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. Estephany, Preschool Director
Estephany Miranda
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. She is curently working on her Masters degree in Early Childhood. Ms. Estephany, is originally from Mexico City, is fluent in both Spanish and English. Ms. Estephany believes that the the field of Early Childhood is the most important and that teachers in the field plant the a seed of learning so that in the future this seed of learning can grow and become the great future of tomorrow. Leading Saint John’s nationally accredited program is something she is very excited about, because she is able to share her love of this field with educators, children, and families.
Ms. Alyse, Assistant Director
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.
Pre-K & Early Pre-K Teachers
Ms. Esmeralda, Assistant Preschool Teacher- 4’s
Ms. Esmeralda has been working with 3 and 4 years-olds for 4 years now. She loves being with that group age and she looks forward to be able to have her associates in early childhood. She loves at St. John preschool plus because everyone helps and they are all very supportive and caring people.
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. Taylor, Toddler Teacher
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 has her degree in Early Education and Administration. Her favorite thing about young children is watching all of the lightbulb moments and independent growth.
Toddler Teachers
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. Maria, Toddler Teacher
Ms. Lupita (Ms. Maria) has 8 years of experience working with children of all ages. She is fluent in Spanish and is currently learning English through music. She is currently working towards her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
She looks forward to creating a fun and nurturing learning environment together.
Infant Teachers
Ms. Stephanie, Infant Teacher
My name is Stephanie, or Ms. Steph was born and raised, New Mexican proud. After graduating from Sandia High School with Honors, she immediately transitioned over to The University of New Mexico and after four, wonderful years, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education; endorsed in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Arts.
God has continued to bless her teaching career, ever since. She taught with Albuquerque Public Schools for roughly a decade, wrote over a 100-page dossier on differentiating lesson planning for individual student needs in development, earning a Level II Teaching License by the state of New Mexico.
Ms. Lisbeth, Floater
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. Sara, Music Teacher
Ms. Sara Sweeney holds bachelor degrees in both music education and music therapy. She’s been teaching music classes for preschool aged children since 2018. Sara also has worked as an elementary music teacher and music therapist. She’s thrilled to rejoin the team at St John’s both as the music teacher and Pre-K teacher this school year!
