Morningside Presbyterian Preschool

Introducing the staff for the 2008-2009 school year

Martha Hartzell, Preschool Director

Before becoming Director in 2006, I had the pleasure of being a part of Morningside Presbyterian Preschool as a mentor teacher (2005-2006). The professionalism of the staff and the enthusiasm of the parent community have made my job as Director very rewarding. For 19 years I was a teacher and mentor teacher at the Glenn School for Young Children. I also mentored teachers in other schools, including Morningside Elementary. My family moved to Atlanta in 1976, when my husband, Criss, joined the faculty of what is now the Department of Cell Biology at Emory University. Our three children, Laura, Robyn, and Catherine, have their own careers and families and our grandsons, Harrison and Solomon, have added new joy to Criss’ and my lives. Watching them discover the world and master new skills has reminded me of why I have chosen a career of working with young children and families.

Linda Guthrie: I am very excited to join Morningside Preschool with Miss Kim Moulder in Older Toddlers and Twos. As a frequent substitute teacher this past year, I knew I wanted to be part of this wonderful learning experience.

I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, Illinois, and then went on to earn a B.A. in American Studies at Grinnell College in Iowa. After two years in the Peace Corps teaching English and Head Start in Micronesia, the American Trust Territory of the Pacific, I came to Atlanta where I received my elementary teaching certificate at Georgia State. I went on to teach second grade in the Atlanta Public Schools for four years, then made a career change to medical secretary at Emory School of Medicine. But I missed direct involvement in education, the family enterprise. My great-aunts, aunts, mother, father, sister, and niece were all natural and trained teachers, so I'm back to my roots.

When I'm not watching Turner Classic Movies, walking my three dogs, or reading, I'm working on family history. My father's life-long hobby was genealogy and I have reams of letters and photos, hard copy acquired before computers revolutionized the field, to organize. So I'm also archives manager in my free time. From my family of teachers I know, as we all do, that children are learning sponges. It's up to parents and teachers to keep the bucket filled so they can absorb all they can. Our Director and the Morningside Preschool teachers know how to keep the bucket filled, and I'm happy to join them. I look forward to seeing all the team players, beginning with the little ones, this fall.

Jill Klein: This fall will be my eleventh year teaching. It is my sixth year at Morningside. My other 7 years were spent teaching in San Francisco, California and Naples, Florida. I am thrilled to be a part of the Morningside teaching staff. I am always excited each year to return and work with such a wonderful, loving and professional staff.

I graduated from the University of South Florida where I received my degree in early childhood education. I have attended numerous certified early childhood courses/seminars/workshops as well as state and national conferences over the past nine years. During my career as an educator, I have developed and taught a children's etiquette class for The Ritz Carlton Hotel. I also developed and directed a children's choir at The Trinity Episcopal Church. Another rewarding experience was being part of helping to build a children's playground with 2000 volunteers and completing it in one week. I was a member of the Junior Women's Association for many years where I volunteered and help raise funds for important causes. I enjoy giving back to the community and try to do so whenever I can.

I have a beautiful and bright niece Kate (9) and a sweet nephew Hunter (4). Hunter was diagnosed at 2 ½ years with autism. He continues to amaze us with his everyday accomplishments. When available, I attend autism workshops and seminars to educate myself so that I may be a finer tool in Hunter's life. He has changed us all to become better people.

When I am not teaching, I like to spend my free time cooking for friends, dining out, traveling, reading and running. My passions are simple.

Chris Kroner: This is my fifth year at MPP Preschool as a teaching assistant in a Pre-Kindergarten class and I especially enjoy working with the four and five-year-old students helping to prepare them for Kindergarten. For the past 15+ years I have taught preschool-age children, mostly in church preschool and extended day settings. For many of those years I worked with two-year olds as a Lead Teacher in the classroom and because these "little ones" are so special to me, I still continue to work with this age group on Sundays and for other special meeting occasions at my own church.

I am a native of Atlanta and my family and I still live in the Morningside neighborhood in which I grew up. My husband and I have three children, two daughters and a son, who are students at Inman Middle School and North Atlanta High School. When I am not teaching, some of my favorite pastimes are reading, attending church services, playing with my four dogs, and driving my children from one after-school activity to another.

Debbi Loomis: I was born at Fort McPherson here in Atlanta and I spent the next 18 years as the proverbial "Army Brat". I attended ten different schools spanning four states and three countries. The grounding forces for me were my many teachers who always provided an environment for each child to learn regardless of race, family or parent's occupation.

I always wanted to teach, but I was married and had two sons (now 26 and 29) by the time I was 24. After many different mini-careers, I was able, five years ago, to finally pursue my dream. I took a position as nanny for a Morningside Presbyterian Preschool family and became part of the community here. I came to know most of the teachers and felt that this school would be a good environment in which to teach myself.

When not at school, I enjoy reading, sewing, and puzzles of all kinds. However, my four-year-old granddaughter limits my time for such personal enjoyment. She also keeps me smiling!

Tomeka McGee: I am elated Morningside has given me the opportunity to assist Ms. Stephanie in the Young Toddlers/ Twos classroom.

For the past five years I have focused my attention on receiving some of the best knowledge I could about the development of children - birth through adolescence - from The University of Missouri and Georgia State University.

