Meet our Educators

The Preschool staff is comprised of trained and qualified teachers and a site Director.  Teachers are carefully selected to provide an excellent preschool experience for children.  During the year, each staff member must complete twenty-four hours of professional education, including CPR and first aid training.  Staff members are also regularly trained in the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), the child assessment-screening tool used by the Preschool.

 

Ms. Cathy, Preschool Director

Ms. Cathy has over thirty years of Early Childhood Education experience in New Mexico and is degreed in both Early Childhood Education and Administration. She has been a Teacher, an Educational Coordinator, a Master Trainer with the state of New Mexico, an Administrator for Santa Fe Children services, and a Preschool Director. Ms. Cathy believes that learning is magical and fun, and that children learn best when they have an active role in their learning. Leading Saint John’s nationally accredited program is something she is very passionate about, because she is able to share her love of this field with educators, children, and families.

 
 

Pre-K & Early Pre-K Teachers

 

Ms. Estephany, Pre-K Teacher - 4’s

Ms. Estephany has 8 years of childcare experience and has been part of the Saint Johns UMC Preschool family since 2018.  She has an Associate’s degree in both Early Childhood Multicultural Education and Human Services, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Ms. Estephany, originally from Mexico City, is fluent in both Spanish and English, and she can read and write in French.

Ms. Adriana, Early Pre-K Teacher - 3’s

Ms. Adriana has worked with infants and toddlers for over 8 years as a preschool teacher, including 2 years with preschool and pre-k. She is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. Ms. Adri believes in creating a learning environment in the classroom that encourages children to be curious, investigate and participate.

Ms. Lisbeth, Assistant Preschool Teacher

Ms. Lisbeth, originally from Guatemala, has over 40 years of Early Childhood Education experience. She speaks Spanish and English Fluently. She has Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education in the State of California and is currently enrolled to complete a New Mexico Accredited Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Lisbeth loves to teach through songs, games, and books.

Ms. Andrea, Early Preschool Teacher - 2’s

Ms. Andrea has a combined total of 10+ years of teaching children from birth to preschool age. She graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. She is also a state certified mentor teacher, and is working on her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction concentrated in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Andrea finds teaching children very rewarding and a great way to help shape the future.

Ms. Alyse, Early Preschool Teacher - 2’s

Ms. Alyse has over 10 years experience working with children ages 2-5 years. She has an Associate’s degree in Child Development, a Bachelor’s in Family and Children studies, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree. Alyse believes that you are your child’s first teacher, and that her job is to support you on the journey to help your child succeed.

 

Toddler Teachers

 

Ms. Taylor, Toddler Teacher/Assistant Director

Ms. Taytay (as the students call her) has been working in childcare for 6 years, 3 of which have been with Saint Johns Preschool. She is currently earning her degree in Early Education and Administration. Ms. Taylor works with students, as well as Ms. Cathy on administrative tasks that keep the school running. Her favorite thing about young children is watching all of the lightbulb moments and independent growth.

Ms. Denisse, Toddler Teacher

Ms. Denisse has 6 years of experience working with children. She is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish, and she holds a certificate in Early Childhood Development. Ms. Denisse loves teaching toddlers because she gets to see their very first experiences.

Ms. Kaylee, Assistant Toddler Teacher

Ms. Kaylee has a background in music education and elementary musical studies, and is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on birth through third grade. Ms. Kaylee is starting her second years at Saint John’s.

 

Infant Teachers

Ms. Victoria, Infant Teacher

Ms. Victoria has 6 years of experience working with children 6 weeks - 5 years old. She is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood. Her favorite thing about working with infants are the cuddles, and reassuring the parents how loved their children are in her classroom.

Ms. Ivone, Assistant Infant Teacher

Ms. Ivone has 3 years of experience working with infants and toddlers. Ms. Ivone is bilingual and is currently earning her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood. She loves teaching our smallest learners sign language, and reading and signing in both English and Spanish.