Christina Lester - Preschool Director
Hello, my name is Christina Lester. I have been married for 26 years to my husband Andrew and have 3 children. Our oldest resides in Raleigh NC. One is a Senior at Western Carolina University and the youngest is a Senior in high school at Lincoln Charter School. We are members of Assurance United Methodist Church where I have been involved in the children’s programming since our children were little and lead the Children’s Consignment sale team for several years. I have a Bachelor’s of Science from Western Carolina University with concentrations in Early Childhood Development, Child and Family Development and Nutrition. I completed additional Master’s Degree classes at UNCC in a program focused in Early Childhood Exceptional Children’s Education. I worked for Mecklenburg County for 11 years in Exceptional Children’s programs, as a teacher, service coordinator and on a multi- disciplinary evaluation team. Once we had our second child I stayed at home for several years while all 3 of our children attended Christ UMC preschool. Six years ago I was delighted to come back to my original field of expertise as the preschool Director here at Christ UMC Preschool.
Ann Currie- Fabulous Fours Teacher- (Pre-K)
Ann Currie has been teaching at Christ UMC Preschool for 17 years. She brings energy and excitement to the classroom. She has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and loves spending time with preschoolers. Ann recognizes that Preschoolers are active learners, and they all need different types of activities to develop skills they need for kindergarten. She is dedicated to helping to prepare your children for a successful Kindergarten transition. Ann and her husband Greg, live in the Oakdale community. They have a son, Heath, who attends UNCC and they have two Chihuahua mix dogs that she absolutely adores.
Maggie Bond - Fabulous Fours Assistant Teacher (Pre-K)
Hi, my name is Maggie Bond. I have been a teacher at Christ UMC preschool off and on since September of 20011. I am return this fall from a 6 month sabbatical to care for my mother. I am an active at my church St. John’s Baptist. I have an associate degree in liberal arts and Horticulture Technology. I am also a part time professional photographer. I have been married for 33 years to RD and have 3 grown children ages 29, 27 and 23 as well as 2 dogs and a cat. We live in the Oakdale community. I love to quilt, garden, bake and nurture little ones. I have worked with all ages within our preschool program and look forward to getting your little ones ready for kindergarten next Fall. Thank you so much for sharing your little one here with us at Christ UMC Preschool.
Sarah Gaither- Fantastic 4 Year Old Teacher (Pre-K)
Hello, my name is Sarah Gaither. I was so excited to join the Christ UMC preschool family last year. I have been married for 10 years and have 2 great kids: 3 and 5 years old. I LOVE to travel! I have been to 18 countries across four continents. I have a background in elementary education. I taught eight years in CMS. I have a Master of Education in Reading from Queen’s University. I think reading and writing should be fun, engaging, and interesting! I am actively involved in my church. My husband and I teach Financial Peace University. We love seeing people win with their money. I can’t wait, we are going to have a wonderful year.
Jennifer Sullivan - Fabulous Fours Teacher Assistant (Pre-K)
Hello, my name is Jennifer, I am a wife, a mother of 3 amazing children, and an avid weekend explorer. I love spending time with my family wherever we may end up. Our family attends church at the The Pointe in Belmont, NC. I have been assisting in the development, education and personal growth of children for over 20 years. My passion is and very well may always be helping young children learn and grow. The passion I have has inspired me for many years to teach in early childhood development, but my love for Christ has led me to using this passion at churches. I had the opportunity last Spring to substitute at Christ UMC where our daughter attends preschool and am returning this Fall in the Pre- K classroom 2 mornings a week. In my free time I love to travel to the beach, the mountains and to explore new places. I look forward to meeting your little ones, finding out about all their different personalities and helping get them ready for Kindergarten in the Fall.
Pam Belcher- Thoughtful Threes
Hi! I am Ms. Pam, I love my Lord, family and job. Rick and I have been married for 52 years. We have been blessed with three children, their spouses and seven wonderful grandchildren. I attended CPCC and have worked with children for 47 years. I am a teacher in the 3 year old class and each day is an adventure.
