Diane Wikse, director
It has been my honor and privilege to serve as director here at FUMC Preschool since July 2006. Our Preschool Office is surrounded by the Play Yard, and so I get to participate in (and hear!) lots of interesting conversations and interactions all throughout my days here.
Before I came to FUMC I worked as a child development consultant with other child care programs and directed a new parents' program. I performed developmental screenings and made referrals. [If you ever have questions about a child's development, please ask!] And 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. I hope you'll see we try to create a space and program where our children can develop all their skills through their rich play experiences here.
I grew up in the United Methodist Church as a "P.K." (Preacher's Kid), so I feel very much at home here. It's nice to be able to integrate my work with children and families within a United Methodist church community-especially one where the members have opened their doors to the wider community in order to support families with young children.
I like to ride my bike to work several days a week and I am learning how to play the classical guitar. My husband, Jack, is a political science professor and our daughter has just recently become a teacher!
Before I came to FUMC I worked as a child development consultant with other child care programs and directed a new parents' program. I performed developmental screenings and made referrals. [If you ever have questions about a child's development, please ask!] And 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. I hope you'll see we try to create a space and program where our children can develop all their skills through their rich play experiences here.
I grew up in the United Methodist Church as a "P.K." (Preacher's Kid), so I feel very much at home here. It's nice to be able to integrate my work with children and families within a United Methodist church community-especially one where the members have opened their doors to the wider community in order to support families with young children.
I like to ride my bike to work several days a week and I am learning how to play the classical guitar. My husband, Jack, is a political science professor and our daughter has just recently become a teacher!
Joanne Welch, Butterfly Teacher - 4 year old 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 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.
In my seventeen years at FUMC Preschool I have had the pleasure of teaching all three age groups but it is the 2 year olds who have stolen my heart. I feel blessed that I co-teach with Ms Linda, who brings 40 years of experience and has taught me the joys of working with 2 year olds and their families. I enjoy sharing the experience with Ms Linda of facilitating activities and watching the 2 year olds learn and explore the world around them.
It is hard for me to convince my family that I go to work each day when they hear about me sliding down a slide, doing crafts, making a sand castle in the mud, or my favorite, playing with puppets. I am truly blessed I enjoy my job.
In my seventeen years at FUMC Preschool I have had the pleasure of teaching all three age groups but it is the 2 year olds who have stolen my heart. I feel blessed that I co-teach with Ms Linda, who brings 40 years of experience and has taught me the joys of working with 2 year olds and their families. I enjoy sharing the experience with Ms Linda of facilitating activities and watching the 2 year olds learn and explore the world around them.
It is hard for me to convince my family that I go to work each day when they hear about me sliding down a slide, doing crafts, making a sand castle in the mud, or my favorite, playing with puppets. I am truly blessed I enjoy my job.
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.
