Mission Statement: "Tiny Tot School, an outreach program of Bel Air United Methodist Church, is a preschool program committed to academic readiness and individual growth in social, emotional, and physical development within a nurturing Christian environment."
Since 1947 Tiny Tot School has upheld an outstanding reputation serving children and families in Bel Air and the surrounding community. We hold a Letter of Compliance with an Educational Component from the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care. Tiny Tot School participates in the Maryland EXCELS quality rating program.
Our educators are passionate about guiding young minds with a mix of learning and faith.
My name is Diane Eakes, and I am blessed to be the director of Tiny Tot School. The education of young children has always been a passion of mine. I received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from James Madison, and a master’s degree in Developmental Reading from Loyola. 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. Together with an incredibly talented staff of teachers, I love helping our Tiny Tots explore their world with curiosity and wonder as they take the next steps in their development. The children grow so much in their time with us!
My name is Jane Frank, and I am the Tiny Tots Office Manager. My four children attended Tiny Tots, and I am so happy to continue to be a part of this wonderful school. I received a bachelor’s degree in journalism/mass communication from St. Bonaventure University. My family loves riding bikes, cheering on the Bills and the Mets, and going on hikes with our dog, Marty. I love working at Tiny Tots because I get to see all the adorable smiles and hear all the funny things the children say.
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 morning. I am blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love and make a difference in a young child's life.
My name is Katie Weeks, and I am thrilled to be teaching the Kindergarten Prep 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 bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education. I taught Kindergarten for HCPS for 2 years at Prospect Mill Elementary School and absolutely loved it! I enjoy spending time with my husband, kids and dog. We love to hike, take bike rides, and visit the National and State Parks. I love gardening, baking, painting & drawing, and practicing yoga. I absolutely love preschool years! I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn along with Tiny Tots.
My name is Lauren Sloan, and I’m honored to be one of the Pre-K 4’s teachers. I've had the pleasure of being part of the Tiny Tot School community since 2018 when my children began attending the program. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m busy continuing my own education as an early childhood educator and spending time with my family. My husband is a youth basketball coach, and our boys play basketball and baseball, so much of my free time is spent on the courts or baseball fields. 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!
My name is Dana Wood, and I am a teacher in the Pre-K 4’s class. I am a mom of three and when two of my children attended Tiny Tot School, we loved being a part of the TTS community. I received my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Stevenson University in 2011. I started my career teaching in a learning center and then enjoyed several years as a stay-at-home mom before returning to the classroom here at Tiny Tots. It is a gift to see children learn, grow, and make memories during the preschool years, both as a parent and a teacher! Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading and taking trips, especially to the beach! I am honored to be a member of the Tiny Tot teaching team. It is exciting to be a part of each child’s preschool adventure!
My name is Abby Koncurat, and I am very excited to be teaching the PM class at Tiny Tots! I’ve been working in childcare since 2018. In addition to teaching, I am employed as a nanny, a children’s theater instructor, and several other small jobs. One of the kids I care for has a running joke that I am just like Barbie because I wear so many different hats. I am truly blessed to be able to do all that I do, and I am driven by my passion for working with children. In my free time, I enjoy music, theater, crochet, being outdoors, and spending time with family. I have seen how the Tiny Tot community has blessed my family for years, and I am so grateful to be a part of it!
My name is Laurie Syphard, and I teach the PM Class at Tiny Tot School. I received my bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College and my master's degree in Earth Science Education from Penn State. I have developed science content for a science museum and various non-profits where I taught elementary and middle school groups about scienceconcepts. I have also taught previously at a fully immersive nature school in Baltimore County. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the Jersey Shore and spending time outdoors with my two daughters, horseback riding, and camping in the Catskills with my family.I love the preschool years - they are filled with so much wonder, exploration, and growth. I'm thrilled to work with Tiny Tots and their families.
My name is Cathy Koncurat, and I am thrilled to be part of the Tiny Tot teaching team. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, I started my career teaching music in high school, elementary school, and preschool settings. I received my early childhood certification and for the past eleven years I have been working as a three year old preschool teacher. I have six grown children and 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.
My name is Hillary Doherty. I have enjoyed over 30 years in education, and I am overjoyed to be a part of the teaching team at Tiny Tot School. I received my bachelor’s and a master’s in teaching from the University of Virginia. My husband and I raised two sons (now in their early 20s) in Bel Air. College basketball is my favorite sport, and my family and I are also passionate Detroit Lions fans. I enjoy hiking, reading, dancing, traveling, learning new board games and am a member of a weekly trivia team. I adore working with young children and seeing them discover the world and their own special talents. It is a true privilege to help children learn and grow with the amazing teaching team at Tiny Tot School.
My name is Lisa Olszewski, and I am super excited to be a teacher the 3's class at Tiny Tot School. My husband and I live in Street with our three children and two rambunctious Labrador retrievers. I spend most of my free time crafting, taking walks, or sitting on the porch swing listening to the sounds of nature. The preschool years are an absolute joy. I love seeing smiling faces, hearing all the stories they tell, and seeing their creativity and curiosity emerge. Teaching has been a passion since I was a little girl, and I am beyond blessed to be a teacher at Tiny Tot School.
