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 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. "

"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 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!"

"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."

"While searching for the right preschool for our two daughters, I discovered St. James Lutheran!  After watching them thrive in Preschool and now attending elementary school, I felt inspired to give back to the community that had given so much to our family. I became actively involved in church, attending mom’s groups and family gatherings and building lasting friendships and meaningful connections along the way.

As a stay-at-home, I have gained invaluable experience as both a parent and caretaker and also working as a children’s swim instructor.  With these skills, I am honored to use them in the Preschool setting as the Assistant in the Middle (AIM).

These experiences have shaped who I am today, and I am excited to bring my dedication, energy, and love for children into the classroom – supporting both the preschool and each little one in his/her learning journey.

When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find me at a local coffee shop, fishing the Long Island Sound or exploring the library with our girls.  My days are busy and my hands are full, but I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything!  These are the little joys that make life truly worth living!"

"I have been a member of St. James Lutheran Church for many years. During this time, I have taught Sunday school and confirmation for over a decade, and I have been involved in many of the ministries throughout the church. I am also joyfully devoted to serving as a worship leader during services.

Serving my church family for so many years prepared my heart for this wonderful opportunity. Being Part of a preschool setting is an incredibly wholesome experience where I get to plant seeds of joy and curiosity in young hearts and minds. Guiding these precious little ones, watching them learn, and helping to lay a foundation of love and kindness is a true blessing.

I received my Bachelor of Science degree from NYIT and went on to work at Brookhaven National Laboratory in both the Education Department and the Biology Department. I served as a laboratory technician and also as a teacher for the educational programs we ran at the laboratory. I also have experience working as a medical technologist in a doctor’s office.

After having my own three children and running businesses from my home, I was ready to return to work. This preschool is the perfect setting for what I love to do—teach children!

When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me at various sports fields cheering on my children or spending quality time with family and friends

"

"I am both grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the Saint James Lutheran Preschool. My family joined the church this past winter and it’s incredible how things
align when you find the right community. After filling in as a substitute this spring, it felt like kismet when a full-time position was offered to me!
Before moving to Long Island and starting a family, I was a 1st and 2nd grade teacher in
the NYC public schools for 12 years. It was a great experience, and I especially
enjoyed using the surrounding city as part of our classroom. We hopped on the subways frequently to visit different neighborhoods and take in the city. Teaching early childhood education is so rewarding in that I can help lay the foundation for lifelong learning.
In my free time you can find me with my husband John and our three daughters: Annalyn, Emma and Gianna. I love to cook, especially dinner when we can sit as a family and share about our day. I can’t wait for all the colorful stories I will have to share from working with your children! My absolute favorite thing is to spend time with our family at the beach in the summer. I will use the time this summer to think
about the exciting school year ahead. Stepping back into the classroom with my teaching and now parenting experience finds me with a unique perspective ready to teach, communicate and connect with your children.
"

"My journey with St. James Lutheran Preschool began in 2023, when my family and I moved to Nesconset from upstate New York, allowing my husband to transfer to SCPD. Hours away from friends and family, my husband and I were not just seeking a preschool but a community where our family could thrive. We enrolled my eldest daughter in the 3s program. After watching her and I flourish in such a caring environment, we knew we had found that community in STJLP.

In 2025, my youngest daughter joined the 3s program, and much to my delight I was asked to substitute when needed. Although my formal education is a Bachelor’s in Business from Marist College, my experience in the classroom has sparked a new passion and vocation for working with these young, beautiful minds. Coming into the classroom and being surrounded by a child's pure innocence and joy can make the worst day feel brand new again. I feel humbled and very lucky to be part of such a magical program.

Outside of the classroom, I stay busy with my two daughters, Ruth and Faye, attending soccer and dance practices. They like to help me bake their favorite banana bread and we are currently learning the art of baking sourdough. I also cherish spending quality time with my husband, Max. During the warmer months you can find us out East at our family beach bungalow, swimming in the sound and visiting all the farm stands. 

Thank you for allowing St. James Lutheran to be a part of your family and I look forward to building an amazing, beautiful community together!

"

"Saint James Lutheran Preschool holds a special place in my heart. Two of my children attended the program. The way they incorporate little touches of faith into learning made it a wonderful experience our family will never forget. I also joined a Mom’s group and have made many friendships over the years from the school and church community. My background in education includes a Master’s Degree in Health Education K-12. I have been a substitute teacher and a leave replacement in Middle and High Schools. My vocation is motherhood, my occupation is a teacher!
Preschool is such a joyous environment full of love and fun and I love how innocent and curious the children are. I’m so excited to help them learn and grow and hope to help make these preschool years memorable for the children and their families. Outside of the classroom I spend my time with my husband John and our four boys
Johnny, Hunter, Paul, Jack and our dog Pumpkin. As a family we enjoy being outdoors and going on vacation. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, crafting and watching my boys play baseball. My life with four boys is wild and crazy at times but I have so much more love to give to the children of Saint James Lutheran Preschool."

"I first had the privilege of walking through these red doors when my son began the 3’s Program in 2021. Since then, he has continued his educational journey, growing and advancing with each passing year. Yet, even as he has moved on, our family has never truly been able to walk away from this remarkable community.

Over the years, I have volunteered as a hugger for the preschool while continuing to support the PTA and events with my local district and I am excited to return in a more permanent role as a teaching assistant. Working with young children is something I truly enjoy. Watching them learn, grow, and discover the world around them and seeing it through their eyes is so fulfilling. Being a positive influence during these important early years is a responsibility I value deeply.

As a mother, I understand the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children feel secure, valued, and free to thrive. My own experience as a parent has deepened my appreciation for the unique personality, strengths, and potential that every child brings.

I'm also a huge advocate for imaginative play—in fact, I'm just a big kid at heart. I believe some of the most meaningful connections and learning happen through play, art, creativity, and shared experiences. It's never beneath me to let my inner 3-year-old shine. I'll happily be the patient guide, the one who wipes away tears, applies Band-Aids, offers encouragement, and models kindness, but I also have absolutely no problem pretending to be a dragon, a mermaid, or whatever adventure a child's imagination dreams up that day.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and appreciating the little things in life. I believe everyday moments are the ones that matter most. Laughter is my favorite thing. I am excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to building positive relationships with the children, families, and staff while helping each child feel valued, and encouraged to meet and be themselves.

This community has become such a meaningful part of my family's journey, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to make a positive difference in your child's and family's lives, just as St. James Lutheran Preschool has made such a lasting impact on ours."