Preschool Staff
Jo Ann Emerson
Preschool Director
- 25+ years experience in education
- Working at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool since 2010
- Holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
- A perfect day is coffee in one hand, a book in the other, and her dog, Sweety, by her side
Pastor Phil Cook
Associate Pastor, Lead Pastor, Shawnee Campus
- Leads worship on Sundays and for preschool worship times
- Greets students at the door and is a daily presence in the life of the preschool
- Holds a Master of Divinity Degree
- Enjoys his three growing children and God’s creation
Taren Scott
Assistant to the Preschool Director
- Over nine years experience in education
- Working at Trinity since 2016
- Holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in English
- Favorite color is green and is an accomplished studio potter
Michelle McAleer
Teacher, Preschool
- 15+ years experience in education
- Working at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool since 2010
- Holds a Bachelors in Human Development
- Favorite color is everything BUT purple and is a vegetarian (hold the onions)
Jerri Newman
Teacher, Preschool and Extended Day
- 10+ years experience in education
- Working at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool since 2015
- Holds a bachelors degree from Manhattan Christian College
- Holds her Child Development Associate Credential
- Favorite color is blue, blessed mom of three, and loves to listen to K-LOVE
Jane Stanton
Teacher, Pre-K
- Over 10 years experience in education
- Working at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool since 2015
- Holds a degree from South Dakota State University
- Holds a Child Development Associate credential
- Favorite color is green and loves Arnold Palmer (the beverage!)
Stephanie Summa
Preschool Aide
- Working at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool since 2019
- Attended Washburn University
- Twin mom with three active daughters
- Favorite color is navy blue and is a huge KU Jayhawks fan
Abby Summerskill
Teacher, Pre-K
- Over 10 years experience in education
- Holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Elementary Policy Study
- Favorite color is purple and loves being mom of two
Kara Thomas
Teacher, Preschool and Pre-K
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15+ experience working in Early Childhood Education
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Working at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool since 2020 and before moving from 2011-2014
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Holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education
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Favorite color is blue and is always reading a novel or two
