Our His Kids Team of Teachers
"Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning."
Mrs. Nicole Lewis
Director
I graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Prior to coming to His Kids Christian Preschool, I served as a teacher, Assistant Director and Director of a Goddard School for 5 years. I also served as Director of a Malvern School for 4 years. I then decided to stay at home with my children. I returned to teaching in 2007 at His Kids, when my youngest son was starting in the three-year-old program.
I am happily married and have a daughter and two sons, who are His Kids alumni. I have also been recently blessed with a new son-in-law as well.
As a Teacher at His Kids I have taught the Transitional Kindergarten, the Pre-Kindergarten class, the Preschool Plus class, the Preschool class, as well I have been the Music Curriculum Teacher. I am now the Director and I absolutely LOVE what I do! It is a blessing to be at a school that I can share my love of God, and my love for education with my students.
Mrs. Marianne Williams
Assistant Director
I graduated from Penn State University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. I also received my Master of Education (Language Arts concentration) from Arcadia University. After graduation I was a substitute teacher, a Transitional Kindergarten teacher, a Special Education assistant, After-care Director, and a Classroom Teacher (1st, 2nd, and 4th grades) with the Hatboro-Horsham School District.
I am happily married and have two children. My history with His Kids is fairly long. My youngest attended His Kids, and I served on the His Kids School Board as both a church-member parent and also as President. When the opportunity arose to join the His Kids staff, I jumped on it. I feel so lucky to be able to teach our wonderful little friends AND work with such a loving, dedicated staff! I love helping children learn and seeing their "A-HA" moments. I feel blessed to now work with preschool children, because they are so full of joy and excitement for learning. Their energy is contagious!
Preschool "A" Team
Mrs. Marianne Williams​
Preschool "A" Teacher
I graduated from Penn State University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. I also received my Master of Education (Language Arts concentration) from Arcadia University. After graduation I was a substitute teacher, a Transitional Kindergarten teacher, a Special Education assistant, After-care Director, and a Classroom Teacher (1st, 2nd, and 4th grades) with the Hatboro-Horsham School District.
I am happily married and have two children. My history with His Kids is fairly long. My youngest attended His Kids, and I served on the His Kids School Board as both a church-member parent and also as President. When the opportunity arose to join the His Kids staff, I jumped on it. I feel so lucky to be able to teach our wonderful little friends AND work with such a loving, dedicated staff! I love helping children learn and seeing their "A-HA" moments. I feel blessed to now work with preschool children, because they are so full of joy and excitement for learning. Their energy is contagious!
Mrs. Sara Quinn
Preschool "A" Assistant Teacher
I graduated from the University of Scranton with a Bachelor in Elementary Education and from St. Joseph's University with a Masters in Special Education. Additionally I have an Austin endorsement and a Wilson Reading Certification.
I taught second grade in the Philadelphia school district for 9 wonderful years before deciding to become a stay at home mom to my 3 wonderful children, all of whom have attended His Kids! I was a His Kids board member and I loved being able to substitute in the classrooms at His Kids. It is truly a special place! I am very excited to continue being a part of the His Kids family in this new role!
Preschool "B" Team
Mrs. Carisa Wowak
Preschool "B" Teacher
I graduated from Bucknell University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I also received my Master's of Education from Cabrini College. I hold my Pennsylvania Certification for Early Childhood and Elementary Education. For the majority of my teaching career, I taught 3rd grade in the Upper Merion School District. I also taught 2nd grade, 4th grade, Transitional Kindergarten, and substitute taught as well.
I am happily married with 3 children, one son, and two daughters. I am excited to have joined the teaching staff at His Kids after my two daughters completed the preschool program here and successfully moved on to elementary school. I am currently teaching the 4-year class. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with your child and look forward to many rewarding days in preschool. Preschoolers have a way of putting a smile on your face every day!
Mrs. Jennifer Turney
Preschool "B" Assistant Teacher
I graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. After substituting for a short time, I taught in the Boyertown Area School District for eight years at the elementary level. During that time, I also received my Master of Science in Education with a certification as a Reading Specialist from Gwynedd Mercy University. After the birth of our first child, we made a family decision for me to stay at home-which is what I’ve loved doing for the past 8 years!
I am happily married and God blessed us with two beautiful daughters. And although our girls would love to say that we have many pets, we have just one special dog in our family! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time raising our two girls, who are now both in school full time. They both started their school experiences here at His Kids and we loved it so much that I was thrilled to become a part of this remarkable teaching family! I truly missed teaching and am so happy that I can be in the classroom again helping little ones learn and discover who they are and all of the incredible things that they can do.
Preschool "C" Team
Mrs. Jennifer Valente
Preschool "C" Teacher
I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering in 1993. After working in the field for 13 years, I decided to stay home with my two daughters. My family has been members at St. James since 2003 and I had been interested in joining the staff for a while, so when I was approached by His Kids in 2012 and offered a position as an Assistant Teacher, I jumped at the chance. I have been at HK since 2012 and have been working with the Pre-Kindergarten classes during that time. I have also been the HK Gym teacher. This year I will be working with the Preschool classes as well.
