Larisa Yakut

Originally from Moldova (a small republic in Eastern Europe), Larisa Yakut completed her BS in Russian Language and Literature, along with graduate coursework in Turkish Language from Sofia University (Bulgaria). After relocating to the United States in 1995, Larisa decided to focus her attention on education and learning of young children. With more than 15 years of experience in various settings and states across the nation, Larisa worked as a full time Teaching Assistant (at the University of Michigan Day Care, then Oregon Community College Family Center) and a Preschool teacher (at Infant Development Program, Lock Haven, PA). Before moving to Pennsylvania, Larisa taught Russian language to K-1st grade students in Odessa, Texas.

She is very excited to join the staff at Hort Woods. Larisa believes children thrive in a positive, worry free, nurturing environment established by caring and enthusiastic caregivers in a spirit of mutual respect. She believes as adults, we have a lot to learn from young children’s curiosity and their unconditionally accepting attitudes. She believes the role of preschool teachers is to guide and help kids to realize their full potential through various plays through peer and adult interactions.

Larisa resides with her husband and two grown children in Lock Haven area. In her spare time she enjoys playing piano, reading, and hiking in the woods.