What makes our program unique is the consistency, experience, and philosophy that guides everything we do.
Book Worms Early Learning Center has an exceptionally low teacher turnover rate, providing children with stable, long-term relationships that support emotional security and trust. Our longest-tenured teacher has been with us since 2013, and many of our educators have been part of our community for years, creating a cohesive, experienced team that truly knows the children and families we serve.
Our program is intentionally designed to support the whole child. We teach emotional regulation through age-appropriate strategies, emphasize self-respect and respect for others, and foster independence so children gain confidence in their abilities and decision-making. These skills are woven into daily routines and interactions, not treated as separate lessons.
In addition, we prioritize daily outdoor play as an essential part of healthy child development. Children go outside every day, with outdoor play offered twice daily during the spring and summer months. This commitment supports physical development, emotional well-being, and a strong connection to the world around them.
Together, our experienced staff, whole-child approach, and emphasis on outdoor play create a nurturing, stable, and enriching environment that sets Book Worms apart from other early childhood programs.
Hello, from all of us!
Karen Werme (owner/director)
My eighth-grade yearbook has a picture of me and underneath, my life goal: To Own my own Daycare. Owning Book Worms has been a life goal for me and I’m proud of myself for obtaining that goal. I now spend my time as the owner and director. Caring for children was a natural talent that started when I was 11 years old. The first children who were left in my care were three brothers all under three years of age. They were a handful and they taught me everything I know! I went to college and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. I moved to Philadelphia from Connecticut in 2002 and that September started working at a prestigious Center City private preschool. I was there for ten years and the last four I spent as Director. I should also mention that I owned a successful eBay selling business, which was featured in the Wall Street Journal. Luckily for me, I also have my own child, Mayson. She is currently a soon to be Sophomore at Ithaca College. When I’m not working, I enjoy riding my road and gravel bikes, running, hanging out with friends, visiting family, and sleeping.
Heather Jo
I’m happy to still be a teacher at Book Worms after over ten years, and I enjoy my job every day! I have over 20 years of experience working professionally with children, and am a mom as well. I was a resource parent (foster mom) in Delaware county for ten years and through that experience am trained in PCIT (parent child interactive therapy), Safety-Care, and BPT (behavioral parent training.) I also have training and education in early childhood development, art education, child psychology, and behavioral development among other areas. I earned a BFA in Painting/Drawing and an MA in Education from the University of the Arts. Previously, I worked for the University of the Arts as the Pre-College Programs Director, Delaware Art Museum as an art program manager, and Beginnings Learning Center as an art teacher. At Bookworms, I love to emphasize the process of art-making and learning through play exploration- aka messy projects with lots of sensory experiences and beautiful mistakes. I especially strive to foster growth in fine motor development as well as executive functioning. I love nature, plants, science, insects, good music, dance, and being ridiculous when I can.
Courtney H.
Hello! My name is Courtney. I was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia and now currently live in South Philadelphia. Before starting at Bookworms, I worked at a previous daycare for over 8 years and nannied for 2 years while studying Early Childhood Education at Penn State Abington. From there, I spontaneously began working as a paralegal at an attorneys office. It took me working there less then a year for me to realize that my true calling really was to work with children. So now here I am at Bookworms and couldn’t be happier! I can truly say that I am genuinely happy to wake up and come to work each and every day. Being a part of the Bookworms community for the past few years has been such a unique and amazing experience. I look forward to continue forming amazing bonds with the children, families and staff here!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, hanging out with my puppy and cat, running, reading, traveling as much as possible and sometimes just simply being lazy!
Danny W.
Hello! My name is Danny and I’m very excited to be working at Bookworms! I’m from a small town called Moscow in Northeast PA, about twenty minutes outside of Scranton. I came to Philadelphia as a Temple University student to study Secondary Education and History five years ago. From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher due to the impact of my own teachers and professors in my life. Although my degree is in Secondary Education, I discovered my passion for helping young children learn after working as a teacher in a daycare for a year in my hometown. Watching the children in my classroom grow over the course of that year was the most magical experience of my life, and is something I’m looking forward to doing for as long as I’m able. I’m very excited to help teach your children, and am equally excited to learn from them!
In my free time I love exploring the city for new restaurants, cooking, writing, and organizing and competing in tournaments for Super Smash Brothers with my friends at Temple.
Kate
Hi there! My name is Kate and I am so excited and grateful to be joining the Book Worms team! I have lived in South Philly for nine years and I have been working with children in various capacities for about 20 years. I spent 8 years teaching Pre-K at a center in the Graduate Hospital area, where I eventually became the director. I am really looking forward to getting back into a classroom setting!
