Our People

Dr. Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin

Director she/her/hers

I grew up in El Paso, Texas. I am the second oldest of four, who are all boys! I attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio for my undergraduate work. I majored in elementary education and minored in sociology and psychology where I met my husband. After graduation, I taught preschool, kindergarten and first grade in public and charter schools in New Jersey, Colorado and Arizona. While in Arizona, I completed a master’s degree in early childhood education from Northern Arizona University, and later my Ed. D. in instructional leadership focusing on early childhood education. In July 2011, I became the director of the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School.

Maile Quinton

Assistant Director she/her/hers

M.S., Psychology, Purdue Global University
B.S., Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University
I have been working with children and families for over ten years and I love hearing the children’s stories; laughing and learning with them. I like to be on the same level as the child and really see the world from their perspective. I am quick to observe and take a situation in before reacting which helps my interactions with each child because it gives me the opportunity to really get to know them. I am a Native Hawaiian and have lived in Hawaii for a year with my grandparents. It was one of the best experiences; I go back there frequently to visit. I have two beautiful nieces whom I love to spend time with; we have a great time together. I am an avid sports fan and you can find me at a Purdue Volleyball game any weekend during their season. I also enjoy doing woodworking and usually have a few projects going at once; Pinterest is always giving me new ideas.

Hope Burnett

Secretary/ Receptionist

Hello, my name is Hope Burnett. I am married; my husband’s name is Mike and we live in West Lafayette. I am the mother of 2, Mckenzee and Hunter. Prior to joining the Miller Child Development Laboratory School, I worked at Regions Bank for 17 years. I am excited to see where the next 17 years take me.

Shannon Smyth

Teacher Assistant/Floater

I went back to school as an adult learner and graduated from Ivy Tech in 2004 with my Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught preschool for many years in my hometown of Attica. I am very excited to be a childcare aide float here at the Miller Child Development Laboratory School. I look forward to getting to know each child and watching them learn and grow. I am married and have two adult children and one daughter-in-law. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and loving on my kitties Walter and Otis.

Latasha Mitchell

Teacher Assistant/Floater

Hello! I’m Latasha Mitchell. I grew up in the Illinois area—Mt. Vernon, IL to be exact. I went to Greenville University where I achieved a bachelor’s degree in social work. I’m a family-oriented lady. I like a good joke because I enjoy laughing. I’m a people person. I like to travel and enjoy shopping. Plus, I enjoy being a role model for the youth that I get to inspire daily. I’m glad to be amongst you all here at MCDLS.

Melissa (Missy) McClure

Food Service/Kitchen Crew she/her/hers

Hello, my name is Melissa McClure but everyone calls me Missy. I am married, my husband’s name is Mike and we live in the small town of Pine Village about 20 miles west of Purdue. I have lived and worked in Indiana my entire life. I am a mother of three grown children and grandmother of five. I am excited to be part of the kitchen staff here at the Miller Child Development Laboratory School. I have been here at MCDLS for five years.

Hannah Steill

Food Service/Teacher Assistant

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I started working at the Ben & Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory in September of 2023. I graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and Tourism Management in 2019. I’ve always had a passion for both food and helping others, so working in the kitchen gives me so much joy! I’ve always worked in restaurants since I was in high school, and I’ve also had experience working with children since then. In my free time, I love going to the gym, listening to music, and playing with my dog Henry. 

Caroline Sautter

Teacher Assistant/Floater

Hello, I’m Caroline Sautter!
I graduated from Purdue in 2023. I was born and raised here in West Lafayette. I am looking forward to being a part of the teaching staff and watching the kids grow! A few things I enjoy are going on walks, listening to music, golfing, and watching the Indiana sunsets!

Shari Mooney

Head Teacher she/her/hers

Hi, I’m Shari!
I started caring for children at a young age and I have always had a natural curiosity in watching them grow, learn and develop. After staying at home with my three children, I began working at the Miller Lab School in 2006. I strive to create a calm, loving and inviting atmosphere where parents are comfortable leaving their children and the children want to come back to learn through the many activities they choose from while having fun! Seeing children reach the milestones in their development never gets old. Every day I see infants and toddlers learn so many skills from each other, such as language, social, motor development and cognitive skills. It’s always an exciting day in the Purple Room!

