Preschool & Childcare Staff

At. St. John Preschool & Childcare Center, we think you will find a heart for service and a passion for children in our staff, regardless of position held.  While all of our staff is highly qualified for what they do, they were also hired because of their personalities and love for serving children and families. We understand that you not only expect the best programming for your child, but you also want them to be cared for and loved. 

  • Kathy thompson, director

    KathyThompson@stjohncf.org


    I have been in the early childhood education field for more than 25 years. I have a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and two Master’s degrees in Reading Education and Early Childhood Education from UNI. 

    I came to St. John in July of 2012 to launch the childcare portion of our program and it has been a wonderful journey thus far with many more opportunities for learning and growth in my profession. I am blessed to be here to work with this wonderful staff as well as the children and their families.

  • Teri stuckey, 5 day preschool

    TeriStuckey@stjohncf.org


    I graduated from Mt Mercy University and hold a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Early Childhood. My teaching experiences include being a first grade teacher, as well as a preschool teacher and director. I am originally from Cedar Rapids and have been enjoying the Cedar Valley since 2010. I joined the St. John staff in 2016 and it is one of the best communities I have had the pleasure to be part of! I enjoy walking my dogs and biking on the trails, going camping and spending time with my family.

  • Megan Lawler, 2 & 3 day preschool

    Megan@stjohncf.org


    I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Elementary Education, with an endorsement in Educational Technology. I have been a part of St. John since 2012 and I absolutely love working with the children and families here. I especially enjoy the smiles, fun stories and unique challenges that each day brings.  My family and I enjoy traveling, biking, camping and spending time outdoors as much as possible.


  • Valerie kurth, childcare lead

    Valerie@stjohncf.org


    I graduated from M-F-L Mar Mac High School in 2000 and then went on to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls receiving an Associate Degree. I then transferred to UNI and majored in Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education courses. I graduated in 2007 with a Liberal Arts bachelor’s Degree. I hope to return to finish my education courses and earn my teaching certificate. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and boating on the Mississippi whenever possible. I love to spend time with kids! I absolutely love my job here at St. John. I love listening to music and dancing and I enjoy going to concerts with my friends.

  • Joanna Olson, Childcare co-Lead

    Joanna@stjohncf.org


    I grew up in Nevada, Iowa and graduated from Nevada High School. I am currently enrolled as a student at the University of Northern Iowa. I will be graduating in May 2025 with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. This will be my 3rd school year at St. John and I love it here! It is so fun getting to watch all of the kids learn and grow throughout each year. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling, and walking my dog. 

  • Beckie Kniep, childcare lead

    Beckie@stjohncf.org

     

    I grew up in Cedar Falls and graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1987. Eight years later, I started at Hawkeye Community College and graduated in 1997 with an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education. I've worked in many Preschool and Child Care Centers in the Cedar Valley with a lot of great families. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family, especially my grandkids. Being a grandma has been the best part of getting older. Working at St. John has been such a blessing in my life. The staff and families I've gotten to work with have been the best. I love spending time reading, playing, and exploring new things with my kiddos.

  • Kylie Beelner


  • Jane Bentley-Gadow, PCC Assistant


  • Lisbet Esparza, Childcare


  • Caitlyn Gapp, childcare


  • Heidi Guse, Kitchen Assistant


  • Megan Hermansen, Childcare


  • Tatum Iverson, childcare


  • Nadia Johnson, Childcare


  • Zoey Jones, Childcare


  • Lori Leo, substitute teacher


  • Lauren Lorentzen, Childcare


  • Sue Linck, Childcare


  • Sandy Livingston, Kitchen Coordinator


  • Morgan Miller, Childcare


  • Olivia Ollendick, childcare


  • Andrea Poyzer, Childcare


  • Lilly Rush, Childcare


  • Sara Schares, Preschool Associate


  • Sophie Stewart, Childcare


  • Katelynn Stinson, Childcare


  • Carrie Sulentic, Childcare


  • Sophia Sulentic, Childcare


  • Anna Sullivan, Childcare


  • Amy Van Arkel, Preschool Associate


  • Heather VanEngelhoven, Preschool Associate


  • Anna Wetlaufer, Childcare