Meet Our Dedicated Team
At Bethlehem First Preschool and Kindergarten, we take pride in our team of dedicated and caring professionals. Each member of our staff is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for your child. Our teachers are specially trained to cater to the needs of children aged two through five, ensuring that every child receives the attention and guidance they deserve.
Lizzy Sheffield
Director
I have served as the Director of Bethlehem First Preschool and Kindergarten for 22 years. I was born in New York and attended the University of Puerto Rico. I am dedicated to nurturing young minds and helping children grow and learn in a loving, Christ-centered environment. I am married and have 6 grandchildren and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work in a Christian community. I find great joy seeing each child learn, play and thrive every day.
Lorie Segars
Office Manager
I have been with the preschool staff for 17 years. First in the classroom, and now in the office. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology from The University of Georgia with an emphasis in child development. I have over 30 years of experience working with children, which I believe is my calling. I’m a true Georgia Peach, born and raised here in Georgia and am a huge UGA fan. In my spare time, I like to spend time with family, reading, sewing, and lake-life. My husband and I have two young adult men. Proverbs 22:6
Jenna McClain
Account Manager/Music Teacher
I am the account manager for BFUMC Preschool & Kindergarten. I also teach music for our younger preschool classes. I have a bachelor's degree from The University of Georgia and have been working for the preschool for almost 4 years.
Vickie Suggs
Music Teacher
I Love Music!! I’ve been at this preschool for 22 years. I retired this last year but chose to come back to continue sharing my love of music with the children. I love my mini-farm and living in the country.
Shannon Setzer
Kindergarten Assistant
I have been working at the preschool for 3 years. I have 3 kids and all sorts of animals! I love the outdoors, crafts, and spending time with the family!
Kristin Bane
Kindergarten Teacher
After teaching for over 20 years, I am very excited to be teaching Kindergarten for the 1st time! I have been married to my husband, Lee, for 26 years, and we have two wonderful children, Isabella (21) and Logan (19). We love to camp and travel.
Courtney Anderson
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Hi, my name is Ms. Courtney and I am super excited to be a part of the staff this year. I have a degree in therapeutic horsemanship with an emphasis on education. I have over 10 years’ experience with kids including 6 years in a preschool setting. I am an active member of BFUMC. I currently play in the handbell choir and participate in the young adult group.
Rachel Bently
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant
Hello, I grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia. I’m married to my husband, Bobby, and we have four handsome boys (Jonathon, Joseph, Jacob, and Jayden). We spend most of our days at the baseball field. I have obtained my paraprofessional certificate and love working with preschoolers. I enjoy creating a fun, caring, and safe environment where children can learn, play and grow daily. I have been working at BFUMC Preschool & Kindergarten for 18 years and love sharing God’s love.
Nicole Green
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
I have been married to my husband Matthew for 18 years. We have 3 children, Laney (16), Mattox(12), and Lakelyn(6). I obtained my associate’s degree in early childhood education and have been working with children since I was 16 years old. Working with children is where I find a lot of joy. In my free time, I enjoy going to church, family time and attending my children’s sporting events.
Brande Lelle
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
I’ve been with Bethlehem First Preschool and Kindergarten for 8 years. I have taught ages 3, 4, and Kindergarten. This year I’m teaching Pre-K and P.E. I love working with children here at the preschool.
Cassie Ridlehoover
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant
Hi! My name is Cassie and I am the assistant teacher for Mrs. Brande’s Pre-K class. This is my 2nd year at Bethlehem First Preschool and Kindergarten. I absolutely love working with these kiddos and watching them grow and learn!
Kelsey Bieker
3 Year Old Classroom Assistant
Hello! I’m Kelsey and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Bethlehem First Preschool Community. This is my first year here, but I have been involved in education for many years. I’ve always had a passion for teaching and helping children learn and grow. In my free time, I love to craft and hang out with my husband, 2 kids, and dog.
Kaitlyn Williamson
3 Year Old Classroom Teacher
Hi! I’m Kaitlyn. This is my first year at BFUMC Pre-K and Kindergarten, but I have many years of experience working with young children. I love watching kids learn and grow through play, songs, and fun activities. I strive to create a happy, welcoming environment where kids feel safe and excited to be themselves. I have 2 boys of my own and am happily married to my husband Donnie. We enjoy playing outside, having movie nights, and baking together! I am so excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey
Jillian Gribbin
3 Year Old Classroom Teacher
I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2014. I have been working with children my whole life, from babysitting/nanny, to coach, to lead teacher at daycares. We have twin girls born in January 2021, that absolutely changed our world (for the better). I love working with children and can’t wait to see how they grow throughout the year. Pslam 36:7
Charlene Rhodes
3 Year Old Classroom Assistant
I am mom to four grown children and Granny to five grandchildren. A graduate of Lanier Tech, 10+ years of preschool experience and a member of Bethlehem First Methodist Church. I love my family, nature photography, Christmas music, and my Eagles. (Proverb 3:5)
Susan Long
3 Year Old Classroom Teacher
I’ve had 30 plus years of working with children fourteen of those years specifically with Preschool ages. I feel my calling is to help children discover God’s world and how to treat our friends. I have been married to my husband, Johnathon, for 40 years. We have a son and daughter and have added a son-in-law and 3 grandchildren.
Kristie Beach
3 Year Old Classroom Assitant
I am a mom of 2 and have been blessed to have worked with children for 30 years. One of my favorite things is to watch a child light up when they learn a new skill. I love spending time with my family, animals, gardening, church and learning new things! (Colossians 3:24)
Whitney Hambrick
2 & 3 Year Old Classroom Assistant
I am married and have four children. We enjoy sports and family time together. I have 10 years of early childhood education and enjoy watching children learn and grow.
Michelle Gray
2 & 3 Year Old Classroom Assistant
I am married and blessed with three wonderful children. I have been working with children since 2010 and started subbing at Bethlehem First Preschool and Kindergarten while my youngest attended. I realized how much I missed being in the classroom, so I applied and here I am.
Jess Daniels
2 Year Old Classroom Teacher
Hi! I’m Jess. This is my fifth year at BFUMC. I am a mother to two lovely girls and happily married to my husband, Josh. We enjoy outdoor activities, gymnastics, and softball. I love being able to watch the children grow and learn about God’s word.
Melissa Brand
2 Year Old Classroom Assistant
Hi! My name is Melissa and I have been an assistant teacher at BFUMC for 3 years. I am a proud girl mom to my daughter Kamdyn who is 5 years old. I enjoy reading, gardening, crafting, and being outdoors in my spare time. Watching children learn and grow is a passion of mine and I am thrilled I get to do what I love every day!