Teachers and Staff

Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center boasts highly qualified and experienced staff. Each staff member meets or exceeds State Early Learning Standards. Teachers are required to have extensive experience and education in Early Childhood, and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center Statement of Faith

 We Believe:

  1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.
  2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors.
    As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
  3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.
  4. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus-Israel’s promised Messiah-was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
  5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.
  6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
  7. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.
  8. We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.
  9. We believe in the personal, bodily and premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
  10. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

All of the staff of Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center have been fingerprinted. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has completed a background investigation clearing each of them for employment in a childcare environment. The employees are registered with the Central Registry of the Department of Human Services, and have the education and training required for teaching or assisting in a preschool.  We have 2 staff members assigned to each classroom; and, in order to comply with childcare regulations designed to protect the children, the integrity of our school, and our staff members only group leaders are allowed be left alone with any child or individually assist with bathroom breaks or needs.  For everyone’s protection, we do not allow male staff or volunteers to be left alone with any children.

Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, mental status or citizenship. Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Joyce Bertram, School Director 

Joyce B 2015

I have been the Director at Bethany Busy Bee since 2001, after serving several years as a substitute and teacher. I have a Masters Degree in Education and was at the University of Illinois for 13 years as the coordinator for training for people in the field of disabilities. We moved to Colorado in 1996 to be near family. I have been married to Dan since 1984 and we have 3 children, Liz in Seattle with a graduate degree from Mars Hill; Daniel here in the Denver area with a degree from the University of Colorado; and, Sam now a graduate of Arapahoe High School and at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. In addition, my family includes Dan’s two older children who live in the Midwest with their families; and, Bev & Shannon who have lived with us since 1990. I am involved with Moms in Prayer and at Bethany with Women’s Ministry, the Disability Ministry, and Early Childhood programs. It is a privilege and delight to be serving you and your children.

Marlene Fallt, Teacher for 2 1/2 – 3 Year Olds (MW and TTH)

I have been a teacher at Bethany Busy Bee since 1983, and am group leader certified by CDHS. I love being able to teach children about Jesus and see them learn and grow. I want every child to have the opportunity to discover their skills and talents. I’ve had the privileged to be able to teach in many instances two generations of families.

 

 

 Ethel McGowan, Assistant Director and Teacher for 3 1/2 to 4 Years Old (MWF, and TTH) 

I’ve been working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center since the second year of its opening as a paraprofessional.  I then received my elementary education degree and worked in the Douglas County School District.  I began my second term with Busy Bee in 2011.

I started working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center because I believe that the preschool age is one of the most foundational entry levels in teaching and building a strong base for the beginning of a child’s learning career. I delight in the wide variety of engaging activities and themes that the Bethany Busy Bee Staff invest in to provide a balanced spiritual and educational learning environment for the whole child and for the whole family. What I most like about working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center is the joy and love of God is expressed in all aspects of everything and every opportunity involved at Bethany Busy Bee.  In addition, devoted and caring staff and families contribute to the essence of what I like about working at Bethany Busy Bee.  Being a part of a team of staff and parents in building a strong academic education and an involvement of God into the lives of young learners was a key element in my deciding to teach in early childhood.

In the classroom, I plan to inspire, energize, engage, and build curiosity in learning that sets the tone for all children and staff assistants to exhibit empowerment for development at a maximum potential growth opportunity and build ownership for their experiences. In ages to come when a child reflects back on their time with Mrs. McGowan, may their thoughts be that Mrs. McGowan believes in them and that they can achieve their highest potentials in Christ who loves them beyond measure.  As families reflect and remember their time, may their thoughts be of Mrs. McGowan investing 100% and more in all aspects of the academic and spiritual care and nurture of their individual child.  I participate in the growth and development of children in the Kids Ministry with Bethany Church, the Awana Program, summer programs, and various community service projects. I have over thirty years of involvement with kids’ programs in community building efforts in a church learning environment.  A Bachelor’s Degree in Behavior Sciences and Elementary Education has enriched my working experience with children and families also.

 

Meredith Haun, Assistant Director and Teacher for 4-5 Years Old (MWF and TTH)

I’ve been working at Bethany Busy Bee since 2006. My connection with Bethany Busy Bee began as a parent, as my son attended here in 2004/2005. Since then, I have observed Bethany Busy Bee function as a place of love, fellowship, education, and support for so many families with young children. It is a real privilege to be a part of this community. Along with the joy of watching kids learn and grow, the opportunity to participate in prayer for one another and for our families is one of the best parts about working at Bethany Busy Bee. I believe that children learn best through play within an environment that provides consistent routines, reliable boundaries, and a variety of materials. It is my desire that every child leave my class with a feeling of confidence and an understanding that they are a uniquely created child of God. It is also important to me that families feel heard and supported and that they too feel the love of Jesus when they engage with us here at Bethany Busy Bee.

