Michelle Miller
2’s Teacher
Ms. Michelle has been with St. Timothy’s Christian Preschool for 5 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.
One of Ms. Michelle’s favorite bible verses 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”
Susan Mapes
3’s Teacher
Ms. Susan is excited to be a part of St .Tim’s and this is her 5th 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 has been 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!
One of Ms. Susan’s favorite Bible verses 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. “
Sue Barats
3’s Teacher
Ms. Sue has been married to her husband through life’s ups and downs since 1985. They have four adult children as well as four grandchildren. She grew up and went to high school in the area, and she and her husband have lived in Morgan Hill for almost 30 years.
Ms. Sue started teaching in 1981 and has also worked as a Director and Assistant Director as well as a mentor. She has spent the last 23 years teaching in Christian schools and feels that God has led her to teach our little ones about Him. She finds joy in the everyday conversations she has with her students and loves to share her love of art, singing and great books with them!
One of Ms. Sue’s favorite Bible verses is Psalm 118:24
“Today is the day the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Ashley Cook
2’s Teacher
Ms. Ashly has always loved working with kids of all ages and feels so lucky to be working here at St. Timothy’s! She completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 2019 at Concordia University in Portland. She has taught all ages and loves creating memories in the classroom. Ms. Ashly has 3 children and is married to her best friend, Jacob! When not teaching, you can find Ms. Ashly cheering on her kids at the soccer and baseball fields, going for long walks with her dogs, Rusty and Murphy, or spending quality time with her family at the beach!
One of Ms. Ashly’s favorite bible verses is 1 Corinthians 13:7
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Andrea Csuhai
2’s Teacher
Ms. Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and began her career in that field before shifting to early childhood education after becoming a parent. Since then, she has gained experience in Montessori classrooms with children ages 1–4, with a particular interest in supporting the growth and independence of 2-year-olds.
She’s now happy to be part of St. Timothy’s Preschool, bringing together her background in education and passion for early learning.
Outside of school, Andrea enjoys hiking, beach days, and staying active outdoors with her family.
She’s now happy to be part of St. Timothy’s Preschool, bringing together her background in education and passion for early learning.
Outside of school, Andrea enjoys hiking, beach days, and staying active outdoors with her family.
One of Ms. Andrea’s favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Courtney Herbert
3’s Teacher
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! This is her 6th year at STCPS and her son and daughter are now attending St. Tim’s as well!
One of Ms. Courtney’s favorite Bible verses 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.”
Josephine Laguna
2’s Teacher
Ms. Josephine has always loved working with kids of all ages and feels extremely lucky to be working here at St. Timothy’s! She is very excited to be able to educate young children about necessary life essentials and to nurture their love for the Lord. She’s taught ages 6 months to 12 years old and loves creating memories at school. Ms. Josephine is married has an amazing son! When she’s not teaching, Ms. Josephine is reading, cooking, and going on adventures with her husband and son!
One of Ms. Josephine’s favorite Bible verses is Romans 12:9
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
Michelle Guise
Jr. Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Michelle is eager to begin her journey at St. Timothy’s. She has 6 years experience working with children ages 2-10. She is passionate about creating meaningful memories while supporting each child’s growth and development. Ms. Michelle is recently married and lives in San Jose with her husband.
Outside of school you can find her hiking, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with her family.
One of Ms. Michelle’s favorite Bible verses is Proberbs 16:9
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”
Cheryl Johnson
Teacher Sub/Floater
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. She returned to work in 2018 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.
One of Ms. Cheryl’s favorite Bible verses 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.”
Jen Rabe
Ext. Care Teacher/Floater
Ms. Jen is very excited to be part of the St. Timothy’s community and teaching team as she has a history with St. Tim’s with MOPS, Operation Christmas Child, and teaching VBS. Ms. Jen has made her career in Early Childhood Education as a program director, preschool teacher and instructional aide. She has also worked as a K-8 substitute teacher. Her passion is working with children ages 4 months to 5 years. She received a B.S. in Child Development at Cal Poly Univ. and has an AA degree in Early Childhood Education from Cuesta College. Ms. Jen is committed to guiding children academically, socially, and emotionally and believes in respecting a child’s unique creativity through hands-on experiences. She enjoys living out her faith in God by leading children’s ministry. Ms. Jen enjoys family time and spending as much time as she can at the beach, either boogie boarding or soaking up the sun!
One of Ms. Jen’s favorite Bible verses is Psalm 3:3
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head.”
Melanie Stahlke
Part-Time Sub
Ms. Melanie is super excited to be returning to St. Tim’s as a part-time sub! From attending preschool here herself to being a classroom aide last year, she is thrilled to continue being a part of the St. Tim’s family. Melanie graduated from San Jose State with a BA in Psychology and is currently pursuing her MA in Education and single subject teaching credential in Biology.
In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, walking and spending time with friends and family
One of Ms. Melanie’s favorite Bible verses is Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”.
Chris Hindenes
Ext. Care Teacher
Ms. Chris is thrilled to be back at ST. Tim’s teaching and sharing God’s love with all the children! A joyful, faith-filled educator with more than 35 years of experience in Christian School settings, she is passionate about helping every child grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally.
Ms. Chris especially loves art, reading, music and hands-on learning that inspires curiosity and faith. She is dedicated to creating a safe, Christ-centered classroom where every child feels loved, valued, and excited to learn.
Ms. Chris and her husband have been together for 38 years. They are blessed with four children, four wonderful grandchildren and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of another grandson this December. Their family also includes a very special pup named Baxter.
One of Ms. Chris’ favorite Bible verses is Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Aurieona Astara
Ext. Care Teacher
Ms. Aurieona is delighted to be part of St. Timothy’s Christian Preschool. She earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts and has completed 18 units in Early Childhood Education. She loves the joy, wonder and imagination that children bring to each day. Aurieona believes every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved. It is important to her to create a warm, nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, laugh and be themselves. Outside of school, Ms. Aurieona enjoys singing, dancing, music, nature and creative expression.
One of Ms. Aurieona’s favorite Bible verses is
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
Gladis Taylor
Ext. Care Teacher
Ms. Gladis is happy to be part of St. Timothy’s community. She loves creating a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. As both an educator and a mother, Ms. Gladis enjoys helping children learn and grow through play, creativity, and hands-on experiences. She believes in celebrating each child’s unique personality while sharing kindness and God’s love.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Gladis loves spending time with her family, going on nature walks, taking trips to the beach, reading and enjoying a good cup of coffee!
One of Ms. Gladis’ favorite Bible verses is
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
