"Where fun and learning come together"
At Your Guardian Angel Preschool and Child Care we strive to provide a positive environment enriched with developmentally and age appropriate opportunities guided by caring and nurturing teachers and friends. We accept every child as the unique individual that they are, and will guide them through environmental exploration, creative play, and pre-education by providing the best child care possible.
Our Family
Chris/ Nichol
Bilbay
Owners/ Operators
We have owned and operated Your Guardian Angel Preschool and Childcare for over 16 years. With the help of Chris's mom and Nichol's mother-in-law, we renovated an old apartment behind our now house into a childcare center. We watched our business struggle the first year with less than ten kids, but then double enrollment the second year. We steadily had children enter our program over the years, then in 2015, we purchased an existing center in Jersey Shore. We experienced great growth in Jersey Shore, and after a year of competing against ourselves in our first center, we combined the two centers into the one in Jersey Shore. In 2018, we then purchased our second center in Lock Haven and watched the Lock Haven site grow into the full capacity that it now is. We pride ourselves in treating all of our employees and clientele as family. Educationally, Chris has his Bachelor's in Early Childhood. Nichol has her Bachelor's in Early Childhood and a Master's in Teaching and Learning. Personally, we have seven children plus we are foster parents when the need arises.
Ashley
Hennessy
PreK Counts assistant teacher
Jersey Shore
Hello my name is Ashley Hennessy. I was the assistant teacher in the one Jersey Shore PreK Counts classroom in the Jersey Shore Your Guardian Angel, then I was the supervisor in Lock Haven, until I decided I wanted to go back to the classroom. This is why I am back in the PreK Counts classroom. I have been with this center about 6 years now. In that time I have finished my associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Pennsylvania College of Technology. I then began working towards my Bachelor’s degree in that same field, and I have since finished this!! I LOVE shopping, spending time with family, and my son, Liam. He keeps me on my toes and very, very busy! He's all Boy! We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Liam’s baby sister in December 2022. I love my job and enjoy coming to work each day! I am so grateful to be able to be a part of the growth and learning of our kids; it is so rewarding seeing them accomplish and learn new things!
Steph Grow
Director
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Steph, and I joined the Your Guardian Angel team in June of 2018. I started in the school age room over the summer then became the assistant PreK Counts teacher in the one PreK Counts in Jersey Shore. I am now the director of the Jersey Shore center. I have my Associate’s in Early Childhood Education, and when I’m not at the center either with PreK Counts or wrap around kiddos, I spend my time as a volunteer firefighter for the area. One of the many unspoken heroes in the area.
Becky
Seaman
Infant/ Toddler
Teacher
Jersey Shore
My name is Becky Seaman, and I have been working in childcare since this center used to be Wonder Years forever ago. I have my CDA credential and absolutely love spending time in the classroom. Before childcare, I spent time as a missionary. When not working, I love to spend time with my children and grandchildren.
Julia Smith
Assistant teacher two’s
Jersey Shore
My name is Julia Smith and I am an assistant teacher in the two’s room in Jersey Shore. In my short time at the center I have learned a lot from my co teachers. I look forward to learning more and furthering my
Theresa Ann Buhala Ickes
PreK teacher
Jersey Shore
My name is Theresa and I am an Prek teacher in Jersey hore parent paid classroom. I have my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and I’m hoping to get my Early Childhood Certification soon. After working 5 years at the Nurtury in Woolrich as the director and teacher, I came to Your Guardian Angel two years ago looking to get back in to the field. After starting at the YGA, I found out that I had breast cancer and ended up being off for several months, but then came back into the family about a year later. I look forward to helping the center grow and prosper moving forward with my experience and background.
Alyssa Lucas
Supervisor
Lock Haven
My name is Alyssa and I am the supervisor in Lock Haven. I came to Your Guardian Angel the summer of 2018 after graduating high school and actually got to join my younger siblings that came to the center. Over the time I have been at the center I have gained great knowledge and skills and I have my CDA and recently got my school age credential. I plan to further my education more and have become a great asset to the center.
Jennifer Hoover
Floating teacher
Lock Haven
My name is Jennifer and I am a floating teacher. I have worked at a couple different childcare centers prior to coming to Your Guardian Angel. I get to bring my daughter and son with me to the center, which is an added bonus. I hope to bring my experience into the classroom to help mold our young children.
Pamala Friese
PreK Counts assistant
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Pam and I have been in the Your Guardian Angel family since it was in its South Avis location. I worked in South Avis for 5 years, then took a litle time off with my two children before coming back to the family. I have my CDA and I float from class to class as needed at both centers. It takes a special someone to be able or float to all of the rooms between both centers. I hope to bring my many years of experience and my education to both centers and help mold the family friendly atmosphere that Your Guardian Angel thrives on. I just started as a supervisor in Lock Haven, and I’m hoping to bring my many years with YGA to the center.
