Our Teachers

Ms. Kimberly (Director and Frog Teacher)

Ms. Kimberly has worked in diverse educational settings for many years. She is the Director of Students and Families at Presbyterian Preschool and this is her 10th year teaching. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language & Literature with a Minor in Psychology at SIUC. Ms. Kimberly enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, husband, and two boys Jace and Oliver.

Ms. Lia (Director and Frog Teacher)

Ms. Lia has been a high school Spanish teacher for three years. She is the Director of Finance and Staffing at Presbyterian Preschool and this is her 8th year teaching.  She has a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education with an endorsement in Spanish and Portuguese (she is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese!) and a Master's degree in Social Policy.  She has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad and has lived in Brazil and the Netherlands.  Her passion is teaching, traveling, and learning about the world.

Miss. Jazzilene (Teacher Assistant Polliwog)

This is Jazzilene’s first year teaching at Presbyterian Preschool. She is a psychology student at SIU-Carbondale and currently finishing her last year of undergrad studies with a focus on child psychology. Jazzilene’s goal is to establish a therapy firm that provides accessible, high-quality psychological care to low-income and minority communities. Outside of her passion for psychology, she enjoys weightlifting, cooking, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her friends and family.

Ms. Kristi (Polliwog Teacher/Substitute Teacher)

Ms. Kristi joined the team at First Presbyterian Preschool in 2024. She obtained her master’s
degree in Social Work at Southern Illinois University and her bachelor’s degree in Human
Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois. She is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Ms. Kristi loves to spend her free time rock
climbing, running, and going to the park with her two children.

Ms. Dar (Substitute Teacher)

This is Ms. Dar’s second year as a teacher's assistant and substitute teacher at Presbyterian Preschool. She worked at Brookshire Learning Center in West Lafayette, Indiana, for 4 years, where she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA). She attended the University of Oklahoma, then worked as a Legal Assistant for a Southern Illinois attorney for 40 years, while raising 2 sons. She has 4 grandsons. She and her husband returned to Southern Illinois to live on the lake. She enjoys spending her time working with children, painting, and keeping busy in her semi-retirement.