Judy Placzkowski, Director
Judy graduated from Thornton Community College with an Associates of Arts Degree. She continued her education at Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a minor in Special Education – EMH. After graduation, Judy taught at a Mother’s–Day-Out Program, substitute taught in the Steger School District, and taught at Faith United Protestant Preschool in Park Forest for six years. Judy also served as the director at Faith United Protestant Preschool for three years before teaching at the Crete Cooperative Preschool. Judy joined the staff at Peace Community Preschool as a teacher in 2007, and also served as director of the Children's Ministry at Peace Community Church before assuming the post of preschool director. Judy and her husband, Dave, have three adult children and three grandchildren.
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Dawn Kruger, Teacher
Dawn received a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Central College in Pella, Iowa, with an early childhood concentration. She has taught preschool for over 7 years in both Fulton, Illinois, and South Hamilton, Massachusetts. In addition, she taught kindergarten for the Meridian School District 223 in Stillman Valley, Illinois, for nine years and served as the district wide kindergarten team leader for three years. Dawn joined the Peace Community Preschool staff in 2013.
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Diane Thomas, Assistant Teacher
Diane received numerous credits from several junior colleges. Diane also worked in the Chicago Loop for 15 years. Diane mentored children in the program "Rainbows for all God's Children" at St. Jude's parish in New Lenox. Diane worked at Providence Preschool as the Administrative Assistant before joining Peace as an assistant teacher in 2000. One of Diane's favorite bible verses regarding children is "Train a child in the way he should go, and when is old he will not turn from it" Proverbs 22:6.
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Michele Duff, Teacher
Michele graduated from Prairie State College with a degree in Child Development. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Governors State University. Michele has fifteen years of teaching experience including one year as Director of St. Paul's Lutheran Preschool in Matteson. Michele and her husband, Scott, have three grown children and four grandchildren.
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Heather Abril - Teacher
Heather graduated with an Associates of Arts degree from Lincoln Land Community College. Heather worked 20 years in the restaurant industry before transitioning from her position as General Manager to a stay-at-home mom in 2015. She has two daughters that have completed a total of 5 years at Peace Preschool. Heather served on the Board at Peace Preschool and has helped as a substitute teacher for several years. She is excited to join the staff in a permanent position. Heather loves volunteering with Girl Scouts, church and various community projects.
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Crystal Collins, Administrative Assistant
Crystal graduated from Chicago Christian High School and receiver credits at DePaul University in Chicago before joining the staff at Peace Community Preschool as an administrative assistant and substitute assistant teacher in 2007.
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Mary Barnas, Assistant Teacher
Mary graduated from Governors State University with a BS in elementary education. Mary has worked as a substitute teacher in the New Lenox school district. She has also taught fourth and fifth grade in the Sauk Village school district for several years. Mary and her husband, John, are long-time residents of Frankfort and have three adult children.
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Katherine Snow
Katherine graduated with a BA in Art and Design and a BS in Textile Technology from North Carolina State University. She worked for ten years in the home furnishings industry before having kids and deciding to stay home. Both of Katherine's children are Peace Preschool graduates, and she is thrilled to be part of this community once again.
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