Meet our TLE® Center team
Kristy Atanackovic
Executive Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Over the last 15 years, Ms. Kristy has had the opportunity to work with children of various ages from newborn to school age. She has a passion for early learning, especially enriching young minds through play and mindful experiences. In her free time, Kristy enjoys baking, interior design, and enjoying life with her husband Djordje and their daughter Mila.

Ms. Stephanie
Lead Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Grace Charity
Stephanie has been working with children for eighteen years. She has her Bachelor of Arts in English, Journalism and History and Paralegal Certification, as well as her American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Instructor Certification. Her favorite children’s book is the “Pete the Cat” series. Steph’s favorite motivational quote is “Just Keep Swimming!” When Steph is not at TLE, she likes to read, spend time with her husband and dog, and visit friends.

Ms. Jennifer
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Jennifer has been working at a certified child development center and childcare facility for over four years. She has a certificate in medical billing and coding. She has many children’s books that she enjoys, however, her favorite is probably “Pete the Cat”. Jennifer’s favorite motivational quote is “Positive mindset brings positive things”. When she is not at TLE, Jennifer likes to spend time with her family and friends.

Ms. Luz
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Penny Polite
Luz has been working with children for over fifteen years. She holds her Child Development Associate Credential for Toddlers and her CPR certification. Her favorite children’s book is Meghan Kelly’s “Thank You. Listening and Interrupting, Make New Friends Please”. Luz’s favorite motivational quote is “I love children. I like to teach, arts, play, dance.” When she is not at TLE, Luz enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Cindy
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Cindy has been working with children for five years. She has a High School Diploma and her Associate Degree. Her favorite children’s book is “A Bad Case of Stripes”. Cindy’s favorite motivational quote is “Treat People with Kindness”. When Cindy is not at TLE she likes to go to the gym, read and spend time with her friends.

Ms. Maeda
Lead Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Phoebe Phonics
Maeda has been working with children for over twenty years. She has her Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. Her favorite children’s book author is Dr. Seuss. Maeda’s favorite motivational quote is “No child left behind. Think-T is True- H is helpful- I is Inspiring- N is necessary- K is kind. Teaching is learning!” When Maeda is not at TLE she enjoys reading, cooking, yoga and spending time with family and friends.

Ms. Xiaofen
Assistant Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Xiaofen has been working with children for twenty-five years. She has her Early Childhood Education certification and her Music and Arts certificate. Her favorite children’s book is “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”. Xiaofen’s favorite motivational quote is “Don’t worry, be happy”. When she is not at TLE, Xiaofen teaches piano and makes artwork. She also enjoys going to church, watching tv, and eating food with her husband, friends and daughters.