Tamara Hammer
Tamara Hammer, President/Owner
I have cherished my work in this industry. My journey in Early Childhood began in 1997 when I started a Family Child Care Center in my home along with my two children, Tamara’s Tiny Tots. During this time in my home, I was able to complete my Degree in Early Childhood Education. After many requests to grow, I expanded to a Group Child Care Center in my home. My Center was very successful. In 2003, my children were getting older than daycare age so I decided it was time to move my Center out of my home. I opened Creative Learning Center in September 2003. My dream is to guide and educate all the children in my care. We have many different programs going on during the day. We have partnered with many agencies in the Early Intervention Field which will help us help your child reach their highest potential in early childhood development and learning. Thank you for your interest in our Center.
Big Mike
Big Mike, Vice President/Owner
Big Mike worked along with Miss Tamara in their home daycare “Tamara’s Tiny Tots.” He volunteered his time at the Center on his days off from his primary job. Big Mike also assisted Miss Tamara when “Tamara’s Tiny Tots” moved out of their home to the Creative Learning Center of the Lehigh Valley Inc. Big Mike has retired from his primary job and is working full time at CLCLV. Big Mike wears many hats at CLCLV from billing & receiving, ordering, overseeing the Food Program by making sure quality food is ordered, serving sizes are appropriate for each age group, maintenance, helping in the classroom when needed in both Forks and Palmer Centers. He is cherished by the children, parents, and staff.
Jennifer Brittain
Jennifer Brittain, Forks Director
My name is Jennifer Brittain and my passion has always been working with children. Immediately upon entering school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and continued to aspire as such. In December 2006, I graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Social Studies. In July 2007, I accepted a teaching position in Crisfield, Maryland. While teaching, in August 2014, I completed my Master’s Degree in ESL Education. In September 2014, I welcomed my son, Jacob, into the world. By the end of the school year, I decided to move back to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. In October 2015, I became the ESL Teacher at the Arts Academy Elementary School in Allentown. After a budget layoff in April, I took time off to be a stay-at-home mom. By August 2017, I welcomed my daughter, Jaylynn, into the world. In April 2018, I was given the amazing opportunity to become an Infant/Young Toddler Teacher. The experiences and knowledge I gained were indescribable and the bonds created are irreplaceable. In August of this year, I took on the responsibility of becoming the Director of the Creative Learning Center of the Lehigh Valley in Forks Township. My educational philosophy is embedded with the ideology that all children are lifelong learners. Every child has the ability to be successful and we as educators have the responsibility to provide the most nurturing, structured, and supportive environment possible to allow all children to thrive.
Kayla Blank
Kayla Hammer, Palmer Director
My name is Kayla Hammer; I have worked in childcare since I was a sophomore in high school. Growing up I always knew that education was my passion. I started working in a daycare setting as a part-time employee. I eventually worked my way up to being a full-time lead teacher. I worked in every classroom from Infant to Preschool. During my time as a teacher, I went back to school at Drexel University. I finished my bachelor’s degree in Elementary—education, Prek-4th grade. I then was given a promotion to become the director at the center. I have been the Center director since 2017. I take pride in everything this center has accomplished. I have worked hard to have good staff morale, retention and rebuilding the center after the pandemic. My goal is to have a center that feels like a family unit and where my employees love and enjoy their jobs, and the kids love being here. I’ve recently decided to dive more into education and have returned to school for my master’s in education at East Stroudsburg University. Outside of work, I am a mom; I have two beautiful children. My husband and I love to travel and explore. We enjoy outdoor living. We are also Philly fanatics and love going to all Philly-related sporting events.
