Meet Our Staff
Mrs. Cheryl Griffith, Ducklings Lead Teacher
Cheryl brings 14 years of experience in childcare and early education, supported by an associate degree and a strong background in homeschooling her two sons. Her years serving in the church nursery also helped shape her nurturing, patient approach to working with young children.
Cheryl loves watching children grow—seeing the moment things “click” and witnessing their excitement as they learn new skills. Her teaching philosophy focuses on loving the whole child and encouraging each one to become their best self.
Some of Cheryl’s favorite activities with children include singing, reading stories, and engaging in playful, hands-on moments that help build confidence and joy.
Outside the classroom, Cheryl enjoys crocheting and growing flowers. A fun fact about her: she loves dogs and previously raised puppies for The Seeing Eye—and hopes to do it again in the future.
Mrs. Joyce Ferrell, Ducklings Teacher
With 22 years of experience in childcare and early education, Joyce brings warmth, patience, and a heart for serving young children. She holds a high school diploma and has spent eight years working at Ridge Crest, a residential special needs facility—experience that strengthened her compassion, adaptability, and skill in supporting children with diverse needs.
Growing up in a large family, Joyce always had someone younger to care for, which sparked her lifelong love of working with children. She finds joy in offering encouragement, support, and a comforting presence to every child she meets.
Joyce’s teaching philosophy centers on helping children reach their full potential while modeling Christ-like character and Christian values throughout the day. She especially enjoys one-on-one interactions, where she can give children focused attention and build meaningful connections.
Outside the classroom, Joyce loves crafting with her grandchildren, sewing, and reading—she averages an impressive ten books each month!
Mrs. Jessica Kim, Pre-K Teacher
Jessica brings a rich and diverse background to early education, with over 6 years of experience in early childhood settings, 4 years in elementary education, and additional experience teaching Secondary Bible and Middle School Music. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Bryn Mawr College and earned her K–6 Elementary Teaching Certificate from Eastern University.
Her professional experience spans multiple respected early learning centers, including The Goddard School in Easton, The Creative Learning Center in Easton, The Joshua Tree Preschool in Philadelphia, and New Beginnings Preschool in Philadelphia. Jessica has also served for more than three years in early childhood and elementary children’s ministries at Christ Life Church in Plymouth Meeting—an environment that has shaped her nurturing, faith-centered approach.
Jessica loves working with children because she finds joy in walking alongside young learners as they discover what excites them. Whether they are dancing, sharing ideas, making art, exploring nature, making music, or simply being wonderfully imaginative, Jessica delights in joining them in their world. She is ready to support children whenever they feel unsure, helping them continue to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. She is passionate about speaking truth with grace, helping children understand why we all struggle, and pointing them toward God’s kindness in every step of growing up. She also values partnering closely with parents as they guide their children.
Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every person is capable of learning. She views the classroom as a community where the teacher draws out students’ thoughts, observations, and ideas. To Jessica, children learn best when they feel safe, welcomed, and—on a deeper level—known.
Some of her favorite activities to share with children include read-alouds, nature walks, imaginative play, literacy centers, and dance/movement.
Outside the classroom, Jessica enjoys leading praise, playing piano, violin, and singing, taking road trips, learning Spanish and Korean, experimenting with healthy snacks, and taking peaceful moments to look up at the sky beneath a tree.
Fun facts: Jessica can wiggle her ears and burp on demand. She also loves The Giver series by Lois Lowry and wishes the entire series would be made into movies!
Mrs. Rachael Seifert, Duckling Teacher
With 13 years of childcare experience, Rachael brings calm, consistency, and genuine joy to the classroom each day. Her background includes many years working in daycare settings as well as time dedicated to raising her own children, giving her a deep and personal understanding of early childhood needs.
Rachael loves working with children because she enjoys seeing their smiles and watching them grow throughout the year. Helping little ones reach important milestones and meeting their daily needs is something she finds truly rewarding.
Guided by her belief that every child is valuable and created with purpose, Rachael’s teaching philosophy centers on offering each child the best possible care in a nurturing, respectful environment.
Some of Rachael’s favorite moments in the day are spent outdoors on stroller walks with the babies—she believes fresh air and sunshine are good for the soul, no matter your age.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys quilting, hiking, and spending quality time with her family.
Mrs. Nataliia Durbala, Duckling Teacher
Nataliia brings one year of early childhood experience to her current role, supported by more than 20 years of working with children in art schools. Her background in the arts has given her a creative, patient, and hands-on approach to teaching—qualities that shine through in her daily interactions with young learners.
She loves working with children because she enjoys teaching them new skills and simply loves being around their energy, curiosity, and joy.
