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Preschool Staff
Kathy Petrill, Preschool Director
Welcome to everyone here at Hope Community Preschool! My name is Kathy Petrill and I am the Director for our preschool. ☺ I look forward to developing lasting relationships that benefit the church and the education of our children.
I am a graduate of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. My bachelor's degree is in Early Childhood Education and my master's degree is as a Reading Specialist. I was a public school teacher in Frederick and Washington counties for 16 years. Before coming to HOPE, I was a preschool teacher for a local church in Hagerstown.
I reside in Hagerstown with my 2 daughters, Addy, and Claire. I love spending time with my family, gardening and going to the beach.
I love meeting all of the Hope Community Preschool families and enjoying our wonderful year together!
I am a graduate of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. My bachelor's degree is in Early Childhood Education and my master's degree is as a Reading Specialist. I was a public school teacher in Frederick and Washington counties for 16 years. Before coming to HOPE, I was a preschool teacher for a local church in Hagerstown.
I reside in Hagerstown with my 2 daughters, Addy, and Claire. I love spending time with my family, gardening and going to the beach.
I love meeting all of the Hope Community Preschool families and enjoying our wonderful year together!
Alison Humphrey
I am so excited to return to Hope Community Preschool this year as an assistant to Mrs. Scholtes in the Thu/Fri AM 2’s class. I grew up on Long Island and moved to Maryland for college where I met my husband, Todd. I have a degree in Biology from Salisbury University. We moved to the Ballenger Creek area of Frederick 20 years ago and have three older children. We are members of Mount Carmel UMC where I work in the Nursery during Sunday services. I love sharing in your children’s lives by being a part of the Hope Community Preschool Family!
Ann Bouwman-Jackson
Hello. My name is Anne Bouwman-Jackson. I was born and raised in Michigan. I am an only child to two wonderful parents who still reside there. After graduating high school, I moved to northern California to attend a small private college. After spending two years in California I moved to Florida and continued schooling at the University of South Florida. My background is in Criminal Justice and Education. I was part of the Administration team for the Safety/Security Department at a hospital for several years. I then took on the most important job in my life as becoming a full-time mommy. When my son was in his last year of preschool, I was offered the opportunity to step into the classroom. I had the privilege of teaching in the one and two-year-old classroom for some time. I then went back to being a full-time mommy because I was blessed with another child.
We moved to Maryland five years ago when my husband’s company transferred him. We reside in New Market now. I am mom to two wonderful children and wife to a very loving and supportive husband, Jason. Our son Conner is 15, and daughter Emalie is 9. My son is a very active baseball player and our daughter is an active dancer. Our time is split between traveling to baseball practices, game and tournaments, dance rehearsals and competitions. It’s a lot of work but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We also have a rambunctious two-year-old Chocolate Lab. She loves playing ball in the backyard and going on long walks.
We enjoy traveling. During the summer we travel to Florida and Michigan quite frequently. In the winter we love skiing, sledding and tubing. When I have free time, I enjoy relaxing by doing crafts.
We moved to Maryland five years ago when my husband’s company transferred him. We reside in New Market now. I am mom to two wonderful children and wife to a very loving and supportive husband, Jason. Our son Conner is 15, and daughter Emalie is 9. My son is a very active baseball player and our daughter is an active dancer. Our time is split between traveling to baseball practices, game and tournaments, dance rehearsals and competitions. It’s a lot of work but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We also have a rambunctious two-year-old Chocolate Lab. She loves playing ball in the backyard and going on long walks.
We enjoy traveling. During the summer we travel to Florida and Michigan quite frequently. In the winter we love skiing, sledding and tubing. When I have free time, I enjoy relaxing by doing crafts.
Deb Nylec
Professionally, I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Education. I taught 5th and 3rd grades in Montgomery County, MD for 5 years. I also taught preschool in Frederick County for a total of 3 ½ years. have also run my own photography business since 2002 and primarily work with high school seniors and families.
