4 Year Old Preschool Program
Exploring 4's
Amy DeRaps
Amy DeRaps comes to us from Maine via Georgia (and two other state and three countries!) where she went to college. This is her 10th 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
Melissa Bartholomew
Melissa Bartholomew is new to KinderPrep this year. 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
4 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 four 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
McKenzie Cobb
McKenzie Cobb is in her second year at our school. She has dedicated herself to working with children for 11 years at Dynamic Movements School of Performing Arts where she is currently a dance instructor and Performance Team Director. McKenzie is a graduate of Virginia’s Governor’s School of the Arts. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing the world through their eyes. Spending time with her family, three dogs, and camping are some of her favorite things to do.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
Natalie Butler
Natalie Butler is in her 10th 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 five 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
5 Day 4's
Jennifer Winch
Jennifer Winch’s BS degree in Early Child Development with K-6 certification has served her well throughout her 16 years at KinderPrep. She has taught all levels here at KinderPrep from the 3’s through 1st grade. Jennifer’s kind, helpful, and caring soul, huge heart, and love of teaching is evident from all the hugs her student’s give her each day and their enthusiasm for learning. She strives to encourage and support her students as she challenges them toward new achievements. She and her husband (also her high school sweetheart!) have twin boys who started their education journeys together at KinderPrep and now attend the same college. Jennifer enjoys exercising and reading books.
For Nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37
Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
Nancy Lichty
Nancy Lichty has been an educator at KinderPrep for nearly two decades! As a member of New Creation UMC, she works in the church nursery as well. She enjoys working with children because of their excitement to learn and explore the world. Highly attuned to her students, Nancy adjusts her teaching style to their individual needs. Loving, kind, and loyal, Nancy is a lifelong learner and child advocate. When not participating in 5K races, which she does for fun, you can find Nancy spending time with her family. She proudly served in the Coast Guard!
The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
