The Ozarka Spotlight Series moves to the Ozarka Kids Academy this week with its newest teacher, Patty Loggains.
Patricia "Patty" Loggains, is a newcomer to the Ozarka Kids Academy, but she has been in childcare for more than 20 years. She became the three year old teacher at the Academy in September of 2003. Before that, she had a home daycare and owned and operated what was formerly Little People Daycare in Melbourne.

Clearly, Loggains enjoys working with children. She says that it is fulfilling to help a child learn. "One of the greatest things for me is to see the expression on one of my student's faces when they learn something new or accomplish a goal." Currently, Loggains' class of three year olds is at full capacity with 12 students.

One of Loggains' current students is Keeley Jo Massey. She is daughter of Christy Massey, who is secretary for the Administrative office at Ozarka. "Keeley has been 'Ms. Patty's' student since she was three months old, before Patty started at the Academy." according to Christy. She compliments Patty on her childcare and teaching skills. "Ms. Patty is an awesome teacher and so good and patient with the kids. She has taught Keeley a lot in three years and Keeley absolutely adores her."

Patty has been married for 28 years to her husband, James. He is a supervisor for Centurytel. They have three daughters and two grandchildren. Jamie is the oldest daughter and lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jessica and her husband Ricky Engles, live in Mt. Pleasant and own and operate Hyla World in Melbourne. Youngest daughter, Joni and her husband Josh Knapp live in Melbourne where Joni is currently an Ozarka College student. Grandchildren, Logan, who will be five in February; and Emilee, who is 15 months old are the children of Ricky and Jessica.

An active member of the First Baptist Church of Melbourne, Patty is the church secretary as well as children's director. Her other interests include: sewing, reading, cooking, baking, and "eating," she adds. She is currently reading a Christian series. One unusual fact about Patty is that she is the seventh of fourteen children.

Praising her co-workers, Patty expresses "they are great people to work with and everyone at the Kids Academy and the college are always willing to lend a hand and help one another."
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