After college, I married my high school sweetheart Mark. We have two amazing children. Our son Tommy and his wife Kelsey, (not sure how I’m old enough to be a mother-in-law), live in Pittsburgh. Tommy is a nuclear engineer for Westinghouse and Kelsey is finishing a degree in nursing. Our daughter works for an IT staffing company outside Baltimore. We have also have two ridiculously adorable English golden retrievers, Willow and Scarlett, and a complete jerk of a cat named Gus. (I don’t use the word “jerk” around the kiddos… but they do hear of his antics!)
Mark and I love to travel and took the kids with us as much as possible. Some of our bigger trips included Germany, England, Argentina, Spain, Canada, and even Thailand while our daughter Becca was on a study abroad! I also love to read, listen to all kinds of music, work on artsy colorful jigsaw puzzles, and visit wineries with close friends.
Tragically, my husband died suddenly late 2020 while we were on a beach trip for the weekend. Obviously, I am still working through things. One of those things is my amazement of how much of ourselves we tie up into our spouse. After Mark’s death, I wasn’t sure who I was anymore. I returned to HOPE a mere two weeks after his death and am so thankful I did. The staff has been an amazing support in and of themselves, but it was also the children who helped remind me of a part of myself I thought was gone. They taught me that I still have so much more to teach and so much more love to give.
I am thrilled to be back in the classroom again and love watching children learn. It’s fascinating to see how they look at the world and help them make sense of the world around them and I consider myself lucky to be a part of that process. Smiles….
After college, I married my high school sweetheart Mark. We have two amazing children. Our son Tommy and his wife Kelsey, (not sure how I’m old enough to be a mother-in-law), live in Pittsburgh. Tommy is a nuclear engineer for Westinghouse and Kelsey is finishing a degree in nursing. Our daughter works for an IT staffing company outside Baltimore. We have also have two ridiculously adorable English golden retrievers, Willow and Scarlett, and a complete jerk of a cat named Gus. (I don’t use the word “jerk” around the kiddos… but they do hear of his antics!)
Mark and I love to travel and took the kids with us as much as possible. Some of our bigger trips included Germany, England, Argentina, Spain, Canada, and even Thailand while our daughter Becca was on a study abroad! I also love to read, listen to all kinds of music, work on artsy colorful jigsaw puzzles, and visit wineries with close friends.
Tragically, my husband died suddenly late 2020 while we were on a beach trip for the weekend. Obviously, I am still working through things. One of those things is my amazement of how much of ourselves we tie up into our spouse. After Mark’s death, I wasn’t sure who I was anymore. I returned to HOPE a mere two weeks after his death and am so thankful I did. The staff has been an amazing support in and of themselves, but it was also the children who helped remind me of a part of myself I thought was gone. They taught me that I still have so much more to teach and so much more love to give.
I am thrilled to be back in the classroom again and love watching children learn. It’s fascinating to see how they look at the world and help them make sense of the world around them and I consider myself lucky to be a part of that process. Smiles….
Dena Borchardt
My name is Dena Borchardt and I teach the Two’s, Two’s/Three's, and Three’s Programs at Hope Community Preschool and Family Ministries. I have worked in Frederick County as a preschool teacher and instructional assistant since 2000 and at Hope since it opened its doors in 2010. I receive so much joy working with the young children of our school. I love meeting all of them and their families and helping them grow into wonderful students.
I have lived in New Market with my husband, David, since we were married in 1995. He is a retired Prince George’s firefighter of 24 years and now the Montgomery County Fire Marshal. We have two lovely daughters; Madeline and Rebecca. Maddy is pursuing her double major in elementary and special education with a masters in school counseling and Becca is pursuing her degree marketing.
We enjoy our time as a family canoeing and paddle boarding, going to the beach, and taking in a Raven's or Orioles game. Dave and I have found a new love of cruising and have taken several and have planned more!
