**Please see the News & Events page for more information on the 2025-2026 school year.**
Stonybrook
Early Learning Center
Our Staff
The school is licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Human Services. The staff includes a director, 14 teachers, a morning floating teacher, an afternoon floating teacher and a music teacher. Many of the teachers have been with Stonybrook for over 10 years. All of the staff members are certified in first aid and CPR (per state regulations). Click on the room number to see classroom pictures!
Emily Obrovac-Director
This is Miss Emily's sixth year as the director at Stonybrook ELC. She comes from 14 years in Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools. She has 7 children, all of which have been at Stonybrook ELC over the past 11 years. She is most excited to see the kids each day, and watch them grow this year!
Janine Blackwell
Miss Janine has been with Stonybrook ELC since 2017. Some of her favorite hobbies are reading, crafting, cooking and hanging out with her daughter. Miss Janine says her favorite thing about teaching is "helping the kids learn and watching them grow."
Rebecca Pamer-Assistant Director
This is Miss Rebecca’s 4th year at Stonybrook, and this is her second year as the assistant director. She has her bachelor's degree in Special Education and taught k-3 in Atlanta, Georgia, and Richland County Ohio. She is a mom of 4 Gahanna Jefferson students. In her free time, she loves to be active and read. Miss Rebecca says her favorite thing about teaching is “watching her students confidence grow and them taking pride in their work.”
Elizabeth Trupp
Miss Elizabeth has been with Stonybrook ELC since 2017. She had a break last year from the classroom and subbed for us, and is excited to be back in the class room as an assistant in the afternoon class with Miss Janine!
Lori Winger
Miss Lori has been with Stonybrook ELC since 2010. Some of her favorite hobbies are spending time with family and gardening. Miss Lori says her favorite thing about teaching is simply "THE KIDS!"
Katie Martin
This is Katie’s second year as a full time assistant teacher. Katie has a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and previously worked as a trainer for a company based here in Columbus. She has 2 children both of which attended Stonybrook; Hugh and Barrett. She loves everything about being both a mom and a teacher and looks forward to spending the year watching and being a part of each child’s development.
Amy Girard
This is Miss Amy’s third year at Stonybrook. Previously, she has worked as a preschool teacher and a school counselor. Amy is excited to be back in the classroom working with children. She has three children that attend Gahanna schools and her youngest is also attending Stonybrook. Her family stays busy with hockey, basketball and volleyball. They also love family trips to Buckeye Lake and Lake Erie. Miss Amy loves standard poodles, reading, traveling and spending time making memories with her family.
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Kaitlyn Hawthorne
This is Miss Kaitlyn's sixth year as an assistant here at Stonybrook, and her first as a lead teacher to the younger 4's. She loves spending time with her family , watching action movies with her husband, and her cat. She also loves shopping at Target and drinking Starbucks! Miss Kaitlyn's favorite part of teaching is seeing how much fun the kids have learning!
**Miss Kaitlyn also teaches in the afternoon with Miss Lori!
Debbie Leickly
Miss Debbie has been with Stonybrook ELC since 2001. Some of her favorite hobbies are reading and spending time with family. Miss Debbie says her favorite thing about teaching is "seeing the excitement and smiles of the children everyday as they come into the classroom."
Leigh Plymale
This is Miss Leigh's sixth year at Stonybrook ELC, but she has taught preschool for 26 years! She has 4 of her own children and one grandson. Miss Leigh loves to hike and The Ohio State Buckeyes! She looks forward to coming in to school everyday to watch the children become independent learners.
April Kaufman
Hi I'm Miss April! This is my 1st year teaching at Stonybrook! My husband Jason and I live in Gahanna with our two kids Eli & Lily and dog Holly! I love slow mornings with my cup of coffee, the Lake, and Fall 🍁
Gracie Travers
This is Ms. Gracie’s second year at Stonybrook. When she’s not teaching sat school you can find her at the Hockey Rink coaching all ages from U8-U14! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, and friends. Miss. Gracie’s favorite thing about working with children is connecting with them and the way they always having a reason to laugh.
Dinah Babcanec
Miss Dinah is entering her fourth year at Stonybrook ELC. Some of her favorite hobbies are golf, hot yoga, walking her dog, and traveling with her husband and two children. She looks forward to seeing the kids every day and especially loves watching them grow and become more independent throughout the year.
Shelly Erwin
This is Shelly’s first year working as an assistant teacher at Stonybrook. She has experience working with students of all ages, and is especially fond of working with preschoolers— you never know what they’re going to say! Shelly has three daughters, and her youngest is currently attending Stonybrook. In her free time, Shelly loves to travel.