Tiny Tot Staff
Meet the Tiny Tot School Staff!
Office Staff
Diane Eakes
My name is Diane Eakes, and I feel blessed to be the director of Tiny Tot School. The education of young children has always been a passion of mine. Originally from Virginia, I attended James Madison University where I received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I later studied at Loyola University and received a master’s degree in Developmental Reading. I have been an educator in elementary schools and preschools for over 20 years.
My husband and I raised three children in northern Harford County. I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, baking, traveling, playing tennis, and teaching at my church.
I believe there is something uniquely special about the preschool years. It is a wonderful age of curiosity, discovery, and wonder. Together with an amazing staff of teachers, I love to help our Tiny Tots explore their world and take the next steps in their development. I am grateful to be inspired every day by the children and the staff at Tiny Tot School.
Jane Frank
My name is Jane Frank, and I am the Tiny Tots Office Manager. My four children attended Tiny Tot School, and I am so happy to continue to be a part of this wonderful school. I am originally from northern New Jersey, and I graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a degree in Journalism/Communication. My husband and I met in college, and we lived in multiple states as he served as an Officer in the Army.
My family loves riding bikes, cheering on the Bills and the Mets, and going on hikes with our dog, Marty. My children are training to be professional athletes, so I am very busy driving them to their practices and games. In my free time I enjoy running with Mrs. Buyse and listening to crime podcasts.
I love working at Tiny Tots because I get to see all the adorable smiles and hear all the funny things the children say.
Kindergarten Prep
Mary Buyse
My name is Mary Buyse. This is my tenth year teaching preschool at Tiny Tots, the BEST place to be! I love working with children, especially in the important years leading up to formal schooling. My favorite part of working with four year olds is the enthusiasm they have for school and the creativity they bring to the classroom. It is amazing to see how much they grow in a year!
I graduated from Ursinus College in PA with a teaching degree. I taught for ten years in various states before taking on the most challenging job of raising children. I have three awesome kids who all attended Tiny Tots. I was impressed with the preschool even before I became a teacher here. When I was given the opportunity to work here, I couldn't wait to pass on the same experience to other children.
When I'm not teaching, I am raising three active teenagers with my husband, and I coach C. Milton Wright High School’s girls’ basketball team.
Coleen Porter
My name is Coleen Porter, and I am a Kindergarten Prep teacher at Tiny Tot School. I became a member of the Tiny Tots family in 2012. Prior to that I had taken early childhood courses at Towson University. I couldn't be happier to work in such a caring, nurturing environment with an amazing staff. I love nothing more than greeting those sweet, smiling faces each and every morning. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love and make a difference in a young child's life.
AM & PM Pre-K Classes
Katie Weeks
My name is Katie Weeks, and I am thrilled to be teaching the four-year-old class at Tiny Tot School. I went to Tiny Tots when I was 4 and being able to teach here now feels like I am coming home to where my love for school began.
I received my Associate degree from Harford Community College in Early Childhood Education, and I received my Bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education. I taught Kindergarten for Harford County Public Schools for 2 years at Prospect Mill Elementary School and I absolutely loved it!
For the past 13 years I have been a stay-at-home mom to my three children. I love spending time with my husband and children outdoors. We love to hike, take bike rides, and visit the National and State Parks. I also love to garden, bake, paint/draw, and practice yoga.
I absolutely love the preschool years! I enjoy watching young children explore the world around them, make connections, and learn new things. There really is something magical about the preschool years, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn along with the Tiny Tots.
Lauren Sloan
My name is Lauren Sloan and I will be teaching the Pre-K AM 4’s and PM Pre-K class. I've had the pleasure of being part of the Tiny Tot School community since 2018 when my children began attending the program. Prior to happily accepting a teaching role, I spent my free time volunteering and substituting within the school.
My husband and I met many years ago while both working at Celebree School. We have two young, energetic, always-keep-us-on-our-toes boys. Our family enjoys beach trips, game and movie nights, and hanging out with friends - many of which we actually met here at Tiny Tots! We spend much of our weekends on the baseball fields or basketball courts while my children play their little hearts out and my husband coaches alongside them. Speaking of sports, I'm a big football fan. Go Ravens!
Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. The preschool age brings so much excitement, joy and adventure. I feel very fortunate to have a hand in helping our Tiny Tots learn and grow!
Preschool 3's
Cathy Koncurat
My name is Cathy Koncurat, and I am thrilled to be part of the Tiny Tot teaching team. I started my career in Music Education, teaching in high school, elementary school, and preschool settings. I took additional coursework to earn an elementary education certificate and the MSDE early childhood certification. For many years I was a stay-at-home mom to my own six children, now teens and young adults. For the past nine years I have been working as a three year old preschool teacher. In my spare time I teach and direct children’s theater classes and productions.
Teaching preschool is my dream job. There is nothing more joyful than getting to know young children, adapting instruction to their individual needs, and helping them learn. The preschool years are incredibly precious, and I feel blessed to be a part of them.
Laura Ewing
My name is Laura Ewing and I’m very excited to be teaching at Tiny Tot School! I received my bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education and continued my journey with a master’s degree in Education from Walden University. Before teaching preschool, I enjoyed 10 years of teaching kindergarten and developing curriculum for the Harford County Public School system. During my spare time, I love being with my two daughters and husband. We enjoy camping, listening to live bands, and going to the beach. We are a busy family who enjoys what life brings us each day.
I truly love working with young children, and seeing how much they grow within a school year. I look forward to teaching the Preschool 3’s and working with such a wonderful staff