Ladybug Room (two and three year olds)

Ms. Detra
Ms. Detra was born in Montreal , Quebec and spent her life living between the United States and Canada . She graduated from the University of Scranton , where she dual majored and earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology with a minor in English Literature with concentrations in women’s studies and Judaic studies. When Ms. Detra was growing up her mother ran an in home daycare. Ms. Detra has been involved with children for the past 15 or so years. She has acted both as a nanny as well as caregiver in several daycare centers. She worked with children ages infant to Elementary school years, as well as physically and mentally challenged children from toddlers on up to post-high school, both formally and informally.

Ms. Detra and her husband, Michael have been together for 15 years. They have three children, Alex (13), Sasha (3 ½) and Lily Bea (11 months), and are hoping for at least one more. Last year, in June of 2006 Ms. Detra and her family moved from upstate New York to Bellevue , Nebraska . It took a while to adjust to the area but they have since fallen in love with the friendly people and calm pace of the area and would really like to settle here in the future.

Ms. Detra is enrolled in RCIA at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Plattsmouth , Nebraska where her family currently attends services. Previous to their move here and the birth of their third child, Ms. Detra participated in a program driving elderly people to their doctor appointments. She also spent time helping with paperwork at the Baldwinsville, NY volunteer Center and occasionally served food at the Saint Francis of Assisi soup Kitchen in Scranton, PA.

Ms. Detra happened upon Papio Creek PDO, after her daughter began begging to go to daycare. She was not ready to leave her so she applied for a job where she could be with her, and have since fallen in love with the facility. “The co-workers are the kindest group of women you could ever meet. The children are so beautiful. I am so grateful to all of the parents for entrusting their little ones to our care and hence enriching my life in ways that I could not have imagined otherwise.”

Ms. Sandy
Sandy was born and raised in the Seattle area and graduated from Central Washington University with a teaching degree in Elementary Education. After marriage and becoming a "Navy wife" she continued her education at Texas A&M University earning a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Devoted to her husband and children, she has had opportunities to work with kids in a variety of settings over the last twenty years in Navy towns from Florida and Texas to Washington state. Finally, after 18 years, they have come ashore in Omaha , Nebraska for the last tour.

Sandy has taught Sunday school, swimming lessons, bible study classes and ran day camps. She has been involved with both public and private schools as both a teacher and volunteer in grades from kindergarten to teaching high school students at a community college.

Sandy and her husband Doug have been blessed with three children. With one in elementary and two in high school, they have been fortunate to raise their kids at home with mom. Working for a Christian based childrens program that supports hard working parents in their adopted Nebraska community has been both rewarding and VERY fun. Doug and Sandy attend Brookside Church in Omaha .

Ms. Heather

Heather Pollett joined the Papio Creek Parent’s Day Out program in 2006. At that time, she worked in the Butterfly room. This year, Ms. Heather is excited to be teaming with Ms. Sandy in the Bumblebee Room.

Heather attended the University of Arkansas where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching. She has teaching experience in both the public school classroom and early childhood classroom settings. Heather feels Papio Creek Parent’s Day Out is a perfect match for her. She is able to contribute her gifts and education while keeping her family as her primary focus.

Heather and her husband, Brandon, have three children. The Pollett family is often on the go with soccer, band and gymnastics. They are members of LifeSpring Church in Bellevue where they serve in many ministries. Originally from Arkansas , the Pollett family is happy to now call Nebraska home.