Elizabeth Heath - Executive Director

Elizabeth graduated in 1978 from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in mathematics. Although her original preparation included a secondary school teaching certificate, she found herself teaching Kindergarten at a day care for 2 1/2 years, which fostered her passion for early childhood education. Her professional background includes experience in development and fundraising with several not-for-profit entities: administrative assistant for The Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, admissions supervisor for the Kirkpatrick Center, and HELPLINE director and campaign director for the United Way of Norman. Since she began her tenure as executive director of Middle Earth in late February 2000, she has completed the process required for Middle Earth to receive Two Star status in the Reaching for the Stars Program; participated in the “Director’s Advanced Training” and the “National Administrator Credential” sponsored by the National Child Care Association; and spearheaded our capital campaign. She is a member of the Early Care and Education of Children Advisory Committee at Moore-Norman Technology Center and a graduate of such programs as Leadership Norman, the Oklahoma Institute of Nonprofit Leadership, and the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD) Leadership Academy. Elizabeth is proving to be an integral component as we work toward the next 30+ years of service - in a new building!

Licia Iverson - Assistant Director

Licia is a Master Teacher as defined by the Reaching for the Stars program.  With a Bachelor of Science in Child Development/Family Relations from the University of Oklahoma, she has over 33 years teaching and administrative experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Licia’s background includes experience as a director, assistant director, kindergarten teacher, preschool teacher, before and after school program director, parent educator and educational consultant. She is a member of NAEYC, ECAO and the Early Care and Education Council of Success By 6, a Smart Start Initiative of Oklahoma.  Licia is a graduate of the CECPD Leadership Academy and has earned the Oklahoma Director’s Gold Credential. Licia joined Middle Earth as the Asst. Director in August 2002.

Janice Zachary - Accounting Specialist

Janice is the Accounting Specialist and has been at Middle Earth since November of 1994. She graduated in 1969 with a BA from East Central University, working prior to that at Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority and later for a CPA in Stillwater “Accounting is like a puzzle and it gives me a sense of accomplishment to successfully complete a project,” she says.

Janice has been happily married to James since 1970, and has three grown children and five grandchildren. She enjoys seeing and visiting with the children and often becomes attached to the little ones. “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 - Administrative Assistant

Judy has a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate and National Administrator Credentials (NAC). She participated in the National Forum for Diversity in Utah. There she also trained parents in Love & Logic at Union Middle School.

Judy is a Middle Earth alumni parent. She has been a teaching assistant with 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 over 17 years. She has been with Middle Earth since October 2006.

Judy lives in Norman with her husband, Steve and dog, Iris. Their kids Joe and Gina both attended Middle Earth. She likes camping, flea markets, mystery novels, and gardening. She says, “I came to Middle Earth because I wanted to be a part of something that impacted the children in my community in a terrific way. My favorite part of my career is the time I share with children.”