Infant and Preschool Center

Infant and Preschool Center Teachers

Sandy Pendell
Sandy Pendell - Lead Teacher Infant/Toddler

Contact: SB-pendell@wiu.edu | 309-298-1250

Sandy Pendell received a Bachelor degree from Western Illinois University in Elementary Education. She completed a Master in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education in 2012, also from WIU. She also holds a Level 5 ECE Credential from Illinois. Sandy has taught elementary school, preschool, infants and toddlers. Ms. Pendell has been employed at the Western Illinois University Infant and Preschool Center since 2000, and became a Lead Teacher in 2013.

Sandy enjoys spending time with her family. You can also find her playing in the dirt while she is planting her flowers. She also enjoys playing piano, reading, journaling and taking part in the activities at her church.

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Ms. Miaohui Niu - Teacher Infant/Toddler

Contact: m-niu@wiu.edu

Ms. Miao holds an Associate Degree in Preschool Education from China and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She has also completed 25 hours of continuing education in Early Childhood Education at Western Illinois University. She holds an ECE Credential Level 3 and an Infant Toddler Credential Level 2, as well as CPR and First Aid certification. Ms. Miao brings 13 years of training and experience in early childhood education.

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Gayoung (Kaii) Koh - Lead Teacher in Preschool Room

Contact: g-koh@wiu.edu

Kaii is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education at Western Illinois University and brings experience working in both child care center and substitute teaching settings. Kaii holds an Alternative Provisional Educator License (APE) and an Illinois Substitute Teacher License and has successfully passed the Illinois Early Childhood Education Content Test. Kaii is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming classroom where children feel safe, valued, and excited to explore, learn, and grow. Believing that every child is unique and has something special to share, Kaii especially enjoys creative art and learning through play as meaningful ways to support children’s development.