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.
Cynthia Boliek, 2 Year Old Classroom Assistant
I am Mrs. Warner’s assistant in the two year old classroom. I have lived in State College for my entire life. My husband and I have three boys, one dog, and three cats. I am the only girl in a house full of boys. My husband is the Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 367. My oldest son is an Eagle Scout and middle son is currently a Life Scout. Our youngest wasn’t interested in scouts, so he keeps me company when my husband and my two other sons are camping. As a family we enjoy going to movies, swimming and going to Hershey Park.
I have a BS in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on children, youth, and family services from PSU and also a Masters of Education with a focus on Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, also from PSU. During my pursuit of my undergraduate degree I worked at childcare centers on campus. Once I graduated I worked as a mental health tech at the Meadows and then as a Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS). I realized when I was a TSS I needed to get my Master’s and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Once I obtained my M.Ed. I worked for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling out of DuBois and had a transition caseload that consisted of eight schools in the Clearfield County area.
I am so happy and excited to be part of the two year classroom. Each day is a new adventure that I love.
I am Mrs. Warner’s assistant in the two year old classroom. I have lived in State College for my entire life. My husband and I have three boys, one dog, and three cats. I am the only girl in a house full of boys. My husband is the Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 367. My oldest son is an Eagle Scout and middle son is currently a Life Scout. Our youngest wasn’t interested in scouts, so he keeps me company when my husband and my two other sons are camping. As a family we enjoy going to movies, swimming and going to Hershey Park.
I have a BS in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on children, youth, and family services from PSU and also a Masters of Education with a focus on Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, also from PSU. During my pursuit of my undergraduate degree I worked at childcare centers on campus. Once I graduated I worked as a mental health tech at the Meadows and then as a Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS). I realized when I was a TSS I needed to get my Master’s and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Once I obtained my M.Ed. I worked for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling out of DuBois and had a transition caseload that consisted of eight schools in the Clearfield County area.
I am so happy and excited to be part of the two year classroom. Each day is a new adventure that I love.
Chelsea Kraus, 3 Year Old Classroom Teacher
Hi Families!
Welcome to the 3 year old classroom! My name is Ms. Chelsea. I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kindergarten and Elementary Education. I have completed Master courses towards earning a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Lock Haven University. I’ll always be an avid Penn State fan as it holds a special place in my heart! I was a member of the Blue Band as a Penn State Majorette. I also taught for 4 years at Hort Woods on campus. I have been teaching locally in various Early Childhood Centers for 7 years now. I have a strong passion to teach. I’m very content and find it to be my happy place. I absolutely adore younger children. They fascinate me each day and bring lots of love, laughter, and joy to the classroom. The adventures are limitless! I live in Bellefonte with my husband and son. I absolutely love being a mother! We have a cat named Layla. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to take road trips and visit new places. I enjoy being exploring the outdoors with my son. I’m look forward teaching your child!
Hi Families!
Welcome to the 3 year old classroom! My name is Ms. Chelsea. I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kindergarten and Elementary Education. I have completed Master courses towards earning a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from Lock Haven University. I’ll always be an avid Penn State fan as it holds a special place in my heart! I was a member of the Blue Band as a Penn State Majorette. I also taught for 4 years at Hort Woods on campus. I have been teaching locally in various Early Childhood Centers for 7 years now. I have a strong passion to teach. I’m very content and find it to be my happy place. I absolutely adore younger children. They fascinate me each day and bring lots of love, laughter, and joy to the classroom. The adventures are limitless! I live in Bellefonte with my husband and son. I absolutely love being a mother! We have a cat named Layla. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to take road trips and visit new places. I enjoy being exploring the outdoors with my son. I’m look forward teaching your child!
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Denielle Hickey, 3 year old Classroom Assistant
Hi! My name is Denielle Hickey and I am Ms. Chelsea’s aide. I am thrilled to begin this journey with you and your child. I love working with children and enjoy their curiosity and enthusiasm to learn. I have my bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in reading. I love hands on learning and exploring with your little one! I grew up in Bedford Pennsylvania. I graduated from Shippensburg University. My husband is currently in the United States Marine Corp. I have two children, a daughter Ella, who is five , and a son, Sawyer, who is three. I have been a stay a home mom for a few years just because of the military lifestyle. I can’t wait to spend the next year learning and growing with each of you! Let the adventures begin! A few of my favorite things: Favorite color: pink Favorite season: Summer! Favorite food: anything chocolate Favorite kids book: Fancy Nancy Favorite sport: Football: Go Steelers! |
Terri Downer,Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Hello! My name is Terri Downer, and I am teaching the PreK 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 35 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 PreK 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 35 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.
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.
