Front Row (Left-Right in the above photo)

Cindy Coon, Lead Teacher: Cindy attended Montgomery College where she majored in Handicap Assistance, then transferred to the University of MD College Park where she majored in Therapeutic Recreation. Cindy obtained her 90 Hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard County Community College. Cindy has been a member of the GUMC family since 2002 but prior to that time, she had been teaching in Daycares and Nursery Schools since 1990. Cindy teaches one of our 4's classes and is always willing to try a new activity with her students.

Joyce Simkins, Assistant Teacher: Joyce and her husband Mark live in Laurel, MD. She previously worked at Bethany UM Church Preschool in Allentown, PA where she has experience as a teacher and an assistant working with both 3's and 4's. Joyce is new to the area, and is very excited about joining the GUMC staff. Joyce has a son Matthew, and a daughter Lauren, who are attending college. She believes that Proverbs 22:6 exemplifies the importance of her role as a preschool teacher: "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." She says that she carried out this command with her own children, and believes it is her purpose to assist others in this duty with their children by providing a quality, Christian, early childhood education. In her spare time she likes to bake, tandem bike ride with her husband, and take morning walks.

Deanne Reese, Assistant Teacher: Deanne has a BS degree in Special Education and a minor in Psychology from James Madison University. Prior to joining the GUMC family in 2007, Deanne taught in other schools as well as held her own preschool program which she ran out of her home. During the summers, Deanne helps run the VBS music for her church. Deanne assists in the 4's class and can often be found joining in the circle time fun!

Jan Sterling, Assistant Teacher: Jan graduated from High School in Pocatello, Idaho and then went on to complete a semester at the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical College. Jan has worked with preschool children in three different states (Georgia, Iowa, and Maryland). Jan joined the GUMC family in 2001, assists in the 5's class, and considers it a privilege to work with young children as they, "are a heritage of the Lord." (Psalm 127:3)

Back Row (Left-Right in the above photo)

Ruth Dziwulski, Music Teacher: Ruth has been a part of GUMC since starting its Music Program in 2001. She began teaching music to preschoolers in 1997 at her church. Ruth has a BS Degree in Fashion Merchandising from James Madison University and has a Preparatory Vocal Performance Degree from The Peabody Institute of John's Hopkins. Ruth considers it to be a tremendous blessing to share God's love for each child through music.

Maureen Stang, Lead Teacher:Maureen became associated with GUMC Preschool School in 1995 when her daughter attended as a student. She joined the GUMC staff in 1997. She holds a BA in Criminology from the University of MD and her 90 Hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard County Community College. Maureen teaches the 3's here at GUMC and her classroom is alive with many developmentally appropriate activities.

Kathy Barna, Director: Kathy holds a BA in Social Work and Elementary Education from McDaniel College (Formally; Western Maryland College) as well as a 90 Hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard County Community College. Kathy has been involved in teaching and/or directing at Christian Preschools since 1993. She joined the GUMC staff in 2004 and considers it a gift to be able to work with God's greatest little blessings here at GUMC Preschool.

Erica Kavadias, Assistant Teacher: Erica and her husband Demetre live in Woodbine with their three children. Erica holds an AA degree in Business Administration and a BA in Visual Arts. She and her family attend Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Frederick where she has been a Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader for several years. In addition, she leads her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and volunteers at Calvary Lutheran’s VBS program. In her spare time, she volunteers at Bushy Park Elementary School and Glenwood Middle School and loves to read. Because of her commitment to quality education, she has helped to open a Greek Language School in Frederick, MD. Erica feels blessed to have the opportunity to work alongside the GUMC staff to teach your children.

Sharon Upchurch, Assistant Teacher: Sharon received her Childcare Certification from Montgomery College and worked as a childcare provider in her home for 12 years. Sharon first came to GUMC as a parent with her 3 children and then joined our staff in 2004. Sharon assists in the 4's class and feels truly blessed each and every day to be doing what she truly loves.

Michelle McBryde, Lead Teacher: Michelle received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater College and has taught kindergarten and preschool for more than 12 years. Michelle joined the GUMC staff in 2006 and has been teaching our 5 year old (Pre-K Class) ever since. She brings with her a true love for teaching and a genuine desire to share God's love with her students.

Kim Wissman, Lead Teacher: Kim has been involved with children's ministry since she was 17 and began teaching in the Sunday School at her church. Kim received her Associate's Degree in Architecture and Engineering Design from Catonsville Community College, and went on to receive her BS degree in Interior Design from University of MD. She has been a part of the GUMC family since 2002 and brings with her a wealth of Early Childhood knowledge as she did in-home daycare, was a camp counselor, Team Kid Leader, VBS director and most recently, Kidzone director at her church. Kim teaches one of our 4's classes and can often be found jumping and counting Spanish numbers 1-20 with her students!

Kathryn Seymour, Assistant Director/Administrative Assistant: Kathryn holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Towson State University. Kathryn came to us in 2004 from the Carroll County Public School System where she worked as an Advancing Early Literacy Tutor for the Kindergarten Program and a Double-Directed Tutor for grades 1-4. Kathryn is very happy to be here working with the staff, parents, and children at GUMC.