About Us

"My wife, Carol, and I welcome you to St. James Lutheran Church and Preschool! My wife and I are a ministry team – I'm the Pastor and Carol is the Director of Young Family Ministry since 2010. It's a blessing to have such a strong and vibrant preschool right here in our midst!

Married for 34 years and parents of three-20 somethings, we understand parenting and the challenges families have in today's world – we are here right along side of you! As Pastor, I've got a special fondness and heart for kids and I love coming into the classroom to sing funny songs accompanied with my guitar, as well as tell them stories from the Bible. Encouraging faith in God, even at this young age, is so important. I received my Masters of Divinity degree in my hometown of Toronto in 1989.

Carol, a gifted storyteller, leads the children's church openings each Sunday at the 10 am service. She also coordinates both the church's Children's Christmas Pageant and Easter play. She can also be found preparing couples for marriage and parents for their children's baptisms. Carol grew up in a village in England, the granddaughter of a Methodist lay preacher, and at 12 years young, she began teaching Sunday School and serving in her church. During her teen years, she spent summers on mission teams reaching out to holiday makers with songs, games and skits.

When we're not "in church", we enjoy spending time with each other biking, sailing on the LI Sound, hiking, and enjoying the friendship of our parishioners. We also love to visit our children who all live in Brooklyn.

Once again, welcome to St. James Lutheran Church – if you don't yet have a church home, we invite you to attend our family-friendly 10 am Sunday services and Sunday School (for children beginning at 3 years of age). And if you are ever in need of spiritual assistance, guidance or advice, please reach out to us anytime. God's Blessings to you and your family!"

"Greetings! I am so glad you're taking a moment to read about us! 

Emmi, Adalena, Arthur, and I joined St. James Lutheran in July 2024. This was my first call as a Pastor, and I was so excited to work alongside all these awesome people. I heard incredible things about the ministry here, and all of it was well deserved praise!

I grew up in the state of Indiana. I went to college at Concordia Ann Arbor, in Ann Arbor MI, and then studied at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis Missouri. Emmi, my wife, is from Brooklyn! We met at Concordia Ann Arbor and were married in 2019. She majored in English and was a middle/high school English teacher. 

Part of my call to St. James involved forming a new youth ministry. As I formed our youth ministry (we're called Teens of Faith), I was really struck by Psalm 78. It talks about how we should teach the children the stories of Jesus so that they put their hope and faith in Jesus alone. How incredible that we can start that process with our pre-school! We love working alongside parents to teach them how to talk about Jesus too! 

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, camping, disc golfing, and fishing. Also, being from Indiana, I am a huge Indianapolis Colts fan, so if we beat you, I will let you know!

God's blessings to you!"

"As the Preschool’s Business Administrator, I now get to enjoy working where my two young daughters attended their first preschool experiences – they both loved their first experiences here at St. James Lutheran!    After graduating from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Hospitality Management I moved to Manhattan where I began my path towards a career as an Executive Assistant in Finance. When our first daughter was born, I became a stay-at-home mother. Our family decided to move to Saint James in December of 2020 where we had our second daughter.  I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach and traveling. I like to play pickleball and golf in my free time."

"I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.  It was some of my own elementary school teachers who inspired me.  As a result, I attended Hofstra University and earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Reading and Special Education.  Prior to having my three children, I was an elementary school teacher in the Hauppauge School District.  Once my children were born, I made the decision to stay home and raise them.  I have enjoyed being part of their education through active involvement in the PTA at their schools, being a class parent and a cub scout leader.

Now that my boys are older, I have returned to the teaching field.  I was so excited to be recruited to work here at St. James Lutheran, first as an assistant in the 3-year-old class and now as a lead teacher in Tiny Tots.  One special thing that I love about working with preschool-aged children is that they are “sponges”, and you can see them learn and grow from day to day.  They are always surprising me with what they say and do.  I also love that simple things still “wow” them, and they can find a multitude of ways to entertain themselves.

I am a long-time St. James Lutheran Church member, having received my first communion and confirmation here.   My husband and I were married here in 2001, and we continue to raise our three children in faith through the Sunday School and Confirmation programs.

When I am not building with blocks and magnet tiles with the children in preschool, I love reading and spending time with my family.  You will always find me on a soccer field, basketball court or tennis courts rooting for my boys."