In some form or function, I’ve been teaching and caring for young children for over 25 years. My previous experience includes time at the Jewish Community Center E.C.E. program in the 1990’s; M.O.P.S. child care; volunteerism with church children’s ministry and leading a Girl Scout troop for 6 years, as well as raising my own 2 children and helping at their elementary school. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from UNC, and currently hold a Level VI Credential from the State of Colorado. I am a member of Bethany Evangelical Free Church and operate as the Coordinator for Children & Family Ministry for Sunday morning programming and volunteer weekly with our Wednesday Night AWANA program. It is an honor to serve within this church and school body and I look forward to partnering with you and our family.

Kay Mack, Co-Teacher with Ms. Churchman for the 4-5 Years Old Classroom and Teacher for Mother’s Day Out 2 1/2 to 5 Years Old (Friday) 

I have taught for more than 20 years and have been a teacher at Bethany Busy Bee since 2009. I have an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Hesston College, KS and a bachelor science in elementary education from Messiah College, PA. My husband, Rich, & I have been married since 1993. He is a mechanical engineer and we have 3 adult children. I enjoy reading, watching a good movie and spending time with my family and friends. Not only do I want children to learn social skills, self-help skills, and color identification, my primary desire is for preschoolers to know how much God loves them! We have a lot of giggles in our class as we enjoy acting out Bible stories through drama. I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year.

Heather Churchman, Co-Teacher with Mrs. Mack for the 4-5 Years Old Classroom

I have been at Bethany Busy Bee since September 2020. I attended Bethany Busy Bee as a child and to actually work here is like full circle.  I love working with children because they are so open to everything and it is so amazing to see what they see.  I am actually starting to take classes to become a a lead teacher myself. It’s so fun and loving to work here.  Everyone is so kind.

 

Amy Pyne, Kindergarten Teacher, Monday through Friday

My family and I have been with Bethany Busy Bee since 2016. We always joke that we would all live at Bethany Busy Bee forever if we could! They say “ It takes a village to raise a child” and we found the greatest village with Busy Bee! I remember dropping my son off for the first day of school and thinking, “I really believe they might actually love my child as much as I do!” We love the beautiful hearts of the staff and the way they are all lovingly shepherding the hearts of the students to Jesus! I am so excited to get to officially join the staff this year as a Kindergarten Teacher! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from Ouachita Baptist University and then received another degree in Russian Theatre and Culture from the Smolny Institute at Saint Petersburg State University in Russia. I have taught preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and adults in the areas of Music, Theatre, Dance, Art, Literature, History, and Foreign Language. I am so excited to get to work with your precious Kindergarteners this year!

Shaylynn Hall , Toddler Teacher, Monday through Thursday

Hi everyone! My name is Shaylynn Hall. I like to go by Mrs. Shay. I grew up in Littleton, Colorado and graduated from Columbine High School. I have 3 boys ages 12, 8 and 3- all who have been in Bethany Busy Bee.  We have a dog named Meera, 14 chickens and 2 hamsters named Biscuit and Gravy. I love animals and would live at a farm if I could! For fun I love gardening, camping, paddle boarding, photography, cooking, and doing crafts.

My oldest son, Cameron, had a cancer diagnosis when he was 3 years old and was in Mrs. McGowan’s’ class at the time. At that time, I was a non-believer in Jesus and just put my son in the school that I felt so much love in. I left that year knowing and believing that there is NO greater love than that of our incredible God.  I realized after that year, that He had plans for me and guided me to a place that would lift and hold me up during that incredibly horrible and difficult time, and that’s just what the staff and parents did. I still can’t imagine not being at Bethany Busy Bee during that time.

While turning in my paperwork for my now 3-year-old, Carson, Joyce asked me if I wanted a job at Bethany Busy Bee. It took all of 4.5 seconds of deliberating to know I wanted to work at the place that brought me to know and love Jesus. To walk through the halls of Bethany Busy Bee always brings a smile to my face and I am so proud of the place I work as they truly put the children first. 2022 will be my second year teaching the littlest of children at Bethany Busy Bee and I cannot express how incredibly fulfilling it is to have the opportunity to teach the love of Jesus to them. I am excited to have a new bunch of kiddos to learn with and to love. I believe that once a child feels safe and loved, is when they are open to leaning- so I plan to gain their trust first and then we will dive into leaning! I hope to become partners and friends with you in this new year of love, laughter and learning!

