Meet Our Teachers

Laura Dement - Infant Class

We are very excited to have Mrs. Laura with us at First Presbyterian. She is starting her career in Early Childhood Education after many years of managing accounts payable for several companies. She is no stranger to babies with lots of grandchildren of her own to love. We have loved several of her grandchildren as they attended First Pres. She is gentle and kind and always reassuring to our parents that their child's well-being is her first priority. "I'm excited for this new adventure. I enjoy being a part of a child's journey through life, watching them grow and learn new skills.”

Courtney Whitehead - Infant Class

Ms. Courtney is joining us this year and will be a vital part of the Infant Class. She is an experienced caregiver and has worked with all different ages throughout the years. We feel blessed to have someone with her experience with our infants. "I enjoy experiencing life through the eyes of a child. The Infant room is especially exciting because you can be present when many "firsts" happen! There is rarely a dull moment when working with and around children!"

Hannah Bowles - Infant Class

Mrs. Hannah is an experienced caregiver having cared for infants in the childcare setting before and is very prepared for working with and caring for our youngest children. We feel blessed to have her on our team. She has two beautiful children of her own and both attend First Presbyterian. She is currently also attending college classes in hopes of a future career in healthcare. "I am looking forward to getting to know all my babies and their parents. This is such a sweet age, and I am excited to be a part of your child's journey!"

Allie Emfinger - Toddlers

Mrs. Allie has worked with children for over ten years. She and her husband are both very active at their church in the youth ministry and children's church. This is her second year at First Pres as our Toddler teacher, and we are thrilled she has chosen us to share her own child and her many talents with! Both children and parents are enamored with her enthusiasm and creative way of teaching. It is never a dull moment in the Toddler class!! "I look forward to helping young children develop language skills, social & emotional skills and discovering new and wondrous things in God's world!"

Teri Conerly - Beginners Class

Mrs. Teri or "Nana," as she is affectionately called by her students, began her career with children in 1986. She joined the staff of First Presbyterian in 2004. She is also MSDH qualified as Assistant Director for the Kindergarten and Preschool. "My love affair with children began as the oldest sister helping to care for four younger siblings. I believe I was put on this earth to make a difference in a child's life. With continuing education and God's love I hope to remain a vital asset in the life of children for many years to come."

Sarah Wilbanks- The Pre-K

Sarah has over ten years of teaching experience at the elementary level. Five of those years have been spent in a kindergarten classroom and five years were spent in the 4th grade classroom. She has a degree in Early childhood education. She loves spending time with many different children teaching them all they should know and learn with lots of fun and laughter. "Teaching is so rewarding to me!” Sarah and her husband have three wonderful children whom all have attended FPC with two of them still attending. Sarah loves spending time with her family and being outdoors. We are so happy to have her and to be able to give her the opportunity to continue her wonderful teaching career and sharing her knowledge of many years with children everyday.

Hannah Bonelli- Preschool Class

We are so glad to have Hannah for her second year here with us at FPC. She has two wonderful children. One who attends First Pres. in our beginners class. She has really found a home in the Preschool classroom. In her spare time Hannah enjoys baking cakes and sharing her talent with our wonderful community. She is excited to continue teaching this school year and we look forward to many more years to come. She is young, energetic and full of creative ideas to make learning fun and exciting! “ My goal for each child is to build confidence and knowledge through fun activities and preparing them for their future.”

Holly Stokes - Toddler Class

We are excited to have Mrs. Holly at First Presbyterian. She is in her seventh year of teaching and has been a wonderful, welcome addition to our staff. She comes with love, fun and understanding to her role as Caregiver in the Toddler Class. Holly has 3 beautiful children whom 2 have attended FPC and one is still with us. Holly volunteers her time in her church nursery on Sundays and loves being in the child environment. "I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to work at First Presbyterian with such a great group of children and loving staff. I enjoy working with children and have always had a passion for teaching.” She is looking forward to a wonderful school year in teaching your children to love, learn and grow.

Lis Burgess - Toddler Class

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Lis as our younger Toddler teacher. She has spend many years as a private nanny. The love for children she has is endless. She has three children and six grandchildren. She also continued her education by receiving a massage therapist license. She has decided that teaching and caring for children has become her calling. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors and doing home improvements. She is looking forward to being able to teach young children and watch them grow and learn and achieve their milestones through daily learning in the classroom.

Danielle Williams - Asst. Caregiver

We are welcoming Ms. Danielle as our teachers assistant in providing extra care for our children at First Presbyterian Preschool. She has two children with one attending First Presbyterian. Danielle enjoys yoga, crafting, family time and activities with her children. She is a hard worker and strives to be the best she can be. She enjoys working with children and being a part of their learning and education. Her being with us at FPC gives her the opportunity to fulfill her dreams of working with children.