Nancy Bourke

Interim Director

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
Interacting with the children, families and staff.

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Noah and the Ark

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
At the beach soaking up the sun, kayaking, reading and relaxing.

Something you might not know about me…
I am the founding Director of the preschool.

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 new puppy, and running.

Something you might not know about me…
I keep a secret stash of chocolate beside my bed 🙂

Jennifer Stephens

Marketing Specialist

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I love the kids!  Seeing their faces light up at the site of learning something new.

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself,

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
On the boat, at a concert, spending time with family and friends.

Something you might not know about me…
I love giraffes!

Donna Mariana

Two Year Old Teacher - Daisy Class

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
The CHILDREN!!!!! I love being able to spend time with the children and in many cases to be their first teacher.

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Joshua 24:15    But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
At hockey games, my son’s or the Hurricanes, in Wilmington at the beach with my college son or at Falls Lake riding my jet skis.

Something you might not know about me…
I love pigs, gardening and bike riding

Mili Touzon

Two Year Old Assistant - Daisy Class Class and Happy Hoppers 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.

Elizabeth VanDeCarr

Two Year Old Assistant - Daisy 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.

Annie Andruchowitz

Two Year Old Teacher - Happy Hoppers 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.

Niamh Crotty

Two Year Old Teacher - Lucky Lady Bugs

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
Watching the children grow! I love to see the world through the eyes of a child as they explore and discover.

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
To love another person is see the face of God – Victor Hugo

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me….
Spending time with my family, volunteering at my kids school, practicing photography and cheering on my kids at their various sporting and musical events

Something you might know about me…
I am a huge NC State fan, and I love traveling. Growing up I spent my summers on my family’s farm in Ireland. 

Cat Jones

Two Year Old Assistant - Lucky Lady Bugs

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

Jennifer Baker

Three Year Old Teacher - Terrific Turtles 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!

Cathy Bond

Three Old Asisstant - Terrific Turtles Class & Four Year Old Asisstant - Curious Crabs Class

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
Seeing the wonder, amazement and heart of God in each child especially through play.

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine 
Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better. ~ Maya Angelou

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
You can find me at the gym or running or at a basketball court.

Something you might not know about me…
I LOVE spinach

Heidi Hobler

Three Year Old Teacher - Busy Bees Class

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…
Volunteering at my kids’ school or doing speech therapy.

Something you might not know about me…
I have a rock from Mt. Fuji

Patrice Owens

Three Year Old Assistant - Busy Bees Class

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I love watching the children’s excitement daily.  There is nothing better than seeing the world through a child’s eyes.

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
It doesn’t get easier, you get stronger.

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
Spending time with my family, attending my kids activities and working out at Burn Bootcamp.

Something you might not know about me…
I have a degree in sport management from UMass Amherst. I love playing and watching sports and now love watching my own kids on the field, pool or court.

Kathy Halula

Three Year Old Teacher - Monkeys Class

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I love working with the kids!  3 year olds have awesome imaginations and everything is a new adventure to them!  It’s so fun to get to be a part of that every day.  My favorite activity though is our art projects!  I love painting, cutting, gluing and glittering with the Monkeys!

Favorite quote or Bible verse…
Always be a work in progress!
You will never have this day again, so make it count!
Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures!
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.

When I’m not at Preschool, you can find me…
Reading, walking around our neighborhood or cheering on the NC State Wolfpack or the Carolina Hurricanes!

Something you might not know about me…
I love to snow ski!  I started skiing when I was in elementary school and have skied ever since.  My family’s favorite vacation is our annual ski trip!

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.

Mary Grace Sellars

Three Year Old Teacher - Might Ducks Class

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
What I enjoy most about preschool is discovering  and expanding each child’s gifts, along with witnessing the joy on their faces when they accomplish something they have been working on!

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me….
When I am not in our classroom pond, I am listening to music & reading the newspaper, cookbooks or regency romance novels!

Something you might know about me…
My husband and I went away to the same camp when we were younger however we never met until after college sailing on a friend’s boat! I still go away to camp every summer for a month.

Sheeba Jumma

Three Year Old Assistant - Might Ducks 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

Cathy Pfister

Four Year Old Teacher - Curious Crabs Class

What I enjoy most about Preschool…
I love watching children grow and becoming independent.  I am grateful and honored to work with an amazing group of women.  They are awesome!

My favorite quote or Bible verse is…
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
Reading, listening to CD’s (audio books), canning, crafting, walking, cooking, baking and talking on the phone to my two boys on Long Island, NY.

Something you might not know about me…
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Taking trips to Long Islands beaches and collecting beach glass.

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!

Laurie Thomy

Four Year Old Assistant - Creative Koalas 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!

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 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.

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.

Gabrielle Smaltz

Four Year Old Assistant - Brilliant Butterflies 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

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

Diana Melo

Spanish Teacher

Diana Melo

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…
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

When I am not at St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, you can find me…
At home with my dogs, husband and daughters or driving through town to my girl’s after-school activities.

Something you might not know about me…
I love traveling! I enjoy visiting different countries, learning about other cultures and exploring our world!

Karla White

Music and Movement Teacher

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