“My mother, who always called me the “Baby Whisperer,” often said that from the time I was a little girl, she knew that someday I would be an educator. She was right, of course. Over 40 years after completing my Masters in Education, I’m still at it. There’s not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for my calling and the opportunity to be a part of so many special lives. It is my heartfelt desire to provide a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where kids will thrive and grow as they explore their world and develop special friendships. When I am not at school, you are likely to find me working out at the gym, reading, planning my next trip, or spending time with my three grown children and three grandkids. ”

“I have been working at SVUMC Preschool for over five years. I taught competitive figure skating for over 20 years and coached my daughter’s soccer team for 8 years. I also taught Sunday School and VBS for 6 years. I love seeing all the children at preschool since my babies are now 23 and 26. I play tennis at least three days a week and love hanging out with family and friends.”

“I have 4 beautiful children, and I have always had a passion for childcare.
I grew up in a large family, always babysitting my nieces and nephews and playing “school” with my siblings. It was my childhood dream to own and operate my own daycare, as a teenager I helped my older sister at her in-home daycare. In my earlier adulthood, I was a live-in nanny to school teachers that I met at the church I was attending at the time. I went on to work in daycares, continued nannying for multiple families- and then started as a sub at SVUMC. I absolutely love the staff and the culture at SVUMC and all the children I have had the pleasure of teaching there.

I love children of all ages but being around babies/toddlers is my favorite- watching them grow and learn new things is truly a blessing.
”

“I majored in Early Childhood Education and spent 11 years teaching in Dallas area schools. For three of those years, I taught special needs preschoolers, which I credit for giving me patience, understanding, and compassion.

I also spent time as the Associate Youth Minister at Arapaho UMC. In 2019, she felt called to work as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at SVUMC. The work at Spring Valley allows me to combine my two passions, teaching, and ministry.

As Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry I am responsible for Christian education programs for children and youth, which include weekly Sunday school programming, events during the week, worship arts camp, mission trips, youth group activities, recruiting, training, and overseeing volunteers and much more.

This year I am working with the preschool as their Communications Director. I also assist our Preschool Director throughout the week and participate in their special events.

I look forward to getting to know all our preschool families this year!”

“I have worked at several preschools in the Dallas area throughout my adult life and started teaching at Spring Valley Methodist Preschool in 2021. I have a husband and two daughters that keep me busy and on my feet! When I am not working you will likely find me reading a good book or hanging out with my family. I love my little Turtle students and their parents. They bring so much joy to my heart, and I love watching their little personalities grow!”

“I have lived in Richardson with my husband, daughter, and son since 2016. Prior to starting at SVUMC in 2022 I worked in childcare as a teen and went on to work in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for over 8 years. After staying home with my son for 3 years we decided to go back to preschool together! I absolutely love working with children and am happy to have found such an amazing home in SVUMC for me and my family. In my spare time, I enjoy making cakes, reading, and traveling with my family. Nothing beats coming into work and being snuggled every morning! ”

“Hello, my name is Mrs. Anjum and I will be your child’s teacher this year. I have been teaching at this preschool for 21 years. For 17 years, I was the teacher for the one-year-old Turtle Class and the last 4 years I’ve been teaching in the Dolphins Class. Nothing excites more than watching these kids learn to walk, talk, and develop their own unique personalities. It brings me great joy to see the children happy, smiling, laughing, playing, etc. It is my goal to help them grow and teach them good manners and discipline. I am thrilled to be a part of your child’s journey! Adding on, I would like to tell you a little bit about my own family. I have one daughter who recently got married. She is an Endocrinologist and lives with her husband who works in finance in Chicago. I also have one son who is an Engineer and lives with his wife who is a Mapping Specialist in Dallas. My husband runs a small store in Dallas as well. My hobbies include spending time with my family, enjoying delicious food, watching movies and playing games. I have a strong passion for serving my community through teaching children.
As we head into the new school year, I would like to start the year off with providing the parents with one piece of advice: LISTEN- when your child talks to you and make sure to take note of their interests. I am so excited to be a part of your child’s journey this year and am looking forward to a wonderful school year together!”

“The 2019-2020 school year was my first at SVUMC preschool. Prior to SVUMC, I spent over 30 years coaching competitive and recreational figure skaters, as well as 9 years caring for infant-2-year olds at a church here in Richardson. Born and raised in Bellevue, Washington, I come from a family of figure skaters. My mother was a Canadian champion and my sister competed in two Olympics. I’m married with two grown children and three sweet grandchildren, 4yrs and 7yrs old. I’ve had the privilege of caring for both of them while their parents work as well as preparing my granddaughter for kindergarten. She laughs and tells people that she went to “Nana’s Preschool.” I am passionate about helping children grow and learn and dedicated to providing your little ones a safe and loving environment so they can thrive!”

