2024–2025 Undergraduate Spotlights

November | December | January | February | March

As a university laboratory school, we benefit from having undergraduate students participate in our school in myriad ways. From interns to student teachers to research methods students to student employees, our ongoing relationship with these students is mutually beneficial to all parties involved. Throughout the year, we will introduce you to these wonderful individuals. We feel very fortunate to be able to have them at our school each day!

November 2024: Suzy Switzer

Hi everyone! My name is Suzy Switzer and I am from Evanston, Illinois. I am a senior studying Literature and Culture, with an additional major in Psychology and a minor in Hispanic Studies.

Last semester, I was an intern in the Green Room through Dr. Carver’s Practicum in Child Development course. In this course, I applied developmental theory to the classroom as well as learned from the amazing educators at The Children’s School. I enjoyed my time so much that I wanted to return this year!

This semester, I have been so excited to continue working with many of the students I engaged with last semester as they transition to Pre-K/Kindergarten and get to know new friends. So far, I have enjoyed seeing and supporting the children’s growth and getting the chance to observe a different classroom. Outside of academics, I love reading, dancing, baking, and traveling! I’m so grateful The Children’s School has been a part of my CMU experience and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year!

December 2024: Crystal Z. and Johann S.

Hi everyone! My name is Crystal, and I'm a sophomore from Los Angeles studying Neuroscience ! I have a 6-year-old brother who sparked my interest in child psychology, and I hope to pursue a career aligning with child development in the future. In my freshmen spring semester, I took Dr. Carver's course Principles of Child Development, which introduced me to the Children's School and inspired me to witness the children's growth and development. In the Children's School, I help with the Preschool 4's, and I also work in the Infant Cognition Lab, which studies how infants learn causal relationships. My favorite thing about working at the Children's School is connecting with the children and observing the world through their perspective. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, playing music, and baking!

––

Hi, I'm Johann, and I work at the Children's School library! I'm a senior double-majoring in Linguistics and Applied Multilingual Studies (with a Chinese minor). I started maintaining and developing the library in June and now I'm here to stay for the academic year. Once I graduate from CMU, I plan on studying to become a children's librarian. When I'm not working or studying, I'm probably knitting, playing video games, or photographing flowers with my black-and-white film camera.

January 2025: Jillian W. and Sarah T.

Hi, my name is Jillian Weatherford and I am a Junior studying psychology from Fayetteville, West Virginia. When I was fourteen, I started working as a snowboard instructor at my local resort and quickly learned that I had a great interest in working with children. I told this to my freshman advisor, and she recommended I work at the Children’s School. I’ve now been working here for three years, and it has really furthered my interest in developmental psychology. My favorite thing about working with the children is seeing them learn new skills. I find it very rewarding to watch the whole process of developing a skill and seeing how children rise to these new challenges.

––

Hello! My name is Sarah Tillinger, and I’m a freshman from Westchester, NY. I was introduced to the Children’s School during my freshman fall when I took Dr. Carver’s Principles of Child Development course, and I now work with the 5’s at the school. I love being able to watch the children grow and develop as well as work with the teachers to provide school days filled with enrichment for the children. Outside of the Children’s School, I love to read and play ultimate frisbee.

February 2025: Radha P. and Amanda P.

Hi! My name is Radha Pingle, and I'm a first year student from New Jersey studying Cognitive Science. At the Children's school, I've been helping in the Blue Room with the three year olds! I've always loved being with children, whether it be hanging out with my young cousins or working with them through non-profits. As soon as I learned about The Children's School, I knew I had to become involved since I love children and wanted to continue my passion of working with them! My favorite thing about working here is building relationships with both the staff and the children, and learning more about how to interact with such young ones. Outside of the Children's School, I love playing piano and tennis and spending time with my friends and family.

––

Hello! My name is Amanda Puentes, and I am a sophomore majoring in psychology with a Hispanic Studies minor! In my free time, I love to crochet, sew, thrift, and spend time with my family and friends. This is my third semester working at the Children’s School and I am really happy to be working in the red room with the Preschool 3's. Additionally, as part of my research methods class, I will also be conducting studies in the Children's School, which excites me! I have always loved working with children and hope to pursue a career specializing working with children and youth. I am very grateful to be working at a school where I can see so much care, kindness, and attentiveness to the children. I am looking forward to continuing to work at the Children’s School!

March 2025: Lindsay

Hi everyone! My name is Lindsay, and I'm a first-year Psychology major from Westmoreland, PA. I've been working at the Children's School since the fall and have loved the experience so far.

I’ve always enjoyed working with children and seeing how they explore and make sense of the world around them. I think it's fascinating to watch their curiosity and creativity in action, and being a part of this journey is a wonderful first opportunity for me. Outside of school, I love painting, drawing, crocheting, and reading. I’m excited to be part of this community and look forward to learning and growing through this experience!