Knowledge Manager Kristin Kahl generally works behind the scenes to get the word out about what we do here at Child Care Answers. Now it’s her turn to step into the spotlight!

Come back on the last day of next month to find out more about our other staff.  Or,  click “Last Day Q&A” at right to read our previous posts.

What three traits define you?

Well-rounded, kind, funny

What is your personal philosophy?

What goes around comes around; it may take a while for the good (or bad) you to do make it back to you, but it’ll get there!

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My family, of course. But I would also find it pretty hard to not have some method of learning new things (TV, movies, books, internet – I would need at least one of these outlets).

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

I am in a constant struggle with my perfectionism; trying to maintain a balance between being the best mom/wife/daughter/sister/friend and being the best employee/parishioner/volunteer I can be.

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

Cheesy personality tests

What is your greatest fear?

Drowning

Where is your favorite place to be?

At my parents’ house on Lake Erie

What is your favorite thing to do?

Girls’ day of shopping and pedis with my mom and sister

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

The west coast of Ireland is the first place I went where I truly understood the meaning of the word “breathtaking”. Part of that was because of the scenery – the other was because my husband was driving a stick shift on the wrong side of the road, on a cliff with no guard rails!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Subway Sandwich Artist

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Robot housekeepers – hands down!

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

In a dream world? Writer for Saturday Night Live. In real life? Travel agent

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Great but happy is way better than perfect.

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

“Sweet”, “good times”, “Because I said so”

What is the best book you have ever read?

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I was registered as a stock broker for 15 years – but never placed a trade for anyone but myself!

Ask Kristin additional questions in the comments below!

Coach Coordinator Tikila Welch is all about relationships – with her family, her coworkers, and the child care providers she serves. Get to know Tikila a little better by reading her responses below!

Come back on the last day of next month to find out more about our other staff.  Or,  click “Last Day Q&A” at right to read our previous posts.

What three traits define you?

Loyal, Giving and Loud

What is your personal philosophy?

Adapted from Steve Harvey – When you can’t go anymore, go a little bit farther!

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Being a family person, it would be hard for me to live without a phone with FaceTime. This technology has allowed me to connect with my younger niece and nephew in North Carolina. They know who TeTe is when we see each other because of our many FaceTime calls.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

So far my biggest challenge was moving 12 hours away from most of my family and starting a new life in Indiana.

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

The one thing I can’t resist is a great clearance sale. One day, I bought a baby monitor because it was 80% off, not knowing who needed it. Later I was able to bless my godsister with it for her new baby.

What is your greatest fear?

Being slightly claustrophobic and horrible with directions, it’s getting locked inside a small space or getting lost in a small town with no GPS reception.

Where is your favorite place to be?

My favorite place to be is anywhere warm with a beachfront view with my close family and friends.

What is your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do is plan and host social events for family and friends.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

The best place I ever traveled was Germany; not so much for the country, but for the experience. My sister gifted me a high school graduation gift to visit her there. It was my first time flying. I flew from North Carolina to Germany on my own, making all connecting flights – all before I had a cell phone!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

The weirdest job I ever had was during my stint as home health aide! I did overnights with older lady who was afraid to stay alone, and she blew her nose for eight hours straight while I tried to rest.

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

I would want a robot housekeeper. That sounds more feasible; I am not ready to embrace the others yet.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

I would be family therapist.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

I would tell my 13 year old self to enjoy the journey. Take time to make friends and know that nothing coming your way is too big for you to handle. God’s got you!

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

My most over used phrases are “ma’am”, “no sir” and “Shut up Shannon.”

What is the best book you have ever read?

I can’t say that there is one book that stands out above all. One of the last books I read was Embracing Myself Now by Shawneda Marks; it was a great page turner!

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I have a great since of humor and love to talk once I know a person. I talk a lot in crowds but will sit in silence if I am one-on-one with a person.

Ask Tikila additional questions in the comments below!

Lauren George is one of our fantastic Infant Toddler Specialists. Bonus fun fact: Her infant daughter, Claire, is also a celebrity in Lauren’s how-to videos on our Facebook page!

Come back on the last day of next month to find out more about our other staff.  Or,  click “Last Day Q&A” at right to read our previous posts.

What three traits define you?

Passionate, Funny, and Loyal

What is your personal philosophy?

You do you. (Do what makes you happy. Who am I to judge?!)

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Coffee and reality television

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

Becoming a mother. Becoming a parent has been far more challenging than caring for 10 toddlers at the same time!

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

French Fries

What is your greatest fear?

Snakes

Where is your favorite place to be?

Home with my family and in comfy clothes…or the mall!

What is your favorite thing to do?

Sit back and watch my kids play together. They have such an imagination, and it is so fun to watch!

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

I spent the summer nannying for my nephew in London when I was 18. We traveled all over the continent and I saw, experienced, and ate so many amazing things. It was a trip I will never forget.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

I wouldn’t say I have had a weird job. But, I have worked in child care since I was 10, and I am not sure that would fly these days!

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Robot housekeeper for sure! Between two kids and a dog, my house is a mess.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

If I did it all over again, I would go to school for nursing and be a labor and delivery nurse.

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Be nice to your mom. You will appreciate her so much when you get older.

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

YOLO, Living my best life, and OMG

What is the best book you have ever read?

Harry Potter

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

My mom has never made me a birthday cake. I always have pumpkin pie instead. Yum!

Ask Lauren additional questions in the comments below!