Paula Petty, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Fallt Monday through Thursday and Lunch Bunch

My name is Paula Petty. I have been at Bethany Busy Bee since 2003. I am married and have 4 grown children. I am excited for a new year and meeting new friends as well as reconnecting with my friends from previous years.  I will be assisting Mrs. Fallt Monday through Thursday.

 

Carolyn Bateman, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Fallt on Monday and Wednesday and Mrs. Mack on Fridays

I have been at Bethany Busy Bee since 2013 and am looking forward to the new school year. My husband and I were married for 50 years with four grown children and 13 grandchildren. We have gone to Bethany Church for over 40 years. I have worked in the Douglas County Schools as part of office help and also shadowing special needs children in elementary and middle school, which was a rich blessing. In fact, I am still friends with them today. I am looking forward to another special year with these precious young children.

Becky Hammer, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Haun

My name is Becky Hammer, and this will be my first year working as an assistant teacher at Bethany Busy Bee, and I am delighted to embark on this journey. I have been semi-retired for over 4 years previously working in corporate asset management which opened the door to serve many communities throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

 I have had the opportunity to share life with mom’s and children walking alongside pointing them to Jesus. Mentoring and discipleship is primary in my life and the lives of my family. Working at Bethany Busy Bee provides the ability to serve and share the love of Jesus with those I interact with. My desire in working with children and their families is fostering a supportive, caring, and kind environment that provides a peaceful atmosphere.

 I desire for parents to know that Bethany Busy Bee is a genuine place – full of love, joy, patience, kindness, and laughter. You and your family will be forever changed just by walking through the door.

Candice Craig, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Pyne on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Hello, I’m Candice Craig. This will be my first year on staff at Bethany Busy Bee helping with the kindergarten class on M/W/F. I am so excited to join this amazing team of people, as my own youngest child was a recipient of their love and nurturing during her preschool years. I consider it an honor to be able to join the staff part-time this Fall. Aside from raising three of my own kids (currently a senior, a junior, and a sixth grader), I have been working with kids for over 34 years through babysitting, volunteering at church in various classrooms, working as a coordinator at an after-school learning center through my old church, and volunteering frequently in my kids’ classrooms during their younger years. I hope and pray that I will be able to bring a nurturing presence and to be a support to the moms and dads as they navigate these early years of discovery, wonder, and challenge.

Trish Mills, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Hall on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

My name is Trish Mills, and this will be my first year working as an assistant teacher in the toddler class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  I am looking forward to a fun year filled with lots of learning and new adventures, and most importantly to share what it means to follow Jesus. My family was welcomed into the Bethany Busy Bee community six years ago when my oldest child started preschool and we are forever grateful. I am honored to work with such an amazing staff.   My husband and I have been married for 12 years and we have three beautiful young children. My big kids attended Bethany Busy Bee before elementary school and my youngest son will be in Mrs. McGowan’s class. I am a Busy Bee Alum and Mrs. Fallt was my teacher.  I am a Colorado native and in my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, practicing yoga, drinking hot coffee with my husband early in the morning, cooking, and family game night. 

Briana Petty, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Mack on Fridays

I have been working at Bethany Busy Bee since 2021. I have also helped with many of the summer programs throughout the years. My mom, Paula, has been working here since 2003. My younger brothers also attended preschool at that time. I have been working in childcare since I was 11-12 years old. I love getting to know children and their unique personalities.

I’m am a little bit of a nerd. I love all things Pokémon, Marvel, and Star Wars. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, with my cats and my partner, Daniel. He is currently in school pursuing his masters degree as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. He works at the Joshua School with children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I look forward to helping your children expand their creativity, as well as develop self regulation and other essential life skills, and most importantly capture Gods’ love for them!

Skye Braxel, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Haun on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

My name is Mrs. Braxel, I will be starting my second year at Bethany Busy Bee. I am excited to join Mrs. Haun as her assistant teacher this year. I am a Colorado native who grew up in South Denver. I am married and have four children. We love to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with our extended family who live here, as well as our church family. Teaching has always been a big part of my life. I was excited to switch careers last year and make it a full-time job. I have enjoyed connecting with the students and families at Bethany Busy Bee.