My family loves the game of softball and both of my daughters have played. My husband and I have also coached for many years. I love teaching this younger generation new skills, whether they be softball, academic, or life skills. When my daughters were younger, I volunteered in their elementary classes as much as possible.
Mrs. Dawn Svendsen
Preschool "C" Assistant Teacher
I graduated from Haverford College with a BA in History and went on to obtain my MA in History from the University of Maryland. I received my PA teaching certification from Ursinus College. I started out as a substitute teacher in local districts and an instructor at Sylvan Learning Center, before moving to VA to take a position as a Director of Education at Sylvan. I eventually moved on to working as a Treasury Analyst, and then I moved back to PA and transitioned to my full time job as a stay-at-home mom. But I never lost my love of teaching. I worked as a long-term substitute for Spring-Ford and also as a substitute preschool assistant. When a position opened at His Kids, I was very excited to join this wonderful team!
My husband and I live in Limerick and have a daughter in college and a son who is a senior at Spring-Ford. We also have a wonderfully sweet black lab, Charlie. I enjoy working on projects around the house, gardening, and playing the violin. I am on the board of the Spring-Ford Music Association and have volunteered with the marching band for several years.
I’m looking forward to working as a Preschool Teacher and Assistant at His Kids and I can’t wait for an exciting year of learning and discovery!
Preschool Plus Team
Mrs. Elizabeth Hassett
Preschool Plus Teacher
I graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education. I first taught a middle school class at an Approved Private School for kids with IEPs. After that I moved to working with preschool age children and fell in love. I worked for the DCIU where I was an Itinerant Special Education teacher working in a variety of Preschool. I also co-taught a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. I love working with the younger, preschool and pre-kindergarten ages as they are learning and growing so fast. I love being a part of shaping that growth academically and socially.
I am happily married with two kids both in elementary school, one cat, and one dog. I love reading in my free time. We love going to the beach and can be found in Sea Isle City at any time of the year.
We found His Kids when we moved to the area and were looking for a new preschool for our youngest. We had a daycare in Delaware County that we loved and the idea of finding a new place for our child to learn and grow and where we knew he would be cared and loved was daunting. We are so happy we found His Kids and fell in love right away. I have enjoyed subbing the past year and could not pass up the opportunity to join this amazing school. I look forward to helping your children grow, learn, and have fun this year!
Mrs. Kristen Callaghan
Preschool Plus Assistant Teacher
I graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. After working as a therapist aide at a pediatric OT/PT/ST office, I went to Harcum College and graduated with an Associate’s in Occupational Therapy Assisting. I have been an OTA for 9 years, having worked in a pediatric outpatient office, with preschool aged children receiving IU services, and most currently, part-time, with the birth-3 population who receive Early Intervention services. I am married to my husband, Chris and we have two kids, Conor, who is 7 and in 2nd grade and Riley, who is 4 and was in the Preschool Plus class last year. I was able to be a substitute a lot throughout the year in all the MWF classes and really fell in love with this school, the teachers and the loving, fun environment they provide. I have missed working with this age group and I look forward to a fun year ahead with a new group of kiddos! I’m also excited to get to come to school with my daughter this year while she is down the hall having fun in Pre-K!
Pre-Kindergarten "B" Team
Mrs. Carisa Wowak​
Pre-Kindergarten "A" Teacher
I graduated from Bucknell University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I also received my Master's of Education from Cabrini College. I hold my Pennsylvania Certification for Early Childhood and Elementary Education. For the majority of my teaching career, I taught 3rd grade in the Upper Merion School District. I also taught 2nd grade, 4th grade, Transitional Kindergarten, and substitute taught as well.
I am happily married with 3 children, one son, and two daughters. I am excited to have joined the teaching staff at His Kids after my two daughters completed the preschool program here and successfully moved on to elementary school. I am currently teaching the 4-year class. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with your child and look forward to many rewarding days in preschool. Preschoolers have a way of putting a smile on your face every day!
Mrs. Jennifer Valente
Pre-Kindergarten "A" Assistant Teacher
I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering in 1993. After working in the field for 13 years, I decided to stay home with my two daughters. My family has been members at St. James since 2003 and I had been interested in joining the staff for a while, so when I was approached by His Kids in 2012 and offered a position as an Assistant Teacher, I jumped at the chance. I have been at HK since 2012 and have been working with the Pre-Kindergarten classes during that time. I have also been the HK Gym teacher. This year I will be working with the Preschool classes as well.
My family loves the game of softball and both of my daughters have played. My husband and I have also coached for many years. I love teaching this younger generation new skills, whether they be softball, academic, or life skills. When my daughters were younger, I volunteered in their elementary classes as much as possible.