In my free time, I cherish time with my family, I like to travel and I enjoy singing in the Tippecanoe County Extension Homemakers Choral Club in the Lafayette area and the Melody Makers State Choral Club.

Tyler Wilson

Associate Teacher he/him/his

I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs. Since I was a freshman at Purdue, I have been very involved with the lab school, between volunteering, being a student worker, practicum experiences, and finally completing my full-time student teaching experience in Green Room. I am very interested in watching the growth and development of children in not only the physical sense, but a cognitive one as well. It is really rewarding to see a child learn how to do something for the very first time, and even more rewarding to know that I was a part of that happening. Helping a child learn is truly a passion of mine and it is a pleasure to be able to work with such bright children.
In my free time I enjoy playing videogames with friends and spending time with family.

Jung Sun (Joy) Park

Teacher Assistant

I completed my doctorate course in Education after earning an M.A. in Early Childhood Education in South Korea. During my 10 years working as a teacher, researcher, and assistant director, I realized that personality and social development play a core role in children’s education. I truly enjoy helping children develop good habits, social skills, and interactions with others in their childhood.
Raising my two children has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had because I was able to witness their emotional, social, and physical growth. The lessons I learned from raising my children are invaluable and inform how I care for other children.
In my personal time, I enjoy exercising, reading books, and playing sports and board games with my family.

Kelli James

Head Teacher

I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Intervention with a Kindergarten Endorsement in December 2002.
I am the Head Teacher in the Red Room. I have had various roles while working at the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School since November 2002. I love working with children! I love to watch them grow and interact with their world. I feel that all children and families are unique and have the ability to teach others. In the Red Room, we provide a safe, fun, interactive, and educational environment so each child can develop to his or her full potential.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful daughters and husband, family, and friends. I love playing softball and enjoy coaching my daughter’s softball team.

Caroline Mooney

Associate Teacher

I have been Associate Teacher in Red Room since 2020, and before that I worked as a Child Care Aide in the Yellow Room. I have a Master of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Teaching Literacy and Language from Purdue Global. My undergraduate degree is a B.A. in journalism from Purdue. I began my career as managing editor of a newspaper until I left to stay home and raise three daughters. I then worked as a paraprofessional at an elementary school helping a child with a disability through his day, and tutoring students in need of one-on-one help. I went on to work as a Title I teacher, librarian, and computer lab teacher. I find great joy in working with children and watching their self-esteem grow as they learn new things.
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and our grown daughters who now live locally, in Ohio and Colorado. I enjoy running with friends, entering 5K and half-marathon races across the state.

Teresa Thompson

Teacher Assistant

I am the Child Care Aide in the Red Room. I have a BS in Agriculture, grew up on a farm and enjoy gardening. I love kids reading to toddlers! When I am not at work, I enjoy doing the farmers market, 4-H, baking, and spending time with my husband Greg, daughter Brook, Chopper (cat), and Bisket (dog). Watching Brook and her Frontier team run cross country and track are special times for our family. I love to spend time with family and friends doing special 1-2 day trips.

Aekyeong (Alex) Nacke

Head Teacher

I graduated from Konkuk University in Seoul with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and earned a teacher’s license for secondary education. I also earned a CDA to work with young children in Indiana. I have taught at a kindergarten, elementary schools, and middle schools in Korea for over 10 years and worked as an early childhood educator in Indiana since 2004. Recently, I graduated from Purdue University Global with a Master of Science in Education.
My role as a teacher is that of providing children lots of opportunities to explore the objects and materials around them with all of their senses, a variety of hands-on activities that require physical manipulation, play, and their own thought processes and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson. This will help the children to make decisions, overcome challenges, and solve problems. I strongly believe a good educator means being a good example because children do what adults do, not what adults tell them to do.
I reside in West Lafayette with an amazing husband and enjoy watching movies, painting in oriental style, and playing board games with my in-laws and friends.

