Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Preschool
Raleigh, NC

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Staff Directory

administrative team

Heidi Hobler

Director

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I enjoy sharing in the delight and enthusiasm of the kids. I love to watch the little “light-bulbs” go off and facilitate “aha” moments!
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Laughter is a smile that explodes.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Going to my kids’ activities, reading or baking.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I have teenage twins and I own a kimono!

Shelley Freeman

Administrative Specialist

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I love seeing the children every day! It is amazing to see the change from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Working with a fabulous group of women is pretty great too!
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Spending time with my family, at the gym, walking my dog, and running.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I keep a secret stash of chocolate beside my bed 🙂

Janelle Obaydi

Community Outreach Coordinator, Transitional Kindergarten Assistant -Ocean Friends Class 

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Getting to know all of the wonderful families.  So many of my closest friendships are the ones that started at preschool.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Galatians 6:9  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Watching my two boys playing all of their sports.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I will eat just about anything…except olives.  I hate olives.

Two Year Old Team

Cat Jones

Two Year Teacher – Busy Bee Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    There is nothing better, in my opinion, than being able to “play” all day. I also love the little things children say it always puts a smile on my face because they are so innocent and just down right honest.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Pray, hope and don’t worry …Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Padre Pio
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Driving in my car listening to Kids Bop music and enjoying life to the fullest
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I love ice swimming after a smoke sauna in Finland. My dream is to have a sauna in my backyard

Addie Snavely

Toddler Assistant – Busy Bee Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Seeing the children’s smiling faces each day. The excitement and pure joy of reading stories, playing with new friends, and creating.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    You can find me walking my dog Scooter or watching my 3 sons sporting events.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I have my bachelors degree in Interior Design.

Christina Cuddington

Two Year Old Assistant – Busy Bee Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool… An atmosphere where joy, kindness and friendships come together.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is… Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see-Mark Twain
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me… Hanging out with my husband and kiddos.
  • Something you might not know about me… I have 3 children all 7 years apart.

Leslie Christiansen-Hetzel

Two Year Old Teacher – Happy Hoppers And Lady Bugs

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    What I love most about preschool is all the energy the children bring each day. It is such a blessing to get to witness the wonder and awe through a child’s point of view as we all learn and grow together.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us. – Helen Keller
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    When I am not at St. Francis you can find me chasing after one or all of my five kids! When we are not sitting in carpool lines we enjoy getting outside to play or hike. One of our favorite activities is to turn up the music and have Dance parties!
  • Something you might not know about me…
    In my kid free time I love to sew quilts and other items. I haven’t met a craft I don’t enjoy and always love to challenge myself to learn something new.

Annie Richards

Two Year Old Assistant – Lucky Lady Bug Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Seeing the children’s excitement when they learn to do new things. The smallest things are huge to them! Climbing the ladder to the slide by themselves on the playground or successfully putting together a puzzle gives them so much pride. I love to hear them squeal with joy every time they see an airplane in the sky or a fire truck on Leesville Road!
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    In a world where you can be anything, be kind
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    At a baseball field, football field, or wrestling gym, cheering on my 2 boys.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I love to travel and I’ve been to 21 countries!

Elizabeth Garcia

Two Year Old Assistant – Happy Hoppers

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool… My students.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is… Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

     

  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    playing video games on my couch.

  • Something you might not know about me…
    previously worked on the game World of Warcraft.

Toddlers

Suzanne Ziemer

Toddler Teacher – Little Sprouts

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    is getting to spend my day with so many smiley faces and hearing little one’s thoughts about the world.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    To love and to be loved is to feel the sun from both sides – David Viscott
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    You can find me with my family. We enjoy taking walks and bike rides and cooking/baking together.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I love dogs and would adopt all the dogs from the shelter if my husband would let me. 

Heather Donohoe

Toddler Assistant – Little Sprouts

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I love being able to see and experience things through the eyes of a child. They are so
    full of wonder and excitement! I also love seeing how much they learn and grow
    throughout the year.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    “Love is the ultimate gift of ourselves to others.” – Mother Teresa 
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    ou can find me with my family at the park or enjoying a cozy day baking and reading. 
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I love to do crafts and am an avid needlepointer. 

Allison DeStefano

Toddler Assistant – Little Sprouts

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
     I love how the school is full of joy and radiates God’s love. Watching the children come to class bursting with happiness and curiosity makes me so happy. 
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    You can find me walking my dog Scooter or watching my 3 sons sporting events.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I have my bachelors degree in Interior Design.

Three Year Old Team

Jennifer Baker

Three Year Teacher – Turtle Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I love connecting with my students! I thoroughly enjoy the bonding experience that takes place in becoming a classroom family.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Taking walks, reading, and spending time with my family.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I love traveling to foreign countries when I get the chance!

