Early Learning Center Staff
Meet Our Staff
Jo Ann Eckley
Director/Lead Teacher
Jo Ann has eagerly taken on the role of Director of the Early Learning Center (ELC) as of June 2016. As an undergraduate student at Rutgers, she was inspired to become a teacher from her studies and work in the University’s preschool lab. “From my semester at the preschool, I just knew early childhood education was the career for me. Seeing a child smile, hearing them laugh, and helping them learn is the best reward!” After attaining her Master’s Degree in Education in 1993 from TCNJ, Jo Ann has been employed over the years as a teacher and administrator of preschool through second grade in Bucks County. In addition, Jo Ann has also functioned as a Title 1 reading teacher, a long-term substitute teacher in first and second grades, and most recently as a curriculum supervisor/camp director/master teacher of preschool and kindergarten.
When she isn’t teaching, Jo Ann enjoys attending her children’s sporting events and musical performances and reading. “I love books and hope to foster an appreciation for reading in my young students.” Jo Ann is excited to draw upon her varied experiences to best serve the children and families at the ELC.
Haejung Yum
Assistant Teacher
Haejung started her career at the ELC as a student teacher in January 2011. In the fall of 2011, following the completion of her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education here at Bucks, she became a welcome addition to the ELC staff. In addition to her Early Childhood Education degree Haejung, who is a native of Korea, has a BA in French Language and Literature from Seoul Woman’s University. When not working at the ELC, Haejung spends her time teaching Korean at Bucks County Korean School and volunteers in her church and various community organizations.
Haejung is very pleased that her work at the ELC is “a precious mission” enhancing the development of young children as they move through some of the most important stages of life.
Amber Gushue
Lead Teacher
Amber has been working at the ELC since 2008 when she began as a Work Study Classroom Aid. Her energy and enthusiasm made her a natural fit with the program and, therefore, she was offered and accepted a position as an Assistant Teacher in 2010, following the completion of her BCCC Associate Degree in Education. In addition to pursuing her CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, Amber has enrolled in additional college courses to expand her knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education. Amber is an amazing photographer and has used this expertise to enrich the program at the ELC.
Amber first realized that she wanted to teach young children while in High School. Maybe she knew then that being a teacher would give her the opportunity to “witness the enthusiasm children have toward learning and playing.” Knowing she plays a role in fostering that enthusiasm for learning puts a smile on her face, which is how she comes to work each day!
Chris Greenfield
Assistant Teacher
Chris joined the Early Learning Center in February, 2022. She graduated from Temple University with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood/Child Care. She has been employed in Early Childhood Education for over 30 years. Her experience is with Kindergarteners in a school setting, as well as working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Child Care. Much of her hands on training comes from having two children of her own, too. Chris enjoys being with young children and encouraging them to be curious and learning through their play and everyday experiences. She looks forward to being a part of this journey with the children, their families, and the teachers here at the Early Learning Center.
Rebekah Fiori
Assistant Teacher
Rebekah joined the BCCC Early Learning Center in November of 2022. She graduated from Saint Joseph's University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor's in English and two Minors in Art & Italian. In August, she began her Graduate studies at Holy Family University where she is set to graduate with a Masters in the Initial Teacher Certification Program Pre-K-4th. Rebekah has previous experience working with toddlers and Pre-K aged children and enjoys outdoor activities and arts and crafts with the children.