I have had the opportunity to educate students at the following schools: taught at Northside Hospital Child Development Center, team-taught young toddlers using Creative Curriculum; team taught at Oak Grove Child Development Center in Decatur ages 2/3; taught at New City School in St. Louis using the Multiple Intelligence Curriculum for 5/6 your olds.

When not at a Child Development Center, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 11 years, reading newspapers from different states, and watching documentaries.

Kay Monroe is an assistant teacher in our Options 3 Class, beginning her 7th year at MPP. Before joining our staff, Kay taught at Peachtree Christian Church for 16 years. Ms. Kay has had another career as an LPN at Northside Hospital from 1975-1988. She is the proud mother of Matt and Kallie. Kay and her family (Lee, Matt, and Kallie) love the outdoors, sports, and their pets!

Stephanie Moore: I am extremely excited, for this fall will be my second year teaching at Morningside Preschool. I am a Decatur, Georgia native having received my early and secondary education in the Dekalb County School System (Faith Christian Academy, Briarvista Elementary, Lakeside High School). I started my career in education while attending Georgia State University where I was an Early Childhood Education major and Speech Pathology minor. I have taught preschool children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years for 12 years. For most of those 12 years I taught Pre-K at Briarlake Baptist Church Childhood Education Center. I have also worked after-school programs for inner city youth.

When I am not crawling on the floor, blowing bubbles, changing diapers, making HUGE messes, crazy faces and noises with preschoolers…I am usually with family. My parents, married for 40 years, reside in Ellenwood, Georgia. My older brother (32) lives in Decatur. And I have a nephew (4) Caleb Quentin, affectionately known as, he would tell you, "Auntie's Big Boy." I am a member of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on historic "Sweet Auburn Avenue" downtown Atlanta where I sing in the choir and mentor the youth. I absolutely love to read, shop and travel.

Kim Moulder: I am the new Lead Teacher for the Older Toddlers and Older Twos classes. I am so excited for the opportunity to work and grow with everyone within the Morningside community! I am a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Political Science, minoring in Anthropology. My ultimate goal is to return to school in order to earn my Masters degree in Education.

My interests include all sports (particularly softball, baseball, and UGA football, of course!), reading, Civil War and Native American history, and spending time with my family. I am also engaged to be married on October 10th, 2008.

My recent professional endeavors include working as a Lead Pre-K teacher, assisting in an after school program for children ages one to eleven, and working with the developmentally disabled; I have also enjoyed volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of America and at several retirement facilities. I am truly grateful for all of the past and present opportunities that I have been given and am very excited to begin a new chapter in my life with Morningside Presbyterian Preschool.

Deena Riley: I am very happy to begin my fifth year of teaching at Morningside Presbyterian Preschool as a lead teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten classes, as well as continuing as instructor for the Creative Movement program for the three-year-olds and Pre-K students. I began my love of teaching as an Early Childhood Education major at Georgia State University and I have been a career educator for the past 33 years in the Atlanta area. For most of those years, I have taught four and five-year-olds in private preschools. I was a dancer and gymnast in my growing up years, which led me to develop a Creative Movement program that I have taught in schools, camps, after-school programs, scout groups, ballet schools, and "Y" classes during the past 25+ years.

My husband and I have three grown children, a son and two daughters - and we are grandparents of three granddaughters and a grandson who are the joys of our lives. We have a black Lab dog that is nine years old. Our favorite pastimes are having "play dates" with our grandchildren, enjoying wonderful dinners with our grown up children, reading, and spending time when we can at our family's mountain home in North Georgia. For holidays, we enjoy traveling and we love to spend quiet time at the beach/ocean (Florida's Gulf Coast and the Outer Banks of North Carolina) with our extended families.

Brooke Sapp: I am so excited to begin my greatly anticipated teaching journey here at Morningside! It was such a treat for me to work at this year's VBS where I got to know many of my bright upcoming students!

I am a graduate of Georgia State University, where I received my bachelors degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and minored in Marketing. I recently completed an internship at KC Public Relations where I got the opportunity to work closely with clients such as The Mansion on Peachtree and Natural Body Spa & Shop.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time at KCPR, I have decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an educator. My passion has always been children. Since I was young, I have continually babysat, worked my share of vacation bible schools and nannied for various families in Atlanta and in my hometown of Sea Island, Georgia.

I am scheduled to start graduate school this fall at Brenau University's Evening and Weekend college in Norcross in order to obtain a masters degree in Early Childhood Education.

I am an active member of the Junior League of Atlanta, Shepherd Center's Junior Committee, Safe Kids Georgia, St. Simons Presbyterian Church and Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, playing tennis and spending time with my wonderful family and friends.

Heather Starkel: I am a Lead Teacher for the 5-day Threes. I have enjoyed working with young people in an after-school program, as a caretaker/babysitter, and as an older sister to two brothers. I have come to Morningside Preschool after working in commercial production. Recently, I adopted a German Shepard /Rottweiller puppy named Chachi and I enjoy gardening, hiking, and chocolate cake.

Kimberly Williams is one of our 5-day three-year-old assistant teachers. She is originally from Oakland, California. Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Clark Atlanta University. Kim relocated back to Atlanta from New York. While in New York, she was an elementary school teacher. Kim is also a proud mother of her seven-year-old son, Akobi who attends Mary Lin Elementary School after graduating from MPP. Kim loves to draw and design during her free time. Her hobbies include reading, rollerblading, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.