The best way to inspire lifelong learning is to have lifelong learners be the guides. U-GRO teachers are committed to the early education experience because they believe so strongly in it. They are constantly engaging their own sense of wonder and curiosity. They never stop learning new things themselves.
Here's an example of one of our great educators sharing a love of learning with our children.
2025 Teacher of the Year: Charlene Hough! As a Lead Teacher in a Toddlers classroom, Charlene’s passion is evident every day. “I’ve always enjoyed the enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy children bring. Being able to teach, nurture, and care for them while working with families is incredibly rewarding.” She creates a joyful, enriching space where toddlers thrive. “I hope they develop confidence to explore, creativity, and a love for learning with their friends.”
Our teachers are backed by a dedicated group of education experts and support teams, all working to create great classroom experiences.
Dr. Johnna Weller leads all aspects of Learning Care’s educational vision and mission, focused on excellence in teaching and curriculum, along with high-quality learning environments and experiences for all children and families. Dr. Weller’s background encompasses more than 30 years as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, and Assistant Superintendent. She has taught graduate courses and served as a consultant in several school districts, as well as with various state and national committees related to the Common Core State Standards. Weller holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, plus a B.S. in Education and a M.Ed. in Reading from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She also earned a certification in Curriculum Supervision for K-12 from St. Joseph’s University and a Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University.
Dr. Obarow leads quality assurance of LCG’s education programs and the processes to measure their impact and quality, including LCG Education Quality Indicators (EQIs) and external accreditation. She has more than 25 years of ECE experience as a teacher, school principal, K-12 administrator, coordinator of federal programs, and college professor.
Renee Thompson leads the vision and design of educational programming at Learning Care. After graduating from Towson University with a B.S. degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, she was a public and private school teacher and center director and has led curriculum design teams since 2011. She has developed comprehensive, standards-based curricula for infants to elementary school students, with a focus on embedded teacher training.
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