers is the excitement! Everything is exciting and new, and it is a joy to help families begin or continue on their journey with us!"
"My favorite thing about preschoolers is the excitement! Everything is exciting and new, and it is a joy to help families begin or continue on their journey with us!"
Kendra Giblin has been a part of our staff since 2023, and is our 4/5's lead teacher. She holds her BA from Wright State University in Early Childhood Education, as well as several Montessori certifications. She has worked in multiple different school settings, and with her children in school, this is the perfect fit for her. Kendra has also had two of her children be a part of our program. Kendra and her family enjoy spending time outside, playing and riding bikes. Two of her children are also a part of the Pop Rocks!
"My favorite thing is watching kids learning new things, and the excitement that they have."
"My favorite thing is watching kids learning new things, and the excitement that they have."
Joanna Wooddell is the lead teacher in our 3/4's classes. She has been a part of our staff since 2023 and has previously been the assistant to the 3/4's classes. She earned her Associates in Early Childhood Education from Edison Community College, and has worked in childcare in a variety of settings for the past 20 years. Joanna has also had two of her children attend our program. Joanna has three children who are active in the marching band, playing the piano, and playing soccer. They enjoy family vacations to the beach, mountains, and lake.
"I love the contagious joy of a preschool aged child! You can't help but join in their smiles and laughter. I also love watching them grow in their confidence both socially and academically.
"I love the contagious joy of a preschool aged child! You can't help but join in their smiles and laughter. I also love watching them grow in their confidence both socially and academically.
Addy White is our 4/5's assistant. She attended Cedarville University to study elementary education, but the Lord led her to study preschool education through Edison Community State College where she will graduate in May of 2026! She has worked in many settings with children, including babysitting, a summer camp counselor, YMCA Day-Camp Counselor, and a nursery worker. In May of 2026 she gets to embark on a new adventure as she marries her childhood friend, and the love of her life!
"My favorite thing about preschool is the kids' curiosity and eagerness to learn!"
"My favorite thing about preschool is the kids' curiosity and eagerness to learn!"
Rachel Griffieth is our 3/4's assistant. While most of her pre-motherhood career was spent in the administration side of Healthcare and even a couple years in the jewelry business), her BA is actually in Family & Child Development. For the last 8 years, she has been a stay-at-home mom, and has had all three of her children participate in our program! Her and her husband live in Troy with their children. They are busy with sports at times, but love to spend their free time together watching movies, going for walks, and playing games.
"I love the goofy stories that preschoolers come up with!"
"I love the goofy stories that preschoolers come up with!"