Michelle Miller
2’s Teacher
Ms. Michelle has been with St. Timothy’s Christian Preschool for 4 years. For over 20 years she has been teaching preschool ages 18 months to 4 years. She loves working in the 2’s classroom! She has a B.A. in History with a minor in Art/Photography from Pine Manor College in Boston and is currently enrolled at West Valley College to further her teaching education. Ms. Michelle is fluent in Spanish and was taught by her Cuban-born grandmother. When not teaching, she and her husband love to mountain bike, walk on the beach and take their dog Coco to the park.
Ms. Michelle’s favorite bible verse is
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
Melissa Gonzales
2’s Teacher
Ms. Melissa is extremely grateful and blessed to be a part of St. Timothy’s Preschool for the 2nd year. She has been working with children ranging from Preschool (2 years old) – School Age (5-12 years old) for 8 years and truly loves what she does. She currently holds her Associate Teacher permit and is working towards her AS degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Melissa enjoys teaching and caring for all her students and loves to see them learn and grow everyday! In her free time with her family, making memories with her daughter, reading, trying new foos and exploring new places!
Ms. Melissa’s favorite bible verse is:
Psalms 20:4
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Susan Mapes
3’s Teacher
Ms. Susan is excited to be a part of St .Tim’s and this is her 4th year teaching here. Susan has been teaching for 31 years and has taught 2 year olds to Kindergarten. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Bethany College. Ms. Susan is married to her husband, Jim, for 10 years. They love to travel during the summer, and enjoy going to Disneyland. She is excited about this school year and eager to engage her students in learning and fun!
Susan’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths. “
Julie Rankin
3’s Teacher
Ms. Julie is excited to be teaching preschool at St. Timothy’s! She is a member at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church and is married with two little girls. Ms. Julie is a dedicated and passionate preschool teacher with over 13 years of experience in nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. When she is with her family she enjoys cooking, hiking and going on adventures!
Ms. Julie’s favorite Bible verse is
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”
Victoria Usherwood
3’s Teacher/Morning Care
Ms. Victoria is originally from the UK, she holds a Level 3 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning. While living in Surrey, England she worked at a village primary school as a teaching assistant for several years. After moving to California 12 years ago, she fell in love with the warm weather and the friendly, kind people. Ms Victoria decided to further her education and earned an associate degree in psychology at West Valley College. As a mother of four, with three children nearby in California and one in London, she cherishes the time spent with her family. She has a passion for teaching, which allows her to make a positive impact on others’ lives. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking, and reading.
Her favorite bible verse is:
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Cheryl Johnson3’s Aide
This is Ms. Cheryl’s 2nd year at St. Timothy’s Christian Preschool serving as a classroom aide. Ms. Cheryl received her BA in Liberal Studies from Point Loma Nazarene University and earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential the following year. She has been married for 29 years and has 4 children. She worked at the elementary school level for many years before stepping away to raise her own 4 kids. In 2018 she re-entered the work force continuing to teach and nurture children in a preschool environment. Making sure teachers are supported and every child feels loved and safe, is her focus each day. She believes in the importance of modeling and teaching children to love, respect, and show kindness towards others. Ms. Cheryl loves the outdoors. Taking long hikes, going to the beach, cheering on and supporting her kids, and serving in ministry along side her husband are her favorite things.
Ms. Cheryl’s favorite Bible verse is:
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Deanne Juson
JK Teacher
Ms. Deanne has been a teacher for five years, teaching children ages 10 months to 5 years old. She developed a passion for working with children at a young age and knew that she wanted to pursue a career in teaching. Ms. Deanne received her BA in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University. Ms. Deanne would like to instill a positive attitude towards education and to build independence and confidence so children can use their full potential. It is also important that kindness is shown in order to create a safe and happy classroom environment. In her free time, Ms. Deanne enjoys reading, going on picnics, writing poetry, playing basketball, and creating floral arrangements.
Ms. Deanne’s favorite bible verse is:
1 John 3:18
“Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.”
Michael Amey
Extended Care Teacher
Mr. Michael is returning to St. Timothy’s Christian Preschool, after previously serving as a classroom aide, to help direct after school care. Recently graduating from West Valley with an AS in Early Childhood Education, he plans to transfer to San Jose State in the spring to continue towards a BA. Michael hopes to build a strong community with the children that stay in the afternoon so that it becomes a second family to look forward to after class has ended. Michael enjoys reading and spending time with his family and friends. On the weekends, he tries to fit in trips into the woods or to Socal.”
Mr. Michael’s favorite bible verse is:
Luke 1:37
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Courtney Herbert
Aide/Floater
Ms. Courtney has a growing family and loves to read and spend time with family and friends! She grew up in the Lutheran Church and taught at a Lutheran preschool in Livermore for 6 years. Ms. Courtney has always had an excitement for and devotion to teaching!
Ms. Courtney’s favorite Bible verse is
Romans 12:6-7
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach.”