Kim Bledsoe

Associate Teacher

I graduated from Purdue with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. I began my teaching career by working at the school where I had done my student teaching, filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. I continued to work at various positions within the local school systems until 2010, when I started at an early childhood education center. I have been in this field since and just love working with young children. Their curiosity and enthusiasm makes every day special. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two children and 4 grandchildren.

Birdena (Dena) Brunton

Teacher Assistant

Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
I have enjoyed working with children since high school when I began babysitting. Later, I ran my own child care in my home for several years. Then in 2003, I was blessed to get this job at Purdue working with all these wonderful children.
I develop a close bond with each child, but make sure that I do not compete with the parents or other family caregivers. I feel it is important to support them in their role. It is extremely rewarding to work with children and I feel it is of utmost importance to look out for their welfare and have their best interests in mind. Today’s children may be tomorrow’s great inventors, great doctors, or …the sky’s the limit!

Carrie Sloma

Teacher Assistant

Hello! My name is Carrie Sloma and I graduated from Purdue in 2022. I’m so excited to see the kids develop and grow! Every day is a new adventure! A little about me is I love music, traveling and anything outdoors. 

Heather Gerrard

Head Teacher she/her/hers

M.S., Education, Educational Leadership, Purdue University Global, 2021
B.S., Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, 2002
I am the Head Teacher in the Orange Room. I come to the Miller Child Development Laboratory School from Area IV Head Start. I have spent many years being with children and watching them learn and grow from day to day. It is my goal to provide a loving, safe environment where I hope that the children and the parents enjoy coming to everyday.
When I am not at school, I love to spend time with my husband, two children, and three dogs. You will find me at sporting events for Clinton Central Jr./Sr. High School during every season.

Morgan Lilak

Associate Teacher

Hi, I’m Morgan!
I have been with the lab school in some capacity since December of 2021. I started as a student worker, went on to complete practicum experiences in the Aqua and Purple classrooms, and have landed permanently in the Orange Room as the Associate Teacher.

Working with young children has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I have previously worked at after-school programs beginning when I was in high school until recently, as well as being the Assistant Director of a summer child-care program for 2 years. I believe that children learn best when they are in a safe and caring environment, and I strive to foster that each day. By August 2024, I will have earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs from Purdue University.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my young nephew, friends or family, reading a good book or doing some type of craft!

Elisa Selby

Teacher Assistant

Hello, my name is Elisa Selby. I was born in Spokane, Washington but was raised mostly in Northwest Indiana between the two small towns of Union Mills and Wanatah. Growing up, we lived next door to my grandparent’s farm.
Being raised on a farm with my four siblings brought all sorts of adventures. We learned how to raise various animals including chickens, ducks, turkeys and cattle. We also had a pony, a dog and a vast assortment of barn cats. Since we lived several miles from the nearest grocery store, we always had a garden and grew all sorts of vegetables.
Every summer, I’d go with my family to the LaPorte County fair and I’d display my 4-H projects. I earned blue ribbons in baking, foods and sewing. Ask me about the number of butter cakes I made one year just to get my blue ribbon!
After graduating from South Central High School, I got married and had two children. Our children are now grown and the oldest one is married. My passion for working with children has not diminished from those days of old when I taught lessons to my siblings in the barn loft. I am excited about sharing my experience with the staff, parents and children at the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School. I look forward to being a positive influence in their daily lives.

Danielle Bryant

Head Teacher she/her/hers

M.S., Elementary Education, Teaching Students with Special Needs, Purdue University Global
B.S., Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs, Purdue University

I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs. I have received a Master’s of Science degree in Education, focusing on teaching students with special needs, through Purdue University Global. Since January 2012, I have done field experiences at the laboratory school, including my full-time student teaching semester in the Blue Room. I became employed at the Lab School in January 2014.
I thoroughly enjoy working with young children. Their smiles and hugs always make every day worthwhile. I believe children learn best when they are able to freely explore objects and create meaning out of what they are engaging with. I believe my role as a teacher is to facilitate, support, and guide children’s learning. I love watching as children learn and accomplish new things.

