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."

Liz Batter will be the lead teacher in one of the 2-Day classes for three-year-olds this year. Prior to having children she worked in a preschool and is excited to be back in action! Her favorite thing about the school year is spending time with the children and the imagination, silliness and wonder of the preschool age years.

Her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 1:1, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have touched, this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life.”

Kirstin is the lead teacher in one of the 3-Day Kindergarten Readiness classes 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's daughters attended MNS and her youngest will be here again this year. Kirstin lives in Havertown with her husband, Matthew and their two daughters.

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

New to Manoa Nursery School in 2023, Beth will be assisting Mrs. Murray 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 7 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 who are students at Manoa Nursery School. 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 a lead teacher in one of the 3-day Kindergarten Readiness classes. 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

This is Joy’s first year as a helping teacher at Manoa Nursery School. She will be assisting Mrs. Rich in the Me Too class. Joy and her husband, Joseph, have three adorable boys. They serve at the Sheep's Gate Church in Havertown. Joy was born and raised in South Korea, where she studied Christian education.

I look forward to seeing children learn, play, and grow in the Lord.

I love it when I hear children laugh.

Joy’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 23: 6: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Known as “Mimi” by all her little friends, Linda is excited to be a brand new 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 is joining Manoa as a helping teacher for the 2-Day three-year-old class which meets on Wednesday and Friday.

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.

Nancy will be a helping teacher in one of our 2-Day classes this year. She has been working with children for over 35 years through teaching classes in children’s ministry at church, working as an assistant preschool teacher, and her professional clowning business.

I look forward to working with children and watching them grow and learn, helping them smile, and mostly helping each little one to know how much Jesus loves them.

I love it when I see children sharing Jesus’s love with one another!!

Nancy has many favorite Bible verses, but the one that stands out most in her life is, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you, do not be afraid or discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

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 4 precious grandchildren with two more on the way.

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 at Manoa Nursery School for five years in various roles, most recently as the helping teacher in Mrs. Frankel’s Kindergarten Readiness Class. 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!

Beth will be serving as the helping teacher in the 3-Day class and leading one of the 2-Day classes this year. She has degrees in both elementary education and special education and a wide range of teaching experience which includes teaching preschool and special education classes. Prior to coming to Manoa Nursery School, Beth was a caregiver at the Haverford YMCA. Beth is a grandmother whose favorite way to spend time is with her grandkids.

I love it when: little ones sing and pray ... their hearts are so open to the Good Shepherd.

The Bible verse that contains all Beth’s hope is I John 3:2: "When we see Him, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is."