Hello there!  I’m Jacqueline, a mother of two amazing children; my son Mitchell is 4 and my daughter Emmalynn is 2.  It brings me so much joy to be able to stay at home with my children watching them grow and learn.  My son is full of energy and he has such a funny personality.  Most everything he does is exaggerated in an animated sort of way- he really gets into his story telling!  My daughter is just like big brother these days!  They love playing together-it is so sweet to watch.

My husband, Keith, is my best friend and we do most everything together.  We love to take our kids fishing, hiking, swimming and camping.  Pretty much anything outdoors!  Spending time as a family is very important to us.  I’m blessed that my husband and I share the same values and interests.

My husband and I just moved to Cuyahoga Falls in June of 2014 from Kentucky.  He was a youth pastor and associate minister and I was a children’s minister.  We really enjoy working together and we loved working with kids.  There is never a dull moment in youth ministry!  It was definitely a season filled of fun, laughter and love as we played games, had lessons and counseled youth through their life situations. In everything, we always led them back to Christ.  We loved teaching them biblical truths and spending time getting to know who they were.  We built relationships with them that were trusting and genuine.  It is a beautiful thing to watch the Holy Spirit in a child’s life and God gave both of us that privilege.  We miss them all and are grateful for our time there.

When I was pregnant with my son, I began to pray about the best way to educate him.  A friend of mine happened to visit me around the same time who was in her final weeks of Montessori training.  I had never heard of Montessori before, but the more she talked about it the more I fell in love.  From that point on I was hooked.  As Mitchell grew I began to make Montessori materials at home and present them to him.  At first it was really hard not to talk a lot during the presentations or to correct him.  But I believed in the Montessori Method and as we did Montessori in our own home I could see him developing in concentration, motor skills and confidence in himself.

While in Kentucky I was introduced to Godly Play.  In my experience with teaching children they seem to want more than just sitting at a table and having someone read to them or give them a lesson.  Also, I have found that children (and even adults) want to discover truths for themselves rather than someone telling them.  The hands-on aspect of Godly Play holds a child’s attention because they are curious about what is going to happen next. What I really appreciate about it is that it isn’t flooded with words and this leaves more room for the Holy Spirit to teach the child.  After all it is the Holy Spirit that brings us understanding.  The love I have for my children, my passion of Montessori and my strong desire for my children to truly have a relationship with God led me to create Little Wonders.  Sure, I could teach my children at home just the three of us.  But I want more for them; I want them to learn with a small community of children.  I want them to enjoy looking forward to their friends coming over every morning.  I want them even at a young age know what it is like to grow with each other in Christ, learning how to show loving kindness to one and other and how to pray for each and with each other.

Our family can’t wait to meet your family!  We are excited to start this journey together and hope to make lasting relationships that are centered on Jesus and bring glory to God!