Staff

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	Jennie Knapp (OHC Preschool Director) served as the lead teacher in one of the 4-5 year old classes in the preschool last year. She has an A.A. from Hawkeye Community College a B.A. from UNI in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. Jennie has had excellent experience working with children; she said, “Children are my ministry,” along with building relationships with families. Jennie and her husband Dave attend Orchard Hill Church. She is extremely excited about the future of this preschool and is eager to see how God works. Jennie will be the lead teacher for the 4-5 year old class Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, along with the lead teacher for one of the 3-4 year old classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She will complete administrative duties in her office in the afternoons. Jennie has an amazing faith story and a deep love for God.
	Deb Aalfs, long time member of OHC, comes to our preschool staff with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. She currently works for the Waterloo Public Library (since 1997) and prepares story time for all ages as well as organizes the summer library program. She is delighted to get back into the classroom; she will serve as Jennie's associate for the 3-4 year olds on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She will continue her part-time job at the library. Deb has a strong faith and believes this is an opportunity to share her creative gifts with young children in a Christian setting.
	Dena Blough has been a member of Orchard Hill Church for 12 years. She has a B.S. in Leisure Services and five years of preschool experience. Dena's favorite role is being the mother to Lizzy (13) and Connor (11). She has greatly enjoyed the experiences she has had in preschool in the public school system and is exctied to be able to be in a Christian setting at Orchard Hill. Dena will serve as the lead teacher for the4-5 year old Monday through Friday class this fall and also the lead teacher for one of the 3-4 year old classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
	Terri Williams will be serving as Dena's associate this year in the 4-5 year old Monday through Friday class, along with her 3-4 year old class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Terri and her husband Don have been members of Orchard Hill Church for over 20 years. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Terri has provided daycare for her grandchildren the past 8 years and before that she was an associate at River Hills School. Terri is very excited that God has given her this opportunity and is eager to show His love to the preschool children.
	Becky Willhite, after attending Iowa State University, taught preschool for 9 years at Jack & Jill. She then went on to work as a veterinary technician for 25 years at the Cedar Valley Veterinary Center. After 2 years of retirement, she is delighted to be at Orchard Hill Church Preschool. Her mission and passion is to encourage children to love our “Father’s World” through interaction with nature. She has also learned to combine her love for animals and children as a 4-H leader where she is in charge of the llama project. Becky will be serving as Jennie's associate in the 4-5 year old class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Becky is a member at Westminster Presbyterian Church.