Blake Woollard

Associate Teacher

Hello, my name is Blake Woollard. I graduated from Purdue in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies. While at Purdue, I interned here at the lab school. After graduation, I worked in an elementary school as an instructional assistant and special education assistant. I missed working with daycare-aged children and rejoined the lab school in June 2023. My goal when working with children is to encourage a safe, loving environment for them to learn and grow. In my spare time, I like to read, listen to and make music, and visit my family and friends.

Abby Morrison

Teacher Assistant

Hello, I’m Abby Morrison!
 
I graduated from DePauw University in 2022. I have been living in Lafayette for 2 years now but I am originally from New Jersey! I have been working with children on-and-off since 2016 and have been at the lab school since March 2024. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with friends, and giving lots of love to my puppy, Jax! I am so excited to be a part of the children’s academic journey and I can’t wait to see them flourish! 

Anne Miltenberger

Head Teacher she/her/hers

M.S. Ed. Educational Leadership, Purdue University Global
B.S. Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs, Purdue University
I am a graduate of Purdue’s Early Childhood and Exceptional Needs program. Before joining MCDLS, I worked as a special education preschool teacher and a developmental preschool teacher in the public school setting for several years.
As an early educator, I believe that children learn best through engaging and meaningful play experiences. To foster those experiences it is critical to understand each child as best I can to help them achieve their full potential. I aim to create a safe, loving, and engaging environment for every child in my classroom. I want every child to have fun and for every family to feel welcome!
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors with my husband, Patrick, and our dog. When we are able, we also enjoy traveling and attending concerts.

McKenzee Burnett

Associate Teacher she/her/hers

Early childhood education has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I have been working with young children in a formal setting since 2014 and have known from the beginning that I wanted to make a career of it. I hold an associate’s degree in ECE that I earned from Ivy Tech and I will earn my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Administration from Purdue Global by September 2020. My favorite thing about ECE is helping children lay their foundation for learning and I am beyond excited to be able to experience this with the children, families, and team members of MCDLS.

Joyce Johnson

Teacher Assistant

M.A., Intense Intervention, Early Childhood Education and Services
B.S., Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
I graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education. I received a Master of Arts degree from Ball State University in Intense Intervention, with a minor in Early Childhood Education and Services. I taught in the public schools for 28 years. I love working with young children and helping them become life-long learners.
My son Ian is a computer engineer in Houston, TX. I enjoy walking at local parks, yoga, reading, and spending time with my family.

Julie Clisby

Head Teacher

Hi, I’m Julie!
I am a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies. I have worked with children for over 25 years in many different capacities.

As an educator, I believe that each child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. My classroom will be a caring and safe environment where each child can blossom and grow. I hope to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a beautiful 16-year-old son and two beautiful stepchildren. We are very busy with sports and cherish the time we are able to spend together. We love to be outside, enjoy family movies, and love a good “family game night.

Sherry Coffing

Associate Teacher

I earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech and then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Purdue Global. I have worked with children in some capacity since I was 11 years old. I love being a part of the learning and developing process. Science is one of my favorite subjects and I like to pass this fascination on in the classroom. Science engages a natural curiosity that children already have. I believe children are capable of many things when given the opportunity. I strive to encourage all children to be their best true self.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my three children, five grandchildren, other family and my dog. We all have similar interests in animals, music, crafts, and movies. I also like to play the cello, crochet, and read books.

Rosane De Freitas Teixeira Hitchcock

Teacher Assistant

I am a native of Brazil and studied international business in college. More recently, I worked with preschool-aged children for about 4-1/2 years at a school in Brazil and discovered that I love helping young children. I am fluent in Portuguese, and am becoming more fluent in English every day.
I have three sons, two of which are adults living in Brazil, and my youngest son lives with me and my husband Marty. Together, we live on a small acreage in rural Warren County where we enjoy many activities including gardening, cooking, and church.