Your children are so much FUN! They learn on different levels and the smile that comes on their faces when they learn something new is priceless! We always start our day with a prayer and you would be amazed at their praises and requests. I love your children and my important role in their life. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Debra Taylor - Thoughtful Threes
Hi, I am Debra Taylor, a wife of 51 years, a mother of two amazing boys and two daughter-in-loves. I am a Gran to 5 awesome Grandchildren. Jesus is the love of my life and I a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where I teach Sunday School K - 2nd on Sundays and Mission Friends on Wednesday nights. I also help with the beginner’s choir and sing in the adult choir. In my spare time I love to read and scrapbook. I have been in the childcare field for over 25 years and my love of children began when I helped care for my younger siblings. I feel blessed to be a part of this program here at Christ UMC going forward.
Peggy Williams - Thoughtful Threes
Hello, my name is Peggy Williams. This is my third year teaching at Christ UMC preschool. I am a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I have been member of Thrift Baptist Church here in the Coulwood community for over 20 years. During my years at Thrift, I have taught Awana classes, Sunday School classes and worked with our children’s ministry, youth ministry and in the nursery as well as children’s church. I actively participate in our WMU ministries and was a member of our church choir at the time we had this ministry as well. I have actively been involved with community outreach ministry by going door to door with our church members.
After my retirement from Cadmus Direct Marketing, I became a substitute teacher for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, and for 11 yrs. I was a substitute teacher at Northside Christian Academy in the Early Learning program. I can’t remember a time in my life that I was not working with and encouraging children.
I have a passion for serving God and I have a passion for working with children, I have come to realize it’s my assignment in life.
Dottie Long - Terrific Talkers
Hi, my name is Dottie Long. I am a Texas girl but have lived in NC since 1984. I am a recent widow who was happily married for almost 50 years and I live in Iron Station. I have three sons, two daughter- in- laws, and five precious grandchildren. I have an associate degree in business but found my true calling as a preschool teacher over 20 years ago. I love teaching and I taught here at Christ UMC back in the early 90’s. Thirteen years ago, I came back to where I started and it felt like coming home. Real Life Church in Lucia has been my church family since 1997. I enjoy outdoor activities, reading and playing with my grandchildren.
Tammy Salm - Terrific Talkers
Tammy has been teaching at Christ UMC Preschool for 14 years . She started in the 4 year old classroom and then moved to the two-year-old classroom. Tammy has a BA in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. Tammy brings many gifts to our 2 year old classroom. She was born in Detroit but grew up in the Gastonia/Belmont area. Tammy has lived with her husband of 32 years in the Mountain Island Lake area. For 10 years prior to working at Christ, she worked part-time for CMS. She was a stay-at-home mother when their children were young. Both children are grown and working in Cyber Security and Chemical Engineering. She is a life-long Christian and attends Lake Forest Church in Huntersville.
Victoria (Tori)Abrams – Terrific Talkers
My name is Tori Abrams, I am excited to be working around all the cute little people. I live in Belmont with my husband Jonathan, our daughter Gianna who currently attends MICS and our Boxer/Great Pyrenees mix Belle. I have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. I have worked in preschools and daycare in the past during both high school and college and loved it. I was also a vet tech for a few years. I then moved into my current job in the healthcare field and have remained there for the past 14 years. I loved being in the Wonderful Walkers class last Spring as a long-term substitute teacher and am delighted to be moving into a 2 day a week position in the Terrific Talkers this year. I cannot wait to meet your little ones.
Stephanie Moeller- Wonderful Walkers
Hi, my name is Stephanie Moeller and I am excited to begin my third year teaching at Christ UMC preschool in the wonderful walkers classroom. I grew up in the Coulwood community. I have been married to my husband Peter, for 25 years. We have 2 grown children, David 21 and Rachel 19, and currently live in Mt. Holly. Prior to working at CUMC preschool, I was a preschool teacher at Mt. Holly First United Methodist Church preschool. I love working with children and look forward to giving your children lots of love care.
Lois Graham - Wonderful Walkers Teacher
Lois Graham has been working for Christ UMC Preschool since 1993. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart College in Belmont and has a BA in General Studies / Social Work. Lois has worked with preschoolers of all ages over the past 30 years and provides lots of opportunities for her students to be active curious learners. Lois recognizes that all children need different types of activities to develop skills at their own rate. She lives with her husband Harry and has five adult children and she has seven delightful grandchildren. Lois strongly believes in hands-on activities for young children and loves working with your children each year.