Our Staff

Our warm and caring teachers promote a culture of kindness, respect, and joy of school. They set a tone of exploration and encouragement for the children, while offering a wide variety of opportunities for students' growth and development.

Sheila Jakubik, Director

Sheila joined the Bethany Preschool staff in the fall of 2008 as the director. She worked for many years as the office manager of a small architecture firm and then went back to school to earn a Master in Teaching. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and has taught at all grade levels. Sheila took a break from teaching full time when her children were born and now that they are in school, she is excited about bringing together her management and education experience in a place she loves. Bethany's play-based approach gives students great opportunities to learn and prepare for kindergarten in an authentic setting that is fun. Sheila loves working with preschool families and believes all children should have the opportunity to attend preschool.

• 10 Years Teaching Experience
• Masters in Teaching, Certified in Special Education and English
• Bachelor of Arts English Literature
• CPR & First Aid Certified

Kelly Warga, Lead Teacher, Grasshopper (Three-Day) Class

Kelly joins the Bethany staff this year bringing a wealth of experience with her. Kelly has taught kindergarten for three years, Preschool Arts and Crafts classes for the Bainbridge Island Parks District, and was a preschool substitute teacher and parent teacher for a cooperative preschool. Kelly has three children, a high school student, a middle school student, and an elementary school student. Her youngest attended Bethany. She is excited about providing a fun and creative environment that prepares students for kindergarten.

• 9 Years Teaching Experience
• Certified Elementary Education K-8, Health 4-12
• Bachelor of Arts General Science
• CPR & First Aid Certified

Valerie Johnson, Lead Teacher, Firefly (Two-Day) Class

Originally from France, Valerie started teaching in a French-language preschool in Virginia. She has always been interested in Early Childhood Education and is constantly amazed to see the capacity for learning that young children have. Valerie stayed home for a few years raising two bilingual daughters and then joined the Bethany teaching staff in the fall of 2009. Her younger daughter attended Bethany Lutheran Preschool, and Valerie has served as Secretary of the Preschool Board, Substitute Teacher and Lead Teacher of the Firefly class. Valerie brings a sense of joy to the classroom and uses her gifts of storytelling, puppets and song to engage the children.

• 6 Years Teaching Experience
• Bachelor of Arts in French and Sociology
• CPR & First Aid Certified

Rachel Running, Assistant Teacher, Grasshopper (Three-Day) Class

When an opening occurred mid year in 2006, Rachel was thrilled to join the Bethany staff. She worked as a pediatric nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Washington's Hospital. Rachel has three daughters, one who is at college. Rachel is drawn to children and child development, but preschoolers are her favorite age. Rachel is gifted at making every preschooler feel cared about and important while fostering their growth toward independence.

• 5½ Years Teaching Experience
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• CPR & First Aid Certified

Selina Johnson, Assistant Teacher, Firefly (Two-Day) Class

Selina joined the preschool staff in 2004 as an assistant teacher. She brought a wealth of experience since she had been involved in a cooperative preschool for seven years as a parent, taking on the job of risk manager and serving as a board member. Selina lived in Alaska for 11 years working as a store manager for a seafood company. She, her husband and two children, still go to Alaska every summer! Selina loves helping young children to be independent, self-assured and capable to work and play with others with kindness and respect. Selina brings a positive energy to the classroom that is infectious.

• 7 Years Teaching Experience
• Associate of Arts in Business Administration
• CPR & First Aid Certified

Preschool Board

Andrea Shupe Wilson, Chair
Sheila Jakubik, Director
Ally Siglin, Secretary and Parent Representative
Emily Tanis-Likkel, Parent Representative
Melanie Olson, Congregation Representative
Barbara Mills, Congregation Representative
Valerie Johnson, Preschool Staff Representative
Pastor Paul Stumme-Diers

Staff photos by Katie Brase Photography