<< Our Staff

Meet our exceptional team!

Our educators create a supportive and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.

With a passion for fostering creativity and confidence, they ensure every child feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Meet our exceptional team!

Our educators create a supportive and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. With a passion for fostering creativity and confidence, they ensure every child feels valued and empowered to succeed!

Our Staff >>

Heidi Groves

Director

Erica Langhals

Director

Heidi Groves

Director

Meet our Director, Heidi Groves!

Heidi is from Findlay and has two children. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. Heidi has a degree in Early Childhood Education and more than 25 years of experience working in childcare. She has a variety of skills and knowledge in administration, case management, and teaching. We are so excited to welcome Heidi to our Little Panthers Family!

Erica Langhals

Director

Hello! I am Erica Langhals.

I live in Columbus Grove with my husband and our 1.5 year old daughter. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have known I wanted to work with kids since I was in elementary school. I have worked at multiple daycares throughout college and taught preschool for 4 years! When I am not working, I am spending time with family and friends, playing outside with my daughter, or looking up new activities to keep children engaged in learning!

I look forward to being apart of Little Panthers Learning Center and working with you and your children!

Aryana Gonzalez

Director/Explorer’s Lead Teacher

Carly Kuhlman

Operations Specialist

Molly Smith

Pre-K Lead Teacher

Ashley Conkle

4 Year Old Preschool Lead Teacher

Olivia Babcock

3 Year Old Preschool Lead Teacher

Chelsey Crouse

Climber’s Lead Teacher

Ashley Rood

Nursery Lead Teacher

Brittan Vela

Assistant Teacher

Malorie Schroeder

Assistant Teacher

Aryana Gonzalez

Director/Explorer’s Lead Teacher

Hi there! My name is Aryana Gonzalez and I am the new lead teacher for the Explorers at LPLC!

A little bit about me… I was born and raised in Findlay, OH. I graduated from the University of Findlay where I majored in Early Childhood Education. While I was at UF I earned my Bachelor of Science degree. Not only am I a Findlay Trojan alum, but I also had the opportunity to be a part of the Findlay City School district staff! I taught 2nd grade for 3 years prior to taking on this new position! Although I enjoyed my experience with my 2nd graders, it was time I expand my knowledge and skills with a different age group! When this position became available I was very eager to join this team.

When I’m not teaching or in the classroom, I like to do a variety of activities. Some days I like to stay in and watch Disney+ or Netflix with a good blanket and snacks! Other days I like to be outside in the sun, going on a walk or going to different places! However, no matter the weather my all time favorite activity will always be shopping! Aside from my activities, most times I enjoy being with my family and friends. I am very excited to be starting this new journey! I look forward to meeting you and your littles soon! We will learn, grow, and succeed together as one!

Carly Kuhlman

Operations Specialist

Hi everyone! My name is Carly Kuhlman. I live in Ottawa with my husband, Jake.

My parents, Keith and Lisa Alt, are the owners of Little Panthers Learning Center. I am getting into the family business to help out my parents and learn as much as I can! I am very interested in the childcare world and extremely happy that my family and all of our amazing staff members are able to help out the community by providing a childcare center and preschool to McComb!

I do have my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and am continuing to work as a registered nurse at St. Rita’s Medical Center while I work here as well. I am so excited to meet all of you and your kiddos!

Molly Smith

Pre-K Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Molly Smith and I reside in Deshler, Ohio with my husband Clint and our four cats (Bella, Joyce, Fluff and Munchkin.)

I was born and raised in Deshler but moved to Findlay for a couple years and was brought back to be in Deshler when I met my husband. I have been teaching Pre-K for the last 5 years and working in childcare for the last 7 years! Back in 2020 I received my Child Development Associate in Preschool and I continue to expand my knowledge to childcare. I am also a Figure Skating Coach with Findlay Silver Blades Figure Skating Club that allows me to wear many different hats within the club. I am a Group Lesson Instructor, Synchronized Skating Coach, Private Coach, and Ice Show Director. I have been apart of this club since 2004 when I first joined as a young child, and grew up to finding the joy in coaching.

I guess you could say my passion is helping and caring for children and watching them accomplish their goals and achievements. Then when I’m not in the classroom or ice rink, you can catch me behind the camera capturing some memorable moments for the athletes at Patrick Henry and surrounding schools. One thing that I know is, how much a small community becomes your family. That is what excites me for working at the Little Panthers Learning Center in McComb. Community means everything and I can’t wait to be apart of this community by helping your children grow and learn as they come in through our front doors.

Ashley Conkle

4 Year Old Preschool Lead Teacher

Hi all! My name is Ashley Conkle.

