
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

Lynsie Ayers
Office Assistant
- Life Kids Coach and former bank manager
- Experienced Trinity Lutheran Preschool parent and now an employee!
- Mother to one sweet girl and two loving dogs
- You won’t catch Lynsie without unsweet tea in her hand.

Andrea Beecher
Teacher, Pre-K and Extended Day
- First year teaching at Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University
- Blessed mom of two children
- Favorite color is hot pink and loves to travel

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

Meggan Schempp
Teacher, Pre-K
- 15+ years teaching in early childhood
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from UMKC with endorsement in ESL from Kansas State
- Mother of two teen farm girls
- Passion for 4-H, horses and all things in agri-education

Stephenie 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, Preschool and 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