Staff
Meet our amazing staff!
Sarah Stoliker
Director, Owner
Mrs. Stoliker is the owner and director of First School. She has been serving Manhattan for over fifteen years!
Mrs. Stoliker is married and has one son. Her son is a senior at Cedarville University studying finance, music, and the German language. She also has two pet chickens!
Fran Paluga
Assistant Director
Mrs. Paluga is the assistant director of First School. She has been working with children since her youngest son started school. She has worked as a paraprofessional and was a preschool teacher for twelve years!
Mrs. Paluga is married with three children. She has two boys and one girl. When she is not at work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and gardening at home!
Sandi Broski
Head Teacher of Two's Classroom
Mrs. Broski is the head teacher of the two year olds. She has been working in early childhood for 38 years. She holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Broski also has a level 1 Director’s Credential from the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development System.
Mrs. Broski is married with two grown children. She and her husband are recently empty nesters. She enjoys spending time with her family, birdwatching, and playing games!
Emma Scaletta
Head Teacher of Toddlers
Ms. Scaletta is the head teacher of the School Age classroom at First School. She has a lot of experience with children of all ages. She has taught preschool and third grade reading and writing. She has also been a nanny and coached cheerleading for preschool through fourth graders. Ms. Scaletta also has three younger siblings ages three through nine.
Ms. Scaletta’s other hobbies include reading, writing, and baking. She is an animal lover as she has a dog and many chickens. She also works as a farrier in her spare time. She loves horses!
Jacky Cisneros
Assistant Teacher
Hello, my name is Jacqueline Cisneros but I go by Ms. C or Ms. Cisneros. I have been working with children since 2018, but eventually I plan on perusing a career in Radiology.
I have a wonderful son named Roman who is 3 years old. When I’m not at First School, you can catch me Reading, fishing or outside playing a fun game with Roman!
Kaitlyn Adams
Head Teacher of PreK-1
Ms. Adams is the head teacher of PreK-1. She has worked in early childhood education for four years. She has her Child Development Associate’s Credential. She is excited to further her education in the early childhood field!
Ms. Adams lives with her family and two dogs. In her free time, she loves to spend time outdoors, go to the movies, and explore new places!
Ms. Gutierrez
My name is Aaliyah Gutierrez. Throughout my high school years, I was enrolled in child development and early childhood development courses. I am also the mommy to a 2-year-old little girl who also attends here at First School! I do like to travel the world and see/explore new states/cites. When I am not traveling, I like to go shopping!
Tanesha Thompson
Cook
My name is Tanesha. I’m a creative person. I live to write, read, make candles, sing, do poetry and spend plenty of time in nature. I value self-care and self-love. I love children. I’m here to serve. I’ve mostly held customer service positions where I have always sat down. I appreciate the moving around.