Marie joined our staff team as the Director of Manoa Nursery School in the fall of 2021. She has her Master’s Degree in Multicultural Education (M.Ed.) from Eastern University and many years of experience teaching art at Delaware County Christian School and various homeschool cooperative programs in the region. Marie and her husband Steve are members of Manoa Community Church and have three daughters, Caroline, Catherine, and Christina.

I most look forward to: I most look forward to getting to know the Manoa Nursery School students and their families and sharing in their journey of faith and learning.

One of Marie's favorite Bible passages: "And He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:15-17

I love it when I see children: I love it when I see children build one another up with encouraging words and actions.

Jennie Frankel was a staff member of the Manoa Nursery School years ago and is back in her role as Administrative Assistant after retiring from her full-time job. She has many fond memories of when her son attended the school and is excited to be a part of “Team Manoa”. Jennie and husband, Stephen, attend Proclamation Presbyterian Church, and live in Havertown.

One of her favorite Bible verses is Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Kirstin is the lead teacher in the 4-Day Kindergarten Readiness Class this year. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in elementary and special education and taught sixth grade at the Woodlynde School for 7 years. During her time there, she obtained her Masters in Reading as well as her Wilson Reading System certification. Kirstin lives in Havertown with her husband, Matthew and their daughters, both of whom are graduates of MNS.

I am looking forward to building relationships with the students and their families and creating a classroom environment that is inviting and gets students excited to learn. I am excited to learn each student's strengths and find strategies that will help them navigate their areas of need.

Kirstin’s favorite Bible verse is: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Beth is the helping teacher in the 3-Day Kindergarten Readiness Class. Born and raised in Havertown, Beth continues to make it her home. Beth and her husband Stephen have 4 adult sons and 8 grandchildren, one of whom will be attending Manoa Nursery School this year. Beth looks forward to getting to know the children and is thankful for the opportunity to watch them grow and develop.

I love it when I see the children: excited and happy. It’s contagious! Watching children become more confident, interact positively, and witnessing their progress is very rewarding.

Beth’s favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5 – 6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.

After teaching at Manoa from 1999-2001, Dotty returned in 2009 to teach the 3-day class and now teaches the 5-day (pre-K) class and Lunch Bunch. Dotty holds a B.A. from Drexel University in Home Economics Education, has taught Sunday School at Crossroads Community Church since the age of 17 and was coordinator of Pioneer Club for 21 years. Dotty and her husband Ed, have three grown children who all attended Manoa Nursery School.

Favorite thing about the school year: My favorite thing about the school year is seeing the children grow through the year in all areas of life - socially, academically and spiritually. I enjoy sharing the love of God with the children and their families.

I love it when I see the children: I love it when I see the children help out a buddy, take an interest in each other, share God’s love and delight in learning a new skill.

Favorite Bible verse: Romans 8:28 "We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Dariana will be assisting Mrs. Rich in the Me Too classroom this year. She and her husband, Manuel, have two daughters, one who is a graduate of MNS and the other who will be attending this year. She was born and raised in Venezuela, where she studied dentistry at University of Zulia and worked as a dentist until she moved to the United States. Dariana has a degree in leadership and pastoral advanced studies from Christ for the Nations Institute and has served as a children’s pastor in Dover, Delaware. Dariana and her family worship at Congregation Beth Yeshua in Media.

Her favorite passage of scripture is Romans 8: 38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.”

Stephanie Murray is an alumna of Manoa Nursery School and is so excited to be working at this special school as lead teacher in the 3-day Kindergarten Readiness Class. She graduated from Messiah College with a degree in Elementary Education and has taught 2nd grade in the Rose Tree Media School District. She lives in Havertown and has three children: one in college, another in high school, and a third in elementary school.

I most look forward to: I most look forward to getting to know the children and their families as well as watching the children grow physically, academically, and spiritually as the year progresses.