Nataliia’s teaching philosophy is centered on care and love. She believes that when children feel supported and cherished, they grow with confidence and excitement.
Some of her favorite activities with kids include sensory play and spending time outdoors, where children can explore and learn through movement and discovery.
Outside of work, Nataliia enjoys painting and caring for flowers—two hobbies that reflect her artistic eye and appreciation for beauty.
Mrs. Annette Diehl, Hoppers Teacher
With 30 years of experience in childcare, Annette brings warmth, wisdom, and a lifetime of dedication to the children she serves. She earned her GED and has spent many years involved in early learning through home daycare and teaching Sunday school—roles that have shaped her caring, steady, and practical approach with young children.
Annette loves working with children because she believes they are our future. She finds joy in encouraging them, guiding them, and helping them grow into confident individuals.
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes that life lessons are just as important as academic knowledge. Annette often uses repetition in her teaching, believing it helps children remember, understand, and build confidence more effectively.
Some of Annette’s favorite activities with kids include singing, outdoor play, and simply spending meaningful time talking with them—embracing the small moments that help children feel known and valued.
Outside the classroom, Annette enjoys collecting antiques and spending time with her family.
Fun fact: She loves watching classic films from the 1930s and 40s, enjoys horror movies, and has a growing collection of children’s books!
Mrs. Jane Bauernschmitt, Hedgehog Teacher
With an incredible 43 years of experience in childcare and education, Jane is a seasoned and compassionate educator who brings deep wisdom, creativity, and faith-driven purpose to her work with young learners. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Elementary Education, giving her a strong foundation in both child development and classroom practice.
Jane’s professional background includes two additional years teaching, assisting, and tutoring elementary students at Upper Bucks, along with experience as a substitute teacher. Her broad range of roles has strengthened her adaptability and enriched her understanding of how children learn at every stage.
Jane loves working with children because every day is different—and every child is unique. She finds joy in watching little ones grow, discover new skills, and get excited about learning. She is especially passionate about teaching children about the Lord and nurturing their spiritual development.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in “Train up a child in the way he should go,” guiding her to lead with purpose, patience, and Christ-centered values.
Jane especially enjoys doing crafts and manipulatives with children, giving them hands-on opportunities to create, explore, and learn.
Outside the classroom, Jane loves walking in the woods, collecting mushrooms, mosses, and wood to make creative projects. She also enjoys beach days, gathering seashells, and crafting with them. Most of all, she cherishes time spent with family.
Fun fact: Her favorite book is The Fishermen.
Annaliese Stradling, Pre-K Teacher
Annaliese brings five years of full-time childcare experience to the classroom and has been working with children in various roles since middle school, beginning as a mother’s helper and regular babysitter. She holds a Concentrated Bible Certificate along with early childhood education credits, grounding her work in both practical skill and spiritual purpose.
With a background devoted entirely to childcare, Annaliese has developed a deep love for walking alongside children as they grow. She finds great joy in watching their understanding expand—both academically and, most importantly, in their faith. Being able to speak into their lives spiritually and help shape them for God’s Kingdom is something she considers a true honor and blessing.
Annaliese’s teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that while academics are valuable, nurturing a child’s faith has eternal significance. She strives to weave a Biblical worldview into her teaching moments, guiding children with grace, truth, and intentionality.
Some of her favorite activities to share with kids include outdoor walks, reading stories, and singing worship songs—simple, joy-filled experiences that foster connection, curiosity, and spiritual growth.
Outside of work, Annaliese loves spending time in the sunshine through outdoor activities such as hiking, paddle boarding, biking, and walking. She also enjoys traveling, especially trips to the beach where she can surf and relax by the ocean.
Fun fact: Annaliese collects seashells!
Mrs. Michele Kehoe, Fawns Teacher
Mrs. Kehoe is in her second year as the teacher of our Fawns classroom. Prior to that she has worked in many departments over the course of the 15 years she has worked at UBCS. The last few years were in the Button Bucks department, giving her good insight into what needs to be done in her classroom so that children are ready when they get promoted. Michele strives for the children to leave with a love for God and a love for learning. She looks to highlight their accomplishments and aids them in striving to achieve. Michele and her husband have been married for 30 years. They have two grown sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, whether it be locally or visiting her son and his wife in Texas. Michele also loves baking. Staff always loves when she brings in her homemade ice cream cake.
Mrs. Sara White, Fawns Teacher
With 15 years of experience working with children, Sara brings a heart full of joy and a deep love for guiding young learners. Her background includes years of ministry to children and families at Family Worship Center Church, where she developed her nurturing, faith-centered approach to teaching.
