Morningside Presbyterian Preschool

Introducing the staff for the 2007-2008 school year

Martha Hartzell, Preschool Director

Before becoming Director in 2006, I had the pleasure of being a part of Morningside Presbyterian Preschool as a mentor teacher (2005-2006). The professionalism of the staff and the enthusiasm of the parent community has made this first year an exciting experience. For 19 years I taught at the Glenn School for Young Children and also mentored other teachers at my school and other schools (including Morningside Elementary). My family moved to Atlanta in 1976, when my husband, Criss, joined the faculty of what is now the Department of Cell Biology at Emory University. Our three children, Laura, Robyn, and Catherine, have their own careers and families and our grandson, Harrison, is a toddler. I have been rejuvenated watching Harrison discover the world and explode with joy as he meets new people and masters new challenges. He has reminded me of why I have chosen a career of working with young children and families.

Kimberly Williams is one of our 5-day three-year-old assistant teachers. She is originally from Oakland, California. Kim received her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Clark Atlanta University. Kim has recently relocated back to Atlanta from New York. While in New York, she was an elementary school teacher. Kim is also a proud mother of her seven-year-old son, Akobi who attends Mary Lin Elementary School after graduating from MPP. Kim loves to draw and design during her free time. Her hobbies include reading, rollerblading, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Kay Monroe is an assistant teacher in our Options 3 Class, beginning her 6th year at MPP. Before joining our staff, Kay taught at Peachtree Christian Church for 16 years. Ms. Kay has had another career as an LPN at Northside Hospital from 1975-1988. She is the proud mother of Matt and Kallie. Kay and her family (Lee, Matt, and Kallie) love the outdoors, sports, and their pets!

Jill Klein: This fall will be my eleventh year teaching. It is my fifth year at Morningside. My other 7 years were spent teaching in San Francisco, California and Naples, Florida. I am thrilled to be a part of the Morningside teaching staff. I am always excited each year to return and work with such a wonderful, loving and professional staff.

I graduated from the University of South Florida where I received my degree in early childhood education. I have attended numerous certified early childhood courses/seminars/workshops as well as state and national conferences over the past nine years. During my career as an educator, I have developed and taught a children's etiquette class for The Ritz Carlton Hotel. I also developed and directed a children's choir at The Trinity Episcopal Church. Another rewarding experience was being part of helping to build a children's playground with 2000 volunteers and completing it in one week. I was a member of the Junior Women's Association for many years where I volunteered and help raise funds for important causes. I enjoy giving back to the community and try to do so whenever I can.

I have a beautiful and bright niece Kate (9) and a sweet nephew Hunter (4). Hunter was diagnosed at 2 ½ years with autism. He continues to amaze us with his everyday accomplishments. When available, I attend autism workshops and seminars to educate myself so that I may be a finer tool in Hunter's life. He has changed us all to become better people.

When I am not teaching, I like to spend my free time cooking for friends, dining out, traveling, reading and running. My passions are simple.

Deena Riley: I am very happy to begin my fourth year of teaching at Morningside Preschool as a lead teacher in the Pre-K classes, as well as the instructor for the Creative Movement program for the three-year olds and Pre-K students. I began my love of teaching as an Early Childhood Education major at Georgia State University and I have been a career educator for the past 32 years in the Atlanta area. For most of those years, I have taught four and five-year olds in private preschools. I was a dancer and gymnast in my growing up years, which led me to develop a Creative Movement program that I have taught in schools, camps, after-school programs, scout groups, ballet schools, and "Y" classes during the past 25+ years.

My husband and I have three grown children who all work and live nearby, three grandchildren who are the joys of our lives, and a black Lab dog who is eight years old. Our favorite pasttimes are having "play dates" with our grandchildren, enjoying wonderful dinners with our grown up children, reading, and spending weekends at our cabin in the North Georgia Mountains. For holidays, we enjoy traveling, visiting dear friends, and spending quiet time at the beach/ocean (the Florida coast and the Outer Banks of North Carolina) with our extended families.

Chris Kroner: I am a native of Atlanta and my family and I still live in the Morningside neighborhood in which I grew up. Some years ago my husband and I moved outside of the Atlanta area, started a family, and moved back to Atlanta when we began to miss the energy of in-town living when our three children came along. Before I became a full-time mom I was a certified travel agent. I gained a lot of experience in childcare through the years, keeping children in my home, as well as working in daycare/preschool settings.