One of Stephanie's favorite Bible passages: “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

Known as “Mimi” by all her little friends, Linda is the helping teacher in the 5-Day class this September. Linda has extensive experience working with children of all ages, including five years at a local preschool and being a grandmom to eleven grandchildren. Linda loves talking about Jesus, playing make believe and telling make-believe stories because “imagination is a wonderful thing”.

I look forward to meeting a brand new class of four and five-year-olds at Manoa Nursery School

I love it when I see a child accomplish something on their own that they have been attempting to learn and as they look up in pride and joy, they see that you are watching them and sharing the victory with them.

Linda’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 73: 23 – 26 “Yet I am always with you…but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Lauren will be assisting Mrs. Frankel in the 4-Day Kindergarten Readiness Class this year.

I most look forward to connecting with each child as I help them grow through faith and creativity.

I love it when I see the children talk about God in conversation with other children and get excited to learn about Him.

Lauren’s favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

LeeAnn is the lead teacher of the 2-Day class for 3 year olds. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wheaton College and has a Master’s degree in Education from Rosemont College. She taught in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School district for five years before starting her family.

LeeAnn looks forward to having a fun-filled classroom helping children form bonds with each other and with the teachers. She’s excited to discover their personalities and help facilitate a loving and kind environment where the love of Christ can be taught and seen.

LeeAnn lives in Havertown with her husband Jeff and their six children. Her two oldest and her two youngest children attended Manoa Nursery School.

LeeAnn’s favorite verse is Joshua 1:9 “This is my command - Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Laura has been at MNS since 2010. She became Lead teacher for the M-W-F class for 4-year-olds in 2018. She holds a BA in Recreation with a focus and interest in those with unique physical and developmental challenges. Laura and her husband Scott have 3 married children and 6 precious grandchildren.

I love it when I see the children: I love to see the children play and learn with excitement and delight. I love to see the children grow physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually during the year.

Her favorite Bible verse is Zephaniah 3:17: “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."

Rebekah will be teaching the Me Too class this year. She has a degree in regular and special education from Eastern University and full PA certification in regular and special education.

Rebekah taught elementary school for several years in a local public school district before becoming a mother and part-time Youth Director for her congregation. Rebekah and her husband, Jason, feel blessed to have three wonderful children and love seeing them grow closer to each other and the Lord each year.

About Me:
I love getting to know each child individually while helping them grow socially, academically, and spiritually!

I love how the Lord made each and every one of us unique and special.

I'm passionate about finding each child's interests and learning style so I can adapt lessons to meet each student's needs.

I love when my students feel cared for, confident, and excited about learning!

My current favorite Bible verse... I have so many favorites it's hard to choose!
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Helen has served Manoa Nursery School for the past several years in various roles. This year she will be assisting Mrs. Reist in the 3-Day Monday-Wednesday-Friday Class for 4-year-olds. Helen holds a B.A. from Rosemont College in Education and Psychology and has also taught Kindergarten in Lenni, PA. She has two daughters of her own and attends Grace Church in Wallingford. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things and the God of peace will be with you”.

Favorite thing about the school year: playing with the children and watching them grow from the first day of school until the last!

I love it when I see the children: smile when they come into the classroom and happy to make new friends!

Erica will be serving as a helping teacher in the 2-Day class for 3 year old children. She is the mother of five children, all who attended Manoa Nursery School!

Erica is looking forward to being a part of preparing young children for school and teaching them about Jesus.

One of Erica’s favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Yasmin will serve as a helping teacher in the Me Too class this year. She has several years of experience caring for children and is very excited to be a part of the Manoa Nursery School Team! Yasmin looks forward to getting to know each of the children and playing a part in their learning.

Yasmin lives in Havertown with her husband, Timothy and three children: Kamila, who attends Messiah University, Johan, who is in high school, and Bianca, who is a graduate of Manoa Nursery School, which was “the best experience” for Bianca and her parents!

The Vallette family worships together at Bethany Church in Havertown.

Yasmin’s favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians: 13:13: So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.