Emily Gregory, Director
Working with children has always been a part of my life. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education from Clarion University. I also obtained a Masters Degree in Education from Saint Francis University. My first teaching experience was in Mount Union, Pa. were I taught Intellectually and Emotionally Challenged students grades 7-12. I was a stay at home mom for 10 years, returning to teach special education at Juniata Valley School District grades K-12. I also taught for the IU 8 ATOMS program, coached Odyssey of the Mind, created and operated a summer enrichment day camp, and worked for Governor's Institute of Life Sciences at Juniata College. After retirement, before coming to Mt. Nittany UMC Preschool, I was an adjunct professor at Juniata College. I am a member of the State College Choral Society and a volunteer usher at PSU. I like to sew, read, garden, bike, and spend time with family and friends.
Working with children has always been a part of my life. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education from Clarion University. I also obtained a Masters Degree in Education from Saint Francis University. My first teaching experience was in Mount Union, Pa. were I taught Intellectually and Emotionally Challenged students grades 7-12. I was a stay at home mom for 10 years, returning to teach special education at Juniata Valley School District grades K-12. I also taught for the IU 8 ATOMS program, coached Odyssey of the Mind, created and operated a summer enrichment day camp, and worked for Governor's Institute of Life Sciences at Juniata College. After retirement, before coming to Mt. Nittany UMC Preschool, I was an adjunct professor at Juniata College. I am a member of the State College Choral Society and a volunteer usher at PSU. I like to sew, read, garden, bike, and spend time with family and friends.
Edward Preston, Pastor
I was appointed Lead Pastor of Mt Nittany UMC in 2012. As a graduate of Millersville University and Lancaster Theological Seminary, I have been in ministry for over 30 years.
I conduct monthly Chapel Time with the children of the preschool, as well as occasionally reading a story, taking part in games or sitting in with Lunch Bunch.
I was appointed Lead Pastor of Mt Nittany UMC in 2012. As a graduate of Millersville University and Lancaster Theological Seminary, I have been in ministry for over 30 years.
I conduct monthly Chapel Time with the children of the preschool, as well as occasionally reading a story, taking part in games or sitting in with Lunch Bunch.
Christine Warner, 2 Year Old Classroom Teacher
Welcome to the 2-Year Old Classroom! I have had the pleasure of working with young children for over twenty years and enjoy this classroom the most. I have been with Mt. Nittany UMC Preschool for over 17 years. I live in Stormstown with my husband. I have a grown son, Garett. Whether it is a day out or a quiet day at home, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am looking forward to spending time with a very important part of your family.
Welcome to the 2-Year Old Classroom! I have had the pleasure of working with young children for over twenty years and enjoy this classroom the most. I have been with Mt. Nittany UMC Preschool for over 17 years. I live in Stormstown with my husband. I have a grown son, Garett. Whether it is a day out or a quiet day at home, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am looking forward to spending time with a very important part of your family.
Terri Downer, Three Year Old Classroom Teacher
Hello! My name is Terri Downer, and I am teaching the Three Year old class here at Mt. Nittany. My husband, Dave and I live in Centre Hall, where he is the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ. We have been married for 36 years, and have 3 children (Jon, Joe and Emily) and one grandson, Mark. I am serving as the choir director at Trinity, as well as helping out with youth group on Sunday evenings. I enjoy reading, quilting and knitting, when I can find the time. I began my teaching career in a small church preschool in Woodbridge, Virginia, as the general education teacher in an inclusion classroom. Through my experiences working with children with special needs, their families and their special education teachers, I discovered a passion for special education. So, at the ripe old age of 50, I returned to school and earned my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. (I’m living proof that you CAN teach old dogs new tricks!) I then taught preschool special education in Fairfax County public schools for three years before moving to Pennsylvania in June, 2015. I recently received my PA Private Academic Certification.
My philosophy of teaching revolves around learning through play. As Mr. Rogers once said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood” I firmly believe that young children learn best through experiences, so I structure my lessons around hands on activities that promote fine and gross motor development, language development, early math and science skills, social skills practice, etc. Music and art will play a big part in our classroom, too, but I tend to focus more on the process of making something than on the end product. We will make some fun art projects, but it is very doubtful that any two of them will look exactly the same! I also believe that children learn best when they are interested in the topic. I tend to follow an “emergent curriculum”, which means that if the children show a strong interest in a topic, I will find books and plan activities that allow us to explore that topic and deepen their knowledge. As a result, I don’t necessarily follow weekly themes...an interest in dinosaurs might last for a month before we move on, or it might fade out after a couple of days. I am looking forward to working with you and your children.
