OUR TEAM
Kemena Brown
I am a mother of five wonderful children, 4 girls and a boy. I have been working in childcare for over 25 years and at Frist Step for over 21 years. I started out as a teacher assistant after 6 months I become a toddler teacher after many years in the classroom I was promoted to the assistant director where I worked and learned from one of the best. I am now the proud director of First Step child care center. I have always had a passion to make a difference in children’s lives. I come from a family of educators. I currently have my associate in ECE, and I am working on my Bachelor’s in ECE.
DIRECTOR
Ellie Giberson
Head Start Program Manager
Karly Huller
My name is Karly and I have been with First Step for over 10 years now. I have always had a passion for children and have 2 little ones of my own. Over the years here, aside from my love from children, I have grown a love for the financial aspect of the business as well. I received my Bachelors in Finance in December 2023 and took the role of Fiscal Manager for the center. I am now currently enrolled in my Master Program in Finance. I love what I do and the relationships I have formed with our parents.
FISCAL MANAGER
Chantale Brown
Hello! My name is Ms. Chantale. I have worked for First Step for 20 years I am a mom of 2 girls who are 5 and 3 years. I love working with children and teaching them! It is rewarding watching them grow. I am a teacher in the EHS-1 infant room. In my spare time I love to travel, spend time with my children reading and building legos. I have worked with children since 1998. I really enjoy what I do!
TEACHER
Afiya Epps
I have been in childcare since 2007 I have been working with the headstart program since 2010 and received my CDA in 2013. I am a mother of 4 and grandmother of 2. I have been with First Step since 2019.
TEACHER
Dianna Thomas
My name is Mrs. Dianna. I am the lead teacher in Preschool A in the Head Start classroom. I have been a teacher for 12 years and what I love about being a teacher is watching them grow and learn something new each day and seeing them happy and wanted to come to school each day.
TEACHER
Erin Davis
My name is Ms. Eric. I am a mother of two sets of twins. I have been at First Step for over a year. I am very hardworking and reliable. I am honored to make memories here with your little ones!
TEACHER
Gabrielle Moore
As the lead teacher of the Preschool B class at First Step, I am passionate about creating a fun, safe and nurturing learning environment where children can thrive. Currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, I draw on my experience working with various age groups to design engaging and developmentally appropriate activities. Coming from a family of educators. I am dedicated to fostering a love of learning in each child while building a supportive classroom community where they feel valued and inspired to explore.
TEACHER
Kemari Davis
Ever since I was a little girl, teaching has always been my passion. Having the opportunity to make an impact on young children during their most critical times in their lives. From teaching them life skills to providing guidance that will help shape their future. The most rewarding part is their growth from the moment I get them until the moment they go to kindergarten, I will always be proud to say I love what I do.
TEACHER
Latanya Merrifield
Hi! My name is LaTanya Merrifield, also known as Ms. Tanya! I have been at Frist Step for 2 years. I received my CDA in child development in 2023. I completely enjoy working with my little toddlers because I get to help mold them while they’re young and get to also teach them different things that cater to their development. I just simply love spending time with them!
TEACHER
Mariah Marbury
My name is Ms. Mariah and I am toddler B’s lead teacher. I have always been passionate about working with children, and I make sure that my classroom is a home away from home. I graduated from Crete-Monee High School in 2023 and achieved my CDA in 2024, and I am also working on my Associates in Pre-nursing in 2026.
TEACHER
Tiara Scott
I am an Infant School Teacher and I love working with kids.
TEACHER
Tyrenna Martin
Ms Ty is the mobile infant teacher. She is passionate about fastening a nurturing and engaging learning environment for infants. She believes in the importance of play based learning and aims to support each child’s developemental milestones through creative activities and individual attention. Committed to building strong relationships with both children and parents. My Ty encourages curiosity. Outside of teaching in the classroom, she enjoys being active working out and learning and trying new things