I am 36 years old. I was born and raised in Findlay which is where I currently reside with my children as well. I am a mother to 4 very active children. Brielle (13 years old), Cameron ( 5 years old), Dominic (2 years old), and Ezra (2 months old).

In my limited free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading a good book, and family movie night. I am so excited to be teaching Preschool 4’s! I have been teaching to some capacity for 18 years now. I have dedicated a huge part of my life and time to serving children. It is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. I look forward to getting to know my students and building a strong relationship with each one of them at Little Panthers Learning Center.

Olivia Babcock

3 Year Old Preschool Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Olivia Babcock, I am 23 years old!

I currently reside in McComb which I’ve also grew up my entire life. I graduated from McComb High School in 2019. Then in 2022 from Stautzenberger College in the field of Early Childhood Education. I’ve twirled for 16 years and I’m currently the Majorette Coach for McComb!

I’m blessed to be surrounded by my loving parents, younger brother, supportive boyfriend, adorable nephew, and amazing friends. It’s going to be a pleasure to meet everyone! Go Panthers!

Chelsey Crouse

Climber’s Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Chelsey Crouse, I am 22 years old.

I currently live right outside of McComb in Deshler! I was born and raised just outside of town! I am a 2020 graduate from McComb. I also just finished college! I have a major in Business Administration and a minor in Human Resource Management!

I am a mother to a 1.5 year old boy, Jamere, who will also be attending Little Panthers! I started working in childcare about 5 1/2 years ago because I have a passion of helping others! I love watching children grow and meet different milestones. I also was going to school for teaching but soon changed my major to something I knew my heart could take a little bit better!

In my free time, I love to relax, hang out with friends and family, make crafts, and do fun memorial things with my son! I am extremely excited to start my position as the “Climbers” teacher (12-18 months) with Little Panther Learning Center! I can’t wait to watch your littles grow! Here’s to a great year!

Ashley Rood

Nursery Lead Teacher

Hi all, my name is Ashley Rood.

I was born and raised right outside of McComb, where I currently reside with my 5 wonderful children. Kohl (17 years old), Sawyer (14 years old), Grace (9 years old), Barret (8 years old), and Magnolia (6 months old).

I have a great passion for helping children thrive. I have dedicated a huge part of my life serving children and families. I started my interest in childcare in high school. I then went on to be the breastfeeding peer for the Ohio WIC program for the last 13 years. Helping moms and their babies meet their feeding goals.

I’m very blessed to be back in childcare. I can’t wait to help your infants with meeting their milestones. In my free time, I love to cook and bake, make memories with my fiancé, and relax. I’m very excited to start my position as the nursery teacher with the Little Panthers Learning Center. I can’t wait to meet you and your little one!

Tara Durain

Assistant Teacher

Tara Durain

Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Miss Tara!

Brittan Vela

Assistant Teacher

Hi there, my name is Brittan or as the kids like to call me, Miss Britt.

I am 30 years old, have 3 kiddos of my own and have resided in McComb for the past 3 years. I have been working in early childhood education for a little over 10 years with a small 4 year break to venture into the medical field.

I am beyond grateful to be able to work with the kids here at LPLC and share my passion of teaching. I am so excited to be here!

Malorie Schroeder

Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Malorie Schroeder.

Here’s a little bit about me! Following graduation from McComb High School I continued my academic and athletic career at Owens Community College in Perrysburg Ohio. After being apart of the 2022 Women’s Basketball National Championship team and graduating with an Associates degree in Arts and Education, I then transferred to Bowling Green State University. I am currently one year away from earning my Bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

I have worked in licensed childcare for almost three years. However, I am thrilled to be apart of the Little Panthers Learning Center team. Following graduation I will be joining the team full time. I simply can’t wait to begin this new journey in the community I call home. I’m excited to watch and serve our children in ways for them to grow and overcome developmental milestones!

Marty Aller

Assistant Teacher

Madison Schumaker

After School Teacher

Marty Aller

Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Marty!

A Mom to 7 kids and Grandma to 11 + many others. I have been a foster parent for 38 years and have had around 200 kids in and out of our home. I love spending time with the "littles." I look forward to caring for your little ones!

Addisen Krassow

After School Teacher

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Madison Schumaker

After School Teacher

Hi! My name is Madison Schumaker and I am an after school teacher!

I'm currently enrolled in Teaching Professions to further my education and take part in both the band and drumline programs at my school. I love teaching and I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work with all the kids at Little Panthers!

Addisen Krassow

After School Teacher

Hi! My name is Addisen Krassow!