School Director, Teachers and Staff

Director – Susan E. Yearick

Susan Yearick began as Director on July 27, 2020 bringing over 30 years of early childhood education experience to our preschool.  Yearick began her career as a preschool teacher and then director of different daycare centers, served as a pre-K specialist/grant coordinator, and was a lead teacher at the Penn State Developmental Lab for 14 years. Most recently Yearick was the assistant program director at the Family Guidance Center of Alabama for 3 ½ years. Susan’s compassionate and intuitive strength-based approach to understanding and supporting families will be a strong asset as she leads and builds the programming for our children and families.

Teachers and Staff

Chrissy Campbell – Lead Teacher Penguin Room

Chrissy Campbell has worked at Park Forest Preschool since September 2018. She recently received her CDA from Ashworth College. She lives in State College with her husband and two sons, who both attended the preschool when they were younger. “What I enjoy about working at Park Forest Preschool is getting to know all the children and helping them to grow and learn at many different stages of their development, and seeing them reach goals is so rewarding! And I can’t forget all the hugs, laughs and smiles along the way!”

Jess Gore – Lead Teacher Puffin Room

Jess Gore has four daughters, one was a student at Park Forest Preschool. She joined the preschool as a classroom assistant teacher in 2021. Jess brings her parenting experience and a calm and nurturing presence to the classroom. The one thing she has definitely learned from her daughters and the children at preschool is that no two days are ever the same and you just have to go with the flow.

Brianna Lamey – Lead Teacher Butterfly Room

Brianna Lamey joined Park Forest Preschool in 2021. Brianna is very close to receiving her dual Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education and special education. “What I enjoy about working at Park Forest Preschool is seeing the children grow each and every day and getting to know each of their personalities, their hugs and cuddles are an amazing plus!”

Skylynn Spicer – Assistant Teacher Butterfly Room

Skylynn Spicer began as an assistant teacher at Park Forest Preschool in the fall of 2023. She lives in State College with her son. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Skylynn is passionate about science and nature, which she loves sharing with her students. “My favorite part about teaching is being able to give back to my community by helping children learn, grow, and thrive.”

Juliana Herickhoff – Lead Teacher Monkey Room

Juliana Herickhoff started teaching at PFPS in March of 2023.  She has taught as a reading specialist and elementary school teacher, as well as a preschool teacher.  Juliana moved to State College in 2017 with her husband and three children.  She is happy to finally be settled in beautiful Happy Valley!  “My favorite part of teaching preschool is seeing how quickly the students grow and develop…it never ceases to be amazing!”

Lauren Szostek – Assistant Teacher Monkey Room

Lauren Szostek began as an assistant teacher in September 2023.  She has two daughters, Emma and Hannah. Her oldest went to preschool here nearly 10 years ago.  Lauren has a special interest in working with children with special needs, since her oldest daughter, Emma is special needs. Lauren is a huge animal lover, and in her spare time she enjoys taking her daughters to the parks and movie theaters.  Lauren is nurturing, caring and patient with children.  Her favorite thing about working with preschool aged children is getting to know all their fun personalities.

Marcia Perdew – Teacher Monkey Room

Marcia Perdew has taught at Park Forest Preschool since 2019.  Marcia has a BS in Biology, MS in Food Science, and spent many years conducting research in University labs before quitting to stay home full time to raise her three children. She has a long history with our school including volunteering as a driver and working as an assistant teacher and was the lead 2 year old teacher for years.  She enjoys connecting with and loves each child, knowing that a loving connection will enhance their preschool learning experience.

Bobby Weaver – Kitchen Manager

Bobby Weaver began working at Park Forest Preschool in 2008. Bobby has three children, two of whom attended Park Forest Preschool. As a parent, Bobby enjoyed volunteering in the classrooms. She was then hired as an assistant teacher and in 2018 became kitchen manager. She loved working with the children in the classrooms, and still gets to see their smiling faces at breakfast and lunch. “I love watching, how much they grow, and mature throughout the year“

Kerri Sanchez– Kitchen Assistant and Classroom Floater

Kerri Sanchez began as a classroom & kitchen assistant floater in 2023.Kerri has 3 children who all attended Park Forest Preschool. Kerri has been an incredibly dependable volunteer at PFP for a few years and we are thrilled that she has joined the PFP staff. “I love working with the children at the preschool, they always know how to make me smile”.