I try to be very involved with my home church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian. I am the elected clerk and elder of faith formation. I try to bring God’s word into meaning in my life and I am so excited to be sharing my time at Hope and Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church again this year.
I have lived in New Market with my husband, David, since we were married in 1995. He is a retired Prince George’s firefighter of 24 years and now the Montgomery County Fire Marshal. We have two lovely daughters; Madeline and Rebecca. Maddy is pursuing her double major in elementary and special education with a masters in school counseling and Becca is pursuing her degree marketing.
We enjoy our time as a family canoeing and paddle boarding, going to the beach, and taking in a Raven's or Orioles game. Dave and I have found a new love of cruising and have taken several and have planned more!
I try to be very involved with my home church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian. I am the elected clerk and elder of faith formation. I try to bring God’s word into meaning in my life and I am so excited to be sharing my time at Hope and Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church again this year.
Julie Bennett
I am an Assistant Teacher at HOPE Community Preschool. I have taught multiple age groups since the opening in 2010. I enjoy going to Jazzercise every morning. I also work at Tree Trekkers, an aerial zipline park. My family joined Mt. Carmel UMC in 2009. My husband, Scott, is an electrical engineer, plays in the Praise Band and coaches lacrosse. Our son, Caleb, is playing lacrosse and studying mechanical engineering at Ohio Northern University. Our daughter, Sierra, is a cheerleader at Virginia Tech and studying elementary education.
We moved here from North Carolina, where I was active in our church preschool. I was a substitute teacher in classrooms from nursery to K-prep and Chairman of the Preschool Board for 5 years and also the Interim Director for two months. During my last year in NC, I enjoyed being the Assistant Teacher in a 3-year-old classroom.
When we lived in Richmond, VA, I taught High School Chemistry for 5 years. I have a BA from the University of Virginia with a Major in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. I also have a Master’s in Education from Virginia Tech with a Major in Curriculum and Instruction.
I am enjoying teaching and sharing God's love with our community. May God bless you and your family each day!
We moved here from North Carolina, where I was active in our church preschool. I was a substitute teacher in classrooms from nursery to K-prep and Chairman of the Preschool Board for 5 years and also the Interim Director for two months. During my last year in NC, I enjoyed being the Assistant Teacher in a 3-year-old classroom.
When we lived in Richmond, VA, I taught High School Chemistry for 5 years. I have a BA from the University of Virginia with a Major in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. I also have a Master’s in Education from Virginia Tech with a Major in Curriculum and Instruction.
I am enjoying teaching and sharing God's love with our community. May God bless you and your family each day!
Kelly Herzing
My name is Kelly Herzing and I am excited to be teaching in the Tuesday/Thursday morning 3’s class at Mt. Carmel. I started subbing at Hope this past school year after my daughter finished the 4’s program and entered kindergarten.
I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in reading specialization. I taught for 10 years in Montgomery County Public Schools in kindergarten and first grade and have been a substitute teacher for Frederick County Public Schools for the past four years.
I grew up in Howard County and moved to Frederick 16 years ago. My family and I have lived in New Market for almost 10 years now. Bryan and I have two children. Derek is in 4th grade and Brooke is in 1st grade. They attend Deer Crossing Elementary. Both children play soccer and Brooke also does gymnastics. Derek has recently discovered he likes theater and acting. We enjoy camping and hiking and many outdoor activities as a family.
I am enjoying a wonderful year at Hope Community Preschool!
I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in reading specialization. I taught for 10 years in Montgomery County Public Schools in kindergarten and first grade and have been a substitute teacher for Frederick County Public Schools for the past four years.
I grew up in Howard County and moved to Frederick 16 years ago. My family and I have lived in New Market for almost 10 years now. Bryan and I have two children. Derek is in 4th grade and Brooke is in 1st grade. They attend Deer Crossing Elementary. Both children play soccer and Brooke also does gymnastics. Derek has recently discovered he likes theater and acting. We enjoy camping and hiking and many outdoor activities as a family.
