Our Staff

Our staff is a talented and dedicated group of teachers. They either have a degree in Early Childhood Education, extensive experience working with children, or they are pursuing a degree in Elementary Education or Administration. They have been chosen for their education, experience, character and ability to relate well to young children.

		Erin Gray is the Director of The Preschool at Red Mountain United Methodist Church. She was born in northern California, but grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She has been married for 25 years to her husband Tom. They have two grown children, Lindsay and Zachary. Erin has been involved with preschoolers for the past 15 years. Her career began in Missouri, when she started working with special needs preschoolers, which she did for 1 ½ years. She then helped start and direct a program for the YMCA and Cornerstone United Methodist Church. She took that program from 5 children to 100 children in 3 years. Her family then moved to Georgia. Erin began working at her church preschool where she was the Lead Teacher for the Pre-K program, as well as the Music teacher for the school. Her family returned to Arizona in 2000 to be near both of their families. Erin worked at St. Timothy's Preschool in Mesa for one year, before going to Dayspring Preschool and Kindergarten in Tempe, Arizona. She spent the past 5 years at Dayspring, first as a teacher and then as the Co-Director of the school, as well as pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Administration. However, she was looking for a change. She was anxious to get back to a small, Christian school that she could nurture and help grow. Erin feels strongly that God has brought her to The Preschool at Red Mountain United Methodist Church for that reason. "I feel blessed to be a part of The Preschool family at Red Mountain United Methodist Church."
		Theresa Schuldt grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has a son and daughter who are both grown. She worked as a hospital medical clerk in a doctor's office for twelve years before starting a family. When Theresa's daughter began preschool, she became an assistant preschool teacher. She loved working for Calvary United Methodist Church in Indiana. She and her family moved to Arizona in 2000 where Theresa worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security for a few years before returning to teaching. Theresa worked at a Christian preschool in the East Valley before coming to Red Mountain United Methodist Church. She says she enjoys teaching at the preschool level, which she has done for nearly 10 years. She enjoys playing and learning along side the children on a day to day basis. Theresa is the Lead Teacher in the M-W-F four and five year old program, as well as the Co-Teacher for the Tuesday/Thursday three's program.
		Margi Woodyard is originally from the Pacific Northwest. She grew up in Salem, Oregon and then lived and worked in Portland, Oregon for a while after earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound. She has been married for 15 years and has two children. After her first child was born she decided her concentration should be to her family and so she left her job in Marketing to be a "stay-at-home" mom. Margi and her family have lived in Mesa for eleven years. Margi has been an active volunteer in her children's schools and has taught Sunday school at RMUMC as well as served as a Vacation Bible School leader. The thing that Margi most enjoys about working with children is their curiosity and eagerness to learn about the world around them. She is excited about helping provide a positive foundation for children at The Preschool to learn and grow.
		Manela Peterson joined The Preschool at Red Mountain United Methodist Church in January 2008, and is currently a Lead Teacher. She has 25 years experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children. Her preschool experience began at Little Learners Preschool in Belleview, Washington. She then worked for Central Christian Preschool, Children's World ,and Mesa Public Schools, as a second grade Instructional Assistant.Most recently she worked as an Administrative Assistant for Lifestyle Magazine, but truly missed interacting with children. Manela recieved her Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Mesa Community College and is working towards her Associates Degree. She is married to Greg and has two grown children and a granddaughter. "I enjoy being a part of nurturing and educating these wonderful little beings, and I love watching curiosity and creativity turn into knowledge!"