"I am so grateful to be part of the team that helps shape our little ones into wonderful, knowledgeable, loving humans. I fell in love with St. James Lutheran Preschool during the years my son Alexander attended the Tiny Tots, Three Year Old and Pre-K programs.  Many of the children and their families who attended St. James Lutheran  with our son are still our close friends today! In the classroom, I enjoy the many and varied class activities that we do with the children and often, I find myself recalling the pride my son expressed when he created similar master pieces. 

My education includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Dowling College and a Master's in Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook and I am a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker.  When I am not in the preschool classroom, I spend as much time as I can with my husband Chris, Alexander and our extended family. I am a volunteer coach for our son’s baseball team, am Class Mom at his elementary school, and religion teacher. We enjoy traveling with friends and plan as many family social events as possible.  We love growing our "tribe" through love and shared experiences.

I hope your child and family will have as wonderful an experience at St. James Lutheran Preschool as Alexander and our family has had. God Bless."

"I joined the SJLP family in 2021 when my twins, now kindergarteners, began in the 3’s class. My youngest son is now in Tiny Tots with Mrs. Fennell and I was delighted to be asked to be the Teaching Assistant for Mrs. Geary in her Tiny Tots class. 

 Prior to becoming a mom, I spent most of my career working in higher education. I graduated with a BA in History and English Literature from Adelphi University and also completed my MA there as well in Psychology.

I knew that I loved 2s but I never imagined how much I would truly enjoy an entire class of this age. To me, they are at a perfect point of transitioning from babies to little humans who are ready to learn and interact. Seeing them notice each other and engage in new experiences, like when we make art or when they learn the movements to the songs we sing, these are the most fun moments for me. 

Having three young children means that my husband and I rarely get much free time, but when we do, we love day trips out to the North Fork or tackling a home project. I also love to knit and do embroidery. Otherwise we try to spend our free time as a family soaking up the moments; mostly happy, usually chaotic, but always worthwhile!"

"Hi! I am SO excited to be a part of the St. James Lutheran Preschool family as a Tiny Tot lead teacher! STJLP has been a very special place to my family since 2021 when our oldest daughter, Saoirse, was enrolled in the 3’s program. It was the most magical and wholesome first steps into getting our little one ready for school, and I am so honored to be a part of the magic for our new students! 

Along with working for STJLP, I have an extensive background in musical theater and theater education, having graduated from SUNY Stonybrook with a BA in Theatre.  I’ve taught and directed children and teens throughout Long Island since 2010.  I am co-founder of Drama With Your Mama, a caregiver-and-me theater class which tours libraries in both Suffolk and Nassau Counties. I can’t wait to share my creativity and theatrical passion in the classroom with your little one! 

When I’m not teaching, you can find me hanging out with my two favorite littles- Saoirse and Sullivan. "

"Having earned my CDA in early childhood development, I have been working at the preschool since 1995. For the past 10 years I have had the privilege of sitting in view of both of the classrooms preparing crafts and assisting the teachers when needed. This has given me the opportunity of watching the amazing growth each day of hundreds of children from 3 to 4 years old!

Ssshhh….don't tell the children, but I am also 'Lollipop' the lamb puppet. As the preschool's very popular mascot, Lollipop teaches the children about love, patience, empathy, and about God and Jesus. Lollipop is asked lots of interesting questions, but the most frequent one over the years is, 'Where do you live?' and Lollipop's answer is, 'On the farm, of course!'.

Each child has been unique in his/her own way – each filling a special place in my heart over the years. One of the best parts of working here is having an alumnus (high schooler, college student or parent) visit and recall fond preschool days! What a joy!

I am long-time resident of St. James and a member of the church. When I'm not preparing a new script for Lollipop, I enjoy family get-togethers with my husband and our two daughters (both preschool alumni) and their families, including two grandsons (both alumni) and one baby granddaughter."

"St. James Lutheran Preschool has been my "chosen" place of work since 2000. With my Associate's Degree from Suffolk County Community College I enjoy both this career with our preschoolers and as a substitute in the After Care Programs in Smithtown.

I was married here in the church in 1990 and, together with my husband, we raised our now young adult son in the preschool, Sunday School and confirmation programs. I continue to teach Sunday School to Kindergartners.