I am enjoying a wonderful year at Hope Community Preschool!
Kirstin Moyer
My name is Kirstin Moyer. This is my fifth-year teaching at Hope Community Preschool. I am enjoying teaching another wonderful group of 4-year old children. I grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Moravian College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology. I taught Kindergarten and First Grade for seven years in Pennsylvania before relocating to Chandler, AZ. We spent three years in the southwest before moving to Maryland twelve years ago.
I live in New Market with my husband Dave and four wonderful children. Tommy is a freshman at Loyola University. Matthew is a sophomore at Linganore High School and plays on the LHS Golf Team. Meredith is a seventh grader at New Market Middle School and enjoys riding horses and running. Carly is a fifth grader at New Market Elementary School and loves gymnastics.
I absolutely love to spend time with my family. We enjoy running local 5K’s together, spending time at the beach, and skiing in the winter.
I’m enjoying this wonderful year!
I live in New Market with my husband Dave and four wonderful children. Tommy is a freshman at Loyola University. Matthew is a sophomore at Linganore High School and plays on the LHS Golf Team. Meredith is a seventh grader at New Market Middle School and enjoys riding horses and running. Carly is a fifth grader at New Market Elementary School and loves gymnastics.
I absolutely love to spend time with my family. We enjoy running local 5K’s together, spending time at the beach, and skiing in the winter.
I’m enjoying this wonderful year!
Meg Scholtes
I am so excited to be back at HOPE teaching the Thursday/Friday 2’s class! I was an assistant at HOPE at New Market for three years. I am originally from Silver Spring, MD and graduated from The George Washington University in 2001. My husband Jeremy and I have three children, Quinn, JJ and Luke. I also have a dog named Chewy. I moved around the country for many years while my husband served in the Army, and we finally settled in Ijamsville in 2012. We are members of Mountain View Community Church in Urbana. I enjoy running, spending time with friends and family, and watching my kids’ sporting events. I am enjoying a wonderful school year!
Michele Stine
My name is Michele Stine and I live in Frederick with my husband Kenny, 15-year old daughter Nicolina and 9-year old son Kenneth. As a family, we enjoy being outgoing and like to travel together. We are all active members of the Mt. Carmel congregation. This year I am an assistant teacher in the 3/4's combo class and I am teaching the “Let’s Play” program. I was honored to start the “Let’s Play Today” program for Hope Community Preschool in 2010.
Before serving at Hope Mt. Carmel, I served in the United States Marine Corps as a military police officer and continued in law enforcement as a Maryland State Trooper until retirement. I have been trained in physical fitness through the American Council on Exercise and held a certification in group fitness through USWFA. I also received a Child Development certification through Delaware County Vocational Tech School.
Fitness has always been a priority throughout my career and I am looking forward to motivating children to be active and healthy while having FUN!!!!
Before serving at Hope Mt. Carmel, I served in the United States Marine Corps as a military police officer and continued in law enforcement as a Maryland State Trooper until retirement. I have been trained in physical fitness through the American Council on Exercise and held a certification in group fitness through USWFA. I also received a Child Development certification through Delaware County Vocational Tech School.
Fitness has always been a priority throughout my career and I am looking forward to motivating children to be active and healthy while having FUN!!!!
Michelle Matusiak
Hi, my name is Michelle Matusiak (Mrs. M to my students) and I am so excited to be joining the Hope preschool family as the K Prep afternoon teacher at the Mt Carmel location. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Psychology and a master’s degree in Leadership in Teaching. I have taught preschool and pre-K at The Goddard School, in Hanover, as well as helped to run the school as the Director. I have also taught first grade at a Lutheran school in Glen Burnie.
My husband and I moved to New Market in 2016 with our two kiddos, Noel and Joe. Noel is in second grade and Joe is in pre-K. Both of my kids attended Hope preschool and as soon as they started, I knew I wanted to work here with these incredible teachers and families!
