Staff Directory

Gail Zwaska, known to students and families as “Mrs. Zwaska” or “Mrs. Z,” serves as the Head Teacher for the New Adventures PlayLab at the Batavia Park District. In her role, she plans and leads engaging STEAM-based activities in a classroom setting for children ages three to five, fostering curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. Gail brings 25 years of experience in early childhood education, including the past three years as a Head Teacher at New Horizons Preschool. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement, as well as a Master of Arts for Teachers in Theatre and Special Education, which shape her dynamic, inclusive, and developmentally responsive approach to teaching.

Miss Kielion serves as a teacher in the 4-Day 4s Program at New Horizons Preschool, where she is a Lead Teacher supporting children in their final preschool year. She works collaboratively with her co-lead teacher and assistant teachers to plan and implement a consistent, supportive curriculum across two classrooms. In her classroom, Miss Kielion creates a welcoming and engaging environment where children feel confident, valued, and excited to learn. Her play-based approach emphasizes social and emotional development, builds self-esteem, and encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and independence as students prepare for kindergarten and beyond. She brings several years of experience working with children, including more than two years as a classroom teacher, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Special Education and a minor in Learning Children’s Technology from Iowa State University.

Amy Chaney serves as the Lead Teacher at New Horizons Preschool, a play-based early learning program, where she creates a classroom environment filled with joy, discovery, and wonder for a group of three-year-old children. In her role, Amy is responsible for leading a safe, engaging, and inspiring classroom that supports each child’s individual growth and development. She brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, with a background that includes classroom instruction, curriculum development, and child-centered program management. Amy has worked with children across a wide range of educational settings, from gifted students’ programs to cross-cultural environments. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, which inform her thoughtful, inclusive approach to early learning.

Miss Kielion serves as a teacher in the 4-Day 4s Program at New Horizons Preschool, where she is a Lead Teacher supporting children in their final preschool year. She works collaboratively with her co-lead teacher and assistant teachers to plan and implement a consistent, supportive curriculum across two classrooms. In her classroom, Miss Kielion creates a welcoming and engaging environment where children feel confident, valued, and excited to learn. Her play-based approach emphasizes social and emotional development, builds self-esteem, and encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and independence as students prepare for kindergarten and beyond. She brings several years of experience working with children, including more than two years as a classroom teacher, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Special Education and a minor in Learning Children’s Technology from Iowa State University.