Ashley Kline
Toddler teacher
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Ashley and I am a toddler room teacher in Lock Haven. I am the mother of a fun loving toddler who gets to come to come to work with me everyday. I have my CDA and years of experience. In my free time I love taking pictures, especially of my beautiful daughter.
Noel Young
Executive assistant
My name is Miss Noel and I am the executive assistant with Your Guardian Angel and Bilbay Enterprises LLC. I Finalized my CDA, and I’m getting ready to start furthering my education from there. I have three children that all get to come to the center with me which is another bonus. I look forward to helping Your Guardian Angel expand their caring and nurturing family both in Jersey Shore.
Onalee Steves
Toddler teacher
Jock Haven
My name is Miss Onalee and I was the baby room teacher in Lock Haven before moving to an assistant PreK Counts teacher in Lock Haven and now the toddler teacher in Lock Haven. I have my Associate’s in Early Childhood and look forward to bringing my experience and degree to the Lock Haven center. I also have five children of my own that will be coming to the center with me.
Doreen Hevner
PreK
teacher
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Doreen and I am the PreK teacher. I have been the PreK teacher for many years and I absolutely love what I do. I have my CDA and I love being in the classroom helping prepare our young children for kindergarten. I can be found found down on the floor with the kiddos daily playing and socializing with my friends.
Kymberly Rishel
Floater
teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Kym and I started at the childcare center in the spring of 2019. I was still in high school and would get out for a half day co op. I have since them graduated, and love being able to work where my daughter goes to school. I love teaching and I can’t wait to further my education and career in this field.
Sarah Merryman
Prek Counts teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Sarah and I am one of the PreK Counts teachers in Lock Haven. I have 7 years of experience in childcare including 1 year at Head Start in Pittsburgh. I have my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and have proven myself to be a valuable asset to our Your Guardian Angel family.
Christy Turner
Prek Counts assistant teacher
Jersey Shore
I am Miss Christy and I am one of the PreK Counts assistant teachers in Jersey Shore. I have years upon years of experience and have proven myself to be a valuable asset to our Your Guardian Angel family. I have my CDA and have taught in centers and at Head Start. When I’m not working I like to spend time with my family which includes my grandson that gets to come with me to the center.
Ashley Merryman
One year old room teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Ashley and I am one of the one year old teachers in Lock Haven. I have years of childcare experience and recently joined the team when my sister, Miss Sarah, mentioned the need for teachers with such an increasing enrollment at the center. I am currently on maternity leave enjoying my beautiful baby but look forward to when I return soon. I am currently pursuing my CDA and hope to obtain that soon.
Aerial Hill
Toddler room teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Aerial and I am a toddler teacher. I am also a prep person for meals and snacks. I’ve been with Your Guardian Angel since the fall and look forward to continuing my time and career with the family. I am currently taking my CDA.
Courtney Wheeler
Assistant PreK Counts teacher
Jersey Shore
I am Miss Courtney, and I was an assistant PreK Counts teacher in Lock Haven before transferring to Jersey Shore as an Assistant PreK Counts teacher there. I have my Associate’s in Early Childhood Education. I am currently taking classes to get my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a free spirit and an amazing artist with a friendly attitude which helps me to bond with the children no matter where I am. I am married with three children, one that gets to be at the center in Jersey Shore with me, then twins in middle school.
Marissa Tibbens
PreK Counts teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Marissa, and I am the second PreK Counts teacher in Lock Haven. I graduated college in the spring of 2019 and now I have my own classroom as of fall 2019. I absolutely love teaching, love my children, and love my class. I have my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, and I plan to start my Master’s in the fall. When I’m not in the classroom, I like to spend time with friends, family, and pets.
Lizzi Sanders
Supervisor
Lock Haven
I am Miss Elizabeth, aka Miss Lizzi, and I am the supervisor in Lock Haven. I have been working for about two years, but I have come in strong proving myself daily. I love what I do and I have obtained my CDA. I am married and when I’m not at work I like to spend time with my husband and kids.
Kristi Long Burgin
assistant PreK Counts teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Kristi and I am the other assistant PreK Counts teacher in the downstairs PreK Counts in Lock Haven. I have my Associate’s degree and years of experience in childcare. I love what I do and can’t wait to get to work each and every day. When I’m not at work I love to spend time with my family.
Kate Wachter Dunlap
PreK Counts teacher
Jersey Shore
I am Miss Kate and I was an assistant PreK Counts teacher in Lock Haven before transferring to Jersey Shore as a lead PreK Counts teacher. I grew up in Jersey Shore and have an older sister Jen and two younger brothers Jim and Nick. I have 6 nephews and 1 niece. I married Chad Dunlap and have three daughters: Kylie, Kally, and Kendall; and a grandson Caiden. I graduated from high school in 1993, and then attended Edinburg University where I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood. I started working at Lycoming a Child Care as an assistant in Jersey Shore area in 1998 then moved up to site supervisor at Nippenose Elem program before moving to Salladasburg where I remained for several years. I also worked as a substitute teacher in the Jersey Shore School District and South Williamsport School District. I then moved to a full time position at a Clinton PreK as a lead teacher. I then decided to go back to substituting in order to volunteer in my children’s classrooms where I’ve been the past five years. This then brought me here at the beginning of the 2019 school year.
