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 with other child care programs in Sonoma County and in Evanston Illinois. I designed and led developmental play programs 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 really how I continue to see myself-as focused on development and play.
My father is a retired 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 several committees over the years.
I like to ride my bike to work several days a week and I love to read. My husband, Jack, has served as professor and administrator for Hutchins (Great Books) programs. Our daughter serves as the Assistant Head of an Independent K-8 School in Santa Cruz.
My father is a retired 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 several committees over the years.
I like to ride my bike to work several days a week and I love to read. My husband, Jack, has served as professor and administrator for Hutchins (Great Books) programs. Our daughter serves as the Assistant Head of an Independent 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 for the past 16 years! Having worked in the 2 year old, 3 year old, and now 4 year old/Pre-K class, I pride myself in helping to create a loving, safe, supportive environment for our children. I enjoy getting to know our 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 CSU, Chico. I'm married and have two grown sons. In my spare time I love to hike in the redwoods, take my local walks, read and spend time with family.
I have my Bachelor's degree in Child Development from CSU, Chico. I'm married and have two grown sons. In my spare time I love to hike in the redwoods, take my local walks, read and spend time with family.
Denise Wertz, Butterfly Teacher - 4 year old/PRE-K CLASS
I have been teaching here at FUMC Preschool since 2006. I have a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art from Sonoma State University. I received my Early Childhood education units from Santa Rosa Junior College. I also have a 1 year Bible certificate from Capernwray Bible College. I attended the campuses in Carnforth, England and Schladming, Austria. Early Literacy is one of my passions and I worked for a year with Americorp as a reading tutor at a local elementary school before becoming a full-time preschool teacher.
I love to travel, paint, do all manner of arts and crafts, read and work in the garden. It's wonderful to be able to bring all of my interests into the classroom and create a rich, varied, fun, loving and safe place for the children to explore and learn in. I thoroughly enjoy working here with the wonderful, supportive staff and all of our great children and families!
I love to travel, paint, do all manner of arts and crafts, read and work in the garden. It's wonderful to be able to bring all of my interests into the classroom and create a rich, varied, fun, loving and safe place for the children to explore and learn in. I thoroughly enjoy working here with the wonderful, supportive staff and all of our great children and families!
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 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.
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 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 fifteen years. I have worked with children of all ages from preschool to high school. All together I have worked in education for twenty 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 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 Preschool in June of 2018 and I've loved it since day one. It's such a positive and caring environment as a nice change from being around other teenagers all the time. I'm a student at Santa Rosa Junior College where I am getting my early childhood development education and general education as well. At the preschool I help clean up the classrooms and the play yard, as well as helping out the teachers and children in any way I can. Working here gives me firsthand experience with things I've learned in my school and really helps me in my education.
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.
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.
