The Wooden Ladder Preschool Program Director, teachers and assistants are experienced, cheerful and loving. They welcome your visits, participation and comments.
Program Lead Teacher Assistant Teacher(s)
Wooden Ladder 2 Thursday JoAnn Gorman Barbara Pukylo
2-3 Years Linda Booth
Wooden Ladder 2 Friday Brigid McDonagh Barbara Pukylo
2-3 Years Linda Booth
(Pending Enrollment)
Wooden Ladder 3 JoAnn Gorman Barbara Pukylo
3-4 Years
Wooden Ladder 4 Brigid McDonagh Barbara Stroyne
4-5 Years
Louise Sonnet is The Wooden Ladder Preschool Program Director
- Linda Booth - Linda, an Avonworth graduate, attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She ran a daycare in her home and has worked as a merchandiser for American Greetings. Linda and her husband Bob have two daughters, Nicole and Bethany, and two grandchildren.
- JoAnn Gorman - JoAnn and her family have been residents of Ben Avon for over twenty years. JoAnn attended Lock Haven State College for Elementary Education. She is active both educationally and socially in the community and has served as Vice President of the Avonworth PTA, President of the Avon Club and the co-founder of the Avonworth Summer Academy. She has served on the Avonworth School Board and has chaired the Curriculum Committee for the Avonworth School District. JoAnn and her husband James have three children, Matthew, Christine and Laura.
- Brigid McDonagh – Brigid, an Avonworth graduate, has a degree in Elementary Education from Grove City College. She and her family reside in Emsworth. Brigid has worked as a preschool teacher for the North Boroughs YMCA in their Y-Tots and School Aged Child Care programs. She also has worked for the Avonworth School District as a Kindergarten and 1st grade Special Education Aide, 2nd grade long-term substitute and Pre-Kindergarten teacher in the Summer Studies program. Brigid and her husband Joe are raising three children, Deirdre, Mairead and Joseph.
- Barbara Pukylo - Barbara graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation. She has worked for Mercy Hospital's Child Development Program for eight years and trained adults with disabilities to work as teacher's aides in childcare centers throughout Allegheny County. Barb and her husband Brian have two children, Justin and Sarah, and live in Ohio Township.
- Louise Sonnet – Louise graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She worked for many years with mentally challenged children at the Idlewood Children’s Center and the Association for Retarded Citizens. She also was an assistant manager at the Mothercare maternity store. Louise and her husband Robert have two children, Eric and Rachel. Both children are Wooden Ladder graduates!
- Barbara Stroyne – Barbara graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. She has served as a Director/Teacher for Northminster Preschool and as a Family Literacy Liaison for the Northgate School District. Barbara and husband Ray have three daughters, Mindy, Megan and Casey.
The Board of Directors
Listed below are the members of the Wooden Ladder Board of Directors:
President Gail Bernauer
Directors Jane Angelini, Sandi Nusskern, Jennifer Pacione, Kristin Schleis
Katie Simmons
