Elizabeth Heath – Executive Director
February, 2000-present
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and a minor is secondary education. She graduated from Leadership Norman in 1993, was nominated for Working Mother of the Year by Hi-Noon BPW in 1994, and is a member of the Rose State Early Care and Education Advisory Committee. She also received the Leadership Award from Harding Junior High in Oklahoma City.
Elizabeth is known for being one of the busiest people around. She is constantly working, behind the scenes to make the wheels of the organization turn. She can be found giving personal tours to prospective parents, overseeing the classrooms, and helping everyday functions run smoothly.
“While determined to “make my way back to high school mathematics”, for the second time in my life the great universe said, ‘no, you need to work with young children.’ Our daughter was enrolled at Middle Earth as an Explorer, and I had several friends who were serving on the Board of Directors of Middle Earth. They said “We’re looking for a new director, and we think you’d be perfect. Why don’t you come talk to us?” Well, I did… and eleven years later here I still am. Hardest job I’ve ever tackled; and the most rewarding, as well.
“I treasure the history of Middle Earth, the legacy of our philosophy, the relationships with the children and families, and I highly value my time and interactions with the wonderful staff. The impact on my personal life has been enormous; I hope I have contributed in positive ways to the many people who walk through these doors.
“I look forward to the future of our organization, and 40 more years of quality education for the youngest citizens of our community. And, then they’ll bring us another generation to love!”
Elizabeth has been married to Rick Heath for 26 years. She has two adult children and one in high school. She considers herself to be “empty nesting, but on training wheels.”
She enjoys gardening, watching horse races, listening to different kinds of music, and working on lifelong friendships. She loves spontaneity and creative thinking. Rick loves to watch sports on TV and play golf, and their children enjoy skiing, horse racing, and playing soccer.
Janice Zachary – Accounting Specialist
November, 1984-present
Janice graduated with a B.S. of East Central University in Ada, Ok in 1969. After graduation, she worked at the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority. She spent some time as a stay-at-home mom, then she went to work as a CPA in Stillwater, Ok.
“Accounting is like a puzzle, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment to successfully complete a project.”
Janice has been happily married to James since 1970, and they have three adult children and five grandchildren.
She enjoys reading, “words,” music, puzzles, garage sales, and outings with her grandchildren.
“We are like a family here at Middle Earth. It is a great place to work. It is an added bonus to be out in the community and see alumni from Middle Earth.”
Judy Vasiloff – Director of Programs
October 2006-present
Judy received her Child Development Associate certificate and National Administrator Credentials. She participated in the National Forum for Diversity in Utah, and has taken many classes on early childhood development, social work, sociology, and psychology. She has also trained parents in Love and Logic at Union Middle School. She has been a teaching assistant within the public schools and a director in a national chain child care center in Oklahoma City. She has been employed in the field of early childhood education for more than 20 years.
Judy feels it is crucial to build a relationship with the child. This will help the children to want to work with her. She likes to have a variety of things for them to use to play and explore, as can be seen by the variety of knick-knacks on the shelves behind her desk. The main thing is to let them explore and see all different things, even if it wasn’t designed for kids–like pulling scarves out of an oatmeal can. A toddler will dance around with the scarves. A preschooler will flap it around in the air. A baby will just enjoy pulling it out. When her children were little, she kept her pots and pans down low and her tupperware down low, and when she was in the kitchen, her kids would dig things out and play with them. Whether in the kitchen or giving them a rag while she was cleaning so they could clean, she just made sure they had something to use to learn. Here at school she does the same thing. If a child comes to her desk, she gives them a pen so they can write while she writes or hands them something to explore with.
“Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by and gravitated towards children. My father was the youngest of thirteen siblings and my mother the youngest of seven. I myself am the oldest of five. When I was a child running with my cousins, my brothers trailing after me, I regarded watching over my brothers as my duty… just my lot. Later, in my teens I began babysitting for families to earn money and discovered I had a talent for caring for and entertaining young children; and, what had been duty became something to be proud of. In between then and now, I have been a camp counselor, scout leader, PTA officer, early childhood professional, and not least, a Middle Earth parent. I’m very fortunate. Because of children, I’ve become interested in things I never dreamed of and been places I probably wouldn’t have gone. With children I’ve had my greatest heartaches and loudest laughs”
Judy lives in Norman with her husband Steve, and their kids Joe and Gina both attended Middle Earth. She likes camping, flea markets, mystery novels, and gardening. She says the greatest part of her career is the time she shares with children.
Sue Bass – Administrative Assistant
March 1995-present
Sue graduated from Duncan High School, and since has taken many classes on early childhood development.
“I’ve worked in childcare for 30 years–as a caregiver, in the kitchen, and in the front office. I’ve enjoyed working with children and helping get a good foundation for their future.”
Sue has been married to her husband Alton for 45 years. Her son Arvil lives with his wife Patti and their three sons, Zach, Caleb, and Ethan in Salina, Ks. Her daughter Roberta resides in Purcell, Ok, with her husband Steve and their children, Josh, Seth, and Abigail. Sue’s stepson Kenneth and his wife Kathlene have a son named Craig. Craig and wife Chelsea have blessed the family with Hannah, Patrick, Austin, Payton, Leland, and Eli.
Sue enjoys sewing, reading, playing piano, and crocheting.
April Stone – Administrative Assistant
September, 2010-present
April graduated from the University of Oklahom with a BA in History, then continued her education at the University of Oklahoma for graduate school. She is retired from the Federal Aviation Administration, where she also served as an administrative assistant.
Quite often, when she is at the front desk, she will be accompanied by a student or will be rocking a baby. She gets to see students and parents at drop-off and pick-up throughout the day.
Her two sons have blessed her with 4 grandchildren–as she refers to them: “three boys and one princess.”
She enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her grandbabies.
When asked about the time spent here at Middle Earth, April says, “It is an adventure.”