Meet the Team!
Neffs Preschool functions under the auspices of the Union United Church of Christ church consistory but is managed by its own board of directors and has its own budget. It has contributed to numerous building improvements in the preschool area which included new bathrooms, painting, wallpapering, new ceilings, and lighting which also benefit the children’s church and Sunday school classes who share the space. The most recent addition is a colorful mural for which the painter donated her fee to the church in memory of Owen Thomas.
All teaching personnel are selected for outstanding character, love of children, and training. All staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR.
Staff
Brenda Lynch- Teacher Assistant
I am joining the Neffs Preschool team as a 4's Assistant Teacher. I live in Schnecksville with my husband and 2 children. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught preschool through 5th grade in Lehigh and Bucks Counties. My family also lived in Michigan for 19 years, where I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. I received my undergraduate degree from Millersville University and my Master's Degree from Kutztown University, both in Elementary Education. I am a 4-H leader for the Neffs Clovers 4-H Club and enjoy spending time with my family and gardening in my spare time.
Lifelong learning begins with this precious Preschool age, and I am so excited to be a part of your child's fun and excitement in learning.
Pamela DeNardo-Teacher Assistant
Hello! I am very happy to be joining the Neffs Preschool team as a 4’s Assistant Teacher this year. I believe in the wonder and magic of early childhood and look forward to sharing in this very special time with your child. My background includes working with children of all ages as a Pediatric RN, serving as an elementary / middle school classroom volunteer in the Bethlehem Area School District, and teaching swimming, photography and jewelry to young people. I am also a Certified Level 3 Radiant Child Yoga Instructor and Associate of the International Yoga School, and have taught numerous yoga classes throughout the Lehigh Valley to both children and adults. Here’s to a great school year!
Rebekah Millroy- Teacher Assistant
I am a mom of four, currently living in Slatington with my husband and kiddos plus two dogs, two cats, three Guinea pigs, seven chickens, and two hives of bees! I have been working with children in some capacity for over 20 years. Throughout my career I've worked with every age group in early childhood from infants to school age children. I earned an Associate's Degree in early Childhood Education from Northampton Community College. I enjoyed and embraced their arts-based approach. I love to find ways to facilitate activities that engage the senses and help children learn through play!
Sarah Horwith- 3 Teacher and Teacher Assistant
This is my third year working at Neffs Preschool. This year I am returning as the teacher in the 3’s class and to assist with Pre-K! I graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I have always known that I wanted to work with children and have experience as a camp counselor, ballet teacher, education intern, and environmental educator. This experience has allowed me to work with children ranging in age from 3-13. My favorite part of working in education is when children experience an “Aha!” moment; when a concept or idea finally clicks and they find true pride in their own intelligence.
Susan Horwith- Teacher
I am the Teacher in the Pre-K class at Neffs Preschool. My Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Education is from the Pennsylvania State University. I worked in New York City as a Private Banker for twelve years before returning to Pennsylvania. Since returning to the Lehigh Valley, I been busy raising my two children. During the last fifteen years I have been teaching all levels of Preschool while completing my Early Childhood certification.
Maryann Puia- Teacher
I am one of the 4 year old teachers at Neffs Preschool. My Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education is from Lebanon Valley College, and more recently, I have completed a certificate program at DeSales University in Special Education. My 11 years of experience teaching children covers a wide age group ranging from preschool to seventh grade. I am excited to be teaching again after taking a break to raise my two children. I am in my third year of teaching at Neffs UCC Preschool.
Annette Wilcox—Director
Welcome families, I am excited to be the Director here at Neff’s UCC Preschool. I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from The University of Michigan and a Master’s of Education with a specialty in Special Education from Lehigh University. In addition, I completed my Pennsylvania Administrative Certification program at Lehigh University. I have taught in Michigan, Florida and here in Pennsylvania. I believe school should be a nurturing, safe, and FUN place for all children. Our preschool welcomes ALL children, and we aim to make the preschool years a positive experience for the whole family. My husband Eric and I have two children and one furry, four-legged “child” who keep us quite busy. This fall my "baby" is headed for his first year of college, so I will be joining those parents who find themselves a little weepy at leaving a child behind at school for the first time. My door is always open, if you have any questions feel free to email preschool@unionucc.org or call 610-767-5327.