I grew up in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area. I have a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Kutztown University and after I graduated, I worked as a nanny before moving to Bethlehem and working as a toddler teacher there. I really enjoy working with children and inspiring their innate curiosity and helping them develop meaningful, respectful relationships with one another. One of my favorite things about working with kids is getting to see those “A-ha!” moments and seeing them make connections through play and interactions with their friends!
In my free time, I love to read, be outside, and spend time with friends and family. I look forward to working with the children, families, and teachers at Book Worms!
Dominique
Hi! My name is Dominique and I have been with Bookworms since 2021! Being a part of this team has been incredible and has taught me so many things about myself. I am from the South Philadelphia area, but I now live in Delaware County. I am the oldest of four kids, so being around kids is second nature to me. I have been babysitting my entire life and I’ve learned that tiny humans can teach you A LOT! I have my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Neumann University & currently working on getting my medical assistant certification. When I’m not working, you can find me reading a new book, listening to music, traveling, or at a Phillies/Eagles game! I am so excited for the opportunity to work with, teach, and learn from your children!
Julia C.
Hi there! My name is Julia and I am super excited and grateful to be working at Book Worms. I’m 26 years old and I’m originally from Long Island, New York. I moved to Fishtown in 2024 with my boyfriend, and I have been having a great time here in Philadelphia. I’m currently a senior at Temple University and am finishing my BBA there. I have always had a passion for working with children since I am an older sister to a younger brother so being around him and his friends when they were younger gave me a ton of experience and interest in working with them. I’ve worked in a Montessori preschool and have also been a direct support professional for teenagers with special needs so I have done a variety of work with kids of all ages. In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, taking walks, and going on vacation!
Gabriella
Hi! My name is Gabriella. I was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. I am very excited to be given such a great opportunity here at Bookworms! I’m currently working towards my Bachelor’s Degree of Health Sciences and plan to continue a degree in Medical Imaging. I have a passion for working with children and I hope to pursue my career in pediatric or obstetric health.
Growing up, I had a close-knit big family, I was the second oldest of many cousins. This sparked my interest and grew my comfort around children, as well as a desire to care for and support children and their families through their development. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy live music, hikes, the beach, and art.
Cindy
Hi, my name is Cindy! I was born and raised in South Philadelphia. Currently, I am at Community College of Philadelphia pursuing my associate’s degree in psychology, with the goal of transferring to a university for my Bachelor’s, preferably in child development.
I am the oldest of six kids, with the youngest being 8 years old and the oldest being 18 years old, I've always been around children, so there is never a dull moment at home. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes with my boyfriend, and listening to live music.
I'm super excited and grateful for the opportunity here at Bookworms!
Bianca
Hi! I’m Bianca :) I was born and raised in Philly, and I’ve always had a deep love for children, especially growing up surrounded by my nieces and nephews. Being around them has taught me so much- patience, kindness, and how to find joy in the little things!
I also grew up training in ballet, where I found a passion for mentoring and supporting younger dancers. That experience strengthened my love for working with children and helping them grow in confidence. I’m currently working toward my A.A. in Education (Birth–4th Grade) and plan to continue on to earn my B.S. in Education!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. I’m excited to create a supportive environment where your child can feel confident and inspired to learn!
Kyndal
My name is Kyndal and I'm originally from CT and came to Philly to study Early Childhood Education at Temple University! I’ve known since middle school that I wanted to work with young children, but it wasn’t until I took my first child development class in high school that I realized I’m very passionate about early childhood education and development! I have since worked in multiple childcare centers as well as nannied and babysat for several families as well! Working with children is truly my passion and I cannot see myself doing anything else in this world.
In my free time I like to read, play video games, go outside, do puzzles and legos, as well as spend time with my friends.
Cindy
Hi! My name is Cindy and I am excited to be part of the Book Worms team! I grew up in South Philadelphia and currently majoring in psychology at La Salle University, with plans to focus on child development.
As the oldest of six siblings, I have always been surrounded by children. Growing up in a big family has shaped my passion for helping kids grow. Studying psychology has strengthened that passion even more, giving me a deeper understanding of child behavior, development, and the importance of creative supportive environments.
In my free time, I enjoy going on long walks, rediscovering Philly to see what they have to offer. At the same time, I love spending time at home with my family. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing at Bookworms.
Kyra
Hi my name is Kyra! I was born and raised in Pottstown Pennsylvania and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a bachelor degree in psychology at Temple University. I started my journey in childcare when I was junior in high school working at the daycare center I grew up in. Over the years I have had the privilege of working in many childcare spaces from early learning centers, to camp counseling, and even spent a few summers as a swim instructor. I am so grateful to be continuing this journey at bookworms! Working with kids has truly taught me the value of fostering individuality. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, finding new coffee shops, and listening to live music!