In the classroom, I feel so rewarded (warm inside) when a child tells me 'I love you' because it is then that I know I am reassuring her comfort. And sometimes I act silly when a child is scared or upset – it so often helps to lighten his/her burdens. What a pleasure it is to watch each child grow both physically and emotionally through the year! When I'm not on the carpet assisting the children with a floor puzzle, I enjoy yoga, gardening, and downhill skiing."

"I absolutely love working with the children at St. James Lutheran Preschool. I love saying hello in the morning when they arrive and receiving their welcoming smiles and hugs. Some of my favorite things to do with the kids is sing with them all the songs they are learning because I see how fast they learn and with each week!  I also love reading to them during free play and dancing to the “Peanut Butter and Jelly” song!  Seeing their little faces light up with smiles makes me happy! It’s so amazing to me how much they learn and mature throughout the year. 

In 1996 I earned my Associate Degree in Hospitality Management at SUNY Delhi and then became a travel agent. After having my son, I became a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed volunteer work at Mills Pond Elementary for several years where I had the pleasure of getting to know many students and my son’s teachers. I really loved being in the school helping the children and getting to know all my sons teachers.  Through a great friend and fellow teacher at the Preschool, I began teaching in 2022.

When I’m not teaching, I am with my husband Andrew and teenage son Andrew living right here in St James.  We are long-time members of St James Lutheran Church and we also love to cheer on the New York Jets, take trips upstate to the lake and snowmobile there. I also enjoy reading, traveling to new places, and being with family and friends."

"I have worked with children for many years, but this is my first at St. James Lutheran Preschool and I couldn’t be happier. Seeing those little smiling faces brings me so much joy and playing with them and doing crafts is an absolute blast!  Being a part of their educational journey is such an amazing honor.  I have two kids of my own (my youngest is an alum). When I’m not at preschool I enjoy spending time with them and my husband. Most of my free time is spent at sports and activities."

"I came to work at St. James Lutheran Preschool through the volunteer Hugging Program and am a Tiny Tots Teachers Assistant.  I have a business administration degree and worked in the business field for many years.  The transition to working in early childhood education was a smooth one for me since I have been a consistent presence in church nurseries since I was young and have experience teaching as an ESL tutor. I am glad to be a part of the preschool where the children acquire new skills and are so proud of their accomplishments. Working with children at this age, I observe their joy as they develop a sense of community with their new friends. My husband and I have two adult daughters, one son-in-law, one grandson, and one cat. We are avid walkers at the various parks on Long Island and like to explore new places to photograph. I also enjoy arts and crafts. I’m excited to be working with our Tiny Tot children!"

"Since 1992 I have had the privilege of working with pre-school aged children. My college studies are in Early Childhood education. I come from a family of educators with my father being a retired principal, my grandmother a kindergarten teacher, and my aunt a history teacher. It’s in my DNA!   Fun fact:  I attended STJLP in 1974 as a little preschooler and then my daughter did as well in 2000. For over 50 years, my family has had fond memories of this beautiful preschool – a place that is always warm and inviting and a true blessing to the community. I feel so fortunate to be teaching at St. James Lutheran where I also attend church.

Family time is extremely important, and I enjoy watching/attending Yankee games with my dad and the rest of my family. I am a lucky mom of three:  My eldest, Justin, lives in San Diego with his wife Maria and my precious grandson Teddy; my middle child Alyssa, is also in education as a Behavior Analyst, and my “baby”, Mikayla, is college-age and a certified lifeguard. I enjoy gardening, crafting, and reading and my favorite items to craft are “wreaths” – they allow me to be so creative! "

"As my engineering career of 30+ years winds down, I am excited to do something totally different and rewarding in the form of joining the staff at St. James Lutheran Preschool as an Assistant Teacher!  I have always loved working with children and was a dance teacher of all ages for many years, so when this opportunity to assist with the Tiny Tots arose, I knew it was the path I should take. I hope to help these little ones’ first separation experience be a positive and loving one. I am looking forward to all the hugs and laughter (and some tears I’m sure as well). I have been a member of St. James Lutheran Church since 2013 and enjoy being active in the church’s music ministry. In my downtime, I love to take walks, read, garden, travel with my husband and young adult daughter, and spend time as a family."