| Our Bios | What our parents say | |
 Sandy Pennington, Director. 16 years. | ||
 Ms Erin, PreK Lead Teacher. 14 years | I am a veteran teacher of 20 years (wow - hard for me to even believe!) and mother to our wonderful triplets: Sparrow, Dexter, and Lincoln, who are also attending FUMP. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary education from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. My husband, Michael, and I are both from Nashville, although this year will mark my 17th year living in Austin. Outside of teaching and being a mama, I love to travel (especially to my home-away-from-home Charleston), fashion, to sing in the choir, and to play piano. | I was so comforted at conferences knowing that Erin actually *knew* my child and had noticed specific areas of progress (and improvement still needed) that were very similar to what we had seen at home. Great observation of the individual children and I know she pushed my child to become more independent and try new things in a supportive way. |
 Ms Stacy, Older Threes, Lead Teacher. 19 years. | I joined the staff of FUMP in 1999, while attending the University of Texas. I quickly came to love the atmosphere, the students, and the families. The preschool years are such a fun time in a child's life and I love being a part of it. My very first class is now in college and I still keep in touch with them and their families. I am a native Austinite, and I love being on the trail or at any of the local parks. I love all things related to cooking, and am constantly trying to find healthier versions of my favorite foods. I am the oldest of four children, and I come from a family background of teachers and administrators. I live in South Austin with my fur children; a 7-year-old rescue Boxer named Patsy from Austin Boxer Rescue, and a reformed street cat named Millie. Millie makes friends with all the neighbors and loves to visit them. Just like any proud parent, I am happy to regal you of all of her adventures. My favorite book for parents or teachers is Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Becky Bailey, it discusses a guidance approach called Conscious Discipline. “When I say to a parent, “read to a child”, I don’t want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate.” –Mem Fox. On rough days I remind myself of this quote and try to be kind to myself and others: Don’t be so hard on yourself, the E.T. Mom had an alien in her house for several days and she didn’t even notice. Most of all, I love teaching and watching children learn new skills. Having a classroom that is fun, is challenging, and a nurturing place is extremely important to me. Thank you for sharing your most precious children with us at FUMP. | We love Stacy! We will sorely miss her next year. My two children were not particularly interested in art, and Stacy pushed them to do some painting, cutting, and drawing. As a result, I think both of them found art to be more enjoyable than they thought it would be. Stacy's always great about answering our concerns about our children. She let's us know if they are on target, needs a little work in a certain area, or if we just need to observe the behavior. It is always great to hear Stacy's stories about our child as well! Stacy is great! We couldn't be happier! |
 Ms Kathy, Twos, Lead Teacher. 5 years | Hello everyone! I’m so pleased to be back at FUMP this year, working and playing with 2 – 3 year olds. This is such an exciting age and I enjoy watching the many ways that children at this age grow and change. I’m married to Jim (39 years) and have two grown daughters, Katie and Sarah. I hope to have a grandchild one of these days; until then, I will get my hugs and smiles from your children. I love to swim, read, and travel. I’m also trying to learn to play the guitar, but I’m a long way from “open mike” night! | Amazing! Kathy is hands down one of the best teachers in early childhood. My kids had a perfect year with her that honestly is going to be hard to top. I cannot say enough about what a dedicated and talented teacher she is. |
 Ms. Janis, Threes, Lead Teacher. 6 years | I was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and grew up mostly in Texas. I moved to Austin in the 1980s to be closer to my sister, who is also the reason I entered Early Childhood Education. I started out by substituting for her when she took her summer vacations. Over the years, I’ve taught most age groups except infants (and including Freshman English at Texas Woman's University while I was pretending to go to graduate school). All in all, I've been working with young children since I graduated from high school and, after forays into retail and state government, returned to teaching in 2000. I previously taught at FUMP in the early '90's and returned in August 2013. My interests include reading, calligraphy, art and music. | |
 Ms. Adrian, Toddlers, Lead Teacher. 9 years | I am thrilled to be starting my ninth year here at FUMP! I was born in Florida but have lived in Austin since I was five years old, and am the oldest of six. To me, being able to create and maintain a safe and caring environment for each child is of the utmost importance. Helping to support them reach each milestone is rewarding and I am honored to be able to do what I do. Some hobbies of mine include reading, video games, table top games, and hiking. | |
 Ms. Katrina Infants, Lead Teacher. 4 years. | Hello. This will be my 4th year as a lead teacher at FUMP, however, I have worked with children for over 15 years. After spending time with children from infants through teens, I discovered right away that early childhood is where I am most passionate. The first 3 years of a child's life are crucial to their further development, and I want to ensure that they have a teacher that is calm, accepting, nurturing, and capable of meeting them where they are in their development, whether that means more challenging activities and lessons, or focused work on a specific skill. I believe that all children deserve respect and attention to their needs and desires. I believe that a child's behavior is a direct way of communicating their needs, and it is the teacher's job to understand and prepare for those needs. Strengthening a child's social and emotional development lays the groundwork for further development. Also, I believe that working with the parents of the children in my classroom is the most beneficial way to achieve positive outcomes. Parents are the most important and influential teachers in their child's life. Both of my children attend FUMP; a 4.5 year old boy, Emmett, and a 1.5 year old girl, Lola. It was difficult for me when deciding where I wanted to enroll my children in school and where I wanted to teach, and I felt comfortable at FUMP. I received my BA in Elementary Education with a focus in both Early Childhood Education and Language Arts. I was born and raised in the midwestern state, Michigan, but have called Austin my home for 10 years. I appreciate its diversity, uniqueness, and general acceptance of all people. I enjoy reading, writing, being outside, and spending my time with my family. It is my hope to one day continue my education in Early Childhood. | |
