Our staff are all professionals trained in Early Childhood Education along with CPR and first aide certificates. We are licensed by the State of California and we are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); therefore higher standards are required.

Our staff has many years experience teaching in a loving, Christian environment. Teachers have taught here an average of ten years and three of us over twenty! We pride ourselves in our individual attention with all our students, nurturing each and everyone towards life learners as well as kind and thoughtful citizens. We feel our school and family connection is a critical part of the partnership we share in these most precious years of your child’s life.

Becci Lukes is completing her 21st year at Shepherd of the Hills, and has been director for the past nine years. She has taught all ages at Shepherd from young 3's to to Pre-K, and Lunch Bunch.

Cindie Reilly has taught 3's, 4's and Pre-K at Shepherd for the past six years and has been teaching in the field for 16 years. This is her third year as Assistant Director in the morning, and she teaches Jr-K four afternoons.

Deanna Roberson is completing her 29th year at Shepherd of the Hills. She teaches morning classes of 3 and 4 year olds.

Dorothy Walther has been with Shepherd for 23 years. She teaches morning classes, ages 3 and 4.

Elaine Collin began teaching at Shepherd in 1996 after eight years at another preschool. She works mornings with our three and four year old programs.

Flo Bashaw started teaching at Shepherd after her children, Erica, 18 and Christopher, 15 attended, and currently teaches 3's and 4's. She is in her 10th year at Shepherd, and has taught 16 years in all.

Laurie Canedy began at Shepherd in 1997, and has taught the 3's, 4's, Jr-K, and extended day programs.

Debbie Porizo has been at Shepherd for 9 years, and worked at her former school for 8 years before this.

Nancy Senerchia is in her eighth year at Shepherd, and has over 20 years experience at other schools. She teaches five mornings a week.

Kris Bell has been with Shepherd of the Hills for four years. She began in the Lunch Bunch program while her youngest attended Shepherd, and she now teaches 3 year olds.

Lisa Arnold has been a part of the staff for two years. She teaches Jr.-K in the afternoon. Lisa taught for many years, then took time off to raise her two sons.

Mary Vrooman started teaching at the preschool in the fall of 1972 and was assistant director from 1985 to 2004, when she "retired." She returned this year to teach the motor/music program.

Julie Bushman is in her second year at Shepherd as a Lunch Bunch teacher. Before children, she taught for seven years at Newport Center UM Preschool in Corona Del Mar.

Brenda Baldwin is new at Shepherd this year, working MWF with our new 3-year-old program. Both her children are alumni, so she's family!

Natali Van Wormer's first year at Shepherd comes after many years of teaching experience in an informal church related setting. We feel blessed to have her on our staff.

Shepherd of the Hills
United Methodist Preschool

26001 Muirlands Blvd.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
949/837-2993
shump@sothumc.org

Hours: 9:00 to 11:45 am
or 12:45 to 3:30 pm

Shepherd of the Hills Church

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
naeyc.org