DIRECTOR

A Des Moines native who grew up attending Plymouth Church and living in the neighborhood, Emily earned a bachelor's in human development and family studies from Colorado State University and a master's in education from Loyola Marymount University. She taught in various early childhood classrooms in Colorado and California before moving back to raise her family here in Des Moines. She supervised student teachers at Drake University and taught education classes at Grand View University. In an effort to be back working with young children, she is thrilled to be working at Plymouth Nursery School with an incredible staff, wonderful families, and all the magic that the preschool age brings.

2’s TEACHERS

Angela has been at PNS for 18 years. She found PNS as a parent “looking for the best preschool and found it! I loved it so much I never left! I have worked with all ages here but two’s are my favorite. Watching with wonder as little ones come in as babies and walk out having learned independence, explored creativity, gained confidence and of course all the love two year olds bring to my day.”

Melissa is in her 2nd year as Playtime Plus assistant and has 6 years preschool teaching experience with lots more time spent volunteering with her own children. She enjoys teaching 2-3 year-olds “because they are full of curiosity.” Her favorite activities include reading books, art projects, playing outside and watching the class develop from parallel play to associative play.

Leah is our Wednesday and Thursday assistant and came to PNS as a parent. She has enjoyed helping in classrooms and sharing her artistic abilities, and we're thrilled to have her talents in the 2's this year!

Leslea is the Friday assistant and also has children who are PNS alumni! She has been working with preschoolers for 5 years and is thrilled to join PNS this year. She says she "enjoys working with the 2-year-olds because I get to nurture their creativity, exploration, and imagination in the classroom."

3’s TEACHERS

Nancy has been a lead teacher of the 3’s at PNS for her whole teaching career, 18 years! “Storytime has always been one of my favorite parts of the day- when we come together as a group to listen, learn and use our imaginations!”

Since Ellen earned her degree in early childhood and special education, she has spent 16 years working with children. She has been at PNS for 6 and says: “My favorite thing about working with three-year-olds is that every day is filled with new learning opportunities. I constantly get to see them learning and mastering a new skill. I get to cheer on their accomplishments and help them feel proud of the job they’re doing at preschool.”

Elizabeth taught Kindergarten and 1st grade ELL for 9 years and has been at PNS for 6. She “loves to help children build a strong love of learning at a young age through play and exploration in preschool. Watching a child experience something new for the first time or accomplish a new skill is truly magical to watch!”

Crystine has been at PNS for 7 years and worked with children for 14. She says her “favorite thing about PNS is Gingerbread and Christmas week! Seeing the excitement and magic of the holiday season through the eyes of preschoolers is so fun to watch. I also love all the amazing families I’ve met and connected with throughout the years.”

Amy is in her first year as an assistant at PNS but has been involved as a parent and board member for many years. She has experience leading Muddy Boots Forest School for the past 3 summers. She says "preschool is a magical time when the kids are constantly exploring and growing. It's so fun getting to work with them and witness all that they learn.

PRE-K TEACHERS

It’s Vicki’s 11th year teaching at Plymouth and she’s thrilled to be part of such a wonderful, committed group of educators!  She grew up in Urbandale, taught kinder and first grade for 12 years and stayed home with her 2 children, who also attended PNS, until joining the PNS team. She loves seeing the children take risks and be curious. “We can do hard things in Pre-K and it's a joy watching children's confidence in their ability to be independent,  grow and develop.”

Molly has been with PNS for 13 years and has been with preschoolers for her whole teaching career- 25 years! Molly says. “I love the philosophy, the staff, the families and the magic that Plymouth creates for the children. From watching young learners mastering a daily routine, encouraging connections and new friendships, to exploring, creating, playing and laughing- PNS is my happy place…and yes, I do have a little notebook of some of the funniest and sweetest things the children have said over the years.”

Denise has been with PNS for 19 years. She has also taught kinder, first grade and ESL in Chicago, Panama and Des Moines. “One of my favorite things about PNS is our wonderful location on the west side of Des Moines. Pre-K enjoys exploring the neighborhood- nature walks during all 4 seasons, treks to the closest mailbox to mail items, and walking field trips to the fire station, Playhouse, Art Center and pond. Experiential learning in a thriving neighborhood and learning about the world around us makes preschool special.”

It’s Kendra’s second year as am assistant and her love of working with children has spanned many years. “I have tremendously enjoyed my time in the PreK classroom. The children make me smile every day! It has been intriguing to learn about each child and their unique personalities. My favorite activity to do with them is baking, but singing is a very close second. We have a rockin’ good time in Ms. Denise’s class!”

Leslea is in her first year as pm assistant. She has children who are PNS alumni and she has worked with preschool aged children for 5 years. She loves "working with the preschoolers because I love their enthusiasm for learning and exploring new activities."