Ms. Alyssa has worked at FBC Weekday Preschool for 7 years and has served as the director for 4 or those years. She has always had a passion for early childhood education! She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Winthrop University in 2011 and obtains a South Carolina teaching certificate. Ms. Alyssa and her husband of 11 years, have one daughter and a son on the way! In her spare time, she enjoys outings with her family, serving her church, and crafting.
Wendy Alexander
Ms. Wendy has been teaching at FBC Weekday Preschool for 9 years. She is married to Kevin, and they have two girls, Payton and Emery. She looks forward to having a lot of fun with her students and getting to know the families every year!
Aja Freeburn
Ms. Aja has been with FBC Weekday Preschool for 12 years now! She is a mom of 3 - Austin is 22, Reese is 17 and Sailor is 14. You will most likely find her at the barn if she’s not working. She has 2 dogs; a golden retriever named Bodie and a chocolate lab named Shiloh! She also has an OTTB named Prim which her daughter competes on. Her favorite season is winter because she loves hoodies! She loves meeting the new kiddos in her class each year and giving them lots of love!
Elizabeth Kastriches
Ms. Elizabeth was born in Charlotte and grew up in Stanly County and now lives in Monroe. She has been with her husband, Dennis, for 12 years and they have two kids, James 7, and Victoria 5; both of whom attended FBC. They also have two dogs, one Pitbull Zander, and a Dorkie (dachshund and yorkie) Lucy. Ms. Elizabeth has worked with children her entire life. Starting out by babysitting her sister and sister’s friends. She learned so much through working VBS, church nursery, Sunday school, and many other things. She became a career nanny and worked with 3 families for a long time each before their children started school. She worked at her home church preschool in Charlotte before moving to Union county and finding FBC. Ms. Elizabeth loves reading, coloring, doing puzzles and legos, and crocheting. She loves being in the kitchen with her kids to make homemade bread or desserts. Her and her family love going hiking and visiting all the State parks, vacationing at the beach and climbing mountains to see waterfalls. When they aren't outside, they love playing board games and having dance parties in the kitchen!
Courtney Outen
Ms. Courtney is so excited to be joining the FBC preschool team this year! She is 31 years old
and a Charlotte native! Her wonderful husband’s name is Shane and she is the proud mama of 2
beautiful babies, Olivia and Jameson. They have one fur baby, and his name is Rip! She is so
looking forward to this school year and all the fun times that are ahead!
Kristen Deese
Ms. Kristen is in her fifth year at FBC Weekday Preschool. She has a BA in History from Taylor University. A lifetime ago she spent a number of years teaching high school Social Studies and working with students at a Christian camp. Ms. Kristen and her husband, Sheppard, have been married for 19 years, and she has served in children's ministry at their church for most of that time. As a parent of three teenagers, she is quite happy to spend the day with other people's preschoolers. Ms. Kristen is so happy to have found her home at preschool and is both energized and exhausted after a day in the classroom. She enjoys reading, gardening, sewing, and watching her kids in their various activities.
Courtney Baker
Ms. Courtney was born and raised in Union county. She has been married for almost 8 years and they have 2 boys, Lawson (4) and Cannon (3). Their family enjoys working out together and playing soccer in the yard. She’s been at FBC for almost two years, and absolutely loves it. Her boys enjoy attending too!
Jennifer St Clair
Ms. Jennifer is new to FBC Weekday Preschool this year! She is a mom to three girls and has lived in Union County for most of her life. She is a licensed elementary teacher and excited to get back to what made her fall in love with education - preschool! Ms. Jennifer loves the beach, photography and being outdoors. She also loves music and is so excited to incorporate music into learning. She looks forward to getting to know her students and have a fantastic year together!
Michelle Flores
Ms. Michelle is new to FBC Weekday Preschool this year! She was born in NY (but is still a panthers fan). She and her husband are parents to 3 daughters. Ms. Michelle loves to travel and her favorite hobby is working out, especially with her 3 girls. She’s excited to have a lot of fun with her students!
Melanie Howell
Ms. Melanie joined the staff of FBC Weekday Preschool in 2010. She is a native of Monroe and attended Monroe City Schools and UNC -Chapel Hill. Although she came to teaching later in life, it quickly became a passion! She enjoys all aspects of it, planning and researching new ways to present information, interacting with students and their families, and of course, sharing the love of Christ! In her spare time Ms. Melanie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Norma Smith
Norma has been married to her husband, Steve, for 29 years. They have a 13 year old daughter, Lilyanna, and a 9 year old dog, Angel. Norma is new to Union County as Steve’s job recently relocated them from Augusta, GA. She has taught and assisted with preschoolers for over 10 years. She loves working with children, helping others, and serving her community. She is looking forward to establishing new relationships with the children and families at FBC Weekday Preschool!
Haley Auret
Norma has been married to her husband, Steve, for 29 years. They have a 13 year old daughter, Lilyanna, and a 9 year old dog, Angel. Norma is new to Union County as Steve’s job recently relocated them from Augusta, GA. She has taught and assisted with preschoolers for over 10 years. She loves working with children, helping others, and serving her community. She is looking forward to establishing new relationships with the children and families at FBC Weekday Preschool!
Laurie Brigman
Ms. Laurie is new to FBC Weekday Preschool this year! Her and her husband, Danny, have two children, Montana and Haley. They also have four beautiful grandchildren. She is a retired cosmetologist. Ms. Laurie and her husband love to go boating and all things water. One of her favorite hobbies is quilting and she loves being active in her church!
