At St. Paul's Preschool & Daycare, we take pride in a well-educated and experienced staff who love children!
Preschool Staff
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Jill Hardin
Director
Jill is from Jefferson City, Missouri, and received her B.A. in Theology and Director of Christian Education Certification from Concordia University, Nebraska, where she met her husband David. Jill also leads programs in youth, family and women's ministries for St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
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Ruth Kruithoff
Music teacher
Ms. Ruthie grew up in Hawaii, and received her B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Hawaii. She has over 35 years experience teaching preschool and kindergarten in Christian schools. Ruthie plays guitar and teaches music at St. Paul's Preschool.
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Hannah Melo
teacher 4-5 year class, "sonshiners"
Ms. Hannah has been with us since 2017 and has a B.A. in Human Development from UC Davis. She is the lead teacher in our 4s-5s "Sonshiners" class. Hannah is the guiding force behind our huge Preschool Learning Garden.
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Corrie Upton
teacher, 2.5-4 year class "Bright Stars"
Ms. Corrie received her degree from Kaplan University and has been a teacher since 2014. She has worked with infants, toddlers and preschool age children, has worked in the Montessori Autism Program, and also with individuals with developmental disabilities with The Arc of Amador and Calaveras. She is the Lead Teacher in our Bright Stars class.
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Isabel Varela Murguia
teacher, 4-5 year class "sonshiners"
Ms. Isabel first joined St. Paul's Preschool in 1998, and taught our PreK (now Sonshiners) class from 2006-2016. We are excited to have her back teaching in our PreK class again! She received her Bachelor's degree from University of Phoenix.
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diane kellogg
teacher
Ms. Diane received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashworth University and has been teaching preschool since 2001. She uses her vast experience in Early Childhood Education as a "floater" teacher for both classes.
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Sandra Lee-Oleson
aide
Ms. Sandy joined us in 2023 as an aide because of her great passion for Early Childhood Education. Sandy has her M.D. and previously worked as a Family Practice physician before raising her son. She is now working to become teacher certified in Early Childhood Education.
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Sara Ramirez
aide
Sara has worked with us since 2022. She is currently a student at UC Davis majoring in Spanish and minoring in Education.