Suz Greer, Assistant Teacher to Mrs. Pyne on Tuesdays and Thursdays

I am a Littleton/Colorado native who met my Texan husband working at summer camp and our three boys have loved their time at Bethany Busy Bee! I am a graduate of CSU, former Program Director for both Eagle Lake Camps and North Littleton Promise, and a former teacher for STRIVE Prep schools in inner city Denver. I started working with Bethany Busy Bee in 2019 doing nature classes and have since been recruited to substitute and now I assistant teach in the amazing Kindergarten classroom. I hope that kids and families will remember me for my joy and making the good news of Jesus easy to understand and something they want to hold onto!

Leah Martin, Toddler Teacher, Fridays

This is my first year teaching at Bethany Busy Bee (2022). I started working at Bethany Busy Bee because I wanted to give back to this community that means so much to my family and myself. The children are so loved here! It’s like sending them to Grandma’s house. What I like most is being surrounded by people of faith. My past experience has been teaching older children, but being a stay-at-home mom of three little ones has taught me so much about education for young children, I’m grateful to use what I’ve learned. Young people learn about the world through their senses, so I love creating an invitation to play so that little ones can explore those senses fully. One thing I would like the children to take away with them from my classroom is that I love them like Jesus commanded me to and I would hope the families remember the smile on my face being with their children. Besides teaching at Bethany Busy Bee, I also homeschool my 9 year old daughter and volunteer in the Children’s Ministry at church. I received my Bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University and my Master’s degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. For seven years, I taught 1st, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades at public schools in Indiana and in Douglas County, Colorado. When I became a mom I began teaching at Ambleside, where I learned the Charlotte Mason philosophy. When my second child was born, I left teaching and started my own business helping homeschoolers use the Charlotte Mason philosophy and creating homeschool resources.

Diana Paradis, Assistant Teacher

This is my first year being a teacher assistant at Bethany Busy Bee (2022). I have been working in Early Childhood Education and what I appreciate most about Bethany Busy Bee is that they love Jesus and they love children. My philosophy in working with children is that they are sponges at learning new things and yet each child perceives things uniquely different from one another. I enjoy those differences and try to teach based on those unique individual differences.  The one thing I would want the kids to remember about me is that I love Jesus and for the families to know that I love their children. Besides working at Bethany Busy Bee, I am an after school program coordinator and K-1 homeroom homeschool teacher at Berean Homeschool. I have lots of previous experience working with infants through kindergarten at two preschools and one elementary school.

Sue Berscheid, Speech and Language Pathologist
I am delighted to have joined the team at Bethany Busy Bee this year.  From the moment I walked into the school I knew a love for the Lord existed here and I wanted to be a part of this family.  My passion as a Speech Language Pathologist has always been with children and their families. Supporting a child’s communication skills builds a foundation for all aspects of their lives. Parents are their child’s best teachers so assisting parents to assist their children in their speech and language development is a crucial part of my role.
I earned an undergraduate degree in communication disorders and psychology and a master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado. Working with children is part of who I am.  I began working with children with disabilities when I was 16 and haven’t stopped. I am blessed to have been able to work with children from 12 months old to 21 years old with many types of disabilities and in a variety of settings.
Originally from St. Louis, my husband, and I have called Denver our home for 35 years. We have 2 young adult children who after living across the country now call Denver their home as well. We are shelter dog people with two usually roaming our house. Besides volunteering at the animal shelter, we also volunteer at our church in a variety of ministries.
I am at Bethany Busy Bee Monday-Thursday so please stop by to say hello.  I look forward to working, learning, and growing with you and your children.
Brynne Dunning, Occupational Therapist

Brynne is the owner of Made to Play Pediatric Therapy and is a licensed Occupational Therapist. She graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 2015 and received her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University in 2012. Over the past 7 years, Brynne has worked with children and families in diverse therapy settings including private practice clinics, early intervention, and within the public school system. Brynne specializes in helping children with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, motor coordination difficulties, handwriting challenges, and other functional skill difficulties. She has completed various trainings through the STAR Institute on sensory processing and is also certified in using Integrated Listening Systems (iLs). Brynne has completed Handwriting Without Tears courses and is certified to administer their standardized assessment The Print Tool. Brynne is passionate about using a team-based approach to ultimately empower both child and family to achieve their unique goals. In her free time, Brynne enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, reading, and exploring the great state of Colorado with her husband, Logan, her daughter, Piper, and her fur babe, Charlie.

Jess McClintock, Occupational Therapist
This is my first year at Bethany Busy Bee. It is a great a privilege to get to come alongside the children, parents, and teachers in this special place.  I first learned about Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center from other families in our church.  Everyone had such profoundly positive opinions about the school and staff.

