Our Staff
Fairfield Child Development Center is staffed by degreed, experienced teachers with emphasis in Early Childhood Education. The adult to child ratio is 1 to 8 with the exception of the Kindergarten Readiness class which is 1 to 9.
All of our staff members take 6 hours of Early Childhood specialized training annually along with maintaining certificates in CPR, Child Abuse Prevention, First Aid and Communicable Disease Recognition. Learn more about our phenomenal staff below.
Rebecca Hartman-
Director
Rebecca Hartman started at FCDC in 2013. Rebecca has her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University. She is very familiar with the FCDC program, her four children are all alumni of our program.
Kathy Bauer- Director of Development
Kathy Bauer is joining FCDC as our Director of Development. She has been a part of the Early Childhood field for over 30 years! She has an Associates Degree in EC Education from Cincinnati State and has served in various teaching and administrative roles. Kathy is excited to join the FCDC team and looks forward to meeting all of the children and families.
Diane Knotts- Lead Teacher
Diane Knotts started at FCDC in 2010. Diane has her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and a Child Development Credential from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to having her two daughters, Diane was a lead teacher for Hamilton County Head Start. Diane teaches 3 days a week in Classroom A.
Rachel Wegner - Teacher and Assistant Teacher
Rachel Wegner—Received her bachelor’s degree in education (with a minor in deaf communications) through Ozark Christian College in cooperation with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. During her teaching internship she worked with at-risk students in a private school. She has been a teacher for more than 8 years. Rachel has two sons, ages 20 and 4. She is looking forward to teaching each of the students and is very excited to be joining the FCDC team. Rachel will be teaching T/Th and assisting Miss Emily M/W/F in the KR am class in Room B
Leigha Cassero- Lead Teacher
Leigha Cassero is a graduate of Miami University with a degree in Pre-school education. She has previous experience working in a child care setting. She teaches 5 days a week in Classroom C.
Jessica Werling- Assistant Teacher
Jessica Werling started at FCDC in 2020, after some time off with here children. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University. Jessica’s children are alumni of FCDC. Jessica will be assisting Miss Emily in Room B with the KR PM class.
Emily de Villiers- Kindergarten Readiness Teacher
Emily de Villiers is back after a brief hiatus from FCDC. She taught at FCDC from 2009-2014. Emily is returning this year to her previous position as the KR teacher on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Miami University. Before coming to FCDC, her first teaching position was in Talawanda City Schools for 5 years. She has also subbed for FCDC. Emily's 3 sons are all alumni of the program. She is excited and ready to share that excitement with the Kindergarten Readiness Classes.
Kara Olding- Teacher
Kara Olding is an Alumni Parent and former Parent Committee Chairperson. Kara is very familiar with our program at FCDC as all three of her children are graduates of our program. Kara has her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Social Science from the University of Cincinnati. She teaches T/Th am.
Jennifer Farley - Assistant Teacher
Jennifer Farley is the assistant teacher with Miss Diane on MWF (PM) and Miss Kara on T/Th in Classroom B. Jen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. Jennifer’s sons are alumni of our program.
Michelle Sizemore- Assistant Teacher
Michelle Sizemore- will be joining FCFC this year as an Assistant Teacher. She has had experience with children for over 20 years. She has a wonderful husband Mark, 2 sons and am a Meemaw to two wonderful grandkids. She is excited to start this school year. She will be assisting Miss Leigha on M/W/F in Room C and Miss Rachel on Tuesday/Thursday am in Room B.
Student Teacher
Student Teachers: Fairfield Child Development Center is pleased to supervise students from Miami University as they pursue their degree in Early Childhood Education. Student teachers are usually here in both the T/Th classes as well as the M/W/F classes for approximately 4 months. The student teachers gain experience at FCDC, under our guidance and support, as they plan instruction, manage learning environments and behavior, evaluate children's learning, and assess his/her own development as a teacher. The student teachers gradually become involved in most facets of the classroom. The staff and children become attached to these students and grow immensely from their involvement with them.