 Ms. Rosa, Young Twos, Lead Teacher. 11 years | This will be my eleventh year teaching at FUMP. I have had several positive experiences with younger children since childhood and throughout my studies, but nothing compares to the years I have spent here. I am a lucky mother to a second grader. When we aren't visiting our beloved family and friends, we enjoy spending our time cuddling at home watching TV or reading a good book. | |
| Our Teaching Assistants | ||
 Ms. Dee Dee, Threes, Teaching Assistant. 20 years | After being a lead teacher for 18 years, I'm starting my 20th year as a teaching assistant. My past studies have been in early childhood education. In 2006, I received a CDA. My passions are my grandchildren, teaching, gardening, and decorating. I consider it a privilege to be working at First United Methodist Preschool with your children. | |
 Ms Marla, PreK 2, Assistant Teacher. 19 years | I have been a part of the FUMP family since 1998, first as a parent of a two year old boy, then as a floater, and then as an assistant to a newly hired teacher from Nashville, Tennessee, Ms Erin! We have taught together for 10 years. In total, I have 20 years of experience teaching preschool. Prior to teaching, I worked many years in the business world. I'm a native Austinite, a UT alum, have been married 33 years to an east coast guy, who teaches at St. Edward's University. I now have a 22 year old son! I love being a teacher at FUMP, I enjoy cooking, antiques and reading (non-fiction). Currently, along with two siblings, I have the honor of caring for my father. I'm excited and looking forward to spend time with your children. | |
 Ms. Yosie, Assistant Teacher. 2 years. | Hello! I'm Yoseline Castillo, but you might know me as Ms. Yosie. I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Venezuela, in which I earned my BA in Early Childhood Education and an Associate degree in Accounting. I have been working with children for over 15 years and I absolutely love it! I believe God gave me this wonderful calling and it makes me happy to know I'm helping young children to learn important skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Outside teaching and taking care of children, I'm a flamenco dancer. Ole! I also enjoy core and yoga workouts, spending time with my love ones and cute cats (Brave and Noches), reading (beauty and fashion), and coloring. In general, I love to learn new things. Stop by, and say "Hola!" | |
 Mr. Daviss Teaching Assistant. 2 years. | Hello! It can be confusing having a last name for a first name. So for clarification, King is my last name and Daviss is my first name, but kids at FUMP & FUMC call me Mr. Daviss. I was born and lived in Dallas, Texas until I moved to Austin in 2003. I have a business degree from SMU and have worked in commercial real estate as a developer, manager, and owner/investor. I am a member of FUMC and spend a portion my spare time volunteering in the Church office. I discovered my love of and talent with children as volunteer Sunday school teacher and vacation bible school leader at FUMC and as a substitute teacher at FUMP. My two children, Gina (12) and Oscar (14), are beautiful Shetland Sheep Dogs (Shelties) who sleep next to me every night. | |
 Ms Mari, Two year olds, Assistant Teacher. 4 years | Hi. My name is Mari. This is my fourth year at FUMP and I am thrilled and excited to be back and able to support the lead teachers to educate children. I come from a family of 5 and I am the oldest. I have been living in Austin for 34 years. I am fluent in Spanish. I have been married for 17 years and have no children, however, I haven't lost my faith that one day we will have children. In my free time, I like to read, and listen to music. I'm looking forward to spending time with your child. | |
 Ms. Janie Toddlers, Assistant Teacher. 4 years | Hi. My name is Mari. This is my fourth year at FUMP and I am thrilled and excited to be back and able to support the lead teachers to educate children. I come from a family of 5 and I am the oldest. I have been living in Austin for 34 years. I am fluent in Spanish. I have been married for 17 years and have no children, however, I haven't lost my faith that one day we will have children. In my free time, I like to read, and listen to music. I'm looking forward to spending time with your child. | |
 Ms. Frances Young Twos Assistant Teacher. 3 year. | Bio Coming Soon! | |
 Ms. Gina, Office Assistant. 4 years. | I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful FUMP family. My role at the preschool is the FUMP Office Assistant. I spent several years as an assistant and had the privilege of substituting throughout the various classrooms and meeting all age groups. I am a native Texan and a graduate of North Texas State with a BA in Business and Marketing. My business career took me into business security and office management; but I have such joy being here at FUMP with the children. My husband (Brad) and I have two sons, two rescue dogs, and one spoiled cat. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, cooking, gardening, movies, board games and spending time with family. | |
 Bob McLucas, Stretch-N-Grow Instructor | Bob McLucas, Stretch-N-Grow Instructor Coach Bob has been teaching physical education classes with Stretch-N-Grow for 14 years. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa but grew up in Houston and is married with one son, 21. He enjoys encouraging kids to get moving and exercise and is always pleased with how much they remember about their time in his class. | |
 Lara Greene, Director of Children and Family Ministries | Lara fills the key role of liaison between First Church and FUMP. She is also the parent of two FUMP graduates. She directs and coordinates the FUMC Sunday School Program, Vacation Bible School, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Grounds and celebrations around the church calendar. |