I received my Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of SC in 2008. Since that time, I have served and learned in a variety of pediatric settings—including the extensive one of my own home in shepherding our own 4 children—ages 10, 8, 6, and 3!  Just over a year ago, my husband, 4 kiddos, and our crazy hound dog, took a leap of faith and relocated cross-country to Colorado for my husband’s job and the call of adventure.  The Lord has been so kind, and we are thankful to call Colorado our new home.

I believe each child is created in the image of God, and that He has made them with great purpose in shining His light just exactly in the ways he has made them (challenges and all!).  It is truly an honor to get to come alongside your children to help support them in these early years as they grow into the people He has made them to be.

Kristine Smith, Occupational Therapist

This is my first year working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center. I started working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning because of how they have really shown Jesus to my kids and loved on them at the summer VBS programs. I am really excited to work with the amazing staff and families and help/support with any sensory, fine motor, or gross motor needs.

I am originally from Texas and met my husband at Texas Tech University, where I earned both of my degrees. I have worked as an OT for 12 years. I have worked with kids from preschool- high school aged.

My family has lived in the Denver area for 12 years. We have 3 kids ages 9, 7, and 5. I love to be active and outdoors running, biking, hiking and camping. I am really looking forward to meeting and loving on your children!

Donna Swanson, Speech-Language Pathologist

I am a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with over 17 years’ experience in a variety of settings.  I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees in New York State, where I am from.

I transplanted to Colorado 18 years ago and have three teenage sons, a wonderful husband, two dogs, four cats, and a Koi pond.  In my free time I enjoy gardening, hiking, biking and taking advantage of our beautiful state.

I am passionate about speech and language and providing tools to help children communicate.  There is no better feeling than when a child says his first word, signs for the first time or can finally say “rabbit” instead of “wabbit”.  Each goal, no matter how small, is a celebration!  One of my favorite parts of my job is educating and empowering the parents of the children with whom I work.

This is my first year working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center.  I am excited to be part of Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center and to provide specialized speech-language services to students and professional development to staff and families to help support the growth and development of our students.

       

Erin Wright, Substitute Teacher

I’ve been working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center since 2016. The reason I started working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center was a growing interest in Early Childhood Education and the impact it can have on a person for their whole life!   Having been a Busy Bee parent prior to teaching here, the thing I most appreciate about this program as a whole is its warm atmosphere where children and their families can find encouragement and support for the journey.   What I most like about working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center is the play-based learning and developmentally appropriate practice under the umbrella of Christ-centered leadership.   I started in Elementary Education and transitioned to Early Childhood Education due to observing my own 4 children while they were young and studying brain development in those critical periods, creating the building blocks necessary for life.

My philosophy in working with the kids in the classroom is about connection.  I desire to learn the unique ways to connect to each child’s heart so that they can learn and grow as a whole person (socially, emotionally, spiritually, cognitively and physically).  Learning should be a whole-body experience, engaging the 5 senses and the heart whenever possible.   If there was only one thing, I’d like the kids to remember me by, it would be that I carried them to Jesus in little ways all throughout the year.   If there was only one thing, I’d like the families to remember me by, it would be that I loved their child well.   Other programs or activities I participate in where I interact with children in my free time are private guitar/piano lessons, Sunday School and Joyful Light Youth Theater.   My education and qualifications are: Elementary Teaching License and continuing education units in Early Childhood.  I taught for 9 years before teaching at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center in few different capacities:  Music, K, 1st & 4th grade.

Jennifer Perry, Administrative Assistant & Assistant Teacher 

I started working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center as a teacher assistant in the fall of 2018. I have three children in their teens. I really enjoyed my children’s birth to preschool ages and miss that special time in their lives! They grow and change so much between those ages and it is so much fun to see the world through their eyes. It is important to instill the fun and love of learning at a young age so that they can carry that through their entire educational journey in life. The partnership between teachers and families is also very important. It helps children see how valuable and important their education is when teachers and families work together to support them. I look forward to a wonderful school year ahead working, partnering, growing and learning with all of you and your special children you share with me!

Jessica Phelps, Office Assistant

I have worked at Bethany Busy Bee since February 2019.  I have 2 children that attended Bethany Busy Bee when they were younger and adore the caring teachers and their love of God.  Each day at Bethany Busy Bee is an adventure.  I handle the payments received, the billing, the student paperwork and files, and help anywhere else where I am needed.  I loved Bethany Busy Bee while my children where here and it’s a great place to be and work now.

Staff Wish List
Families often ask us what does a certain staff member like, therefore, we composed a list of ideas of what they like to assist with this request.  Please don’t feel obligated to ever have to bring us anything, we feel your appreciation that really fills our hearts.  Thank you for being great partners!

Staff Wish List 2022-2023