Core Staff

Holly McFaul, UW-Whitewater Children's Center Director

Welcome to the Children's Center! I started at the Children's Center as Director in November 2009. Prior to my arrival at UW- Whitewater, I worked for 15 years as an early childhood educator with six and a half years as in administration at three other campus based children's centers. I hold a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan University and 42 post graduate credits in Early Childhood Education and Human Development from Pacific Oaks College and Oakland University. My areas of research interest are Non Traditional Families; Child Development from Birth to Three; Brain Development and the use of Multiple Intelligences and Strength Based assessment in Early Childhood Education.

Our family lives in Whitewater and consists of my husband Bryan and our high school aged daughter named Katharine Elise, who is a campus children's center graduate herself!

Peggy Lean, Program Assistant

Peggy began working with the Children's Center in Spring 2004. She has a vocational degree from WCTC.  She also is a proud mother of 3 very active girls.

Elizabeth Backes, Lead Infant Teacher (Three months and Up)

I am Elizabeth Backes and I am the lead teacher in the Little Hands room. I have been the lead teacher for 3 years, but I also worked as a TA for 4 years while I was a student, making my total time at the center 7 years. I graduated from UW-Whitewater in May of 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education (Early Childhood - Middle Childhood).

I am working on my Professional Development Plan to renew my license at this time. I am focusing on science in the toddler classroom. I am also interested in early brain development, social emotional development, and family/school relationships.

I grew up in Hartford, Wi with my mom, dad, and younger brother. Now I am living on my own in Jefferson. I enjoy going to hockey and baseball games, I have season tickets for the Milwaukee Admirals and a Brewers pack, so that is where you can find me most weekends!

Brittney Hagerty, Young Preschool Teacher (24 months and Up)

My name is Brittney Hagerty and I was born and raised in Monroe, WI. I transferred to UW-Whitewater after receiving an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I recently graduated in May with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Until recently I had been a teacher's assistant in the toddler and preschool room for two years. During the 2012 spring semester I was given the opportunity to co-teach four year old kindergarten.

During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to be outdoors a lot during the summer enjoying various activities. I like to go fishing, camping, and swimming. I also enjoy going for walks, reading a good book, and scrapbooking.

I am excited about working with you and your child. I welcome questions, comments, and concerns, so please do not hesitate to call or email. I am looking forward to a great summer and am eager to meet everyone!

Shannon Frye, Lead Teacher (Preschool - Thirty Months and Up)

My name is Shannon Frye and I am the toddler teacher here at UW-Whitewater Children's Center. My husband and I, along with our three children and two dogs, live here in Whitewater. I am originally from Indiana but I have also lived in Georgia and Pennsylvania. I have my Bachelor's degree in Elementary, Kindergarten, and Special Education from Ball State University. I also have a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Scranton. I have been a certified teacher in 4 different states and have worked in education for 14 years as an early childhood teacher, elementary teacher, and center director. In my free time I like to camp, travel, craft, read, and spend time with my family.

Dear 4 year old families! Welcome to 4K! We are so glad your child has come to join us and we are ready for an exciting year of exploration! My name is Ann Lamb. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, with a degree in education specializing in Pre K thru grade 3 which allows me spend quality time helping young children experience the wonderful things life has to offer. Prior to arriving at the UWW Children's Center I worked for the public schools and another NAEYC accredited program with age birth through school age. When I am not spending time with my husband and four sons at soccer games, I am out in the field or the show ring with one of my four Brittany's as a member of the Greater Milwaukee Brittany club. I also enjoy gardening, reading and spending time next to my garden pond listening to the quiet trickle of the waterfall.

My name is Tia Mohacsi and I am the toddler teacher here at UW-Whitewater Children's Center. I live in Darien with my husband and our two guinea pigs, Valerie and Winnie. I am originally from Michigan but I have also lived in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have my Bachelor's degree in elementary education (grades K - 5) with endorsements in early childhood (birth - age 8) and middle school language arts and mathematics (grades 6 – 8) from Central Michigan University. I have worked in child care and education for about six years as a live-in nanny, online test grader, private tutor, substitute teacher, assistant teacher, summer camp teacher, lead toddler teacher, lead preschool teacher, and lead 4K teacher. I like to travel, cook, do yoga, read, write poetry, sing, and watch sports.