About Us
Where Little Learners Grow with Love
At Deer Lakes Nursery School, we believe the early years of a child’s life are some of the most important, not just for learning, but for building confidence, curiosity, and connection. For 45 years, DLNS has served as a trusted preschool in the Deer Lakes community, providing children with a strong foundation rooted in play, discovery, and belonging.
While the school celebrates this incredible milestone, it is now proudly led by Ms. Colleen, who has been at the heart of early childhood education in our area for many years. Before purchasing Deer Lakes Nursery School three years ago, Ms. Colleen operated Deer Creek Preschool, where she built a reputation for warmth, structure, and genuine love for her students and families.
That same passion now guides DLNS under her care, with the added strength of an experienced teaching team and a renewed focus on creating a preschool experience that feels like home. Together, we’ve cultivated a joyful, supportive environment where children are encouraged to grow emotionally, socially, and academically, all while having fun and feeling truly loved.
We are so proud of our past, deeply grateful for the families who trust us year after year, and excited for all the little learners who walk through our doors each day.
Meet Our Teachers
At the heart of DLNS is a team of passionate, experienced educators who pour their hearts into every child that walks through our doors. We believe in teaching through love, leading in patience, and celebrating each child’s unique personality and pace.
Ms. Colleen
Owner & Lead Teacher
Colleen is the heart behind Deer Lakes Nursery School. A lifelong advocate for children and families, she became the proud owner of DLNS in 2023, calling it, next to her children, the greatest gift God has ever given her. After serving as Director of Deer Creek Preschool for over a decade (2011–2023), she was honored to carry on the legacy of DLNS, now celebrating 46 years in operation, right in the heart of the community her family has called home for generations.
Married to her college sweetheart, Rob, since 1995, Colleen’s roots in West Deer run deep. Her husband was born and raised in the township and received the Deer Lakes Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. Together, they raised five incredible children, all graduates of Deer Lakes School District, just like their father and extended family. Her greatest joy in life has been motherhood, watching her children grow into kind, purpose-filled adults, including a local police officer and a daughter who serves both as a beloved children’s dance teacher and a physical therapy assistant for senior citizens at a facility right here in the township. Colleen also has a son-in-law and two wonderful young women in her family’s circle who are cherished like daughters and may soon hold that title officially.
When she’s not loving on the little ones at DLNS, Colleen is likely enjoying the company of her family at their 150-year-old farmhouse, surrounded by their two dogs, two guinea pigs, one lizard, and a whole lot of love. Her days may be ridiculously busy, but her heart is always full.
With a warm smile, nurturing spirit, and a heart full of compassion, Colleen is the true definition of kindness. She pours her soul into the school and treats every child like one of her own, making DLNS not just a preschool, but a second home.
Ms. Malinda
Assistant Techer
Now entering her 7th year of teaching, Ms. Malinda brings a nurturing spirit, a calm presence, and a beautiful balance to our classroom. A proud graduate of Deer Lakes School District and lifelong West Deer Township resident, Ms. Malinda has strong community roots and a deep love for the families she serves. All three of her children attend school in the district, and she first joined our team after seeing the incredible friendships and growth her own kids experienced at Deer Creek Preschool.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Malinda continues to pour into local children through her work with Walnut Woods, the beloved summer camp at East Union Presbyterian Church. She and her high school sweetheart—now celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary—love spending time outdoors as a family, especially at the dirt bike track cheering on their kids.
She often says her greatest accomplishment is being a mom, and that warmth and love shines through in every interaction. Ms. Malinda’s kindness, steady energy, and strong connection to the community make her an irreplaceable part of our preschool family.
Ms. Caylin
Assistant Teacher
Born and raised right here in West Deer Township, Miss Caylin is the definition of a hometown heart with a gentle, old-soul spirit. Now in her 9th year of teaching and 8th year as a CCD instructor, she has a natural gift for working with little ones—especially those who need a little extra love during that big transition away from home. She has a way of making even the most hesitant children feel safe, seen, and cherished.
Her compassion, patience, and sweet nature shine through in everything she does. With no bad bone in her body, Miss Caylin is a steady and loving presence in the classroom, building meaningful bonds with every child she meets.
She takes every opportunity to get involved with the children in our community, often volunteering her time at events through Deer Lakes Presbyterian Church and other family-centered gatherings. Her creativity is contagious—whether she’s crafting, crocheting, or planning something fun and imaginative for her students.
Miss Caylin truly brings warmth, kindness, and a touch of old-fashioned sweetness to our school family—and we are so lucky to have her.
Our Philosophy
We believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences, guided play, and meaningful relationships. At Deer Lakes Nursery School, we nurture the whole child, helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically in a setting where they feel safe, celebrated, and encouraged to be themselves.
We focus on kindness, curiosity, confidence, and connection, because when children feel loved and supported, everything else falls into place.