In 1970, Mrs. Nadene Phillips founded Wee Wisdom Nursery School in the lower level of what was then her family home that she shared with her loving husband, Gerald Phillips Jr., and their two children, Denise and Greg. Her first class contained four little students, most of whom came from fellow church families who attended the Yorktown United Methodist Church. For the next eighteen years (through 1988), Mrs. Phillips, the mother of the current owner and director, Denise Allen, set the stage for a very unique and challenging environment for children. Officially retired in 1988, Mrs. Phillips continues to serve our facility as an Early Childhood Consultant and is active on our Board of Directors. Through her genuine love of children, her practical knowledge of childhood growth and development, her kindness and concern for others, her patience, understanding, and dedication, Wee Wisdom has evolved into a very exciting place for young children to grow and develop. Wee Wisdom will always continue the warm, loving traditions first established and implemented by it’s founder, Mrs. Nadene Phillips. We love it when Mrs. Phillips visits Wee Wisdom (which is very frequently) and the fact that she never misses a Wee Wisdom Christmas Program or Graduation Ceremony! You are, and will always be, the HEART AND SOUL of Wee Wisdom!
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Denise Allen is the mother of two children, (Nadia Paul and Cole Allen), and grandmother to three precious grand-daughters, (Raya, Camille, and Etta). She purchased Wee Wisdom in 1988 from the original owner. (Her Mother, Nadene Phillips). Denise earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University in 1975 and received her Indiana State Teaching License in Special Education (Mildly Mentally Handicapped, Moderately Mentally Handicapped, Severe/Profoundly Mentally Handicapped, and Multiply Handicapped), grades K-12. She completed her Master of Arts Degree in 1977 in the area of Learning Disabilities K-12. She taught in the Muncie public schools from 1975 through 1979 in a primary classroom for children with multiple special needs. In 1979, she moved to Rockford, Maryland and taught in a Diagnostic Learning Center in Silver Spring. She returned to Indiana in 1980 and began teaching at Ball State University as an instructor in the Department of Special Education. She taught both undergraduate and graduate courses over the course of several years, but eventually resigned from Ball State to accept a administrative position at Rise Special Services on the south side of Indianapolis. She was the Department Head of the “Mildly Mentally Handicapped” Programs over four townships from 1982-1988: Perry, Decatur, Franklin, and Beech Grove. In 1988, after her mother, Nadene Phillips, retired and placed Wee Wisdom up for sale, Denise moved back to Muncie, purchased Wee Wisdom, and has been happily directing the school and child care for the past 28 years. From 1988 through 1990, Denise returned to Ball State to teach evening classes as a second job. As Wee Wisdom grew, she sadly had to leave her Ball State position for the second time and devote her full time attention to Wee Wisdom. Denise has been a member of the Yorktown United Methodist Church since childhood. She served on the Staff Parish Committee as a member and as the Director. Denise values teaching children the importance of community service and, in addition to developing a very comprehensive curriculum for all classes at Wee Wisdom, she also provides students and their parents with opportunities to “give back” to the Delaware County community through donations and services. Please refer to information listed under “Meridian Health Services” in our “About Us” Section.
AMAZING ANGIE IS HER NAME! Angie has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University. She began teaching at Wee Wisdom in 1999. She has worn many hats during her tenure at Wee Wisdom. In addition to serving as the Pre-K Teacher, she also has taught the Toddler Class, T/TH Classes, and MWF Classes. She has served as a supervisor in our Child Care Center, and has also experienced Life Guarding during our summer months. She has also substituted as a cook in Wee Wisdom’s kitchen and is listed as a driver for transporting our students to and from public schools. She has advanced to a new title of Assistant Director and is very active in Co-Directing all aspects of Wee Wisdom’s functions. Angie and Denise work closely together each and every day to make sure your child’s program is exemplary in every standard of measurement. Angie is married and has two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, experiencing new new restaurants, traveling, crossfit training, going to the movies, reading, and preparing new and healthy recipes for her family and friends. She exemplifies the true meaning of “team player” and is an excellent role model for all faculty and staff. If you have questions regarding any aspect of Wee Wisdom, Angie is qualified to answer your questions. No question is too small! If it’s on your mind, give us a call!