My husband and I moved to New Market in 2016 with our two kiddos, Noel and Joe. Noel is in second grade and Joe is in pre-K. Both of my kids attended Hope preschool and as soon as they started, I knew I wanted to work here with these incredible teachers and families!
Nicole Mayhew
My name is Nicole Mayhew and I am an assistant for Mrs. Borchardt’s 3's class. This is my second year working at Hope. I have enjoyed volunteering in my children's classes in previous years. My daughter Briella still attends Hope, and my son has started kindergarten! We are also members of the church.
I live in Thurmont, Maryland with my husband, Justin and two children. My son, Jax and my daughter, Briella are my world. Jax loves school and has a strong passion for learning, he wants to work for NASA when he grows up! Briella loves school and making new friends, her favorite hobby is horseback riding. Outside of preschool I am a realtor and former Paralegal. I love helping my clients find their dream home. I also have a passion for working with horses, I’ve always had horses growing up and we have recently purchased a few of our own.
I look forward to another wonderful school year!
I live in Thurmont, Maryland with my husband, Justin and two children. My son, Jax and my daughter, Briella are my world. Jax loves school and has a strong passion for learning, he wants to work for NASA when he grows up! Briella loves school and making new friends, her favorite hobby is horseback riding. Outside of preschool I am a realtor and former Paralegal. I love helping my clients find their dream home. I also have a passion for working with horses, I’ve always had horses growing up and we have recently purchased a few of our own.
I look forward to another wonderful school year!
Rosemarie Lapham
My name is Rosemarie Lapham and I have been in the preschool setting for over 24 years.
I was born and raised in New York on Long Island. A little over 20 years ago, my family decided to move to Maryland.
I was a preschool teacher since 2000 in Frederick County teaching in a three and four-year-old program.
In 2007, I decided to take a course to become a preschool director and when I completed it, I became a director at a preschool in Rockville. I was there for 15 years until the school closed.
I am married and have four children. I also have 3 grandchildren.
I love to travel, go to the beach and read.
I am so happy to be back in the classroom and love working at Hope Community Preschool!
I was born and raised in New York on Long Island. A little over 20 years ago, my family decided to move to Maryland.
I was a preschool teacher since 2000 in Frederick County teaching in a three and four-year-old program.
In 2007, I decided to take a course to become a preschool director and when I completed it, I became a director at a preschool in Rockville. I was there for 15 years until the school closed.
I am married and have four children. I also have 3 grandchildren.
I love to travel, go to the beach and read.
I am so happy to be back in the classroom and love working at Hope Community Preschool!
Sharon Coleman
My name is Sharon Coleman. I’m in the M/W/F 3’s morning class and the Tues/Thurs 3’s morning class. This is my second year being an Assistant Teacher at Hope Community Preschool. The past few years I was a substitute teacher at both New Market and Mt. Carmel. I was also the New Market United Methodist Church secretary. I have been working at the church for over 9 years.
I am originally from South Florida and moved to Maryland over 10 years ago. My husband, Kevin, works for the Department of Education. I have 2 daughters (16 and 14 years old) and 2 stepsons (17 and 16 years old). They keep us very busy with all their activities. We also have lots of pets (4 cats, 2 dogs, and a turtle)!
As a family we enjoy hiking, traveling, tubing down Antietam in the summer, and concerts. I also enjoy reading and spending time with friends.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful year!
I am originally from South Florida and moved to Maryland over 10 years ago. My husband, Kevin, works for the Department of Education. I have 2 daughters (16 and 14 years old) and 2 stepsons (17 and 16 years old). They keep us very busy with all their activities. We also have lots of pets (4 cats, 2 dogs, and a turtle)!
As a family we enjoy hiking, traveling, tubing down Antietam in the summer, and concerts. I also enjoy reading and spending time with friends.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful year!
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