Early Childhood Education Services prides itself on its caring, qualified, and experienced staff. Our staff consists of nurturing individuals who have a passion for Early Childhood Education and serving young children and families. We work hard to ensure every child is comfortable, engaged, and learning to the best of their abilities.
Meet the Hoosier Courts Staff
Administrative Staff
Xinrui Song, Director
- M.S. in communications design and multimedia from Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences
- B.S. in graphic design from Tsinghua University
- A.S. in early childhood education from Ivy Tech Community College
- Hoosier Courts staff member since 2015
Other interests: art, nature, spending time with children, traveling and teaching art and the Chinese language
"I love spending time with children, doing art, learning different languages, traveling all around the world, and getting to know different people and cultures.
I believe that the holistic development of a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs is what forms a solid foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing."
Angie Bowen, Office Assistant
- B.A. in criminal justice from both Northern Illinois University and Indiana University
- 25+ years of experience working with children and families in criminal justice, child services, and counseling fields
- Hoosier Courts Nursery staff member since 2007
Teaching Staff
Dara Groves, Co-Teacher
- B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University, with minors in History and Philosophy
Other interests: crafting (cross-stitch, coloring, jewelry making, soap making, and more!), cooking, reading, and hiking! I love finding new nature spots to explore.
"Hoosier Courts is a great preschool for encouraging kids to stay kids. There is a healthy mix of getting kids used to routines and following directions while still having fun and doing activities they enjoy and find interesting. I love that HC is focused on the children themselves and helping them explore the world."
Paige Halliday, Co-Teacher
- B.S. in elementary education (in progress), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Ivy Tech College, Bloomington, Indiana
- Early childhood education experience since 2014
- At Hoosier Courts since 2014
Other interests: baking, cooking, needle felting, drawing, watching TV and movies, and spending time with my fiancé and our cats.
"I believe that every child needs and deserves quality one-on-one care from the adult caregivers in their lives. Here at Hoosier Courts, we have the ability to give individual time to each child and to make children feel safe and unique. This quality of care is why I first fell in love with Hoosier Courts Nursery School."
Benjamin Lish, Co-Teacher
- B.A. in Cinema Studies and Screenwriting
- Hoosier Courts Nursery staff member since 2021
Other interests: Writing, being outdoors, taking care of animals, and reading.
"My philosophy is that children learn best in a place where they feel loved and accepted for all the little quirks that make them unique. I am proud to teach in a school that values supporting children as they grow at their own pace and in their own ways."
Amy Lovins, Co-Teacher
- B.S. in elementary education from Indiana University
- Experience in early childhood education with Head Start and Bloomington Montessori
- Hoosier Courts Nursery staff member since 2012
Other interests: spending time with her family, gardening, rock collecting, and reading
"I believe in fostering the classroom family. Together, we learn to care for ourselves, each other, our community, and our environment. With the help of our wonderful teaching team, we are able to provide a nurturing environment that supports the whole child"
Staci Walter, Co-Teacher
- B.S. in elementary education with a minor in special education from Indiana University
- Hoosier Courts Nursery staff member since 1992
Other interests: spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, camping, and shopping
Christina Younghans, Co-Teacher
- B.S. in early childhood education from Indiana University
- Hoosier Courts Nursery staff member since 2006
Other interests: baking, reading, spending time with my two children, discovering new art activities, and gardening.
"Hoosier Courts is a wonderful place that is made for children to guide their own learning. We are lucky enough to have our own playground available to us all day to use as another area to explore and learn from. Inside, children make choices about what activities line up with their interests."