About Us

Welcome to Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center. We are a Christian-based center located in the heart of New Castle, Delaware.

The Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center was birthed from the vision of Pastor Jerome L. Lewis, Seeds Church. The mission of the learning center ‘Grooming our Kids for Greatness’ is an extension of the mission of Seeds Church – ‘Build Strong Christian Families and Develop Leaders’.  Our desire is to impact our families and that includes starting with the children! In May 2019, the vision became a reality and the Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center was opened.

our Staff

Netty has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 10 years. She began her career at Hodgson Vocational Technical High School with a concentration of Early Childhood Education, allowing her to amass experience working with children ranging from infant to middle school age. Upon graduating from Hodgson, she completed the Training in Early Childhood Care Education certificate program (TECE 1 and 2) and went on to work at local childcare centers within the community. After high school, Netty went on to continue her education in Early Childhood Education, graduating from Wilmington University in 2016 with an Associate's degree in ECE (Birth-2nd grade). After receiving her degree, she began working in the public school system, teaching various elementary and middle school grade levels. Netty has been a valuable asset in developing the Early Learning Center in its beginning stages and is honored to be working full time with our staff as the Director. She is committed to our mission of grooming children for greatness and cultivating relationships with the children, families, and staff. Netty is excited to use the gifts and talents God has placed on the inside of her here at the ELC.‍

Mrs. Antoinette Lewis

Director

Ms. Chris brings with her many years of experience in Early Childhood and Elementary Education to Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center. She has had the pleasure of working with a variety of age groups from 5 weeks to middle school age during her years in Education. Ms. Chris also holds an Associate's Degree in Education from Gloucester County College; Bachelor's in Family & Human Development from Arizona State University, and an Academic Certification in Child Life from University of California Santa Barbara. Her goal involves learning as much as she can, continuing her education to receive a M.S in Communication Disorders.

Ms. Chris was born in Newark, Delaware and grew up in New Jersey along with her twin brother. Growing up with a twin has played a huge role in her life, as it suited her skills and strengths at such a young age. She is intuitive, creative, nurturing, and motivated to teach children and to positively impact all of the students in her care for greatness. She believes in creating a spiritual environment where children are excited to participate and learn as an important step in ensuring continued success in school.Ms. Chris is a member of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church and has been under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Lewis since the young age of six. She enjoys ministering with Word in Motion’s Mime Team and also volunteering in Seedlings when needed. In her free time, she enjoys painting, spending time with loved ones, and taking trips to the beach when she is not in Disney.

Ms. Christen Green

Assistant Director

I have completed Training in Early Care and Education (TECE 1 and 2) certificate program from the State of Delaware. I also have other various training certificates from the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families.

I am a former co-owner of a childcare center in Salem, NJ. I have had the pleasure of serving as a foster parent to more than 175 children and exposing them to a loving Christian family and church for the past 12 years. Prior to dedicating my professional and personal life to shaping young minds and hearts, I worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years.

I enjoy being involved at Seeds of Greatness Bible Church and serving on the Events Team. I love spending time with my husband, children, family and church family. I am a board member of New Castle County 7, Inc., a non-profit focused on improving the lives of foster children in Delaware. In my free time, I enjoy eating crabs and drinking Pepsi with my friends and family.

Mrs. Deborah Santos

Food Service Coordinator

Hello Everyone! My name is Mrs. Vernell Lester I have been at the E.L.C going on 4 years. I was a teacher assistant for 2 years and a position became open for a part-time afternoon receptionist and I accepted it! The Early Learning Center has been a blessing in my life and it a great feeling to get up every day and know I will be able to put a smile on the parent’s and their children’s faces and also our team here at the E.L.C. I have been married this year for 58 years to a wonderful husband and we are blessed to have three daughters, two son-in-loves, four grandsons, three granddaughters, and 10 great grandchildren.  My husband and I were ordained by our Pastor, Pastor Jerome Lewis as Elders at Seeds Church in 2016. We have been members for 14 years. I thank God for opening up this door so I can be a light and blessing to the Body of Christ. I owe it all to HIM! “To God Be the Glory.”

