Come meet some of the happy faces of Trinity Lutheran Preschool! We take pride in a staff that works together as a team to bring the best possible care and cumulative experience for the children in our school. All of our staff is carefully screened (as required by state licensing); everyone is fingerprinted and goes through an FBI check. Each staff member also receives a TB skin test. In addition, everyone must have an early childhood certificate and/or degree or be working towards one.
Interested in joining our team? Download an APPLICATION.
Ms. Joanne, School Director
Hello, I am Joanne, and for me it is difficult to imagine a better career than working with children. I have loved this work for over 34 years, with the majority of my time spent in Lutheran schools. I am thrilled to be working in the Trinity Lutheran community in Gardnerville. I grew up in the Montana Rockies and found my way to the tropics of Hawaii where I lived for more than 30 years. I made the “jump across the ocean” to be closer to my family. I enjoy all this area has to offer.
My experiences have been wonderfully diverse ranging from teaching kindergarten through sixth grade. I started my career working with preschoolers and later enjoyed teaching a class of talented and gifted second and third grade students. I was a home and hospital teacher for a student with cancer. I co-created a periodical for parents and teachers of elementary school students, developed and operated an after-school enrichment program, and piloted a one-to-one technology program for my first-grade class. Whew! I’ve loved every minute of it!
After graduating from the University of Montana, Western with a B.S. in Elementary Education, my education continued with career relevant classes from University of Hawaii Manoa, University of Hawaii West Oahu, and Concordia University Irvine. I have enjoyed numerous educational workshops, seminars, and webinars, and I co-created early childhood/kindergarten curriculums. I am certified in the Spalding and Orton-Gillingham reading programs.
My advice to every parent is to find time to enjoy and talk with your child every day. These years will become treasured memories of parenthood. Children are the greatest gifts God has entrusted to us. I’m always available for conversation, so please feel free to contact me whenever you have a question or concern.
Ms. Lisa, Business Manager
Hello, my name is Lisa. I have the honor of being part of the Trinity team since May, 2002. During this time, I have gone from being a part-time bookkeeper to currently holding the position of Business Manager and Assistant Director. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to be a member of such a dedicated staff and working with amazing families and their wonderful children.
I am a fourth generation Carson Valley native and grew up on a ranch here in Gardnerville. After graduating from Douglas High School, I attended the University of Nevada, Reno and graduated in 1987 with a BS in Business Administration. I have two wonderful children. In my free time I enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling, but most of all spending time with my family.
Ms. Samantha, Assistant Director
My name is Samantha, and I have been teaching ECE since 2009. I have three beautiful children and a wonderful husband. We both grew up in the Carson Valley and love this community very much. I am active in this town and love it when I see my past students out and about. Teaching children is truly a passion of mine, and I am so blessed to have been a part of Trinity since 2013.
Ms. Brenda, TK Teacher
Hello, I have been teaching in Christian elementary schools for 20 years. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and I mainly taught third, fourth, and fifth grade students before I began working here at Trinity in 2017.
I married my wonderful husband in 1990 and we have two terrific adult children and one grandson who attends Trinity!
At work, I love the children’s smiles, receiving hugs, and seeing their wonderful artwork. Also, I love seeing a child’s face light up when they learn something new!
Ms. Jacque, Fox Teacher/QRIS Coach
Hi, I am Jacqueline and I was born in San Jose, California. I graduated from Douglas High School in 1997 and began working as an aide, for a local childcare center. After graduating I moved to Scott’s Valley, Ca. and attended “Bethany Bible College”, where I studied Early Childhood Education. Currently, I am attending WNC and I am on the verge of transferring to UNR. I will be finishing my Bachelors in “Early Child Education” with a minor in “Psychology.”
I have two amazing children, that keep me busy. My kids and I moved here from Truckee, CA, in September 2010, to be closer to my family. I have over 15 years of experience in the childcare industry and just love working with kids! While, in Truckee, I ran a Pre-K classroom for 5 years. My other responsibilities included developing curriculum for the toddler and 3–4-year-old classrooms, along with my Assistant Director duties. I have worked alongside, school psychologists, speech pathologists and other elementary school staff, with children and their parents on IEP’s, making sure that children, kept on their educational plan within my classroom.
I believe every child is different and it’s important to teach each child individually. You find out what makes them tick and go from there, and make sure they have a great start towards a successful educational experience. I am so excited to be working at Trinity! This is a wonderful school filled with amazing people and teachers.
Ms. Heather, Preschool Elephant Teacher
Hello! Welcome to The Elephant Room! My name is Heather, and I am one of the Elephant teachers. I have been working at Trinity Lutheran Preschool since 2018. I have worked in all of the classrooms. I am happy to be working as a regular teacher in The Elephant Classroom beginning the 2020/2021 school session.
I went to school for Interior Design, which is a lot of fun. I am married and have three children of my own. I love spending time with my family.
