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 Seawind Elementary 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 got married last November and we're expecting our first child next year! 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 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.

Debra Oldfield - Room 8 Assistant Teacher

Hello Bethel Families and welcome to Bethel Preschool. My name is Debbie Oldfield. I have been married for 33 years, have 3 grown children and my first grand baby on the way. After my children started school I worked 16 years for Martin School system at Pinewood Elementary as an ESE paraprofessional working with children with emotional and physical disabilities. I have always loved working with children and that love of children has brought me to Bethel Preschool.

Last year I was fortunate to work as a substitute with the most amazing, loving, and nurturing staff. These wonderful ladies go above and beyond to ensure your children learn in a loving safe environment. This year I am looking forward to working with my daughter Samantha with our littlest Bethel children and families.

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!

Renee McDonell - Room 4 Lead Teacher

I am a South Florida native and a FSU graduate . I now 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.

Lisa Mallard - Room 4 Assistant Teacher

I will be the teacher's assistant to Renee McDonell in Room 4 with the 2 year olds. 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

Sarah Lubinski - Room 1 Lead Teacher

Hi! My name is Sarah Lubinski, but the children know me as Ms. Sarah. First and foremost, I am the mother of 4 amazing kids (3 Bethel grads and 1 current Bethel student). I am also a proud law enforcement wife. My husband and I both grew up in Jupiter and came to Hobe Sound when we started our family in 2009. We are grateful to be in such a wonderful, family-oriented town! I graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's in Health Science Education and then received a bachelor's in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. I practiced in neonatal intensive care for 6 years and then outpatient surgery for 5 years before answering a calling to teach at Bethel.

Although nursing was my first passion and calling I come from a long line of educators. My mom works in Martin County as well in special education, so teaching has quickly come close to my heart. I have seen firsthand, as a Bethel mom, the lasting impact this school makes on children and I'm honored to now be teaching here. Being your child's teacher is one of the greatest honors and blessings I can have and I will always love, nurture, and respect them as I do my own. I am very passionate about the mission and philosophy at Bethel Lutheran and am grateful to be in a position to share God's love with our children.

Nancy Teise - Room 1 Assistant Teacher

My husband and I have been happily married for 30 years. Together we have 3 grown children, 2 sons and a daughter. We love entertaining, cruising, dancing, and spending quality time with our children and three adorable grandchildren.

In 2010 I retired as vice president of Comerica Bank after a thirty-three year career in banking. I realized after just six short weeks that retirement was not for me. After considering several options, I knew that whatever path I choose had to involve children. I was hired in 2012 by Bethel Lutheran Preschool and have loved every moment. The children bring so much joy into my life. Everything at Bethel is taught with love, understanding and patience. To me the real reward comes from a child who has had difficulty accomplishing a task. It is heart warming to hear an excited little voice say “Mrs. Teise I did it!” I always reward them with a big hug and let them know that I knew they could do it.

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.

Sophia Mendez - Room 5 Assistant Teacher

Hi! my name is Sophia Mendez, I am a graduate of Martin County High School and recently got my Associates in
Arts Degree at Indian River State College. I am currently taking classes to obtain my Nursing license, while taking classes I love to spend time with my family and go to Disney!

This will be my third year at Bethel and my first year as a teacher assistant. Being able to help your children grow gives me the upmost joy, I have always loved being around children and am so excited for this school year!

Jenelle Weston - Room 6 Lead Teacher

Hello my name is Jenelle Weston. This is my second year working at Bethel Lutheran. I am married and have two growing boys. My oldest son Conner is going into tenth grade and my youngest son Colton is entering fourth grade. Both my children are active with travel basketball and I am their biggest fan. I love boating and working out.

I love working at Bethel Lutheran. We have a wonderful group of ladies that enjoy teaching and caring for your children. Also, seeing the children thrive and mature throughout the year is a blessing to see.

Mary Causey - Room 6 Assistant Teacher

Hello, My name is Mary Causey I work together with Mrs Weston who happens to be my daughter, this will be our second year together

I been working at Bethel since I moved from Miami in 2010. I love working here seeing the children grow and learn.

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.

Kristy Rose - Room 7 Assistant 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 last year 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.

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