Carol Zartman, director
I received a BS degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and have taught children for over 20 years. Helping children grow in the Lord while providing a safe, loving, and enriching environment is extremely fulfilling. I am thrilled to be the director of Neffsville Christian Preschool, especially since my own two children had fantastic experiences learning and growing here when they were in preschool. Please give me a call to answer any of your questions and/or schedule a visit.
Katie Piser, assistant director
I graduated from High Point University in North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. During my six years of teaching I taught both 5th grade, in a public school in North Carolina, and 1st grade, in a private Christian school in my home state of Maryland. I quit my teaching job to become a full time stay at home Mom and have been enjoying that role immensely. My family and I moved to Lancaster when our oldest son was 1 and both of my children attended NCP. They had a wonderful experience during their years here. Now that they are both in full time school, I’m excited to go back to work in an education setting. I’m grateful to be a part of the NCP team as the Assistant Director and Aide.
Sara Stokes, classroom teacher
Neffsville Christian Preschool has given me the opportunity to share my love of teaching children. Before retiring, I taught for thirty seven years in both the private and public sectors in Pennsylvania, Maryland and California. I also earned my Master’s Degree in Education Administration. I was also involved in curriculum design and development and was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in my school district.
Kathy Hurst, classroom teacher
I graduated from Eastern Mennonite College with a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. I spent one year as a preschool teacher in Corning, NY, before moving to Lancaster in 1987. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years with my children who are now in middle school and high school. They attended NCP and had a very good experience. I am excited to be working with children again, and look forward to teaching the three year old class!
Carolyn Brubaker, classroom teacher
After raising four sons and working at SONshine Child Development Center for several years I decided I needed a degree in Early Childhood Education. I graduated from HACC in 2006 and continued working for the daycare until May of 2019. I am very excited to be teaching four year olds again after many years with infants in daycare. I love the fact that I can teach Bible stories and God’s rules at Neffsville Christian Preschool. My husband Leon and I have been married forty nine years and continue to serve the Lord through our local church and doing home repairs for those who need assistance after a storm or flood locally or with Mennonite Disaster Service.
Kathy Walter, classroom teacher
I taught at Neffsville Christian Preschool for five years. I taught the two-and-a-half year old class for five years and the Science Enrichment class for four years. I am returning from spending one year working at Warwick High School. I missed the great staff and the little children here! I have a degree in Math from Elizabethtown College. I am married; I have two kids and two Labrador Retrievers. My husband works remotely for the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, my daughter is engaged and in her first year of Medical School in Erie PA, and my son lives at home and works at Appleby’s in Ephrata. I enjoy gardening, reading, and traveling.
Colleen Alexander, classroom teacher
I graduated from George Mason University with a BA in English and worked in various roles within college student services for several years. During that time I completed my Masters of Education at the University of Connecticut. I left the workforce when pregnant with my oldest. I live in Manheim Township with my husband Ben and our four children, Elliana, Amelia, Mikayla, and Jeremiah. We discovered NCP when looking for a preschool after having relocated from Virginia. We have cherished the time each of our children have spent here. Prior to 2021 I was homeschooling our oldest children and have served in various capacities in children’s ministry since 2009. With my children’s transition to attending public school I am excited to have the time to more fully be a part of the NCP community. I’m looking forward to connecting with our youngest ones and their families.
Deb Plowright, classroom teacher
I earned a BA Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Juniata College and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts from Millersville University. Over the years, I have taught first grade, gym, Sunday School, and Pre-K. I enjoy helping preschoolers develop a lifelong love of learning and a deeper relationship with God. I am excited to teach at Neffsville Christian Preschool again.
Lauren Abel, classroom Teacher
I am so excited to be getting back into the classroom this year. Before having my boys, JD and Mason, I spent 8 years as a 3rd grade teacher in the Downingtown Area School District. Since then, I have coordinated many educational playdates for Fit4Mom Lancaster and homeschooled the boys during the pandemic. I am a graduate of Lehigh University where I received my B.A. in psychology and my Masters of Education. Upon moving to Lancaster in 2016, I found NCP in my search for a preschool and couldn’t have imagined a better place to send my boys to begin their schooling. I feel so blessed to be joining the team and am so looking forward to sharing my love of learning and STEM with my students this year.
Maggie Cunliffe, teacher’s assistant
Hi! My name is Maggie Cunliffe. I live in Lititz with my mom, dad, and 2 sisters, Hannah and Sarah. I attended Warwick High School. I was on the swim team, lacrosse manager, and involved with drama and chorus. I was voted to Homecoming twice and Queen of Candles court my senior year. After graduation I attended East Stroudsburg University for 2 years. I took classes in finance, health and wellness, and computers. I enjoy working with children, reading to them, and helping them learn new things. I am very excited to be helping here at Neffsville Christian Preschool and getting to know everyone.
Holly Fritzinger, teacher’s assistant
I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. After I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management in Bali, I had an opportunity to come and work in the United States and met my husband, Raymond. We moved to Lancaster from Allentown a few years ago and at that time my 4-year-old daughter, Abigail, attended NCP. The teachers were very welcoming to our daughter, and I can see the love of God through all NCP staff. It is a humble opportunity for me to be part of the NCP family.
Kristin Hayes, teacher’s assistant
I grew up in Chester County and went to Southern Connecticut State University where I received a degree in Exercise science with a concentration in Athletic Training. I then attended California University of Pa where I received my master’s degree in athletic training. I was a competitive gymnast while in college and have taught gymnastics classes throughout the years. I currently work for CPRS physical therapy as an athletic trainer at Manheim Central High School/Middle School. I have two children who have attended NCP. I am excited to help out and be involved with the preschool.
Katie Miller, assistant teacher
I am so excited to be a part of the NCP community! While I’m not quite a teacher yet, I have always dreamed of being one since I was a little girl, and I started my Early Childhood Education degree at West Chester University and I plan to continue as soon as life allows! I love working with the littles and it brings me so much joy and fulfillment being able to watch children learn and become themselves through school, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start my career.
Stacey Hornberger, teacher’s assistant
I grew up in Lancaster County, PA. I graduated from Millersville University with my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work. I worked in daycare part-time as an aid and teacher while going through college. After college, I worked in the children’s mental health field for several years. I serve in children’s ministries at my church. I have four children who will now be in school full-time. Two of my children graduated from NCP. We had great experiences while my children attended NCP. I am excited to get to work alongside such wonderful staff as a teacher’s aide. I am grateful to be a part of a workplace that loves and teaches about Jesus!
Kathy Vasisko, teacher’s assistant and Board Member
As a member of Long Memorial United Methodist Church and a former NCP parent, I have long had a special place in my heart for NCP. After retiring from a career in healthcare, I joined the board of NCP which later led to volunteer opportunities with the school, helping out in classrooms and serving as Treasurer of the Board. It is a blessing to work with the wonderful staff, students, and families of this preschool.
Deanna Fedor: NCP Parent Rep and Gym Teacher
Hello! I’m Deanna Fedor and I am so excited to serve on the board as Parent Representative again this year. My husband, Ben, and I live in Ephrata with our children; Morgan, Macey, Aubrey, Adelyn and Wesley. This is our ninth year with NCP. The preschool has helped our children grow in their faith and academics before attending elementary school. It is truly an honor to be part of this family and see how God is working in this community. I will also be teaching the gym class for our 4/5 year olds this year at NCP.