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 3s Teacher - 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 4s 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 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 - 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 - Allysa Hernandez

Miss Allysa was born and raised in Casa Grande. She is Native American and Mexican. She has 2 older sisters and 2 older brothers. She joined Early Childhood in high school and enjoys being with the kids. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, baking, arts and crafts.  

TLC Preschool Teaching Assistant - Tina Pablo

Miss Tina was born in Tucson, AZ. She is a tribal member of the Tohono O'odham Natim located south of Casa Grande. Miss Tina lives in Casa Grande with her husband Kurt and her two children, Natalya and Kenai. She has always had an interest and love working with kids. She has helped raise her sibling and nieces and nephews. Miss Tina has also coached youth basketball and volleyball. She continues to work with the youth communities around her. Miss Tina enjoys making connections with the kids by teaching and helping and encouraging them to grow.

TLC Preschool Teaching Assistant - Jessica La Commare

Jessica was born and raised in Long Island, New York. She recently moved to Casa grande in 2016 and loves it here! She has been happily married 19 years and has two children ages 18 and 16. Jessica was baptized along with her children July 2017. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran church. She misses her children being this age and feels blessed to be here.