Our Staff
DIANE WIKSE (DIRECTOR)
I have served as director here at FUMC Preschool since 2006. Before I came to FUMC I worked as a child development consultant through state-funded grants (First 5 and Quality Improvement Grants) in Sonoma County and in Evanston, Illinois. I designed and led developmental play groups using music and movement for young children in child care programs and in parent-child groups. My first job after Graduate School (M.Ed., Erikson Institute, Chicago) was as a “developmental play specialist.” That’s how I continue to see myself – as focused on development and play.
My father was a United Methodist Minister (Northern Illinois Conference) and so I feel very much at home in the church. I’ve been a member of FUMC since 2006 and have sung in choirs and served on various committees over the years.
I love to hike on the weekends. My husband is a retired professor and administrator for two interdisciplinary Hutchins (Great Books) programs. Our daughter is currently the Head of School for an independent elementary (K-8) School in Santa Cruz.
JOANNE WELCH
(BUTTERFLY TEACHER -
4 YEAR OLD/PRE-K CLASS)
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.
MARY ALBANESE
(BUTTERFLY TEACHER -
4 YEAR OLD/PRE-K CLASS)
Children and families are the key focal point of my career in Early Childhood Development. My work spans over 49 years and in my early beginnings I was called to care for Medically Fragile Children. The Lord planted a seed in me that I recognized as my path, and it took root. This sparked my interest and advocacy for ability awareness and inclusion, which opened opportunities both personally and professionally.
I was naturally drawn to the administration and management of Early Childhood Education and Development and found a comfortable niche with nonprofit programs; I had three opportunities as a Program Director. This includes FUMC, YMCA Preschool, and Christ Methodist Preschool. I spent 16 years as the Disabilities Mental Health Service’s Manager for the Sonoma County Head Start and Early Head Start. I formally retired in 2020.
The Lord had another plan. So, when Diane called me and asked if I would come to teach temporarily, I said yes. And out of retirement and back to being a part of children’s daily lives, supporting their unique and individual growth. It is so joyful working with this wonderful team of dedicated educators.
DEBBIE HOWES
(CATERPILLAR TEACHER
- 3 YEAR OLD CLASS)
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 TEACHER - 3 YEAR OLD CLASS / 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 and Ms Mia. 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 -
2 YEAR OLD CLASS)
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.
MIA SEDGWICK (HOUSEKEEPING/
TEACHER'S AIDE)
I started working at FUMC in June of 2018 when I was still in high school and I have loved it since day one. It has been an incredibly positive environment for me and has given me a great opportunity to work in a place I love as I go through my education. I am now a student at Sonoma State University where I am working on getting my bachelors degree. I have my preschool teacher credential so I get to co teach in the caterpillar class with Ms Debbie and Ms Lupe. I am so lucky that I have been able to learn and grow so much as an educator, not only in college but also everyday from my wonderful coworkers and all of the children! I love playing and running around outside with the kids and creating fun art projects for them to enjoy. It truly is a fun and exciting new adventure here everyday!
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.