“What  we do, must be meaningful for the children!”

Shannon Delahanty

Along with a devotion to the progressive philosophy of St. Francis School, Shannon brings with her almost 30 years in early childhood education. Her experiences as a classroom teacher and administrator in other programs helped her develop the skills needed for her role as director as well as her role as the first assistant director of the new St. Francis preschool. As director, Shannon has been responsible for leading the preschool staff into a rejuvenation of curriculum.

Shannon has first-hand knowledge of the benefits of a St. Francis education. She and her husband Jude have two sons who graduated from St. Francis. Her older son Cullen is a junior at Hanover College while her younger son Brennan is a sophomore at St. Francis High School.

KENNI DEDDENS, Assistant Director

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”  

Ghandi

Kenni’s journey as an educator began over 30 years ago as a teacher of young children who were deaf or hard of hearing. Before brain research substantiated that early experiences actually impact the physical development of the brain, Kenni saw the impact of early intervention in her classroom. These experiences made her a staunch advocate of quality early childhood education that influences life-long learning.  Her education as a speech pathologist and special educator reinforced her commitment. 

Kenni received her Bachelor of Arts from Bellarmine College in Special Education and Elementary Education. Her Masters of Education in Hearing and Speech Pathology was earned at the University of Louisville. She obtained her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership.

She feels privileged to be at St. Francis where she can share her dedication to young children and their families and make a further contribution to early childhood education.