Management and Staff

The professional staff at Small Steps – Big Strides has more than half a century of combined experience in childcare and education. Come meet the people who are dedicated to the well-being of your child!

Kelly Pollak

Executive Director

Our goal is to give your children equal parts of caring, discipline, fun, exploration, and challenge.

Small Steps – Big Strides Childcare is headed by Executive Director, Kelly Pollak,  a former finance management professional and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration.  Kelly followed her passion for children and their development by starting Small Steps – Big Strides.  While her duties are many, in the end, her main goal is ensuring that parents’ expectations are being met and exceeded daily.  Kelly is very enthusiastic about parental feedback and suggestions, and welcomes all communication.  You may reach her at kelly@smallsteps1.com.

Shelly Spence

Assistant Director at Stow

It gives me great pleasure to work with all age groups here at the center as they experience and see the world around them.

Shelly’s simplest pleasure is enjoying family time with her husband and two children, which may include “game night,” taking small trips, or having friends over for dinner.  Before becoming Assistant Director, Shelly was an early childhood education teacher for 34 years.  She loves all age groups, but thoroughly enjoyed her time with her preschool students.

Angie Kennedy

Assistant Director at Munroe Falls

There is no greater joy than being part of a child’s excitement as they learn how to spell their own name.

Angie holds an Associate’s degree in Applied Educational Technology and has been a childcare professional since 1992, continuously taking great pride in seeing children achieve their goals.  When not working, she enjoys spending time with her own family, including beach and camping excursions, reading, and listening to music.