Hello! My name is Terri Downer, and I am teaching the Three Year old class here at Mt. Nittany. My husband, Dave and I live in Centre Hall, where he is the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ. We have been married for 36 years, and have 3 children (Jon, Joe and Emily) and one grandson, Mark. I am serving as the choir director at Trinity, as well as helping out with youth group on Sunday evenings. I enjoy reading, quilting and knitting, when I can find the time. I began my teaching career in a small church preschool in Woodbridge, Virginia, as the general education teacher in an inclusion classroom. Through my experiences working with children with special needs, their families and their special education teachers, I discovered a passion for special education. So, at the ripe old age of 50, I returned to school and earned my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. (I’m living proof that you CAN teach old dogs new tricks!) I then taught preschool special education in Fairfax County public schools for three years before moving to Pennsylvania in June, 2015. I recently received my PA Private Academic Certification.
My philosophy of teaching revolves around learning through play. As Mr. Rogers once said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood” I firmly believe that young children learn best through experiences, so I structure my lessons around hands on activities that promote fine and gross motor development, language development, early math and science skills, social skills practice, etc. Music and art will play a big part in our classroom, too, but I tend to focus more on the process of making something than on the end product. We will make some fun art projects, but it is very doubtful that any two of them will look exactly the same! I also believe that children learn best when they are interested in the topic. I tend to follow an “emergent curriculum”, which means that if the children show a strong interest in a topic, I will find books and plan activities that allow us to explore that topic and deepen their knowledge. As a result, I don’t necessarily follow weekly themes...an interest in dinosaurs might last for a month before we move on, or it might fade out after a couple of days. I am looking forward to working with you and your children.
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Rachel Ferguson, Three Year Old Classroom Assistant
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Jessica Bickle, PreK Teacher
Welcome to Pre-K! I am very excited to be your teacher this year. I recently graduated from Penn State where I earned my degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I spent the past year in a year-long student teaching internship with the State College Area School District where I taught in Kindergarten and Third Grade. I am from the Penns Valley area but currently live in State College. Some of my interests include spending time with my friends and family, reading, and watching movies. We will have a terrific year in Pre-K.
Welcome to Pre-K! I am very excited to be your teacher this year. I recently graduated from Penn State where I earned my degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I spent the past year in a year-long student teaching internship with the State College Area School District where I taught in Kindergarten and Third Grade. I am from the Penns Valley area but currently live in State College. Some of my interests include spending time with my friends and family, reading, and watching movies. We will have a terrific year in Pre-K.
Kim Knepp, Pre-Kindergarten Assistant
I was seven years old when I told my second grade teacher that I was going to grow up and be just like her. I was also thinking it would be awesome to work outdoors all the time like my dad, a forester and PSU professor. After I graduated from State High, I earned a BS in Biology, specializing in natural sciences and then earned a BS in Elementary Education, both while attending Penn State. I took advantage of the study abroad program and did my student teaching in Chichester, England, working with “5 and rising 6 year olds,” which is comparable to our kindergarten programs. I live in the State College area with my husband, daughter, 2 grandchildren, dog and 2 parakeets. When I am not here with the children at MNPS during the day, I can often be found working in patient registration and admissions at the Mount Nittany Medical Center overnights. In my “spare” time, I enjoy reading, photography and scrapbooking.
I was seven years old when I told my second grade teacher that I was going to grow up and be just like her. I was also thinking it would be awesome to work outdoors all the time like my dad, a forester and PSU professor. After I graduated from State High, I earned a BS in Biology, specializing in natural sciences and then earned a BS in Elementary Education, both while attending Penn State. I took advantage of the study abroad program and did my student teaching in Chichester, England, working with “5 and rising 6 year olds,” which is comparable to our kindergarten programs. I live in the State College area with my husband, daughter, 2 grandchildren, dog and 2 parakeets. When I am not here with the children at MNPS during the day, I can often be found working in patient registration and admissions at the Mount Nittany Medical Center overnights. In my “spare” time, I enjoy reading, photography and scrapbooking.