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. 

All teaching personnel are selected for outstanding character, love of children, and training.

Staff
Sarah Bergen (formerly Horwith)- Teacher for 3-year-olds and Teacher for PreK
I am returning this year as a teacher in the 3’s class and the Pre-K class. I graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I am currently working towards my Masters in Education from Cedar Crest College. 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. ​

Pamela DeNardo- Teacher Assistant for 3-year-olds, Teacher Assistant for PreK
I am delighted to be returning to Neffs Preschool this year as Teacher Assistant for 3’s and PreK. I very much look forward to sharing in this wondrous time in your child’s development! In addition to my previous work at the preschool in 3’s, 4’s and PreK, I recently served as the Youth Services Coordinator at the Western Pocono Community Library where I provided fun educational programming for youth and families. For ten years, I served as a classroom volunteer in the Bethlehem Area School District mentoring students in writing, editing and publishing the school newspapers Nitschmann News and Calypso Chronicle, as well as desktop publishing yearly classroom magazines. Degrees I’ve earned include a B.S. in Business Administration, an A.A.S. in Nursing R.N., a Diploma in Yoga and Professional Stress Management, and a Level 3 Radiant Child Yoga Certification. My family and I live locally, where you can find me creating and recreating through reading, art, music, hiking, biking, gardening and yoga.

Brenda Lynch- Teacher Assistant for 4-year-olds
I look forward to being back at school as a teacher assistant to the 4's.  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.
 
Rebekah Millroy- Teacher  for 4-year-olds, Teacher  for 3-year-olds, and Teacher Assistant for PreK
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! 

Susan Horwith- Teacher for PreK and Teacher Assistant for 3-year-olds
This will be my seventh year as the Pre-K Teacher, Teacher for the 4-year-olds for two years and first year as Teacher Assistant for 3-year-olds. I received my Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Education from the Pennsylvania State University, International Banking Diploma from the American Institute of Banking - NYC and Early Childhood Education Certification from Lehigh County Community College. After college, I spent 15 years working in Houston, TX and New York City as a Private Banker before returning to Pennsylvania with my husband and two daughters. During the past twenty-five years, I have taught all levels of Preschool, served as a Girl Scout Troop and Camp Leader, been very active in PTO roles and as both an equestrian and dance parent. I enjoy watching the enthusiasm of the children as they learn and to nurture their independence through art, science and play.​

Karen Speicher- Teacher Assistant for 4-year-olds
I reside in Whitehall with my husband, Bill. I have 2 grown married children and 2 wonderful and active grandsons, who call me "Gammy".  I'm the Director of Operations for a local financial institution for over 30 years, but I have had years of encouraging, nurturing, teaching life skills and just having fun as a Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader and a CYO volleyball coach to many children from 1st to 8th grade.  When my grandsons attended Neff's UCC Preschool Program, I volunteered for the years they were enrolled.  I loved every minute of my time with all the children whose lives I have touched and helped nourish.  .I'm always excited to share in your child's adventures in learning, expressing their creativity and friendship

​
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 adult children  and one furry, four-legged “child” who keep us quite busy. If you have any questions feel free to email preschool@unionucc.org or call 610-767-5327.  THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON OUR LEARNING ADVENTURE!