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 🙂
Two Year Old Team

Tere Burke
Two Year Old Lead - Playful Pigs Class
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…
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.

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 know about me…
I love ice swimming after a smoke sauna in Finland. My dream is to have a sauna in my backyard

Elizabeth VanDeCarr
Two Year Old Assistant - Busy Bee Class
What I enjoy most about Preschool…
Playing, Playing, And Playing! In the kitchen with plastic food or at the table with Play Doh, I thoroughly enjoy imaginary play with the 2’s. I also love to go to the playground. You will often see me sliding and playing chase with the children.
My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Even a minor event in the life of a child is an event of that child’s world and thus a world’s event. Gaston Bachelard
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
On the Tennis court or walking my adorable Boston terrier, Dewey.
Something you might not know about me…
I’ve always loved animals. Some that I grew up with are rabbits, chickens ,a goat ,a rat ,a squirrel, fish ,ducks and of course numerous cats and dogs.
Three Year Old Team

Nicole Lee
Three Year Old Teacher - Precious Puppies
What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I love the wonder in the children and what they can teach us about the importance of little moments in life.
My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Samuel 1:227 For this child we have prayed
John 13:7 You may not understand now what I am doing, but someday you will
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
Spending time with my two boys, in the garden or at the pool.
Something you might not know about me…
I do not like chocolate or coffee.

Karla White
Three Year Old Assistant - Precious Puppies
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…
At The Franciscan School (TFS) or any number of sporting events cheering on my kids!
Something you might not know about me…
I was a Signals Intelligence Officer in the USAF for 20 years

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…
At Lambeau field in Green Bay Wisconsin or anywhere my family is gathered. I’d like to get to Pensacola to see my oldest son Brock who is in the Navy.
Something you might not know about me…
You may not know that I played French horn and piano in a jazz band which recorded an album in 1979 called Happy Feet! I have a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology.

Sheeba Jumma
Three Year Old Assistant - Monkey Class
What I enjoy most about Preschool…
Being around my students who teach me so much through their innocent and creative ways
My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
Gardening and cooking
Something you might not know about me…
I have a fear of heights and the dark

Annie Andruchowitz
Three Year Old Teacher -Little Llama Class
What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I enjoy the people that are here at the preschool! The teachers, administration and especially the children. Hearing laughter, excitement and accomplishments such as “I did it” for the first time, really makes this a happy and wonderful place to be!
My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
Playing with my children outside! We love playing soccer, hitting off the baseball tees, riding bikes and jeeps, and taking walks together.
Something you might not know about me…
I am a big sports fan and enjoy watching both college and pro football. Go Noles and Go Eagles! Fall is my favorite time of year and my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I also love seeing family and friends that I have not seen in a while.

Laurie Thomy
Three Year Old Assistant - Little 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!
Four Year Old Team

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 bible verse…
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and HE will make paths straight.
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me….
At Cardinal Gibbons attending my daughters various events.
Something you might not know about me…
I LOVE DISNEY! My daughter and I are crazy for all things Disney and Disney World

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!

Christina Deforge
Four Year Old Teacher - Brilliant Butterflies Class
What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I most enjoy my conversations with the students and hearing the conversation the students have among themselves. It is fascinating to listen to their ideas and opinions. The class is filled with so many different talents and personalities that it makes each day exciting.
My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Proverb 22-6 Start a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.– Winnie the Pooh
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
Spending time with my family, my husband, two boys, and our dog Izzy. My boys play baseball and soccer so we spend many days traveling to practice and games. 🙂
Something you might not know about me…
Any time of year I can spend my days at the beach, reading a good book, sitting on the beach, and swimming in the ocean.

Mili Touzon
Four Year Old Assistant - Beautiful Butterfly 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…
At my daughter’s volleyball game or having fun with my family.
Something you might not know about me…
I have been a member of the St. Francis community since moving from Puerto Rico, 14 years ago… 10 of which, I have worked at the Preschool. I also love interior decoration.
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.

Tammy Travers
Transitional Kindergarten- Ocean Friends Class
What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I love to meet kids at the summer camp and keep in touch during the year. I really enjoy teaching siblings of former students because you already have a relationship with the family.
My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
To succeed in life you need three things, a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone. Reba McIntyre
When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
You can find me having lunch with my daughters or friends and then shopping.
Something you might not know about me…
In addition to a husband, two daughters and son our extended family includes several pets, three dogs, one cat, two birds, a bearded dragon, a King Snake, Koi fish, Gold fish, Beta fish and a hedgehog named Hamilton