Kathy is our Office Manager. In addition to many other responsibilities, she also does billing, consults with parents regarding the enrollment process, completes and update student profiles, and oversees our child care connections voucher program. She is married and has two children. Wee Wisdom was truly blessed the day Kathy applied for a position at our school. We knew immediately she would be the perfect fit…and we are were not disappointed! She is a true fitness guru! She advises faculty and staff in the area of fitness and also serves as a consultant when planning healthy menus for our children. She is a gourmet cook…a often shares some of her most delicious meals with staff. She participates in 5K races and mud races. She loves to travel and breeds Australian Shepherds. She and her husband love going to concerts. Kathy also works for Coldwell Banker Lunsford as a licensed real estate broker! If you call or visit our office, you will, more than likely, be greeted by this wonderful and welcoming lady. WE ALL LOVE MISS KATHY!
Stacey Allred has been training Wee Wisdom staff in the areas of classroom management and strategies since the fall of 2013. We first met Stacey when she enrolled her child at Wee Wisdom. We immediately made a connection and developed a professional relationship soon afterward. Stacey has her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She also has a masters degree in Learning Disabilities and a second masters degree in Education Administration. She has been employed as an instructor in the Department Of Elementary Education for the past seven years and teaches classes that focus on classroom management and strategies as well as family and community relations. Stacey is married and has two children. Stacey, Mrs. Allen, and Mrs. Clark work closely together on a joint Immersive Grant Program through Ball State University designed to create valuable parent involvement through parent-teacher-student workshops and the expansion of a “resource-rich” Parent Portal, recently launched by Wee Wisdom through CS Kern. Stacey is a powerhouse of ideas and resources! Every member of the Wee Wisdom faculty and staff look forward to Saturday training sessions presented by this outstanding professional! She is a very valued member of our staff and we hope she remains accessible to our school and child care center for years to come!
Kay Maddox, RN is a graduate of Indiana University – Purdue University School of Nursing. She has been a registered nurse for forty-five years. She is owner of On-Site Health & Safety Training Service, offering staff development and adult education programs. She conducts OSHA Compliance seminars throughout the state for the Indiana Dental Association. Kay is a childcare health consultant for many childcare centers in Indiana. She is Regional Faculty for American Heart Association and Adjunct Faculty on four Ivy Tech campuses. Kay serves as a National Safety Council and American Heart Association Training Site for CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens. In the past, The National Safety Council has awarded Kay Best Training Performance and Instructor of the Year.
Erica Barnard has been employed at Wee Wisdom since June of 2006. She was a junior at Ball State University majoring in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten concentration. We hired her as a child care assistant and she continued in that role until she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in July of 2007. At that point, much to our delight, she decided that she did not want to leave Wee Wisdom to pursue a teaching position in the public school system. She chose to remain at Wee Wisdom and was offered a teaching position in the Nursery School working with our five year old students. She has remained in that role through the present time and teaches both sections of Pre-Kindergarten Monday through Thursday. In 2010, she also began teaching both sections of our Toddler Classes of two year old students on Friday mornings. So, Mrs. Barnard is the first teacher your child will have as a two year old and the last teacher your child will have as a five year old. She sends them off to kindergarten prepared to tackle the world! They leave us at age five as confident learners who are more than prepared for kindergarten. In the summer months of June and July, you will find Erica at Wee Wisdom’s pool providing swim lessons in the mornings and supervising group swim in the afternoons. And yes…she is licensed lifeguard too! What can we say…she is awesome!! Erica has two children, Hadlee and Boston, who both attend Wee Wisdom. She is a busy single Mom who enjoys family time and making special memories with her children. She enjoys reading Nicholas Sparks books, spending time with her friends, and visiting new places, including local and Indianapolis restaurants and annual community events associated with Meridian Health Services. (Ducky Derby and Rialzo) She is a big fan of sporting events and especially enjoys attending Michigan football games. Erica is an exemplary teacher and is a big part of our success as a private preschool. We value her as a teacher and as an excellent role model within our organization. She is very much loved and respected by each little student and their parents who have the privilege of her guidance and instruction. You are LOVED and APPRECIATED each and every day!!
Karissa has been employed at Wee Wisdom since 2007. She has worn many hats, including Nursery School Assistant, Child Care Assistant, and Child Care Supervisor…and has been extremely competent in all roles. For the past two years, Karissa has delighted our little students with her culinary skills by accepting the position of Head Chef. Karissa is married and has two sons, Austen and Carsyn, who both attend Wee Wisdom. In addition to her many talents, Karissa is also an aspiring artist and you can view her talents by visiting Facebook and searching Creative Canvas by Karissa. Karissa will welcome you to join your child for lunch on any given day. Please call her at Wee Wisdom if you would like to sample her tasty meals. Karissa and her family enjoy camping, bowling, and swimming. They love to eat at Amazing Joe’s and Red Lobster. You will love the energy and enthusiasm Karissa brings to Wee Wisdom each and every day. We LOVE “Missa Karissa”!!