Our Administration
Lauren Widmer
DirectorLauren Widmer graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2010. There, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development upon completion of a thorough, hands-on, practicum experience working directly with young children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. After graduating, she has held positions such as a Child Care Teacher and a Quality Specialist where she provided support and helped to improve quality to many child care centers throughout the Peoria area.
Lauren believes in a hands-on, play based approach to learning and development for children of all ages. She carries this belief in her home, as well as here at Zearing. Lauren enjoys assisting the staff by helping them grow through continued learning and implementing new ideas with them. By doing this, everyone gets to relish in seeing the children thrive in their classrooms. Lauren appreciates being part of a program that offers amazing family partnerships and activities for children, in addition to an incredible staff.
``Lauren believes in a hands-on, play based approach to learning and development for children of all ages.”
In her home life, Lauren is a wife to Ryan, and a mother to her three children, Westyn, Tanner, and Rylee, and their fur baby, Copper. The Widmer Family enjoys all things outdoors, including camping, canoeing, and traveling to Lake of the Ozarks with family.
Nicole Sampson
Assistant DirectorNicole Sampson has been employed at ZCEC since August 2000. She began her teaching career in the center’s Infant room and then moved to the Toddler room until moving to her current position as Assistant Director.
``Nicole's goals are to meet each child's individual needs in support of their overall development``
She received an Associate in Arts Degree from Illinois Valley Community College in 1999. Nicole’s goals are to meet each child’s individual needs in support of their overall development; as well as to develop a close, loving and caring relationship with each child. She carries this same philosophy into her current position with the focus on the families and hopes to build a stronger relationship with each one.
Lisa Vincent
Business ManagerLisa Vincent is a graduate of Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, SD and has been the Business Manager of Zearing Child Enrichment Center since 1997. Lisa, and her husband Gene, have two children; a daughter, Kiersten, a ZCEC alumni and former teacher, and a son Derek, daughter in-law, Kim and two granddaughters, Sofia and Amelia. Lisa is a member of Beta Sigma Phi and volunteers at the Prairie Arts Center. She enjoys traveling and flower gardening. Lisa will be the person to greet you as you enter our child care center.