My name is Deenen Rickard (otherwise known as Ms. DeeDee). I was born in Blossburg, PA and graduated from Mansfield University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education. I currently
have three different teaching certificates, Early Childhood (Newborn-3rd), Elementary Education (K - 6th), and Special Education (K- 12th). I began working at Stepping Stones in 2007, where I started as a teacher's aide, worked my way to be a Pre-K Counts teacher, and then began serving as the director in 2013. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and exploring nature.
 

I realized at an early age that I always wanted to work with children and to help families. I wholeheartedly believe in the saying “it takes a village”.

My name is Erin Tomko and I am the Assistant Director at Stepping Stones Mansfield! I began teaching in 2012, previously teaching infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-agers. I began teaching at SS Mansfield in February of 2018 and am now extremely excited to serve as the assistant director, as well as continue teaching.  I attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, graduating in May of 2010. I also completed my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University online in 2018. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, playing volleyball, swimming, playing with my pets and children. My favorite thing about my job is building amazing bonds with the children and families here and watching them learn and grow!