Mrs. Vernell Lester

PM Receptionist

I have enjoyed being in the childcare field for 25+ years. At the age of 14 I began working as a Jr. counselor for inner city youth at Camp Josiah, a Christian camp in New York. During my last 2 years of high school as a co-op student, I worked at the YMCA Childcare Center in the infant room. After graduating from Newark High School in 97’ I received my certification as a Childcare Assistant Teacher through the Professional Career Development Institute. Shortly after, I also attended Ashworth College where I received my Teachers certificate for Childcare. 

 For 5yrs I owned & operated a small family daycare in my home. There I was overjoyed to care for children ranging from 6wks to 5yrs of age. 105 children received daycare, night-care or drop-in care. I can’t believe I even fit in a part time job at the Children’s Place, I can’t get enough of little people! I later worked as a Nanny & Secretary for a local nanny agency helping coworkers match with families to find care for their children. 

Years later as Administrative Assistant at a Childcare Center I assisted staff in completing all daily task. 

Additionally, as an Army wife & mother of 2 wonderful children that now look at me in my eyeballs,

I am learning to get in where I fit in & do my best, all with the help of the Lord! My ultimate goal working with young children is to turn every not so good situation into a better one, while showing that I genuinely care.

At COTLW my church, I have been the Praise team leader for years & worked with the children’s youth ministry as a teacher & youth choir director. 

 

Seeds has also been a Blessing to my family as well. We have enjoyed different events there geared towards children & couples. I love that we can grow here spiritually as a family and get built up so we can be all that God intended us to be. 

It’s truly a gift to be able to pass on the love while teaching our little pumpkins here at SOGELC!

Mrs. Faith Lane

Toddler Teacher Assistant

I am from a small town in Nebraska. I have 5 sisters and 7 brothers and I was raised in a Pentecostal church where I was saved as a young child. I had numerous babysitting jobs growing up which introduced me to child care at a young age.

I have been married for 30 years and have two daughters. I first volunteered as a Sunday school teacher for the church I was attending and was asked to fill in at the church’s daycare. When my first daughter was born I decided to pursue a career in child care.

I have also volunteered at the school my children attended throughout their elementary years.


I have been in Early Childhood for over 25 years. I received my TECE1 certificate through Univ. of DE and TECE 2 from Del-Tech.


I enjoy teaching young children and believe in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”


I give thanks and honor to God for the opportunity that Seeds of Greatness ELC and the parents of Seeds of Greatness ELC have given me to teach these young minds from a Christian perspective.


I look forward to being a part of something great at Seeds of Greatness ELC.

Mrs. Rita Lewis

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hi! My name is Asata! I was one of those people who initially didn't want anything to do with kids even though people always told me I'd be a great teacher someday. Over time God did what He does best which was flip my world upside down. While studying at Temple University, a friend referred me to work as a substitute teacher and the rest was history. They ended up taking me on as a Head Teacher and I finally answered the call to teach. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism as well as my CDA, TECE 1 and 2. As a creative (I enjoy painting, ceramics, writing, acting, photography, music, etc.) who likes to highlight my childlike nature, I connect with the kids' lifestyle of colorful wonder. I love to explore with them, train them up to know the powerful love of Jesus Christ, and help them grow into confident leaders. I have the most experience with 3-5 year olds but feel graced to connect with any age group. Along with teaching I am very passionate about the deliverance and prophetic ministries. I utilize my TikTok profile to preach the Gospel. I'm excited to see how God will continue to bless both the ELC and my life as a teacher! :-)

Ms. Asata Bamba

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Shanae Miller. I was born and raised in Delaware. I graduated from Delcastle Technical High school. I have completed training in TECE 1 & 2. I have experience as an Early Childhood Educator and have worked with a variety of age groups from infants to school age. I am a fun, gentle, loving, patient, and creative person. I have always had a passion for working with children. Teaching them to have fun and interacting while learning. I grew up baby sitting and helping my grandmother in her home daycare. In my down time, I love playing and doing arts and crafts with my son.  My goal is to further my education by obtaining my degree in Early Childhood Development.

Ms. Shanae Miller

Lead Infant Teacher

Hello, my name is Mrs. Carolyn Figueroa 

I have been a member of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church for about twelve years now and have participated in several ministry events as a volunteer. I really enjoyed being an assistant teacher for the Seeds Vacation Bible School as well as having the opportunity to work at the Seeds Summer Camp After School program.  

