ECC Staff

Laurie has been our Director since shortly before the ECC opened in January 2019. She earned her Associates degree in Applied Science with the emphasis in Early Childhood at Forest Park Community College. Her professional experience includes seven years working in daycare, caring for children ages infant through preschool, and 25 years owning and operating a licensed home daycare.

Laurie and her husband Dan have two adult children, three grandchildren and have been attending St. Lucas for over 25 years. When she is not working, she loves doting on her grandchildren, and maintains a huge collection of penguins as her hobby. Her favorite Bible verse is: but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” -Matthew 19:14

Kate was born and raised in a home daycare, that is where her love for taking care of children stems from. She started babysitting at a young age and then when she turned 18, began working in childcare. She has been a lead teacher the past 10 years for a variety of ages, including the Lead teacher at Trinity Lutheran, and Noah’s Ark Daycare. Kate has been member of St. Lucas since birth, and has been working at St. Lucas since 2019 where she became Lead Infant Teacher in 2020. In addition to her work life, she is a wife and mom to three wonderful boys. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking and writing.

Tamika has been working with infants and toddlers for 11 years, and just finished her first year here at St. Lucas. When she is not at work, she loves spending time with her children and uses her free time reading books.

Natasha has 14 years experience working with children. When she is not caring for little ones, she enjoys baking, crafting, and shoe shopping. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her husband of 18 years and 2 daughters.

Nicole started at St. Lucas in 2023, and brought with her 14 years of teaching experience. She teaches the three and four year old preschool that is a part of Word of Life Lutheran School. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Chicago (River Forest).

She brings her love of teaching daily into her classroom by “striving to create a hands-on learning experience for all the students in my care, fostering a love for learning and for Jesus.”

Nicole lives in South County with her two daughters and their three cats.

Favorite Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Phillipians 4:6-7