I am a teaching assistant in a Pre-K class at Morningside Presbyterian Preschool for the 2007-2008 school year. I especially enjoy working with the four and five-year old students helping to prepare them for kindergarten. When I am not in the classroom teaching, some of my favorite pasttimes are playing with my four dogs, flea market shopping, attending church services, and driving my children from one after-school activity to another. My children attend school at Morningside Elementary School, Inman Middle School and Northside High School.

Debbi Loomis: I was born at Fort McPherson here in Atlanta and I spent the next 18 years as the proverbial "Army Brat". I attended ten different schools spanning four states and three countries. The grounding forces for me were my many teachers who always provided an environment for each child to learn regardless of race, family or parent's occupation.

I always wanted to teach, but I was married and had two sons (now 26 and 29) by the time I was 24. After many different mini-careers, I was able, four years ago, to finally pursue my dream. I took a position as nanny for a Morningside Presbyterian Preschool family and became part of the community here. I came to know most of the teachers and felt that this school would be a good environment in which to teach myself.

When not at school, I enjoy reading, sewing, and puzzles of all kinds. However, my four-year-old granddaughter limits my time for such personal enjoyment. She also keeps me smiling!

Diana Seneschal Gallagher: I am excited to begin my first year at Morningside as a lead two year old and toddler teacher. I have spent the past 2 years as a two year old teacher at North Atlanta preschool in Dunwoody. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the children at Morningside, especially since I have been a resident of the Morningside community for the past 6 years.

I am originally from upstate NY and I graduated from RIT with a degree in Marketing and Communications. I've worked for several years in a sales and marketing role. When my son Camden was born in 2003, I was working with Atlanta Magazine. At this stage I made the decision to leave Atlanta Magazine to spend more time with him. When it was time for Camden to start preschool, I received the wonderful opportunity to teach at North Atlanta. I've enjoyed teaching ever since. Camden will be attending the Pre-K program at Morningside this year and is very excited.

Stephanie Moore: I am extremely excited, for this fall will be my first year teaching at Morningside Preschool. I am a Decatur, Georgia native having received my early and secondary education in the Dekalb County School System (Faith Christian Academy, Briarvista Elementary, Lakeside High School). I started my career in education while attending Georgia State University where I was an Early Childhood Education major and Speech Pathology minor. I have taught preschool children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years for 12 years. For most of those 12 years I taught Pre-K at Briarlake Baptist Church Childhood Education Center. I have also worked after-school programs for inner city youth.

When I am not crawling on the floor, blowing bubbles, changing diapers, making HUGE messes, crazy faces and noises with preschoolers…I am usually with family. My parents, married for 39 years, reside in Ellenwood, Georgia. My older brother (31) lives in Decatur. And I have a nephew (3) Caleb Quentin, affectionately known as, he would tell you, "Auntie's Big Boy." I am a member of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on historic "Sweet Auburn Avenue" downtown Atlanta where I sing in the choir and mentor the youth. I absolutely love to read, shop and travel.

Angela Holloman: Hello. I'm Angela Holloman. I was born in Pensacola Florida, but spent most of my life living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I've been married to my husband, Donald, for almost twenty years and we have three daughters. One of our daughters attends Emory University and the other goes to Middle Georgia College. Our youngest daughter is a junior in high school.

This will be my eighth year as a preschool teacher. I taught the two year olds at Annistown Road Baptist Church as lead teacher. I also taught four and five year olds at Legacy Academy as co-lead teacher. I am excited about this school year and looking forward to working with the teaching staff at Morningside Preschool.

Activities I enjoy are reading, gardening, and watching HGTV. I also enjoy listening to classical music, NPR, and Radio Theater.

Toni Craig: I am originally from East Point, Georgia, which is just about 30 minutes south of Morningside. I attended elementary through high school in the South Fulton area, but decided on a change of scenery for college.

May, 2006, I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Agnes Scott College. I entered Agnes Scott knowing that I wanted to major in psychology and left knowing more specifically that I wanted to use my degree to work with children. While an undergrad, I spent each summer working different summer camps, where I had the pleasure of working with children from ages 4 to 13.

I am currently in graduate school at Clark Atlanta University working on a M.A. in school guidance counseling. I have always dreamed of a job like the assistant teaching position here at Morningside, and my being here is evidence that dreams can become reality and that prayers are answered. I'm so very happy to be a part of the staff.

Heather Starkel: I am an Assistant Teacher for Toddlers and Twos. I have enjoyed working with young people in an after-school program, as a caretaker/babysitter, and as an older sister to two brothers. I have come to Morningside Preschool after working in commercial production. Recently, I adopted a German Shepard /Rottweiller puppy named Chachi and I enjoy gardening, hiking, and chocolate cake.