Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center

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 

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 

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 & Teacher for 3 1/2 – 4 Year Olds  

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 that is expressed in all aspects of everything and every and every opportunity involved 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.  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.

Kay Mack, Teacher for the 4-5 Year Olds 

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.

Amy Pyne, Kindergarten Teacher

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!

Becky Hammer, Teacher for the 4-5 year olds

My name is Becky Hammer, and this will be my first year working as lead teacher at Bethany Busy Bee in the M/W/F classes, and I am delighted to have your precious child in my class! In 2022, I had the great privilege of working alongside of Mrs. Haun last year as her assistant.

I have been semi-retired for over 5 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 working with children and their families is to offer a loving, supportive, caring, and a kind environment which enables children to thrive. When parents and caregivers walk through the doors of Bethany Busy Bee, they know it is a genuine place – full of love, joy, patience, kindness, and laughter.

Leah Martin, Teacher for Mother’s Day Out 2 1/2 – 5 Year Olds

This is my second year teaching at Bethany Busy Bee (started fall 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.

Kami Weinstein, Teacher

This is my first year joining Bethany Busy Bee as a teacher to the 4 to 5 year olds. My family and I have been a part of the Bethany Busy Bee Community since 2020 when my youngest attended Preschool, so working here when there was a need was a no-brainer for me. Our family has so appreciated the love and absolute care these teachers pour into our family and others. It’s a safe and supportive learning environment for our kids to thrive in. There is always something special to offer young learners and parents here at Bethany Busy Bee from school to Awana and summer events, families are supported. I received my M.Ed. as a Reading Specialist so I have been involved with teaching various ages (Preschool through High School) for over 15 years. I also received an ESL teacher’s certificate where I taught in Kenya for 5 years. I love seeing how much they grow as confident readers and learners. When the light bulb goes off in their minds, it’s a gift to witness. I believe children are whole persons and God has given each child unique gifts that we as teachers get the opportunity to discover and capture. I have enjoyed homeschooling my two children where we have the freedom to really enjoy learning on our own schedule and collaborating with other homeschool families. I would hope that my joy would show to each of my students and they would feel safe and valued in my classroom. My door is always open to any parent and I want the parents to know that their child is truly cherished in my classroom.

Stephanie Thompson, Teacher

This is my first year working as a lead teacher at Bethany Busy Bee (1/2024). My family has been a part of the community since 2018 when my daughter started in the 3’s class. My son and youngest daughter also attend Bethany Busy Bee. We love being a part of this community!

I’m drawn to work at Bethany Busy Bee due to its commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for young learners. The emphasis on creating a safe and supportive space aligns with my educational philosophy, prioritizing academic growth as well as the social and emotional development of each child. One of the most significant aspects that resonate with me is how each teacher shares the love of Jesus with every child. I appreciate the intentionality the teachers take to get to know each child and foster a love for learning.

My philosophy in working with children in the classroom is grounded in simplicity: to create a safe, consistent, and stable environment that fosters their learning and growth. I embrace the idea that all children are unique individuals, created in the image of God and deserving of respect, while also acknowledging the need for guidance. I am committed to cultivating an inspiring and educational atmosphere where your children will feel seen, known and heard.

With a teaching license from CSU-Pueblo and a graduate degree in Cultural and Linguistic Diverse Education from Regis University, I am eager to contribute my passion and experience to Bethany Busy Bee and enrich the Pre-K journey for its young learners. I have a background in teaching Pre-K, kindergarten, first grade and third grade. What a joy to embark on this journey with your children!

Carolyn Bateman, Teacher Assistant for Mrs. Fallt & Mrs. Martin

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.

Holly Donkor, Teacher Assistant

My name is Holly Donkor. Many students like to call me Mrs. Hool Eye. I come from a long line of Coloradans, my great great grandparents were homesteaders in La Junta and Akron, Colorado.  I am a visual arts educator with over ten years experience in art education and hold a Masters of Art Education from the Rhode Island School of Design/Brown University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. I have worked in a variety of sectors, including formal art teaching (grades 1st-8th), art teacher at an inner city arts program, and a puppet fabricator and performer. Most recently, I was completing a research grant and teaching in Ghana, West Africa. Moreover, Ghana was where I met my husband, and we started our family in 2017. Sampson is a kente weaver and we collaborated in our artistic backgrounds to mentor young Ghanaian artists.

Candice Craig, Teacher Assistant for Mrs. Pyne

Hello, I’m Candice Craig. The kids call me Mrs. Craig. I’ve been on staff at Bethany Busy Bee helping with the kindergarten class since Fall of 2022. I love being at Busy Bee, where my own youngest child was a recipient of their love and nurturing during her preschool years. Aside from raising three of my own kids (ranging in age from 12-18), I have been working with kids for over 35 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 love being at Busy Bee because it is truly a place where nurturing children in the love of Jesus is a top priority. We pray over our kids and do our best to make their time in kindergarten a memory to treasure.

