Teachers

Denise Leitch

My name is Denise Leitch and I am the owner, director, and instructor at Kultural Kids Learning Center. I am originally from Chile, South America, and I am a native speaker of the Spanish language. I also speak English and French fluently.

I attended Bradley University studying early childhood education and psychology. While in college, I taught, tutored, and gained knowledge and experience working with children in many other ways. Since graduating I have taught language independently and through other facilities such as Fantasyland preschool in Morton, IL.

One of my true passions has always been art. Through my college education, I was exposed to various activities giving me the tools and knowledge to develop a fun creative arts curriculum for the Kultural Kids Learning Center. Art is a language and in our creative arts classes we encourage the intuitive artistic ability found in every child.

I enjoy very much working with young children, therefore, teaching foreign language and creative arts classes is my dream come true.

Sarah Smith

My name is Sarah Smith and I teach French at Kultural Kids. When I was seven years old my family moved to Paris, France, where we lived for two years. From there we went to Côte d'ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa, another French-speaking country, where I spent most of the rest of my childhood.

My experiences in those two countries, as well as from all my travels since then, have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the diversity of peoples and cultures in the world. there is such a thrill in reaching across language and cultural barriers, and I want to share that with as many people as I can. Knowing another language helps you meet people and learn things you would never otherwise be able to.

I have always wanted to teach, and indeed have not gone a year since my sophomore year of high school without being involved in education in some form. My experience includes three years post-college teaching Beginner French to homeschoolers, and I am excited to continue in that venue with Kultural Kids.

I graduated from Wheaton College in 2001 with a degree in Theology. I am currently working as a teacher's assistant for district 150 of Peoria Public Schools, while I study for a second bachelor's and certification in Elementary Education.

Kelly Scarfe

My name is Kelly Scarfe and I teach Art at Kultural Kids. I grew up in Morton and moved back after living through out the US. I am married to my wonderful husband Jason, and have two great kids, Jake and Ava.

I have always loved the creative aspects of life. I studied Fine Arts and Art History, graduating from Southeast Missouri State University in 1994 with a BA in Fine Art. After pursuing a career in Corporate Recruiting I had my son and became a stay at home mom. This has allowed me the time and atmosphere to renew my love for art. I currently teach “Picture Person” with in the Morton School District and love my interaction with the kids. Knowing that I am giving them the courage and tools to create their own art gives me a great pride in what I do.

I am in the process of developing my own art and hope it leads me to other great avenues in my artistic life.

Enereida Ramos

Saludos! My name is Enereida Ramos and I am Mexican-American and Aztec Indian. I come from a mid-sized family in which I am the youngest of five children. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California but I have also lived in Orlando, Florida for about four years. I have recently moved to Peoria, Illinois just recently in the mid of 2007. Spanish is my first language and I enjoy learning about different cultures.

I became an aunt at the age of 10 and I am currently the aunt of seven wonderful children. I love and adore each of them with all my heart. I have experienced working with children at an early age and have enjoyed it ever since. When I see a child learn something I have taught them, I smile and know I have accomplished my goal. It just doesn’t accomplish my goal but makes me feel good to know that the child has enhanced. I have learned that a child can learn from you as well as you can learn from them. I enjoy working with children and I have dedicated my time to volunteer and help out the community.

My work experienced has always been surrounded by children. I’m a very active person and I love to babysit. I am currently attending the University of Phoenix to complete my two bachelor degrees in Business Management and Psychology. On my spare time I enjoy to work out and lift weights. I also dedicate my time teaching English as a Second Language for the Peoria Hispanic community. I am strong willed, dedicated, determined, and I always strive for success!

I am so excited that I have joined the Kultural Kids team and I am happy to start teaching your children. I know that it will be a wonderful experience!