Leadership Team

Our caring staff back

Elizabeth Brown - Director
I have been at Bethel since 2014. The warm feeling of family drew me in as a place I wanted my child to flourish and kept me as a part of it. Bethel provides a loving, uplifting, nurturing and safe place for our students to explore and grow.

When I am not at School I enjoy the outdoors, football and reading. My daughter Kiera attends Treasure Coast Classical Academy and my son Charlie South Fork High School. Our family is active in sports year round and as active members of the sports community I am sure to see you on the fields!

If you have any questions or concerns please stop by the office and see me, I'm always available for our Bethel Family.

our office manager

Kristin Woods- Office Manager

This is my second year here at Bethel. I started in a VPK class and then moved into the office. I enjoy planning special projects and sometimes go a little over the top with my ideas! One of the great things about Bethel is the close bond between staff, parents and children. Learning is presented in a way that is developmentally appropriate, fun, and will be remembered.

I am married and have two older boys. We moved to Florida in 2016 from Oklahoma.
I love watching football, boating, fishing, the beach and the warm weather!

Call the School Office if you have any questions about your child records, attendance or billing. 772-546-7506

Our Faculty

The 1 Year Old Team

Samantha Jenkins - Room 8 Lead Teacher

Hi my name is Samantha Jenkins I was born and raised here in Stuart along with my two siblings. I am married and we had our daughter in January ! I loved growing up in this small town I call home and was blessed with the most amazing parents who helped mold me into who I am today.

I have worked in child care for about 6 years and counting and joined Bethel preschool after I heard about how great is was to work here. I enjoy coming to work and helping my kids grow and learn while they’re with me. Also being able to work alongside such a great staff as well. Everyone helps each other out as a team which is great to be apart of. I welcome you to our Bethel family.

Lauren Rogers - Room 8 Assistant Teacher

Hello my name is Lauren Rogers. This will be my first full school year at Bethel Lutheran Preschool since moving to the Hobe Sound/Stuart area and I am so excited! My husband and I have 2 sons, Colin and Camden and we enjoy spending our time going on nature walks and exploring.

I absolutely love being a part of the Bethel family both as an assistant teacher and as a parent. My oldest son graduated from our VPK program this past spring and my youngest will be starting this fall. I love coming to work and watching the children learn and grow. Being a part of an amazing group of people who truly love working with children is such a blessing and I'm looking forward to the school year!

Michaela Woodward- Room 8 Assistant Teacher
Hello my name is Michaela Woodward, I am twenty one years old, and this will be my third year working here at bethel! I am actually a bethel graduate myself so I love that I get to be apart of the same school I began my education! I graduated from South Fork High School in 2017, and will be graduating with my associates degree in psychology this year from Indian River State College! I began babysitting at a young age and have always loved children so being apart of the bethel team is a perfect fit for me! I enjoy going to disney and the beach on my free time and spending time with my family. I am so excited for another school year and can’t wait to watch all your little ones grow!

The 2 Year Old Team

Mary Jo Montgomery - Room 3 Lead Teacher

This is my 3rd year at Bethel. My children both attended Bethel and I love the long standing reputation and tradition Bethel has in our community.

I moved to Florida almost 5 years ago after moving around the country with my husband who served over 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. I am a mother of 2 and enjoy family time, boating, and college football.

Brook Napier - Room 3 Assistant Teacher

Hello! I’m Brook Napier and I am a teachers assistant to Ms. Mary in the two year old room. I live here in Hobe Sound with my husband and two boys. We love going to the beach, having family movie nights, and spending time with our extended family. I have a passion for health and wellness and when I’m not at Bethel I spend my time helping people on their path to healthy lifestyles!

I love being with the two year olds because they are growing from babies to big kids. It’s such a fun experience seeing them grow and change. The staff here is so dedicated to all these little babes and their journey to becoming awesome little people. I’m glad to be part of it!

Jessica Roeber - Room 4 Lead Teacher

Hello! My name is Jessica Roeber, but most kids call me Ms. Jess. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I moved to South Florida in my mid 20's to pursue a degree in Interior Design. At the time I was volunteering at a local church for VBS. The director of the Church's preschool loved how engaging I was with the children and offered me a position as a 2 year old assistant. I fell in LOVE. From there I was a VPK assistant, a VPK lead, and a Curriculum Coordinator. I was married at 29 and at 32 moved to Hobe Sound and had my first little girl. I decided to become a stay at home Mom and had a second little girl 16 months after the first.
After 5 years of staying home I couldn't be more excited to be back with the kiddos. I feel like it is truly where God wants me to be and I'm so grateful to not only have my girls at Bethel, but to have the privilege to work here as well. Thank you for allowing me to teach your little ones. I promise to take great care of them.

Lisa Mallard - Room 4 Assistant Teacher

I moved to Florida from Wisconsin 35 years ago. I am married to my husband of 17 years and we have 2 children a girl who's 16 and a boy who's 14. They both graduated from Bethel and that is how I discovered this great place! I’ve been here for 12 years now. I have always loved being around and working with children, discovering new personalities and helping them learn and grow. I love being there for them when they need a helping hand.

My family loves boating, fishing and we are always busy with my daughters volleyball be it her high school team or her travel team. My son is in the Explorer program for Martin County Fire Rescue following in his father’s career path. I love being crafty, I love sewing, jewelry and making and trying new recipes.

I’d have to say I’m very lucky to be a part of Bethel for as long as I have and to be a part of this group of ladies that became my family not to mention these precious gifts from God we get to help everyday.