I am married to Rafael Figueroa, and we are the parents of two adult daughters, five grandchildren and one great grandson.  I am originally from New York City and was relocated, by my company, to Delaware in November of 1998. 

I retired from Corporate America after 36 years of service in November 2015. My work experience is in Banking Operations. I stayed home for three years before seeking part-time employment.  In the three years at home, I did lots of fun things, like taking dance classes, cooking classes, started baking, traveled, met lots of wonderful people and even took the H & R Block tax preparation course. I basically did most things I never seemed to have the time to do while working fulltime.   

I enjoy spending time with my family, dancing, watching old movies and television shows, and traveling.  

I wake up each day with a heart filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done, is doing and will do in my life.  He has done GREAT things for me! 

Mrs. Carolyn Figueroa

AM Receptionist

My name is Michelle Allen. I worked in the field of Social Services for over 40 years. I worked as a program manager with individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities at agencies in PA. and DE.  In the community residential setting, my job responsibilities included completing required paperwork, preparing my team for annual state inspections, advocating for the individuals served, and developing relationships with stakeholders.  I interviewed staff, supervised staff and ensured that all job required trainings were completed in a timely manner.  In August 2020, I retired from Elwyn, Inc. in Media, PA.  

    Within a years’ time, I wanted to continue to serve and became a staff member at Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center in July 2021. I am a member of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church and I participate in the Hospitality and WIM Adult Dance ministries.  I enjoy traveling, dancing, baking, and cooking meals for my family and friends.  I love to serve and care for others.  I am also the proud mother of three daughters; Ayana, Alana and Aanika and I have two grandchildren; Aiden and Evie and one grand dog, Naya.

Ms. Michelle Allen

Floater

 Hi, my name is Nancy Davis and I was born and raised in Delaware. I graduated from Howard Career Center and continued my education on to college. I hold an Associate Degree in Business Administration, from Goldey-Beacom College and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Wesley College. I have experience teaching 3rd graders and 6 graders. I've also worked in several childcare facilities. I love teaching younger kids as they are always so excited to explore new concepts while learning.   

 

I have been married for 18 years, and we have 1 adult daughter and 1 adult son and 2 grandkids (1 boy and 1 girl). In my free time I like to take photographs and baking. 

Mrs. Nancy Davis

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hi, my name is Shaunee McLaurin. I started working with children during my high school career at William Penn, where I helped the children with disabilities. After graduation, I interned at a home daycare. In 2020, I made the switch to public schools as a paraprofessional. I worked in various schools across the colonial school district. In 2021, Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center became my home. I am enjoy working with the two-year-olds as an assistant teacher. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help your children grow and learn all that they can!


Ms. Shaunee McLaurin

Lead Toddler Teacher

My name is Charnell, but most call me "Char". I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and recently moved here to Delaware. I became a home owner in Delaware July 2021 and haven’t turned back since. I pursued the childcare industry twelve years ago as an infant teacher and worked for several centers, as well as the Philadelphia School District. I love being the face of their beginning milestones in life and to set a good foundation for our babies. I asked a family member and did research on Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center for employment and received great information! I became a team member of SOGELC in June of 2022 and found a new family. A family you can talk to and will have your back. A Family that will be there when you need them. When I am not working at the ELC, I spend most of my time with my daughters who are fifteen and twenty-two years old. They keep me going and keep me young.

Ms. Charnell McIntosh

Lead Infant Teacher

Hi, I am Destini Norris! A driven, focused, and hardworking future educator from Wilmington, DE. I have studied in early education as well as elementary education at Del-Tech since 2018. Working with children in education has always been a passion of mine. I’ve always wanted to help others but gravitated more towards children. Working with children reminds me of how amazing and exciting the world could be! I’ve completed my certification in TECE 1 and currently in the process of completing TECE 2 to further my education. Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center was the first childcare center to give me an opportunity to teach in education and so far I love working here and being a teacher in the Kangaroo Room!

