Preschool Staff

Anne S. Foote, Director of Pre-School — Anne was director of Christian Education for 15 years and is now in her 20th year as Director of the Pre-School. Before she came to work at APC, Anne was an elementary teacher in the Lower Merion School District. She lives in Gladwyne with her husband and they are the parents of two grown daughters.

Pearlie Diesinger, Preschool administrator/Church Secretary — Pearlie was born and raised in the south and moved to suburban Philadelphia when she married husband Bill. She began work at APC 39 years ago as an assistant teacher in the pre-school. She has been on staff ever since, mostly in her current capacity. Pearlie and Bill live in Wayne and are parents of a grown son and 2 step-grandchildren.

Janet Abel — Janet is from Ohio and has been teaching music and singing joyfully with our preschoolers for over twenty years. Formerly she was a vocal teacher and choral director at Baldwin School. Janet meets with each class weekly and directs the music the children sing in our annual Thanksgiving program, Christmas Carol sing, and Easter program. Interesting note is that Janet’s husband is a retired percussionist from the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has grown children, grandchildren and is a member of Ardmore Presbyterian Church.

Cheri Burns — Cheri grew up in Ardmore in Haverford Township. She is in her fourth year at APWPS. She had taught daycare for eight years previously. Cheri occupies two positions at APWPS. She teaches in the two day young three's class with Cindy Modica and teaches with Judy Diehl in the three day three's class. She loves watching the developmental changes of each child, and is constantly amazed by the amount the children grow emotionally, socially and cognitively. Cheri feels that one of her strengths is being flexible and adaptable in dealing with the individual differences of each child. She is the mother of three children. Cheri is a member of the Drexel Hill Baptist Church.

Michelle Butera — Michelle is from Cherry Hill, N.J. and is in her seventh year of teaching at APWPS. She has also taught Sunday School at Ardmore Presbyterian Church for eight years. Michelle teaches three year olds with Elizabeth Rickenbach. She loves to see the happiness and joy that come from each child. She enjoys making arts and crafts with children; watching their development through involvement with all kinds of materials. Michelle loves to read to children and feels nurture with a predictable routine creates a safe and happy environment. Michelle is the mother of two daughters.

Judy Diehl — Judy is from Clemson, S.C. and is in her sixth year of teaching at APWPS in the three day three’s class with Cheri Burns. She enjoys the exuberance of the children – the smiles, laughter and hugs. Judy feels that happy children grow and learn and the teacher can make a big difference in their lives when least expected. Everything matters. Judy is the mother of two sons and a daughter. She worships at Narberth Presbyterian Church.

Ellen Gilbert — Ellen grew up outside the United States. She has led the transitional (older fours) class for the past ten years. The previous ten years she taught a four year old class. The transitional program emphasizes Bible stories, math and kindergarten readiness both academic and social. Ellen enjoys watching "aha" moments and growing in her understanding of students as she helps them question and study the world around them. Ellen is the mother of two grown daughters and is a member of Springton Lake Presbyterian Church.

Kristin Lewis — Kristin is a Pennsylvania native who is in her third year at APWPS. She has a background in art education and library science, having worked for ten years as a children's librarian in New Jersey. Kristin loves watching the children grow and change over the year. Children's excitement, enthusiasm, hugs and smiles make each day rewarding. Kristin teaches the Mother's Day Out class. She feels the Mother's Day Out program is a gentle introduction to the preschool experience. It is a safe and fun place to be away from Mom and Dad and an opportunity to be with a group of children. Children have the opportunity to experiment with lots of different materials, reading stories, singing, dancing and playing games. Mother's Day Out is a flexible mix of activities based on the interests and abilities of the children. Kristin has twins who attended APWPS. She is a member of Ardmore United Methodist Church.

Elizabeth Luff — Elizabeth has taught dance to all ages for many years. Her company, Moving Studios, takes dance out of the studio and into the community, including Ardmore Presbyterian Preschool. Elizabeth works with each class dancing to a variety of music, with props an stories. Boys, girls, and often teachers dance up a storm in her classes! Through dance children practice gross motor skills, learn to manage their bodies in space without bumping, and explore concepts like big and little, high and low, floating leaves and swirling snow. And most important, as one student replied when Elizabeth asked, “Why do people dance?” “Because it’s fun!” Elizabeth is a graduate of Lower Merion High School and the University of Delaware. She is a member of Ardmore Presbyterian Church. She is married with a middle school son.

Cindy Modica — Cindy Modica grew up in the local area. She has taught in elementary public school and worked in childcare. This year is her second year at APWPS. She teaches in the Mother's Day Out program. Cindy feels that play is the true "work" in preschool and knows that how children begin to interact is an important part of their social development. She loves seeing the expressions on the children’s faces when they learn something new and the special bonds that are formed in the classroom. Cindy is the mother of three daughters. She is a member of the St. Denis Parish.

Elizabeth Rickenbach — Elizabeth was born in Greensboro, N.C. She is in her ninth year of teaching at APWPS. She began as a Mother's Day Out teacher and now teaches the three year old class with Michelle Butera. She particularly enjoys seeing the amazing growth and the many ideas and concepts the children are capable of learning in their third year. Elizabeth feels that expressing her love for the children and providing opportunities for them to think, build confidence and self sufficiency are the strengths of her teaching. Elizabeth has a son and is a member of Ardmore Presbyterian Church.

Laura Rossio — Laura Rossio grew up in the Philadelphia area, and has a background in nursing. She is in her third year at APWPS in the Mother’s Day Out program teaching with Kristin Lewis. Laura enjoys the genuine enthusiasm and joie de vivre of these youngest children in the preschool. She marvels at the incredible growth from fall to spring as language emerges, skills improve, and the children begin to care about each other. Laura feels a teacher should be a role model, patient, kind and especially flexible in expectations. Laura is the mother of a daughter and was raised as a Quaker.

Suzanne Scovill — Suzanne Scovill is from Dearborn, Michigan (Go Blue!). She has taught many years in many places – the most fantastic place was Zimbabwe, Africa. This year is her sixth year at APWPS in the four year old class. Suzanne loves seeing the children laugh and have fun discovering new things. Books, words, hands-on projects, developing responsibility and friendships are key elements in her class. Suzanne wants children to feel competent and good about themselves. "Even small people can do BIG things". Suzanne has a daughter and a son. She attends Daylesford Abbey in Paoli.

Jolie Spencer — Jolie was born and raised in the local area. She was a Early Childhood major at Marymount University in Virginia. This is her first year teaching at the preschool in the Mother’s Day Out Program. She has been a substitute at the preschool for two years. She truly enjoys working with young children and watching them grow. She is a mother of two children, a boy and a girl. She belongs to St. Colman Church in Ardmore.

Lisa Wolverton — Lisa is from Shrewsbury, New Jersey. She graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Elementary Education and has taught preschool and was a substitute teacher in New Jersey. Lisa teaches Sunday School and is a leader of the Youth Group at Ardmore Presbyterian Church. She has two daughters, ages nine and seven. She enjoys children’s smiling faces and thinks laughter makes the world go 'round. Lisa teaches with Michelle Butera in the three day 3-year-old class.