Our Family - Nurturing, Educated, and Dedicated

Suzie Johnson, Director

Suzie has been involved in Early Childhood Education for over three decades, 25 of them at LW ELC. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and Administration units from the University of California, Los Angeles. Suzie has been an active member of the La Canada community since 1988. She was a PTA board member at Paradise Canyon Elementary School, a member of the La Cañada Junior’s Women’s Organization, and has been actively involved in fundraising events in the community for several years. She was also the advisor for the Miss LCF Program through the Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Suzie’s vision for the school is to provide a learning and loving atmosphere for the children of our future. She wants to create a program that not only provides the necessary skills that our young children need to do well in their academic careers but also in life. It is important to her to have a supportive and flexible program that suits the needs of busy families while creating a school environment that feels like an extension of the home.

Suzie’s family means the world to her. She has two children, Madison and Luke. Both children are alumni of Lighted Window Preschool, and Maddie was one of the original eight children. Suzie began as the PTO President in 1998 and continued as President until 2003 when she stepped in as Director. Suzie wholeheartedly believes the teachers are the heart of the program, and, together, as a staff, they make LW ELC a beautiful place to work and teach.

Sandra Lizer, Assistant Director-Infants & Toddlers

Sandra has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.

Shannon Lyons-Heberger, Office Manager

Shannon Lyons-Heberger is the Office Manager of Lighted Window ELC. Shannon has been working in the field of education since 1997. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. Shannon was the PTO President of Lighted Window Preschool from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, she took on the role of office manager. Shannon lives in La Canada, with her three boys, all of whom graduated from LWP. Her oldest boy attends Purdue University, and the other two attend St. Francis High School. Shannon spends her time driving them around!

Our Teaching Staff

Our staff is a group of caring, educated individuals who have a pure love for children. They help provide a nurturing and age-appropriate environment that helps children achieve their optimum development. Their goal is to promote an early educational experience that will teach them about sharing, caring, respect, morals and honesty as well as give them an academically appropriate curriculum that will start the children off in the right direction for life.

At LWP, we care about supporting our teaching staff, both personally and professionally. We offer our staff flexible schedules, full benefits, and provide three paid professional development days every year. First aid and CPR training are also refreshed every year.