4 Year Old Preschool Program
Exploring 4's
Amy DeRaps
Amy DeRaps comes to us from Maine via Georgia (and two other states and three countries!) where she went to college. This is her 12th year at KinderPrep and she brings to us a rich background of knowledge as a former Special Education Assistant. In addition to leading her 4’s class, Amy will be working with some of our older students in the “Search and Teach” program this year. She describes her teaching style as calming, fun, and messy! Amy loves making individual connections with each of her students to ensure they feel safe in her care. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves moose!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Lindsay Harrald
Lindsay Harrald comes to us with vast experience in both early childhood and special education. She is a master at being flexible with her hands-on and engaging plans so she can recognize and embrace each child for who they are, adjust to support their needs, and teach them to enjoy learning. Summing up her philosophy, Lindsay states, “Children LOVE to learn if you teach with love.” A “MamaBear,” Lindsay loves going on adventures with her two boys to a new park, museum, walking trail, and playing outside. She plays wiffleball and kickball in rec leagues, loves reading, playing card and board games, and watching reality TV shows.
Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see. – Hebrews 11:1
4 day 4's
Natalie Butler
Natalie Butler is in her 12th year as a KinderPrep educator. She holds a BS in Business Administration and loves teaching young children. She loves to incorporate fun and messy, yet educational activities into her classroom. Her favorite aspect of being a teacher is seeing her students’ “ah-ha! moments” and the enthusiasm they display for learning. An avid traveler, Natalie loves to read and be outdoors. If you can’t find her, look to the water. She’s probably on a boat watching the sunset.
Therefore encourage one another, build on another up just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Helen Sawchuk
Helen Sawchuck comes to us from Scotland and has taught at KinderPrep for seven years. She studied CASS (Caring and Social Services) at college in Edinburgh. Happiest outdoors, Helen loves being a part of her students’ educational journey and sharing the natural world with them through science, reading, and hands on and interactive activities. She is an extraordinarily talented artist and takes joy in the simple things. If you’re looking for her outside of school, you can find Helen in the hills/mountains or skydiving when she is not taking care of a house full of children—both her own and all their friends!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. 2 Samuel 22:34
Hybrid 4's
Jilliane Klak
Jilliane Klak loves the multi-dimensional development that KinderPrep focuses on: educational, emotional, and spiritual. She has lovingly taught with us for seven years and incorporates energy and humor into her teaching to encourage excitement about learning in her students. Jill loves to spend as much time as possible with her amazing husband and five beautiful children. They like to be together at sporting events, grilling outside, laying by the pool, or just relaxing at home with their menagerie of pets (including a pig!) Jill is such a happy positive person that she even dances in her kitchen when cooking!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Stella Spencer
Stella Spencer might be new to KinderPrep this year, but she is certainly not new to teaching. With a Master of Science in Education, she is a dedicated teacher and has taught Pre-K 4 to 4th grade at schools in North Carolina and throughout Hampton Roads. One thing she enjoys most about working with young children is when a class becomes a family, and a classroom becomes a home. And that’s something which happens quite often as she wants her students to learn that school is an engaging, loving, and positive place to be. Stella is a big fan of the energy, excitement, lights, and diversity of New York City and is a huge Broadway fan. Perhaps one day she’ll watch her son and daughter (both talented and dedicated ballet students) on stage in NYC!
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. -Exodus 14:14
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
5 Day 4's
Keisha Monge
Keisha Monge’s children attended KinderPrep. She loved the atmosphere and learning philosophy of our school so much that she’s been teaching with us going on six years. With a B.A. in English language and literature and a M.A. in International Studies, Keisha has worked with preschool through collegiate aged learners. Keisha believes that children learn through all their daily activities but especially through PLAY. She helps children discover their own interests and provides the structure they need to grow and excel. Her biggest goal is to foster a love of learning in her students. When not at school, you can find Keisha spending time with her family, reading, creating art, cooking, visiting museums and galleries, or at the beach.
Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. Jeremiah 29: 12-14
Melissa Bartholomew
Melissa Bartholomew is in her third year KinderPrep. She holds a BA in Biology and has cared for children in her home for many years. Music is an important part of her life. She now sings in her church’s praise band and has been a part of a choir for many years. Her heart melts when she sees all her students singing along at Chapel time. Melissa practices yoga, loves reading, and enjoys being outside for walks or riding her bike. She is an identical twin and has recently started playing Pickle Ball!
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
