OUR STAFF
A definition of a teacher is someone who tells or shows the fundamentals of something. Although vague, it is certainly true. A general job description for our preschool teachers might read something like this:
A preschool teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing a clean, safe, fun, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate program that is in accordance with state licensing and follows Ohio Content Standards.
The teachers have training, experience, personalities, and professionalism that makes Pioneer Preschool what it is. All staff take 10-20 hours of continuing education courses each year which keeps them current in preschool teaching methods and activities, Ohio Content Standards, and the latest theories of learning and educational models. Multiple teachers (at any given time) are certified in CPR, 1st aid, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse.
Our teachers are the “heart and soul” of Pioneer Preschool. They nurture children, prepare them for kindergarten, hug them on their “bad days,” and celebrate their successes & uniqueness. Our teachers are doing what they love to do and that is obvious in all they do!
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” – Carl Jung
DIRECTOR
Lisa VanBuskirk
2S TEACHERS
Sara Balkanyi
Carolyn Hurtuk
Kami Wilt
3S TEACHER
Susan Gunn
PRE-K TEACHERS
Diane Bohlen
Carla Finelli
2+ TEACHER
Pia Schneider
FLOATER
Karen Betori
Kyla Thomas
Director, Pioneer Preschool
Lisa VanBuskirk
Hello, my name is Lisa VanBuskirk, and I love my job! I have the privilege of working with amazing children and incredible teachers! I have worked in child care for many years. I am honored to be a part of the learning, the growth and the fun memories that you and your child will make here at Pioneer Preschool.
My favorite quote:
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
- Benjamin Franklin
Our Pre - Kindergarten Teachers
Carla Finelli
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Hello my name is Carla Finelli. I studied Education at Kent State University, and I am currently certified by the State of Ohio in Early Childhood Education. I am thrilled to be part of the amazing staff here at Pioneer Preschool, this will be my 19th year teaching. My goal in the classroom is to help my students form a genuine love for learning, to grow independently, and to build a positive foundation for continued education. I currently live in Aurora Shores with my family but grew up in Solon, and both my son and I attended Pioneer for preschool. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing at the beach, spa days, cooking, and of course shopping. I look forward to forming positive relationships with my students and their families.
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My favorite quote:
“Teaching children is an accomplishment; getting children excited about learning is an achievement.”
- Robert John Meehan
Diane Bohlen
My name is Diane Bohlen, and I love learning and I love kids! I teach the four day a week Pre-Kindergarten class! I have been in the education field for over 30 years in public, private and cooperative settings with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Education. I am also the Faith Formation Director at Pioneer Church. My husband of 30 years is an engineer by day and a musician by night! We have three children and way too many family pets!
My favorite quote:
“Be curious, not judgemental”
- Walt Whitman
Our Three Year Old Class
Susan Gunn
​Hello, I am Susan Gunn and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-8 from Miami University and a Reading Certification from Capital University. I have been teaching young children for almost 30 years. I live in Twinsburg with my husband, I enjoy weekend visits from our two daughters who are attending John Carroll University. When I am not teaching, I enjoy outdoor adventures with my family, reading books,cooking, crafting and connecting with friends.
My favorite quote:
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:45
Our Two Year Old Teaching Team
Sara Balkanyi
My name is Sara Balkanyi and I am one of the Two’s teaching team. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and my Masters from DePaul University. I spent twelve years teaching in Chicago, Illinois before moving back to Ohio to raise my two children with my husband. In recent years, I have been a substitute teacher for the Solon City Schools. I fell in love with Pioneer Preschool when my daughter attended her Pre-Kindergarten year here in 2021. I love watching my children participating in dance, gymnastics, soccer, and other activities around Cleveland.
​My favorite quote:
“Be kind, be brave, be YOU!”
-Charles M. Schulz and Elizabeth Dennis Barton
Carolyn Hurtuk
Hi, my name is Carolyn Hurtuk and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend Indiana, and practiced as an RN for years before taking time off to raise my family. My husband and I live in Solon with our two children. Both of our children attended Pioneer Preschool, I loved their time here so much that I joined the staff in 2023. When I am not at school, I enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, crafting and playful adventures with my family and our puppy.
My favorite quote:
“There are so many reasons to be happy.”
-Unknown
Kami Wilt
Hello! My name is Kami Wilt. I live in Twinsburg with my husband Dave, my two daughters, and our two dogs. I previously worked for Hitachi Medical Systems for nineteen years as an administrative assistant. I then worked as a Co-Teacher in Preschool for five years. Most recently I was employed by the Twinsburg School District. In my free time I enjoy being outside, gardening and spending time with my family friends.
My favorite quote:
“Let go, let God.”
-Unknown
Floater and Extended Day Teachers
Karen Betori and Kyla Thomas