Mili Touzon

Four Year Old Assistant – Turtle Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I enjoy seeing children grow, learn, and have fun. I like meeting and partnering with the parents, and along with teachers and children, fostering the “one big family” environment that exists today at the Preschool.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Spread love everywhere you go: First of all in your own house… let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness.– Mother Teresa of Calcutta
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Spending time with my family, cooking, walking, and doing pilates.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I have been a member of the St. Francis community since moving from Puerto Rico in 2001. In 2005, I joined the Preschool.  I love interior decoration and traveling.

Kathryn Friedman

Three Year old Teacher Monkeys Class and Stepping Stones Teacher

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I enjoy seeing the joy in the faces of the young children as they discover things about themselves and the world around them. Every day is a gift as the “little Jesus’s” and “little Mary’s” of our world help me focus on the importance of following God’s path.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Make each day your masterpiece. And remember always God loves you!
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…

    Simple pleasures make my life full. I find comfort in baking
    a fresh rhubarb custard pie and spending time with family and friends. My
    brightest moments are spent playing with my two grandsons.  Swimming and doing yardwork keep me active
    outside. Whether I am working or relaxing, listening to music and audiobooks
    provides the perfect soundtrack. 

  • Something you might not know about me…
    All four of my adult children attended St Francis of Assisi Preschool!  I have also attended since 1996! There is SO much to learn here! I have made friends, learned about God, and acquired valuable knowledge that has helped me grow to be the person I’m supposed to be!  Thank You, God!

Tresa Pickup

Three Year Old Assistant -Monkey Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I enjoy seeing so many smiling faces every day and seeing how the children grow and change throughout the year. I also really enjoy my colleagues.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. 
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Reading a book, having coffee with a friend, learning Spanish, lifting weights or walking.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I’ve been on tv at least 4-5 times. Does that make me famous? 

Bethany Procopio

Three Year Old Assistant -Monkey Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…I love the way a child takes a new idea or concept and immediately turns it into imaginative play.  And there’s nothing better than seeing how proud they are to figure something out for the first time! 
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…that best portion of a good man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered, acts of kindness and love.” –William Wordsworth
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me… Playing outside with my two girls, reading, or out thrifting!
  • Something you might not know about me…I have lots of house plants and am always wondering what my next one will be!

Nicole Lee

Three Year Old Teacher – Precious Puppies

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I have the opportunity to share my happy place with our children every day.  To watch the wonder and excitement of the world in the children.  I learn and am taught just as much as I teach each day.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    John 13:7 You may not understand now what I am doing, but someday you will
  • Your life is made of two dates and a dash.  Make the most of the dash.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Making memories with my two boys, volunteering, the beach, or organizing something.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I do not like chocolate or coffee. And Bucee’s is my ultimate road trip.

JT Davenport

Three Year Old Assistant – Precious Puppies

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…I love to see how happy the kids are when they come in every morning! It always reminds me that they feel loved and at ease. I also enjoy all of the interesting conversations I get to have with each one of them!
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Matthew 7:8
    “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me… Sewing something, thrifting something or watering a plant.
  • Something you might not know about me… 
    I went on a mission trip to Haiti with a group from St Francis to help rebuild homes after the earthquake. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Four Year Old Team

Laurie Thomy

Four Year Old Lead – Llama Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    My favorite thing about preschool is getting to share in the children’s journey; I love being a part of their day and watching them grow over the year.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    When I’m not at preschool you can find me chasing my girls from school and gymnastics
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I am a college football fanatic and love my USC Gamecocks!

Lori Schlachter

Four Year Old Teacher – Creative Four Koalas Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Being with the sweetest kids each day! Seeing their curiosity, hearing their stories, and watching them grow throughout the year.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    “you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, & loved more than you’ll ever know.”
    “have courage & be kind.”
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    -I’ve been lucky to be home with my girls the past 18 years. I’m a Disney fanatic, love the beach, & one day hope to see all 50 states. This summer I traveled internationally for the first time!

Cindy Jacobson

Four Year Old Teacher – Creative Four Koalas Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I love watching the children interact with each other and the joyfulness that the children bring to our class each day. I tell people all the time that this is such a rewarding job, if we could view the world as a child, we might slow down and enjoy the moment.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Today you are you! That is truer than true. There is no one alive that is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Either at home trying a new recipe or reading a book. I also enjoy watching my children play hockey and golf. I have always been very involved with my children’s activities and enjoy being team manager or helping out in some way.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I was born and raised in Cary, NC. I was the first baby baptized at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. We belonged to St. Francis when the Founders’ Room was the church!

