Little Light Preschool Staff


Nancy Christie
Preschool Director

Nancy is one of the original staff members of Little Light Preschool, who started work under the direction of Connie Knowlden. After several years of teaching and mentoring with Connie, became the Director upon Connie’s retirement. Nancy worked for several years in accounting and finance for Unisys, before making the decision to stay home and raise her children. During that time she served in several positions involving child development including: PTSO, Cub Scout Den Leader, Girl Scout Leader, classroom volunteer in the public school, Sunday school and VBS. She has also served on several church committees in leadership roles. Nancy continues to teach and pursue educational opportunities to learn more about early childhood education and child development.
nchristie@littlelightpreschool.com



Linda Tolson
Assistant Director / Teacher

Linda is our Assistant Director and teacher. Linda was a preschool teacher for 25 years at Grace United Methodist Preschool, also serving as the Director for her last 5 years. She has also served in several capacities, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School Assistant Director and various other church committees, as well as being a Cub Scout leader, a Girl Scout leader and volunteer at Mesa Public Schools. Linda has also been a member of the Mahnah Club Of The East Valley, a philanthropic organization, for over 13 years.


Connie Knowlden
Substitute Teacher

Connie was the original Director and founder of Little Light Preschool. She has a passion for children and has over 30 years of experience in early childhood. Although Connie retired as the director in April 2006, she continues to serve as a volunteer and substitute teacher. If there is an event or an activity at the preschool, chances are Connie is right there helping out.


Sandra Burdick
Teacher's Aide

Sandi is one of our Teacher’s Aides and has a long history working with children in Special Education with the Mesa Public Schools. We were delighted when she decided to join our team. Sandi loves to keep busy whether it be working, gardening or taking care of her tortoises. Her love for children is evident as she interacts with them in our classroom.
 


Thea Carufel
Substitute Teacher

Though now officially retired, Thea continues to bless us through her volunteer work here at the preschool and substituting whenever necessary. Thea worked at the preschool as a Teacher’s Aide from 2004 until she retired in 2009. She has a Bachelors degree with a major in Recreation, and has many years of volunteer service in the public school classroom as well as Sunday school classes. She works hands on with the kids and the children love her.
 


Jennifer Capehart
Teacher's Aide

Jennifer serves as a Teacher’s Aide, and came with high recommendations through one of our former preschool families who spent six years with us through their preschool years. She and her husband live here in Mesa raising their son and three daughters. Most recently she has been a childcare worker at Central Christian Church where she and her family attend.
   
 
©2011 Little Light Preschool