Sara loves working with children because, as she says, “there’s nothing like it.” She delights in their joy, their honesty, and the way they openly share their thoughts and questions. To her, children reflect the joy of the Lord, and she considers it a privilege to be part of their early years.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in learning through play and experiencing God’s creation. She encourages curiosity, exploration, and hands-on discovery as children learn about the world around them.
Sara’s favorite activities with kids include exploring nature and using imagination to create playful, meaningful learning moments.
Outside of the classroom, Sara enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors—activities that inspire her work and bring her closer to God’s creation.
Mrs. Gloria Westerband, Button Bucks Teaching Assistant
Because Mrs. Westerband is from Peru, she adds a special dimension to her classroom and the day care. She allows for lessons to be supplemented with Spanish, and she provides a different perspective. Mrs. Westerband loves the Lord and strives to show the love of Christ to her students and their families. Family is very important to the Westerbands. Gloria and her husband have been married for 15 years. They have 2 sons who attend UBCS Elementary school. Because of being in a different country then their families, she loves to share posts and pictures with her extended family and friends on Facebook and Instagram.
Mrs. Sue Nagel
Sue Nagel brings 9 years of experience in childcare and early education to our team. She has completed several Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses and has built her career through hands-on classroom experience. After the birth of her second son, Sue chose to work at his daycare so she could spend more time with her family. She began as a classroom assistant, advanced to lead teacher, and later moved into the office as the Director’s Assistant, where she continues to support children, families, and staff in a new way.
Sue loves working with children because she believes they teach us just as much as we teach them. She is inspired daily by their resilience, honesty, and adaptability. Her teaching philosophy centers on meeting each child where they are and encouraging learning through play. Sue especially enjoys dramatic play, sensory activities, and science experiments that spark curiosity and imagination.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending time with her family, visiting their place in Ocean City, Maryland, and reading. A fun fact about Sue is that she has run two half marathons and multiple 5Ks, reflecting the dedication and perseverance she brings to both her professional and personal life.
Mrs. Elyse Shedal, Daycare Administrator
Elyse currently serves as the Daycare Administrator and brings over 20 years of experience in education and child care. She previously held the role of Day care Director, before that, taught Pre-K as well as elementary and middle school classes. Her diverse background allows her to understand and support every stage of a child’s development.
By stepping out of the classroom and into an administrative role, Elyse is able to use her educational experience to support all departments, collaborate with teachers, and partner closely with parents to ensure each child is given the tools they need to succeed. One of her favorite parts of the day is the hugs and high fives she receives from children as they arrive and leave, especially when they proudly call her “Shedal.”
Elyse and her husband, Randy, have three children. She enjoys cheering them on from the sidelines as they participate in sports, especially soccer. Elyse loves that her children enjoy serving alongside her. Randy also enjoys being involved by driving the bus for Pre-K field trips, giving him the opportunity to connect with both the children and their families.
Mrs. Wasama Mwita, Director
Wasama brings over Eight years of experience in Early Childhood Education, along with a strong background in Law Practice and Office Administration. Before transitioning into Early Education, Wasama practiced law both in Tanzania and in the North Philadelphia area.
Becoming a parent was a life-changing blessing that inspired Wasama to shift her career, allowing her to spend more meaningful time with her family while following her passion for working with children. Today, she is deeply committed to creating a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment for every child and family she serves.
Wasama has been married to her husband, Ben, for 10 years, and together they have three children—two in elementary school and their youngest, attends daycare. She truly enjoys daily interactions with children and families and believes in building strong, supportive relationships within the daycare community.
Fun Fact: Wasama loves teaching simple Swahili phrases and enjoys sharing African food as a way to celebrate culture and connection.
Mrs. Brenda LoRusso, Administrative Assistant
Brenda brings over 20 years of experience volunteering in child and infant ministry, alongside a 25-year career in healthcare and nursing, including 15 years in administration, account management, and education. Her professional and volunteer experiences have shaped her compassionate, patient, and adaptable approach to working with children.
Brenda loves working with children because each day is unique, full of energy, creativity, and honest expressions. She is inspired by their resilience and imagination, and finds joy in helping children reach their full potential while building confidence and happiness.
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes that every child learns at their own pace. Brenda is dedicated to accommodating diverse needs and incorporating nontraditional teaching approaches when beneficial, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Some of her favorite activities with kids include reading stories, which allow children to explore new worlds, imagine new possibilities, and fully engage their creativity.
Outside of her work, Brenda enjoys reading, cooking, and baking. She treasures time with her nine grandchildren, snuggling up to read and share special moments with them—making memories that last a lifetime.
Fun fact: Brenda loves reading with her grandchildren, letting the little ones climb onto her lap for stories and cuddles whenever they can!