Laurel Fenoglio, Teacher Assistant 

Hello! I’m Laurel Fenoglio, but everyone calls me Mrs. Laurel. This will be my 2nd year at Bethany Busy Bee assisting in Mrs. Mc Gowan’s classroom. I started at Bethany Busy Bee in August 2022 when my youngest was in 6th grade and I wasn’t finding many volunteer opportunities at his school, so I found myself here, where I’ve felt God pulling me for some time. I have 4 children ranging from 12-22 years old, all who went to Bethany Busy Bee. As a mom, I really loved my children’s pre-school years filled with wonder and learning, so Bethany Busy Bee was a natural landing spot for me.

I love working with children in the classroom helping them discover and learn about the incredible world around them, and creating a joy and desire to continue to learn and grow not only in education but also in relationship with God. I also enjoy giving them the encouragement and confidence to try new things, and help them succeed, resulting in self-confidence that can be carried with them all of their days.
I would like kids to remember me for making learning fun, helping them create, my love for them and my love for our God, and my favorite phrase “You did it!”.  I want families to know that I am dedicated to partnering with them to support their child and family in education, faith and friendship.

Aside from being stay home mom and raising my own 4 children, I  have always been active in volunteering in my children’s classrooms over the years. I have headed up our elementary school PTA’s major fundraising events and other school-wide events for the past 5 years, and volunteered in Kids Ministry and Moms Group events at our home church for as long as I can remember, and I lead my daughters’ Girl Scout Troops for several years. As a family we enjoy traveling to the mountains and the beach, four wheeling, finding ice cream shops, cuddling with our 4 cats, and watching movies is a big family favorite too.

It is a joy to watch my own kids grow up and fly, and being at Bethany Busy Bee fills my love for little ones as our kids grow. It is always a joy to meet sweet new faces each year! I am honored to be part of the incredible Bethany Busy Bee Staff and community and all they do!

Diana Paradis, Teacher Assistant 

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.

My Name is Gabby Ranfranz. This will be my first year teaching at Bethany Busy Bee (2023). I decided to work at Bethany Busy Bee because I love Jesus and the environment Bethany Busy Bee has cultivated for children. What I appreciate most is the teachers’ focus on building unique and personal relationships with each child they teach. What I like most is the mission for God’s kingdom in raising and loving the children who come here. Witnessing that “Ah ha” moment or revelation a child has when they learn something, I enjoy being a guide to them as they experience that beautiful moment. My philosophy is love, logic, optimism and creativity when working with the children. My hope is for the children to remember me for love and art and that the parents remember me for the comfort and safety of their children in my care. I am also a children’s dance instructor (since 2019) and I help with children’s church. Currently, I am enrolled in Early Childhood education courses. I am a mother and aunt as well.

Sarah Adams, Teacher Assistant

Theresa Wasserburger, Teacher Assistant

I started working at Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center in the Spring of 2023.

Two of my grandkids are still attending and one is entering 3^rd grade this year.  He still loves this place and loves to come for summer camps and special events. I am very thankful and blessed by the staff and the atmosphere that have lovingly poured into our family.

I am a 2nd generation home educator and love working with children and youth. I started teaching in children’s ministry in 1980 at the age of 18. As a home educator, I had the privilege to teach various classes in homeschool co-ops including Apologia Science, Art, Early Math, Christian Law/Mock Trials, Language Arts, Sing, Spell, Read and Write, etc. I taught preschoolers through high school students in various subjects through the years and tutored children in the Korean community. And I am grateful for our growing community of family and friends at Bethany Busy Bee Preschool! I am so excited for the upcoming school year and what the Lord Jesus has prepared for our journey.

My husband and I raised 3 beautiful girls and we have 5 grandchildren ranging in age 6 months to 17 years old.  My husband is a licensed minister and we love God’s Kingdom!

Laura Maher, Teacher Assistant

My family and I have been a part of Bethany Busy Bee since 2017 in one way or another. My three children attended school here, one in his last year, and now I find myself back to work! I am looking forward to helping in kindergarten this year. I’ve spent the last year working in the Littleton Public Schools Special Education program, as well as done extensive personal study on neurodivergent learners and how to help them succeed. I have two children with learning differences, and it has been a hard, but joyful journey navigating their individual needs and strengths. I am excited to do the same with students at Bethany Busy Bee who may experience the world in a different way. Bethany Busy Bee has always been a safe, and welcoming place for my family, and we feel and see the tangible love of Jesus everywhere we look.

Maylin Brown, Teacher Assistant

I started working at Bethany Busy Bee because I love interacting with kids and I want to help them grow in their relationship with the Lord. What I appreciate most is everyone at Bethany Busy Bee coming together to lovingly teach and guide children. My future goal is to attend college to become a family and marriage counselor. I value respecting and listening to children and my hope is that they feel valuable and heard. I hope families can remember me by helping their children grown in their faith. In my free time I also serve in Sunday School at my church. I have also worked as a babysitter, nanny, and serving as an assistant director at Joyful Light Youth Theater.