Exceptional Early Childhood and Preschool Education for Your Family

Our Staff

Professional Childcare Staff

Along with our amazing teachers and staff, our dedicated professional administration team is here to serve you and your child.

We care for families by creating an environment where children know they’re loved, where each child can thrive in their own unique way, and where learning is fun.

Parent involvement is an important aspect of a child’s education, which is why we encourage open communication and collaboration between parents and staff. Our experienced teachers are passionate about helping children reach their full potential, working closely with parents to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met.

  • Programs for infants (beginning at 6 weeks), preschool, and kindergarten to 5th grade
  • Daily text updates
  • Security cameras and code-based access
  • Transportation to and from all Gloucester County elementary schools

Ashlee Whitmarsh, Director

Ashlee is passionate about the children she serves and is committed to creating an environment where children feel loved, nurtured, and empowered to grow. With five years of experience at Little Lights, Ashlee has worked as a toddler teacher, department supervisor, office manager, and now serves as the Director. Ashlee loves to build relationships that extend beyond the classroom, as she seeks to support parents and caregivers in providing the best possible care for their children. Her precious daughter, Lona, is the light of her life. She enjoys watching Lona perform at horse shows, going to Water Country, reading, being outdoors, and watching movies at home. With Ashlee at the helm, families can trust that their children are in good hands, receiving the care and attention they need to thrive.

Bobbie Brown, Human Resources Administrator

Bobbie has worked with children in Gloucester County since 2016, supporting students, families and the community to make a better tomorrow. Her favorite age group is the early childhood years, when kids develop social-emotional skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.  She delights in finding new and creative ways to teach as children learn to build strong relationships, make decisions, talk to others, and recognize their feelings. Most importantly, she wants to share the love of Jesus so that children know they are never alone or forgotten, but always loved. Bobbie has been married for 30 years, with one daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandchild. She enjoys crafting with friends, spending time with family, and serving the families of Reedswood Christian Church as part of the children’s ministry team.

Valarie Jensen, Office Manager

Vickie Lyell- Administrative Assistant

Pastor Ken – CEO/CCO

Meet the Founders

Ken & Holly Cramer, serving Middle Peninsula families since 1990.

Ken and Holly Cramer have served as pastors at Lighthouse Worship Center since 1990. They got their start in children’s ministry, and still delight in serving the children and families of our community. They launched Little Lights as a ministry of Lighthouse in 1999, in an effort to bring quality Christian childcare to the Middle Peninsula.

“We love this opportunity to pray over the kids to share the Word of God with them and to create a positive, fun environment for their lives.” –Ken Cramer

Ken serves as CEO/CCO of Little Lights and has overseen its growth. Little Lights started with just 20 children, and has expanded over the years with additional facilities, staff, and services and now cares for up to 260 children.

Holly has a BS in Education. Ken has a BS in Bible, MA in Christian Ministry, and DMin in Leadership. Together they have three children: Heather, Alyssa and Jeremy; and they now enjoy three grandchildren.