Marliss Laughridge

Position: Preschool Founder

Favorite Bible Verse: May God the source of hope, fill me with all joy and peace through my faith in Him. Then I will overflow with hope from the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

My life verse: “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (These words have had a profound impact on my life. As I look at the years that are behind me, I see the plans that have been fulfilled. There were times He gave meanswers before I even uttered the prayer. Many of those plans, however, became a reality when I did seek Him and the answers were not always what I thought they should be. I will continue to seek Him with all of my heart as He faithfully lays out the plan for the rest of my life.)

Ministry Passion: To give God glory and to make His name known through word and deed.

What is special about being at Lord of Life?: It is such a privilege to help children become familiar with Jesus as their Savior and Friend, and grow in their faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Giftedness: Encourager, mercy, helps, teacher, administrator

Toni Anderson

Position: Preschool Director

Email: preschool@lolchurch.net
Phone: (630) 513-5325

Years of Service: 5th

Favorite Bible Verse: Acts 16:31-34 “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and all who were in his house….. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.”

Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool: I love to see a child’s eyes light up when they do something they are incredibly proud of. When a child zips his/her coat for the first time independently, it is so much fun to watch. When children write their names, or reach the faucet, or hang their paintings all by themselves I think that it is such a privilege that I get to share these moments with them. I especially love it when I’m telling a bible story and the children already know it. That means they are hearing it at home or at church too. It is so important for their spiritual growth and their relationship with Jesus that the bible is reinforced at home. I also love to see the development of friendships between the children as well as their parents. These are important social skills they will use throughout their lives.

Kandy Herra

Position: Preschool Teacher- 4 year olds and Pre-K

Years of Service: 17th

Favorite Bible Verse: My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life preschool:  Lord of Life Preschool is a wonderful blend of play-based and academic-based learning with a strong biblical teaching. It is a joy to watch the children grow physically, academically, and spiritually. I am blessed to be a part of their spiritual journey.

Christine Karolewicz

Position: Preschool Teacher- 3/4 year olds

Years of Service: 20th year

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Life Verse:  Philippians 4:6-7  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”

Ministry Passion: 

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool: The opportunity to speak to children at such a young age about the Lord! 

Justine Pitstick

Position: Preschool Teacher- 3-5 year olds

Years of Service: 4th year

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes?….Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool:  I truly enjoy helping others and always learning new things.  I love using teachable moments to guide children in learning.  

Stacia Bowman

Position: Preschool Teacher- Pre-K 4/5’s p.m.

Years of Service: 3rd year

Favorite Bible Verse: “The mountain and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep my promise of peace.” So says the Lord who love you. Isaiah 54:10 GNT

Life Verse: Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8

Ministry Passion: I am sharing Jesus’ eternal love with the children at school through prayer and devotions.

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool:  Lord of Life Preschool has an excellent staff. Being part of this team gives me joy. More importantly, the children I teach are a blessing to me as I see them learn new skills, love the Lord, and grow socially and emotionally. 

Giftedness: My positive attitude, singing, working with children, love of learning, and patience are who God made me to be. Thank you, God!

Emily Knapp

Position: Teacher/Assistant 3/4 year olds – Sub

Years of Service: 3rd

Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”

My Life Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool: Watching and helping children learn. Also knowing how much my kids love attending this preschool.

Giftedness: Compassion and patience working with children.

Deanne Curcio

Position: Teacher Assistant 3-5 year olds

Years of Service: 5th

My background is in healthcare, having worked as a medical assistant in both cardiology and pediatrics or 10+ years prior to having my daughter. Currently I volunteer in the church nursery and this is my 2nd year as an AWANA leader for 3-4 year olds. I live with my husband, daughter, 2 dogs, and 2 cats in Elburn.

Favorite Bible Verse: My favorite Bible verses are: Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool: I love getting to see the light in a young child’s eyes when they learn a new skill or make a discovery. I love the fact that Lord of Life Preschool allows me the opportunity to show my passion or Christ with the most precious among us.  It is such a loving, supportive, positive environment for both the children and staff.

Jan Berg

Position: Teacher Assistant 3 year old’s

Years of Service: 13th

Favorite Bible Verse: Zephaniah 3:17  “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exalt over you with loud singing.”

 Life Verse:  John 13:35  “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Ministry Passion: Learning and growing my faith by serving and caring for one another.

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool:  I’ve been a part of the Lord of Life Church family for over 30 years. To be serving in the preschool and part of its staff is another opportunity to be surrounded by wonderful fellowship and encouragement and like-mindedness of our love for Jesus.

Giftedness: Serving and Helping

Donna Arreola

Position: Teacher Assistant 3-5 year olds

Years of Service: 4th

Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

1Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Ministry Passion: Passion for God.

What do you enjoy about serving at Lord of Life Preschool: I enjoy the opportunity each day I work to be able to share Jesus with such tender aged children. One of my spiritual gifts is helping so I feel blessed to be able to help the teacher as well as our students! It is truly amazing to watch all the accomplishments of my class. I have personally witnessed our kids encouraging one another with their words and sharing. I am truly blessed to be able to serve our teachers and students as Christ would serve!

Giftedness: Compassion for people and a passion to help where needed.