Meet the Staff

  Linda Pauley, Director of Early Childhood Education

pauley@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 ext. 100

Thank you for visiting our website. Our Early Learning Center, comprised of both preschool and child care,  is among the best you will find in our state. There are all kinds of statistics that back up a statement like that, but the most important reason that validates it is the people we have on staff. Our faculty consists of highly educated, extremely motivated people who have HUGE hearts for Jesus and want to use their gifts to make the world a better place. What better way is there than to impact the lives of children?

Each of the Lead Teachers has provided a favorite scripture verse and a little information about themselves to help you get to know them better. As the Director of Early Childhood Education at Risen Savior, I may as well go first…

I have been in this ministry since the school was founded in 2002. I find it difficult to narrow my favorite scripture verse to just one. The one I have printed on my office wall is Proverbs 3:5-6. I have to stay focused on it during the day!

 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
  in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

 Kathleen Newman, Office Manager

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

I was told once to replace “the world” with your name to really see God’s love for you.

I strive to show God’s love to every child who walks into our school every day!

Cathie Stemple, Asst. Manager

stemplec@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 ext. 114

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Mark 10:13-16 has always been an obvious choice for my favorite Scripture verses. I have been an advocate for children for almost 20 years. The image of Jesus surrounded by children and admonishing adults, telling them to learn from the children resonates with me. We have the opportunity to do this on a daily basis. The key to quality early childhood education is respecting children in their viewpoints, faith, and quest for knowledge.

Our staff practices this on a daily basis – feeding the inquisitive nature of young children!

 Alyssa Church, Preschool Lead Teacher – 2 Year Olds

churcha@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 ext. 109

 

 One of my favorite quotes is from Mother Teresa, who said “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” It’s just a reminder to me to model the love and respect that Jesus first showed us. My favorite part of teaching is to see how excited the children are to discover and learn new things!

 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 

Kristy Styx, Preschool Lead Teacher – 3 Year Olds 

styxk@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 ext. 108

  Thoughts on Teaching: I have been blessed to work with the 3 year olds for the past 9 years here at Risen Savior Lutheran School.

I have an Early Childhood Certificate from Concordia St. Paul, over 16 years of preschool hands-on experience, and have completed over 220 hours of professional development in the field of Early Childhood. 

My favorite quote is, “It’s All Good!”

I am a ravenous reader (I love books, any kind), I also enjoy shopping and taking road trips. 

Nancy Gatti, Preschool Lead Teacher – Younger 4 Year Olds 

gattin@rslcs.org, 480.802-1505 x 139

I love teaching! I believe the Lord has a plan for us all. When I see a smile on a child’s face when they’ve accomplished something new, I feel fulfilled. It is a joy for me. I have been teaching in early childhood for over 14 years and have been at Risen Savior since 2006.

My favorite quote: “Children are a Gift from the Lord.” Psalm 127:3.

capistrj@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 x 137

I have been teaching at Risen Savior since 2002 and love bringing Spanish into the classroom! Early childhood is the best time to introduce language to children and we take the opportunity everyday. I consider it a blessing to set the stage for our Pre-K students to investigate and learn about the world around them. Their faith and creativity is a wonderful thing to foster!

I have been very involved in Arizona’s APEX and PCPP program and have almost completed my B.A. in Early Childhood Education. It’s wonderful to take what we learn in the college classroom and bring it right into our preschool classroom!

Jeanne Hernandez, Preschool Lead Teacher – Early K & Pre-K

This will be my 9th year teaching Pre-K at Risen Savior and I believe God has led me just where He needs me to be to serve Him best.  In Isaiah 6:8 God asks “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” And I said “Here am I. Send me!”

I believe early childhood education should prepare a child for a life time of learning.  It is a time for children to develop a positive sense of self worth and confidence.  I provide a classroom that is exciting and filled with wonder and self-discovery. 

Children are a gift from God and each child is unique and special.

Michelle Berquist, Child Care Lead Teacher - Infants

Connie Buhnerkempe, Child Care Lead Teacher – 1 Year Olds

 buhnerkc@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 x 113

Debbie Sobeck, Child Care Lead Teacher – 2 Year Olds

sobeckd@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 x 109

My favorite Bible passage is the 23rd Psalm.  It has been a great source of inspiration and comfort to me throughout my life.

My goal for your children is help them develop socially, intellectually and spiritually.  I believe that focusing on these three areas will result in a positive school experience.    Socially, children will interact with other children and adults and develop self-confidence.  Intellectually, they will improve their language and motor skills.  Spiritually, they will learn about Jesus through various Bible stories.

Jill Lopez, Child Care Lead Teacher – 3 Year Olds

lopezj@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 x 112

 

 

Laura Humble, Child Care Lead Teacher – 4 Year Olds

humble@rslcs.org, 480.802.1505 x 111

Favorite Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,”Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Favorite Quote: “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Mother Teresa

I really enjoy teaching 4 year-olds. They have such unique minds and their Love for the Lord is overflowing daily. I am a passionate and enthusiastic teacher. I teach because I want to make a difference in the world and I believe that education is one of the greatest ways to make positive changes in the future.