TLC Preschool Staff

TLC Preschool Director - Katherine Gorka

Miss Katherine was born and raised in Perrysburg, Ohio.  She graduated from Concordia University in Ann Arbor Michigan, with a BA in Family Life Ministry and Education.  She began working in early childhood in 2010.  Throughout her years in the field, Miss Katherine has worked with a variety of ages from infants to teenagers.  She has a passion for sharing Jesus’ love with children and their families.  In her free time you can find her watching Husker football and any Cleveland sports team.  She loves to hike, play volleyball, play with her dog Lola, and visit her nieces and nephews!  

TLC Preschool Lead 3s Teacher - Desiree Enriquez

Miss Desiree is a native to Casa Grande. She has two brothers and one sister, she enjoys spending time with her family. Miss Desiree was baptized into the Christian faith in April 2017. She has always enjoyed working with children and holds an AA degree in Early Childhood Education.

TLC Preschool 4s & 5s Teacher - Karla Burkee

Miss Karla began working in Early Childhood Education in 2003. She earned her associates degree in early childhood education in 2005. During her time in the field she has worked with all age groups ranging from infants to 5 year olds. She has a passion for teaching and loves working along side families and facilitating development for the children in her care. She enjoys seeing the children in her care develop physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. 

When away from work Miss Karla enjoys spending time with her family, Pastor Burkee, and their son Jacob. They love to play board games together and watch LSU football.

TLC Preschool Teaching Assistant - Charlie Walsworth

Mr. Charlie was born and raised in Olympia, WA.  After receiving his BA in Education, he moved to Alaska to drive tour buses, then began a career as a teacher and stayed in Alaska for almost 30 years, where he taught Resource Room, Physical Education and Special Education and coached lots of sports. He received his Masters Degree in School Administration, and then became an elementary school principal.  After working in schools for more than 20 years, he retired to try something new, working for Court Services with the Alaska State Troopers.  After retiring again, he and his wife moved to Arizona.  Since living here, he's tested out several careers, most recently working for Alaska Airlines.  Now he's back to what he loves--serving children and families and sharing his love for education.  In his spare time, he loves music, tennis, and all sorts of sports, and keeps busy with church activities.  He has four sons, four daughters-in-law, and is really enjoying his five granddaughters!

TLC Preschool Teaching Assistant - Ahgelina Lao

Miss Ahgelina  was born in California, but spent most of her life in Casa Grande. She loves spending her quality time with with her nephew and family. She is the second oldest out of 3 sisters. She has been involved in Early Child Care for 2 years and has always seen herself working with children and hopes to one day be a lead teacher.

TLC Preschool Teaching Assistant - Mariah Meitzenheimer

Miss Mariah was born and raised in California and has recently moved to Casa Grande, AZ. She has always had a passion for working with kids. Her favorite part is seeing the children grow and learn new things. Miss Mariah has two beautiful children, Maheyla and Julian. In her free time she loves to explore new restaurants and the beautiful views in Arizona with her family.

TLC Preschool Teaching Assistant - Harley Smith

Miss Harley was born and raised in Casa Grande, Arizona. Miss Harley has always had a passion for teaching children. She has 4 sisters and 3 brothers. She spends most of her free time with her 2 nephews. She is currently going to school to become an elementary school teacher.