Meet Our Teachers

All of our teachers have received CPR and first aid training. They have all undergone background checks as well.

I think Ms. Jennifer wins the "Crazy Hair" day award.

Tiny Turtles Class

Loralie Ashton:

Rachelle Speer:

 

Caterpillars Class

Lisa Allen: Growing up with a military dad we lived in many different places, like England and Hawaii, to name just a couple.  When I was in junior high my dad retired and we moved to Oklahoma, my mom’s home state.  I graduated from Moore High School in 1994.  I started my college career at Oklahoma City Community College and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma.  I graduated from OU in 1998 with a BA in Psychology.

After graduating I started full-time at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City working as an Admissions Counselor in the Registrar’s Office.  It was there that I met my husband, Jody, who was the Director of Technology.  We were married June 2001.   He is from Texas so we are a house divided, at least in October!  At this time I moved to a new position in the Office of Student Affairs.  I was the Administrative Assistant to the Vice-President of Student Affairs until 2006.

In 2003 my husband and I became parents for the first time to a Labrador Retriever named Chloe.  A year later we became parents again to our baby girl, Emma.  We are now expecting another little girl due in February.  I told my husband he deserves to be in a house full of girls since he is a Longhorn!

I have always been involved in helping with children programs at church and have enjoyed it.  I love being around this age and watching them as they discover new things.  I have truly been blessed by being around these little miracles that God has created.

Lisa Nelson: I grew up in Swanton, a small town in the Northwest corner of Ohio.  After graduating I married, Andrew, my high school sweetheart.  Shortly thereafter we had our first child and I decided my place was at home.  We moved to Oklahoma 18 months later and have been here for the last 8 years.

I have been a stay at home mom for almost 10 years, and I love it.  I have four children, Jacob (9), Zachary (6), Kaylan (4), and Ryan (2).  I love spending time with children and and watching their amazement as they learn and discover new things.  When I heard about the Preschool opening I felt like it was the perfect place for me.  I have been very active at St. Andrews for many years helping with Sunday school, Kids in Ministry, and VBS.  In my free time I love to read, decorate cakes, camp, and go for a run.  I look forward to getting to know each of you this coming year.  If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me by email at lnelson22@cox.net.

Busy Bees Class

Ashley Davis : I grew up in Tulsa, OK although I consider OKC my home as I have lived here since 2003.  My husband is in the Air Force and his job allows us to do a lot of traveling, which we love.  We spent a year in South Korea (2006-2007) in which I had my first teaching experience as an English teacher.  It was quite interesting as I didn’t speak Korean and most of my students didn’t speak English but it was wonderful to learn to meet challenges and overcome diversity; it was an incredibly fulfilling experience! 

I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2005 with a degree in Psychology.  I am currently in my first year of graduate school at OU pursuing a degree in Community Counseling with an emphasis in child psychology.  Working with children is my passion so it is no surprise that I love teaching at Blessed Beginnings.  I plan to continue my education at the doctoral level in clinical psychology upon finishing my master’s degree.

I enjoy many different activities, although my love is studying taekwondo.  I am a first degree black belt and spend most weekends training and competing.  I also love tennis, traveling, cooking, reading and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.

My husband and I don’t have any children, but look forward to starting our family as soon as I have a break from all of my current research projects, term papers and finals. We have been immensely blessed thus far and look forward to the future that God has planned for us together.

My email address is queener20@yahoo.com and I would love to talk to you or answer any questions you may have.  Please feel free to contact me.

Julie Kewley: I graduated from Monmouth Collete in Monmouth, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. I met my husband Mike at Monmouth College and we were married in 1980, right after I graduated. We have just celebrated our 27th anniversary (hard to believe!)

We moved from Illinois to Enid, Oklahoma right after our wedding. We lived in Enid for six and half years before moving to Oklahoma City. Mike has been an Agent for Farmers Insurance Group for 21 years this September.

We have a daughter named Michaela, who is now a sixth grader at Fisher Elementary. She is 12 years old and a very active girl. Her activities include soccer, Sooner Swim Club, and Girl Scouts. I have been Michaela's scout leader for six years.

I have been a stay-at-home mom since Michaela started kindergarten. I have been very active at her school, volunteering and being Homeroom Mom. I have also been a volunteer at St. Andrew's church since we became members six years ago. I have helped out with Kids' Club, Kids in Ministry, many rotations of Sunday School teaching (various ages), Vacation Bible School, and Greeter. I am currently workin for the nursery every Wednesday and Thursday mornings and I am team leader for Club 56 for the fifth and six grade children.

I enjoy reading (when I can find the time) and traveling. We love the mountains and enjoy the beaches. My daughter and I have also enjoyed a trip to Chicago the last three years for a Broadway Show and visit the American Girl Place. I cherish the family trips we are able to take each year.

I am looking forward to the opportunity I have been given to teach your children.

Fireflies Class

Amber Seaton: My name is Amber Seaton.  I have been married to my husband, Matt, for 5 years.  My husband is a performance manager at a local call center.  We have two boys, Gabe is 3 ½ and Ryan is 2.  I have worked in many different childcare facilities over the years.  I ran my own preschool for 4 years.  I took some time off after my second child was born. I am so excited to get back into teaching!  In my spare time I enjoy scrapbooking and I have just started dabbling in photography.  I can’t wait to get to know your children one by one and I look forward to a wonderful year at Blessed Beginnings!

Mandi Woodhead:

 

Leap Frogs Class

Deb Bein: Hi, my name is Deb Bein.  I am married to Pete and we have two adult children, Jen and Keith, and two grandchildren, Sean (16) and Alex (9). We are from California originally and moved to Oklahoma after twenty eight years (and 20 moves) in the Air Force. I have taught preschool for many years and in many different places, and I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.  In my free time I love to hike, canoe, garden, and read.  I look forward to getting to know each of you during the coming year.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, or suggestions please feel free to call me any time at home (692-2980) or e-mail me at debein1@cox.net.  I check my e-mail daily.  Once again…Welcome to the Leap Frogs!

Amy Halverson: My name is Amy Halverson and I am so excited about teaching your child’s class.  I have worked as the Assistant to the Children’s Ministry Director at St. Andrew’s UMC for the last 3 years.  I am married to Jeff and we have 2 children.  My daughter, Avery, is 3 years old and my son, Nathan, is 1 year old.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, fishing, and spending time outdoors with my family.  If you ever want to talk with me about anything, please feel free to call me at home (378-8170) or e-mail me at aehalverson@cox.net.

Music/Chapel Class

Crystal Davis: I will be your child’s music teacher this year at Blessed Beginnings. I have taught Pre-School and Children’s music in various capacities for over 10 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and I am currently working on my Music degree at Oklahoma City Community College. I am married and have three children, ages 15, 12 and 10 years.

This year I will work with your child(ren) on music skills such as keeping a steady rhythm and learning how to match pitch as well the use of some musical instruments plus much more. The children will present two music programs this year: one at Christmas and the other in the Spring.

I believe that we’re going to have a great year and I look forward to working with your child(ren). Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.