Leanne Hill
Preschool teacher
Jersey Shore
I am Miss Leanne and I am the preschool room teacher in Jersey Shore. I was in the baby room, but my spunky personality moved me to the older children. I am a fun loving, free spirit and comes through daily when working in my room, whether it be fun crafts, obstacle courses, or dance parties. I obtained my CDA. When not working I love spending time with my husband and three kids.
Jess Sholder
baby room teacher
Jersey Shore
I am Miss Jess and I am a teacher in the baby/ young ones room. I love being at work with all of our wonderful families. I recently my CDA credential. When not at work I love spending time with my children.
Sierra Hanley
Prek Counts assistant
Lock Haven
I am Miss Sierra and I used to work at YGA, but then took some time off to be with family before returning to the center recently. I am a prek counts teacher in Lock Haven. when I am not at work I love being with my husband, babies, and dog. I recently received my CDA.
Kathryn Mccloskey
Twos teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Kathryn and I work at the Lock Haven center. I was a floater, then school age and now am moving to the twos room. I used to only work in the afternoons; however, am transitioning to all day working.
Jen Bilbay
toddler teacher
Lock Haven
I am Miss Jen and I worked at the Jersey Shore center in the younger toddler room until recently transferring to Lock Haven. I have my CDA in Infant and toddlers. I used to work in a different field, but I have truly found my calling when I started at the center. I absolutely love coming to see the children every day.
Alex Jackson
Maintenance
I am Mr. Alex and I am maintenance at both centers. You will see me fixing things and adjusting things at each center throughout the week. When I'm not at the center I like to hang with my wife and coach football at Jersey Shore high school.
Kelly Schweikart
school age teacher
Jersey Shore
I am Miss Kelly and I am a school age teacher. I used to work at another center for several years before relocating to YGA recently. I am almost done with my CDA. When not at work I like to go the races with my son. husband, and friends.
Sarah Shawver
preschool teacher
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Sarah and I am the preschool teacher. I have two childre that I get to bring to work with me. I am currently taking my CDA and will put my learnings to work in the classroom.
Gina Allison
Ones teacher
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Gina and I was hired in Jersey Shore. I’m new to childcare but have quickly found my nitch and love of children.
Bryant Johnson
Preschool teacher
Jersey Shore
My name is Mr. Bryant and I am an assistant preschool teacher. I like spending time with my wife and three children. I will soon be starting my CDA.
Tiffani Hope
wrap around/ floater
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Tiff and I mainly work in the afternoons in the prek counts wrap around or floating to whichever room is needed. I recently got married and I'm loving the newlywed life. I am currently taking my CDA and am awaiting putting my education into use.
Zoey Stroup
floater
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Zoey and I am a floating teacher in Lock Haven. I like being able to go from classroom to classroom to get to know all of the children.
Skye Hamm
preschool assistant
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Skye and I am the assistant teacher in the younger preschool room in Jersey Shore. I am currently taking classes to obtain my CDA. When not at work I like to spend time with my pets and boyfriend.
Nicole Rice
toddler teacher
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Nicole and I am an assistant teacher in the young toddler room. I currently have one child that I love hanging out with and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my second. I am currently taking classes to obtain my CDA.
Morgan Coleman
Prek Counts
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Morgan and I am one of the assistant teachers in the upstairs Prek Counts classroom in Lock Haven. I have my associates degree in Early Childhood Education and have just started classes to obtain my Bachelor's degree. When I'm not teahing or doing classes, I love spending time with my beautiful daughter that comes to the center with me.
Grace Remick
floater
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Grace and I work part time at the Lock Haven center. I get to see all of the children as I float from room to room and fill in as needed.
Emma Bressler
Prek Counts
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Emma and I am the lead teacher in the one Prek Counts room in Jersey Shore. I have my bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, and I currently am taking my master's classes.
Amber Koch
school age / baby room
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Amber and I am a school age teacher and fill in in the baby room. I recently received my CDA, which is a huge accomplishment as I just started at the center. I have four children that I love to hang out with both at the center and at home.
Gauge Bilbay
floater
Jersey Shore/ Lock Haven
My name is Mr. Gauge and I recently started at the centers. I am becoming accustomed to both of the centers and learning the ropes so I know what childcare is about.
Mykenzi Kanski
floater
Jersey Shore
My name is Miss Mykenzi and I am a floater in Jersey Shore. I worked here previously, but left for a short time before coming back with my family
Rosa Wagner
floater
Lock Haven
My name is Miss Rosa and I float to whatever and wherever is needed in Lock Haven. I adjust to whatever each day brings upon me