Our Staff
Each member of our staff is qualified and experienced in working with preschool children of all ages. Many of our preschool teachers are former grade school teachers, child-care workers, or have earned an Early Childhood Certification from John Tyler Community College. The staff participates in on going professional training each year, including first aid and cpr. The most important quality of each staff member is that they all LOVE children!!! Staff development is ongoing through conference attendance, workshops, and other trainings throughout the area.
“The teachers and the care and investment the entire school has in the children is superb!” --Parent of a three-year-old
Administration
Michele Hart
Director
I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful Preschool! I have worked as a teacher and assistant director here and my daughter, Anna, attended JK as well. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development from Virginia Tech. I worked in the Fairfax County Office for Children for over ten years, including many years in their model child development center. I enjoyed staying home with my children, Brady and Anna, and had a mom's morning out program in my home. I was thrilled when we moved to the Richmond area in 2006 to find this special preschool. I hope you feel it is as special to your family as I did!
Vicki Cash
Assistant Director
I started here at St. Luke's in 2005. I have taught in both the 4 year old and JK classes over the years. My daughter attended St. Luke's as a Junior Kindergartener and I've been here ever since! I attended Bridgewater College where I received a BS in Biology with teaching certification and have always loved incorporating science into the preschool curriculum. I feel truly blessed to be here in such a wonderful environment working with such great teachers, families, and church support!
Lisa Sykes
Pastor
Rev. Lisa Sykes graduated from the University of Virginia in 1987, and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1990. She was ordained in 1990, and has served the United Methodist Church for more than twenty years. In ministry, one of her greatest delights is working with children and welcoming them into the community of faith.
Lisa is married and has three sons. For more than a decade, Lisa has advocated for children with autism and for safer, mercury-free vaccines. She is the author of Sacred Spark. Her advocacy work had led her to speak twice before the United Nations.
Shirley Gary
Secretary
Miss Shirley has served as the secretary for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She and her husband, Clinton, who also contributes his time and talents to both the church and preschool, live next to the church. Miss Shirley became Treasurer of the preschool in 1988. She has two sons and seven grandchildren.