The 3 Year old team

Kristy Rose - Room 1 Lead Teacher

I am happily married and mother of two kids Logan & Macy. We are all born and raised right here in Stuart. My husband and I both graduated from South Fork High School where he teaches and coaches now. We love everything there is to do with football as it is always football season in our house. We enjoy family time at the playground and swimming at Nana's house.

I fell in love with Bethel when my son was in VPK. I really can't say enough wonderful things about this school and it's staff. They truly go above and beyond to make this a great learning experience. This is why I decided to get on board here. I am so blessed to have this opportunity with you and your child.

Mary Causey - Room 1 Assistant Teacher

Hello, My name is Mary Causey. I have been working at Bethel since I moved from Miami in 2010. I love working here seeing the children grow and learn.

Amanda Bateman - Room 2 Lead Teacher

I live locally here in Hobe Sound with my husband and son, Parker. Parker also attends Bethel where he thrives and loves playing with his friends. We love taking our weekends and free time outdoors to explore and learn. I attended FAU where I obtained a degree in communications. Communication is key for a positive learning environment.

I have been apart of the Bethel family for a year and I am so proud to be on the team. I truly enjoy working with kids and watching them grow and learn. I have a passion for enriching young minds through play and mindful experiences.

Lupe Romero - Room 2 Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Guadalupe Romero. I’m a student currently enrolled in FAU for Early Childhood Education, and I’ve always been drawn to the Education Field. Bethel has given me the experience of what it truly means to care for children. Bethel has shown me how to be a leader, and the children teach me something new everyday. In this upcoming year, I’m sure I’ll continue to grow and learn more each day as a student, as a leader, and as a person who’s always wanted to work in the Childhood Education

Our vpk team

Deborah Marcin - Room 5 Lead Teacher

I've lived in Florida all my life. I am a mom to my baby boy, David the 4th with my husband David. We enjoy going out on the boat and spending time with family.

I have my Associates in Elementary Education and have been working at Bethel for 5 years. I love working here because everyone treats you like family and all my greatest life moment have happened with the Bethel family by my side.

Skyler Nacarato - Room 5 Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Skyler Nacarato. I currently am studying psychology at Indian River State College to complete my education to become a children’s psychologist. When I’m not at Bethel or taking classes, I enjoy spending my free time at the beach or on the boat.

I’ve been an employee here since last Fall and absolutely love coming to work and seeing all our children and staff daily!

Renee McDonell - Room 6 Lead Teacher

I am a South Florida native and a FSU graduate . I live in Hobe Sound with my husband and our 3 children. My two boys are Bethel graduates and daughter is currently attending. We enjoy boating, being outdoors, and family game nights.

The Bethel staff has always been so nurturing and loving to my family, I knew it was something I wanted to be apart of. I started working here in 2019 and have found my passion being in the classroom and helping build a solid foundation for our little ones.

Alexandra Pfister - Room 6 Assistant Teacher

Hi my name is Alexandra Pfister! I was born in New York and later moved to Stuart, where I live now. Working with children has always been something I am passionate about and I’m so grateful to be a part of such an amazing team here at Bethel! During this upcoming school year, I look forward to helping the children grow and learn and help them prepare for kindergarten

Courtney Cenzer - Room 7 Lead Teacher

My name is Courtney Cenzer and I am one of the VPK teachers at Bethel Lutheran Preschool. I grew up in Wyoming and North Carolina before moving to Florida in high school. When not at Bethel, I enjoy spending time with my family including my two sons and husband. Our time together is usually spent on the boat or camping.

This will be my third year as part of the Bethel family and second year with the VPK team. I came to Bethel first as a parent as both of my boys are alumni. I chose the VPK program here for my kids because of the faith based curriculum my children received and the supportive staff that helped prepare my boys for elementary school. Being able to experience Bethel as both a parent and educator, my love of the school has grown. I love being a part of the transition from preschool to Kindergarten because of the growth and independence the children experience.

Christine Reeves - Room 7 Assistant Teacher

My name is Christine Reeves, I am Mrs Cenzer’s assistant in room 7. I grew up in Hobe Sound and love living here still! My family and I enjoy spending time on the boat, at the beach, and exploring the natural beauty that Florida has to offer.
Before working at Bethel Lutheran, my son attended the school. My daughter is currently enrolled in the 2 year old program. This school has been and remains a welcoming and kind environment. I am super proud to be a part of it.

Margaret Ridgway - VPK Floater / Substitute

Growing up in Ohio and living in several states throughout my career, my husband and I have settled here in Stuart
since 2004. We are fortunate to have four grandchildren here with our only son and his wife. My grandchildren are from six to eleven years old. All but one of them has had the wonderful experience of attending Bethel Lutheran Preschool.

Bethel Lutheran Preschool is a wonderful environment. It provides children a place to find encouragement, learning and guidance for developing their potential. I truly enjoy working with young children here and find it a very rewarding. The smaller classrooms allow us to engage with each child and provide personal attention to their needs.

I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your child and providing a positive learning experience, full of fun, and encouragement.

Characteristics of being a servant leader:

Listening:
A servant leader puts the emphasis upon listening effectively to others.

Empathy:
A servant leader needs to understand others' feelings and perspectives.

Healing:
A servant leader helps foster each person's emotional and spiritual health and wholeness.

Awareness:
A servant leader understands his or her own values and feelings, strengths and weaknesses.

Persuasion:
A servant leader influences others through their persuasiveness.

Conceptualization:
A servant leader needs to integrate present realities and future possibilities.

Foresight:
A servant leader needs to have a well developed sense of intuition about how the past, present, and future are connected.

Stewardship:
A servant leader is a steward who holds an organization's resources in trust for greater goods.

Commitment to the Growth of People:
A servant leader is responsible for serving the need of others.

Building Community:
A servant leader is to help create a sense of community among people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant_leadership