Gabrielle Smaltz

Four Year Old Assistant – Creative Four Koalas Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I LOVE meeting my new class of children and watching them grow and thrive throughout  the school year – although hard to say goodbye to them, as we all become so attached – it’s so gratifying to see them ready for the next school year 😉
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.  You find the fun, and -snap-the job’s a game!” ~ Mary Poppins
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    At the Theater.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I am from New England!

Diana Melo

Four Year Old Teacher – Brilliant Butterflies Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    The ‘a-ha’ moment -full of pride- when a child is able to communicate in Spanish and the joy and pureness of children.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    John 13:34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    With my husband, daughters and my furry pets, I have two dogs and two cats that form a loving layer around me.
  • Something you might not know about me…

    I love learning about different cultures, and traveling around the world! I am also a foodie and enjoy worldwide cuisine.

Allison Mannella

Four Year Old Assistant – Brilliant Butterflies Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Each day is filled with wonder, joy, and discovery for both the children and the teachers! It is incredibly rewarding to help young children grow in their curiosity, confidence, and faith as they explore the world around them.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Volunteering at TFS or cheering on my children in their many sports and activities. I also volunteer with local service organizations, with a focus on promoting childhood literacy in underserved communities.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I enjoy genealogy and have traced my family history back to many inspiring ancestors: one who helped settle Jamestown and later sailed on the Mayflower, another who was accused during the Salem Witch Trials, and several who served in the Revolutionary War.

Stephanie Lynch

Four Year Old Assistant – Brilliant Butterflies Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool… No two days are ever the same! The giggles, and endless curiosity make every day an adventure!
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…

    “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” ― Ferris Bueller

  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…When I’m not chauffeuring my two teens or curled up on the couch watching movies with my 4 cats, you can usually find me enjoying a day or two at a Disney park, laughing with my Girl Scout troop, or traveling around North Carolina volunteering with the North Carolina PTA.
  • Something you might not know about me…I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger and still enjoy swimming every chance I get. Backstroke is my favorite stroke!

Tanya Chaput

Four Year Old Teacher – Discovery Friends Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Watching the children’s facial expressions of wonder and curiosity as they discover, learn, and play.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    John 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    At a fun place for my children, in the kitchen, in front of a computer for research, or at a bake shop.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I have 4 children 2 boys and 2 girls and I am happily married to a great man, for over 20 years.  I am from England and became a citizen of the USA in April 2015! Oh, and if you are missing your GOOD chocolate… you should have put it away!

Tere Burke

Four Year Old Assistant – Discovery Friends

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    What I enjoy most about Preschool is the fact that we can teach the children to pray and talk to them about God. And of course there is nothing more satisfying that cheering up a sad child.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    We need each other to get to where God wants us to go.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Walking at Umstead Park with my dog and kids, mowing my yard or at my son’s soccer practice.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I enjoy riding and caring for horses, as well as sailing.

Transitional Kindergarten Team

Aimee Kimble

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher – Ocean Friends Class

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I enjoy the ladies I work with-they are a blessing and of course the sweet little faces of the children.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Be not afraid.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    At a baseball field or in my driveway reading a book in my beach chair!
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I love the beach! I could sit on the sand all day reading and listening to the ocean.

Janelle Obaydi

Community Outreach Coordinator, Transitional Kindergarten Assistant -Ocean Friends Class 

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Getting to know all of the wonderful families.  So many of my closest friendships are the ones that started at preschool.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Galatians 6:9  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Watching my two boys playing all of their sports.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I will eat just about anything…except olives.  I hate olives.

Specials Team

Karla White

Music and Movement

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Watching the children’s joyful faces and laughter as they sing a song or participate in a dance or activity that they really love!
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    cheering on the MN Vikings and visiting my grandchildren in VA and AL.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I was an intelligence officer in the USAF for 20 years. I am also Airborne qualified and earned my jump wings at Ft. Benning in 1985.

Martha Gutierrez

Spanish

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    I love being able to teach Spanish, planting seeds for the kids to learn different cultures
    and diversity in our world. I’m always amazed on how fast and eager to learn they are.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    There are many I love, one of favorite is
    psalm 91
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me at home sharing with
    my family or most likely at any of my kids sports.
  • Something you might not know about me..
    I am pretty much an open book but something I love and would like to do more often is traveling with my family. Love learning languages, while still I need to improve my English skills, also I’m looking forward to learn French as hobby.

Stepping Stones Team

Roseann Roethel

Stepping Stones – Afternoon

  • What I enjoy most about Preschool…
    Watching the kids grow and develop over the years.
  • My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
    They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you make them feel.  – Carl W. Buehner
  • When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
    Taking care of my 88-year-old mom who is also my best friend.
  • Something you might not know about me…
    I moved to North Carolina from New York in 2019 with my mom to be closer to my brother and his family.