Staff

Grace Lutheran Preschool

We have an experienced and dedicated group of teachers and administrators. Each teacher strives to create a supportive and challenging classroom atmosphere to encourage students to participate.

Executive Director:

Jody Elson:

Jody graduated from Stuart Hall in Staunton, VA. She has a B.A. from Coker College, Hartsville, S.C. Jody has a performing arts educational background, has worked as a Senior Buyer for American University and has had her own business for ten years. She has been a Winchester resident since 1997. She is a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Jody has been involved with the Preschool since 1999, first as a parent, then as a preschool board member and then served two years as president of the board. Jody has been the Executive Director of Grace Lutheran Preschool since 2004. She is married to Robert Elson and they have two children, Nathan and Sarah.

Teachers

Jennifer Laschalt:

Jennifer graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She went on to receive her Masters in Early Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Jennifer taught elementary school in Chesterfield, Virginia. Jennifer is married to Matt and they have two children, Killian and Abby. This will be Jennifer's fourth year teaching at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Aimee Taylor:

Aimee graduated from James Wood High School. She attended Lord Fairfax Community College studying Education. Aimee worked in the Business Office of Shenandoah University for 2 years. Aimee has had a home based daycare for the last 10 years. Aimee is married to Mark Taylor. They have 2 sons, Jacob and Evan. This will be Aimee’s seventh year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Jennifer Hottle:

Jennifer is a native of Winchester and graduated from James Wood High School. Jennifer is a full-time mom. She is married to Chris. They have two children, Autumn and Audrey. She has been a volunteer in the classroom setting at Stonewall Elementary School and Vice President of the PTO for two years. Jennifer substituted and was the Aide for the two year old classes in 2004 - 2005 at Grace Lutheran Preschool. This will be Jennifer's third year teaching at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Angie Buhl:

Angie is originally from Washington State and graduated from Kennewick High School in Kennewick, Washington. She attended Lake Washington Vocational Technical School in Redmond, Washington. Angie has worked as a substitute teacher for Frederick County. Since she has been in Winchester she has provided instruction and activity programs for girls youth group at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Winchester. She is married to Mark and they have four children, Jacob, Travis, Ashlyn and Levi. She was the aide for a three year old class last year and substituted for other classes at Grace Lutheran Preschool. This year Angie will be teaching two of the three year old classes. This will be Angie's fourth year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Tina Bean:

Tina graduated from James Wood High School. She is working on her Associate Degree in early Childhood Development at Ashworth College. Tina will graduate this Fall, 2007. She had a homebase daycare for eight years before she started to substitute at the preschool. Tina is married to Mike Bean and they have 2 children, Michael and Katelyn. She is also a Cub Scout Den Leader. This will be her first year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Teachers Aides:

Pam Plauger:

Pam is a native of Winchester and graduated from Handley High School. Pam attended nursing school at Dowell J. Howard. She worked for Lear Corporation in Strasburg for 15 years. She is married to Adam Plauger. They have 2 sons, Kyle and Dylan. This will be Pam’s tenth year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Vicky Beneke:

Vicky is a native of Winchester and graduated from James Wood High School. Vicky is a full-time mom. She is a member of Grace Lutheran Church and teaches Vacation Bible School. Vicky is married to Terry. They have two children, Evan and Hayley. This will be Vicky's fourth year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Kyle Gardiner:

Kyle is a native of Winchester and graduated from Handley High School. She has a B.B.A. from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, V.A. and a CPA certification in Virginia. Kyle was employed with the Davison Group in Sterling, V.A. as a CPA. She substituted as a teacher for Frederick County and volunteered in the classrooms at Senseny Road Elementary School. Kyle is married to Wally Gardiner and they have two children, Danielle and Andrew. This will be Kyle's third year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Patty Cerrone:

Patty is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School and received her Associates degree in Health Sciences, Radiography, from Northern Virginia Community College. She worked at Loudoun Hospital Center in Leesburg, Virginia for 10 years. Patty is a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. She has served on the Grace Lutheran Preschool board, substituted and served as the Preschool Librarian. Patty is married to Kyle, and they have two children, Ryan and Ben. This will be her second year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Pam Lakin:

Pam is originally from Corfu, New York and graduated from Pembrook Central High School in Corfu, New York. She received an Associates Degree in Commercial Art from Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York. Previously she provided morning daycare for infants and toddlers at the Braddock Street Methodist Church, Winchester, VA. Pam is married to Kevin and they have three children Kim, Kelly and Chris. This will be Pam's third year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Adrianne Gause:

Adrianne is originally from Moon Twp., Pennsylvania. She graduated from Moon Senior High School and Pennsylvania State University with an Associate Degree in Business and Computer Science Management. She worked for United Airlines at Dulles international Airport as a Supervisor for 11 years. She is a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. She has four children Michael, David, Kyle and Danielle. Adrianne has been involved with many school volunteer opportunities over the past several years and has been an advocate for one of her son’s special needs educational plan. This will be Adrianne’s first year at Grace Lutheran Preschool.

Grace Lutheran Preschool
16 N Braddock Street
Winchester Va 22601
540-678-0635