First Kids Christian Cooperative Preschool

Alicia Smith - Preschool Director


Alicia is a graduate of The Ohio University with a degree in education and The University of Scranton with an educational administration degree.  She taught Kindergarten for 3 years before being promoted to the Title 1 Coordinator of the school.  Alicia decided to take time off to start a family and raise her 3 daughters.  2019 was Alicia's first year as the director of First Kids Preschool.  She loves to play sports, travel and be involved with all her kid's activities. 

 

Megan Stutz - Pre-K Teacher

 

Megan is one of our lead Pre-K teachers.  Her education background comes from both Edison State Community College and Ohio University with a Bachelors of Specialized Studies in Early Childhood Expressive Development.  She also has her Child Development Associate degree as well as being knowledgeable in American Sign Language.  This will be Megan's 9th year teaching with us! 

Ann Sweeney - 3&4's Teacher, Extended Day

 

Ann is our lead 3 and 4 year old teacher!  Ann has over 100 hours of college coursework in Early Childhood Development along with over 14 years of teaching experience. Ann's loving care and attention to her preschool children have made her a valuable asset to the preschool since 2009.  Ann and her family attend the Troy First United Methodist Church.
Beth Parke - 5 Day Pre K Teacher

Beth has been a lead 5 day Pre-K teacher at First Kids Preschool since 2017.  She has a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington College and a Masters in Classroom Teaching from Urbana University.  Beth previously taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 3rd grades at Graham Elementary.  She has over 19 years experience as an early childhood teacher.  Beth loves teaching the 5 day PreK class and watching the amazing friendships that grow between the kids throughout the year.  Beth and her husband have 3 children.  In her free time, Beth enjoys to travel, cheer on her children's sports teams, and read.
Shannon Shepard - Toddler Assistant Teacher

Shannon is our 3&4's class assistant!   Shannon comes to First Kids Christian Preschool with a Respiratory Therapy Degree. She has three children who all attended First Kids. Shannon has worked in child care for 7 years and is energetic and passionate about helping kids achieve new milestones. 

Denise Klima - Pre-K Assistant Teacher 


Denise is our Pre-K assistant in our 3 day and 2 day Pre-K classroom!  This will be Denise's 7th year with First Kids Preschool.  Denise has over 20 years of experience caring for small children both in a daycare setting and in her home.  Denise loves being with kids and brings enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom.  Denise enjoys making learning experiences fun and bringing smiles to the children's faces every single day!

Melissa Highley- Pre-K Assistant Teacher 

 

Melissa is our 5 day Pre-K assistant teacher and is a graduate from Wright State University with a Bachelors in Athletic Training.  After college, Melissa started her career in the physical therapy field for 7 years.  In 2012, after having her son, she decided to stay home and become an in home daycare provider.  Melissa has been working with children for the past 9 years and is passionate about helping kids achieve new milestones.  Melissa and her husband have 4 children.  In her free time, Melissa enjoys playing sports, watching her kids play sports, and being outside.

Bethany Smith-Toddler Teacher

 

Bethany is our lead 3&4's teacher!  Bethany comes to First Kids Christian Preschool with her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and social work from Spring Arbor University. Bethany has been a substitute teacher for the last 7 years and has been a director for VBS at her church.  She has a lot of experience with children and we are thrilled to have her join our team! 
Christine Battista- 3&4's Assistant Teacher

Christine is our Monday/Wednesday/Friday 3 & 4 year old class assistant! Christine has a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Education from Wright State University.  She taught for 6 years before becoming a stay at home parent to her two daughters.  She is excited to join the Frist Kids Preschool team.
Sarah Clark - 3&4's Assistant Teacher

Sarah is an assistant teacher in our 3&4 year old classroom.  Sarah is excited to start the new school year with us!  She has two kids, who previously attended First Kids Preschool, and she is eager to be in the classroom again!  She held in home childcare for 8 years until both of her kids were in school full time.  She is looking forward to being around, caring for, and helping grow little minds again.  In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, watching her kids play soccer, and taking photos!