Ms. Destini Norris

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hello I’m Kayla Deloatch, I’m from Delaware County, PA. I am the assistant teacher in our 1 year old Classroom (The Bear Room). Ever Since I was a young girl, I always wanted to teach and become a teacher. When I was 14, I started babysitting and then got my first job working with children at a kid’s spa at the age of 19. After that experience, I learned that I had a passion for children and wanted to make an impact on them. When I attended Harcum College in 2020, I got my first job as an Assistant teacher at a Montessori school and absolutely loved it! My goal is to build more confidence in myself and become a Lead Teacher one day! My interests are enjoying making people smile and laugh. I also like to draw.

Ms. Kayla Deloatch

Toddler Teacher Assistant

Hi everyone! My name is Jawanna! I have 10 years of experience working in early childcare! All which took place in the residential setting. I have also worked with adolescents and adults with autism and other mental, emotional and behavioral challenges for 2 years! I’m a married mother of 3 (ages 9, 12 and 14)! I love arts and crafts, traveling, and potatoes! I’m super excited to bring all of that experience and passion to SOGELC!

Mrs. Jawanna Cheaton

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Lyric! I’m the Assistant Teacher behind Ms. Taylor in our Zebra Room (2-year-olds). I’m from San Diego, California and graduated from La Marque High School in La Marque, TX in 2017. I’ve been working with children since I was nine years old. My dad was in the military & was always deployed, so I would help my mom every day, all day with my siblings. From diaper changes in the middle of the night, feedings, homework, practices, the whole nine. My brothers are literally the kids I’ve never had, they helped mold me into the mother I am to my two-year-old son. I love being a mom! It’s literally the beat job ever! Just like they learn from us, we learn from them! To be kind, gentle & patient. I love my job and I love these kids as if they were my own.

Ms. Lyric Pipkin

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Iyana Barnard. I am the assistant teacher for the Tiger room with children ages three to four. My goal in working with the three to four years old is to help them to be the best they can be. I enjoy working with these students. They help hold me accountable to reach a higher standard. I want to make an impact in my students. I also want them to believe and know that they can be and have whatever they want in life as long as they never quit.

I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. I am a first generation graduate and received my Bachelors in Sociology and Social Work. Prior to working at Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center, I worked at other centers in the area with two to three year olds. I am very grateful to be working here and am willing to learn and grow as teacher and as an individual. It’s very nice to meet all of you and the students!

Ms. Iyana Barnard

Preschool Teacher Assistant

Hi! My name is Nadia Lawson. I am originally from Glen Mills Pennsylvania. I studied Behavioral Health and have been blessed with working in children’s ministry. I now reside in New Castle, Delaware and have the ability to continue to show students the love of our great God! I started my career because of my love for watching children grow into the gifts God made them to be.

Mrs. Nadia Lawson

Preschool Teacher Assistant

Hi! I’m Brianna!! I’m currently a student at Delcastle Technical High School pursuing a career in Nursing! In college, I plan on becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I like to dance and draw! I believe my love for kids brought me to SOGELC because it’s gives me an opportunity to interact with many different kids and age groups. Also, to know that someday from my help, they will become the future leaders of their generation.

Ms. Brianna Williams

Floater

Hi! My family and friends call me, Dorisa, but my students like to call me Ms. Dee Dee. I am 21 years - old and I was born in Brooklyn, New York. I was raised in Long Island, New York and moved to Delaware in 2016. I have been working in the childcare industry since my 9th grade year of High School. I immediately fell in love with working with kids of all ages after doing only one day of volunteering. Since then, I switched my pathway to Child Development and have been loving it ever since. Lastly, I have 2 younger siblings, my 3 year old brother, Chief and my 1 year old sister Csire’lee.

Ms. Dorisa Chance

Lead Toddler Teacher

Ms. Danajza Wilmore

Two-Year-Old Teacher Assistant

Hello, my name is Ms. Monique! I am the Assistant Teacher in the Kangaroo Room. I have been teaching for four years! I attended Benedict College in Columbia, SC. My favorite things about teaching are watching my students grow and learn. Some fun facts about me are I am a mom of two girls, I love to cook and bake in my free time, my favorite drink is Dr. Pepper, and my favorite flower are sunflowers. I look forward instilling the word of God and cultivating the little ones here at SOGELC !

Ms. Monique James

Teacher Assistant