Director/PM Pre-K Teacher
I have the pleasure of being the Director and a teacher in the PM Pre-K class at Washington Christian Preschool. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a teacher, so I took every opportunity I could to work on those skills (Babysitting, working with the church’s children’s ministry, assisting in a home daycare and private preschool, teaching English in a children’s home in Mexico City, serving as a nanny, etc) I graduated from Lincoln Christian University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Pre-K focus. My husband, Clayton, and I moved to Washington in January of 2010 as he accepted a position as a local pastor. I was blessed in 2011 with the opportunity to begin at Washington Christian Preschool! I was brought in to an extremely caring team of teachers and absolutely love working with them and the amazing children who attend the school. The teachers and the children never cease to bring a smile and usually a good hearty laugh.
My favorite Bible passage is Phil. 4:4-7 which reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
AM & PM Pre-K Teacher
I will not forget the day I was first approached about becoming a teacher for WCP in 2001. I have never looked back! It is a joy. I currently get to teach the Pre-K classes and enjoyed teaching the 3’s class for many years. I live in Washington with my husband, Jeff, who was the lead pastor at Washington Christian Church for 32 years. Together we have three grown children as well as eight grandchildren! They all bring great joy, as well as continue to “teach” the teacher. I grew up in southern Illinois and after high school, I attended Eastern Illinois University. Later, I studied further at Johnson University in Knoxville, TN as well as here, at ICC. I love my job! I have worked with children in some capacity, most of my life. VBS, teaching in the Children’s Department at church, leading children’s choirs, summer daycare, babysitting and church camp programs. The children bring something new to the table almost daily. I love their honest look at life, their eagerness to learn new things, their hilarious stories and comments, and their unconditional love and concern for others. Watching them and having a part in their growth and maturity is extremely rewarding and humbling. Aside from the children, we teachers are able to work in a friendly, Christian based environment, with the full support of our board and the staff at Washington Christian. We are blessed! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, taking part in our church activities, eating out, CHOCOLATE, attending musical events and concerts, movies, going for walks, watching my grandchildren’s games and events, and watching basketball and baseball – go Cardinals!
My favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:18. It reads, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Pre-school life is exciting, fun, busy, creative and often amazing. I am continually learning, both in my approach and teaching skills, as well as from the heart of the child.
AM Pre-K & 3’s Teacher
I was born and raised in Washington. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University. I married my high school sweetheart, Tim, and we have 3 children, along with 2 Chihuahua rescue dogs. I have always had a passion for working with kids and am always striving to give my students a love for learning that follows them throughout their education and beyond. I feel very blessed to work at a Christ-centered preschool alongside my amazing co-teachers, who are also my dear friends. I hope my aspiration for teaching shines through in my love for my students.
My favorite Bible verse is John 16:33 which says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
3’s Teacher
I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a 3’s teacher here at Washington Christian Preschool! I fell in love with this place after substitute teaching. It brings me so much joy to be able to work in an environment that not only teaches kids letters and numbers, but that comes alongside them as they learn to regulate their emotions, learn how to interact with each other, and most importantly learn about who Jesus says they are.
I received my bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and moved back here to Washington in 2019 when my husband was accepted to Bradley University’s masters program. We have two cats, and kids always get a kick out of their names: Baby Kitty and Juice Box. I have always loved interacting with kids and took every opportunity I could to teach them growing up, whether that be babysitting, working in Children’s Church, teaching at Vacation Bible Schools, or volunteering at Good News and By the Hand Clubs.
My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”