La Petite Academy Educators Honored for Expertise

Boynton Beach families seeking early childhood education can find a dedicated team at La Petite Academy. The academy emphasizes experienced teachers, quality classroom materials, and a safe, nurturing environment.

The academy's approach draws on years of education, training, and collaboration. In 2025, Charlene Hough, a Lead Toddler Teacher at La Petite Academy in North Plainfield, Illinois, was named Teacher of the Year. Hough finds working with children rewarding, stating, "I’ve always enjoyed the enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy children bring. Being able to teach, nurture, and care for them while working with families is incredibly rewarding." She aims to create a joyful space where toddlers develop confidence, creativity, and a love for learning.

Behind the classroom teachers stands a team of education experts. Dr. Johnna Weller, Chief Education & Impact Officer, leads the educational vision, focusing on teaching excellence, curriculum development, and high-quality learning environments. Weller brings over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, and assistant superintendent. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.

Dr. Sara Obarow, Senior Director of Education, assists with quality assurance for educational programs. Obarow has over 25 years of early childhood education experience, including roles as a teacher, school principal, K-12 administrator, coordinator of federal programs, and college professor.

Renee Thompson, Director of Education, leads the vision and design of educational programming. Thompson, a graduate of Towson University with a B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, has experience as a public and private school teacher, center director, and has led curriculum design teams since 2011.

La Petite Academy invites families to visit its website to find a neighborhood school and schedule a tour.