Outreach Specialist Michelle Terry brings so much energy and laughter to our team – the perfect combination to get families and providers excited about quality child care!

Come back on the last day of next month to find out more about our other staff.  Or,  click “Last Day Q&A” at right to read our previous posts.

What three traits define you?

Humorous, personable, and loyal

What is your personal philosophy?

If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready!

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Music

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

Being content with just me, myself and I. Some days, we don’t get along!

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

A fly high-heel!

What is your greatest fear?

Dying in a car accident

Where is your favorite place to be?

The dance floor

What is your favorite thing to do?

Dance, preferably stepping and line-dancing

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

New Orleans with my best friend. Our only plans were to eat and drink….a true vacation!!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Top Flight traffic guard in college….writing tickets and taking names! Oh yeah…reflector vest and all!

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Robot housekeeper!

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Cosmetologist

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Don’t let those C’s in conduct get you down. You will get PAID for talking!

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

Intentional, “See….it’s two-fold”, “In 2.3 seconds….”

What is the best book you have ever read?

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (I believe the wolf!)

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I absolutely LOVE the Medieval Period and Greek Mythology.

Ask Michelle additional questions in the comments below!

If you’ve ever been to one of our trainings or watched a LIVE! event on Facebook or Instagram, you’re likely to remember Vicki Lehman’s smile and energy.  As our Professional Development Specialist, we’re proud to have Vicki as one of the faces of our agency.  Learn more about Vicki in this month’s post.

Come back on the last day of next month to find out more about our other staff.  Or,  click “Last Day Q&A” at right to read our previous posts.

What three traits define you?

Passionate, Outgoing, Helpful

What is your personal philosophy?

“It is what it is.” – at first glance it seems like it may be a negative thing, BUT I think it is a nice way to look at things.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

I couldn’t live without travel – I enjoy adventures and exploring and couldn’t imagine NOT being able to do it.

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

We moved around a pretty good amount when I was younger for my dad’s job – this was a challenge but also such an amazing experience. It was hard to move around and make new friends, but at the end of the day I have met so many amazing people and had some awesome life experiences because of it.

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

Sweets – it’s a problem!

What is your greatest fear?

Failure

Where is your favorite place to be?

The mountains

What is your favorite thing to do?

Travel! Binge watch shows on Netflix.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

I would have to say Ireland – it is truly beautiful there, and the people are super friendly. Paris would be a close second!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

I was a “secret shopper” at the dining halls in college. I was in a group of people – we would go to the different dining halls, order whatever we were having for that meal, and then report back to the dining staff about our experiences.

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Robot Housekeepers – HANDS DOWN!

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Probably something in the fashion field – like refurbishing vintage pieces and things like that

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Don’t be so ready to fit in – it is OK to stand out. Also, don’t be so hard on yourself – life is good!

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

“I know, right?”, “It is what it is.”, “Listen,…”

What is the best book you have ever read?

The Lorax – I really like the message!

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I have been to 37 of the 50 states!

Ask Vicki additional questions in the comments below!

Mollie Smith is a bit of a celebrity at Child Care Answers, because she touches so many people with her work on the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program.  Learn more about what she’s like when she’s not championing CDA!

Come back on the last day of next month to find out more about our other staff.  Or,  click “Last Day Q&A” at right to read our previous posts.

What three traits define you?

Motivated, helpful, detailed

What is your personal philosophy?

Some days you are the pigeon and some days you are the statue!

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Of course, my family…but a VERY close second is quiet time away from everything

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

The 100 year flood in 2008 (southern Indiana, 11 inches of rain in less than 12 hours) – and having a baby the next day!

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

Funny stories

What is your greatest fear?

Disappointing those I care about

Where is your favorite place to be?

The beach

What is your favorite thing to do?

Reading, walking, sitting, playing volleyball…on the beach

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

Mayan Rivera. It was 100 degrees-kind-of-hot outside, there was a beach, and it was on my honeymoon (many years ago)!

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

A director. The list of ‘other duties as assigned’ does not even begin to touch the ridiculous situations that I have gotten into….like chasing Canadian Geese off a playground (or more like being chased by Canadian Geese) as preschool children and teachers cheered me on.

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Robot housekeepers

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

I would love to be a personal trainer. Would I be successful…..not so sure!

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Take care of your knees and ankles; playing injured doesn’t feel good 20 years later.

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

For real? Seriously? Come on!

What is the best book you have ever read?

To Kill a Mockingbird

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I had extremely curly hair as a kid

Ask Mollie additional questions in the comments below!

Our Bilingual Support Manager, Lucy Intriago is the next up to share more about herself in our Last Day Q&A Series. We hope you enjoy learning about Lucy as much as we enjoy having her as a member of our staff!

What three traits define you?

Adventurous, Patient, Courageous

What is your personal philosophy?

Every action has a consequence.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Internet, taking a shower

What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

Finding a job in a new country and learning the language and everything else

What is the one thing you cannot resist?

Salty and fried things

What is your greatest fear?

Cockroaches and mice

Where is your favorite place to be?

At the beach

What is your favorite thing to do?

Travel

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

England – beautiful landscapes and rich in history

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

At a store, stocking items and products

Which one would you want most – flying cars, robot housekeepers, or moon cities?

Moon cities

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Wedding planner or gymnastic coach

What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

Choose good friends

What are your three words or phrases you overuse the most?

Really, Ok, Oh no

What is the best book you have ever read?

Dracula

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I learned English as a third language at the age of 28. I love to do crochet.

Feel free to ask Lucy additional questions in the comments below!