Our Staff
Jamie Poma Director
I often say that teaching is the family business, growing up, both my grandmother and my mom were teachers. I spent most of my summers helping in the preschool where my mom worked, which sparked my lifelong love for working with children. I began teaching at 19 while studying Child Development at Santa Rosa Junior College. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with all age groups, but truly found my calling during my eight years as Director of La Petite Academy, where building strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff became the heart of my work.
Creating a warm, welcoming school community is what drives me. Preschool is such a magical and foundational time, and my goal is to nurture an environment that feels like a second home, where children feel safe, loved, and free to be themselves, and families feel supported as part of a shared village. I am grateful to be building upon the strong foundation already in place at FUMC Preschool and look forward to growing alongside this wonderful community.
Joanne Welch
Butterfly Teacher
I’ve been lucky enough to spend my days at our preschool since 1994! I’ve worked with all age groups and currently work with the 3’s, 4’s, 5’s Pre-Tk, Pre-K class. I pride myself in helping to create a loving safe, supportive, enriching environment for our children. I enjoy getting to know all of the families. Our entire staff is a dedicated bunch and a great group to work with.
I have my bachelor’s degree in Child Development from C.S.U. Chico. I’m married and have two grown sons and one precious grandchild. In my spare time, I love to hike in all the great Sonoma County locations, take all my local walks, read, and spend time with family.
Debbie Howes
Caterpillar Teacher
I received my Early Childhood Development Education at Santa Rosa Junior College but it seems to me that I have learned so much more from the staff of highly devoted, caring teachers that I work with each day.
I have worked at FUMC since 1993 and have had the pleasure of teaching all three age groups. I enjoy co-teaching with Ms Lupe and Ms Mia where we, as a team, like to create an environment and facilitate activities, then watch the class explore the theme around them.
It is hard for me to convince my family that I "go to work" each day when they hear me talk about sliding down a slide, making a sand castle in the mud, doing crafts or my favorite, playing with puppets. I am truly blessed I get to go to a job I love and enjoy.
Lupe Nolan Caterpillar/ Spanish Teacher
I have been working at FUMC Preschool for about twenty years. I have worked with children of all ages from preschool to high school. All together I have worked in education for twenty five years and out of those years I still love working with the younger students best. I am currently co-teaching the Caterpillar Class with Ms Debbie. I am also teaching Spanish as well. Debbie and I love transforming our classroom with new themes. We love creating a fun and exciting place for students to explore and learn through art, cooking, experiment and play. I enjoy working with our wonderful staff, children and families here at FUMC Preschool.
DELIA LOPEZ DE RIZO
Twiddlebug Teacher
I've been working for 15 years with children from ages as young as 2 months to 5 years old. Although I love working with all ages of kids, my favorite age group are 2 and 3 year olds. I've worked at FUMC since 2016 and I couldn't be happier working here.
DARLENE BRADLEY
Music Teacher
I have had the joy of being the music teacher for FUMC Preschool for almost 20 years. Each week the teachers provide the theme of the week and I provide music or movement that enhances that theme. Each music session includes a "God Song" appropriate to the age and season.
Also, there are special programs to showcase the children. The Christmas program includes both sacred and secular selections as well as poems. The Spring program is usually a fun theme and sometimes includes props and sound effects.
I studied education and music at the University of Montana, Western Carolina University and the Santa Rosa Junior College as well as Sonoma State University. I am also a private music teacher specializing in the piano for young children. I retired from the County of Sonoma Mental Health Services.