Pre-Kindergarten "A" Team
Mrs. Marianne Williams​
Pre-Kindergarten "B" Teacher
I graduated from Penn State University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. I also received my Master of Education (Language Arts concentration) from Arcadia University. After graduation I was a substitute teacher, a Transitional Kindergarten teacher, a Special Education assistant, After-care Director, and a Classroom Teacher (1st, 2nd, and 4th grades) with the Hatboro-Horsham School District.
I am happily married and have two children. My history with His Kids is fairly long. My youngest attended His Kids, and I served on the His Kids School Board as both a church-member parent and also as President. When the opportunity arose to join the His Kids staff, I jumped on it. I feel so lucky to be able to teach our wonderful little friends AND work with such a loving, dedicated staff! I love helping children learn and seeing their "A-HA" moments. I feel blessed to now work with preschool children, because they are so full of joy and excitement for learning. Their energy is contagious!
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Mrs. Susan Capaldi
Pre-Kindergarten "B" Assistant Teacher
After working many years in the financial industry, I left when I started my own family. Ten years and four children later, I realized caring for children is what I find most fulfilling. We became a part of the His Kids family with my youngest and simply fell in love. I enjoyed my time so much as a substitute teacher that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity when an open position became available.
I enjoy working with children because they are adorable and inspiring. I am grateful to have a job where I can support their growth and nurture their love of learning. It is a gift to spend time in their world and I feel lucky to be a part of their journey. This community is a wonderful nurturing place and I so enjoy my time with the children and my co-workers.
Pre-Kindergarten "C" Team
Mrs. Lisa Stauffer​
Pre-Kindergarten "C" Teacher
I have been at His Kids for the past eight years. I have worked with all of the age groups, from the three year old's - 5 year old's as an Assistant Teacher. This year I have been blessed to become the Pre-K "C" class Teacher.
I am an active member of Goodwill Fire and Ambulance Company in Pottstown. I am a certified Emergency Medical Response Team Member.
I have previously worked as a Paraprofessional Aide with the Pottstown School District and as a Head Teacher at the Mulberry School. I have volunteered as a Nursery Teacher, a Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher and a VBS Leader at my churches as well.
I am happily married. I have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. I am also a licensed Techain for Amateur Radio. I love being active outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Jamie Nderitu​
Pre-Kindergarten "C" Assistant Teacher
I have extensive work experience in the human services field assisting children and adults in maintaining their mental wellness. I look forward to continuing to do this in the classroom setting. I always strive to find the positive in every situation.
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I am a proud mother of two colorful and adventurous kiddos who always keep me on my toes. My youngest is a His Kids alum and is now in First Grade. Through his experience here, I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer, substitute and now join this wonderful group of teachers at His Kids.
Transitional Kindergarten Team
Mrs. Nora Capron​
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
I graduated from Moravian College with a degree in Psychology, and then attended Cabrini University where I received a Master in Elementary Education. At the beginning of my career I taught primarily Kindergarten, First Grade, and Fourth Grade. I have had the opportunity to teach in public, private, and charter schools. I left teaching when I started my own family, and returned when my youngest entered Kindergarten. I have spent the last 10 years focusing on teaching Kindergarten and Pre-K. The joy and enthusiasm this group of children bring to learning is energizing and inspiring. Coupled with an amazing, caring and knowledgeable staff...His Kids is a wonderful school to be a part of.
I have been happily married for over 30 years. We have four fantastic children, and one grandchild. We have a passion for animals-4 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 horse. We like to spend our free time hiking and reading. I look forward to spending my days with your children, discovering their passions and having fun, all while building confidence and a caring character.
Mrs. Elizabeth Battistini
Transitional Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
I am a graduate of Phoenixville Area High School. After high school I spent 13 years working as a paralegal for a law firm in Malvern, PA. While I succeeded in rising within the firm, it never really felt like a perfect fit. From a young age I always knew that I wanted to work with children. When I had our second daughter, I resigned from my position at the law firm to stay home with our daughters.
I am happily married with three daughters. For 10 years I chose to be at home raising our daughters. All three of them are His Kids Alumni. While our first two daughters were enrolled at His Kids, I always loved to substitute whenever needed. Those days, I always left with a full heart and a smile on my face. So, it wasn't a very hard decision to accept a position when it became available. It fills my heart with so much joy to be a part of our little friends' school year and be able to help them learn and play. It is an absolute bonus to work alongside such a loving and dedicated staff. I feel so blessed to have found my dream job at His Kids Preschool!
In 2003 the faithful people of St. James created
a well-rounded early childhood program that prepares young children
for school while nurturing in them Christian values.
We have continued to provide this wonderful service to the community
for the past 21 years.
An early learning environment with a strong, supported teaching team and staff.
✶ Well educated- degree in education, high standard of practice
✶ Well supported- Professional Development, Evaluations
✶ Well prepared- collaboration, effective communication
✶ Every staff member has the Criminal Background Check,
the Child Abuse Verification Check, and
FBI Fingerprinting Check
✶ Every staff member is a Mandated Reporter
✶ Every staff member is First Aid/CPR trained
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