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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Leah Bruinius, Teacher
Leah graduated from Trinity Christain College with a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education and English as a Second Language. Leah taught Kindergarten at Saint Alexander in Palos Heights and Frankfort School District 157-c before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2017. Leah grew up in Frankfort and attended Peace Preschool. She has two young children that are also Peace Preschool graduates. Peace holds a special place in her heart and she is excited to join the staff.
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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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Jennifer Hoffman, Assistant Teacher
Jennifer graduated with a high school degree from Polaris High school in 1995. She decided to get into the dental field and was an assistant from 2000 until 2018. She has been married for 21 years and has 3 children ages 8, 10, and 28. After having her 3rd child, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom. Her 2 youngest children completed 5 years at Peace Preschool. She has decided to return to work and help out as an Assistant Teacher here at Peace Preschool. Jennifer and her husband Todd and 2 kids live at home. Her oldest lives in Chicago and graduated as a sound engineer. She is excited to join our staff and be a light for God's kingdom.
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