“Before beginning at SVUMC, I worked at a daycare with children ages 2 to 9 years old. I have two beautiful children who are now fully grown, 17 and 23 years old (and a 12-year-old four-legged furry child). I love getting to work with some really AMAZING people here at SVUMC. Everyone is always so kind and helpful! At SVUMC my students can look forward to coming in and learning something new every day while also having a ton of fun!”

“I have been teaching for 27 years and staring my 18th year at SVUMC. I have my Masters in Special Education, a B.S. in Elementary Education/Kindergarten. I absolutely love SVUMC because it is such a close-knit family. We are a cohesive team and there are so many wonderful parents and families that are a part of this preschool. The children in my Bears class can look forward to finger plays and songs, making gingerbread houses at Christmas, and tie-dyeing t-shirts. A few fun facts about myself? I LOVE cats, reading, and fitness walking. If I had one piece of advice for parents of a preschooler I would say READ READ READ to your child! Create time to read together and give your child time to look at books. ”

“In 1988, I graduated as a Pre-Primary Teacher of Education, a profession I have practiced since that day. What I love most about teaching at SVUMC Preschool is that it gives me the opportunity to grow spiritually and put God first in everything. The children in my Ladybugs class can look forward to playing, learning and growing together. Even I am always learning something new from my little ones! A fun fact about me? I am terrified of mice! If I see one - I scream like crazy. Ha! My favorite thing to do in my spare time is art. My best advice for parents is to spend time with your children doing activities outside and together as a family. I look forward to sharing God’s love with your littles! ”

“This is my 2nd year with SVUMC preschool but I’ve been in the Early Childhood Teaching profession for 18 years. This is my 10th year teaching 3-year-olds.

Teaching and partnering with families is a passion of mine and 3’s are my heart.

I got my start with 2-year-olds way at Holy Family School in Mckinney, TX.
Since then I have worked in various positions: Headstart, several non-profit organizations, and on the elementary campus library for BISD.

When I’m not in the classroom I enjoy gardening and creating mixed media art. I still get on my bike occasionally and I love books (especially children’s books!)

Teaching Early Childhood Education has been my most rewarding career. I look forward to another year of it with your children.”

“This is my 26th year teaching Early Childhood Education. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In 1996 I moved to Florida with my family. We resided there for 13 years before moving back to Texas in 2007. I have three wonderful daughters and two granddaughters. I believe there is no greater job than teaching young children. Each day is different, and children are a constant source of amazement. Children are so fun to work with, and watching them learn and grow is extremely rewarding. Although working with children is very rewarding, it is equally rewarding to work with their parents. As partners in your child’s education, we can collaborate to help your child reach their full potential during their early years of learning. My advice for parents of preschoolers? Children thrive in life when they are taught resilience, empathy, and compassion. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and yoga. ”

“This is my third year at SVUMC pre-school and I am loving my job! I love working with the 4-year-old’s, watching them grow, and the excitement they express when they learn something new. They are so eager to learn and participate it reminds me of why I became a teacher so many years ago. I retired from public education after 33 years as a special education teacher and high school counselor. I have a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Masters in Counseling. I am a single mother to a wonderful teenage daughter. She keeps me very busy, but in my spare time, I enjoy reading mysteries, watching movies, walking/jogging, and now looking up fun activities for pre-school children. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your children, it is giving me great joy. ”

“I began as a parent at SVUMC Preschool and I continue to love the small, supportive community. Prior to having my two daughters, I taught special education in Plano ISD for six years. I earned my undergraduate and master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University. In my classroom, we celebrate the “ah ha!” moments. I love watching kids make connections and the empowerment they feel when figuring out they’ve learned something new. A fun fact about myself is that I’ve been swimming with sea lions in the ocean while sailing in the Sea of Cortez. I love being out in nature and I also enjoy learning new things. My advice for parents of preschoolers is to embrace whatever stage your child is in and the informal learning opportunities that are around your child all the time. ”

“I am so excited to be singing and dancing with the students at SVUMC this year! I graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After college, I taught pre-K and kindergarten. When I had my first child we attended a mommy-and-me music class and I was in love. Combining my love of preschool and music is a dream for me! When I’m not teaching, I can be found spending time with my husband, shuttling my kids to activities, attempting to read a book, or completing a needle art project. I love my job and believe that the world would be a better place if everyone would take a break for scarf dancing or beat a drum! ”