Dear Parents and Students,

Hi!  My name is Lisa Rucker. I was born and raised in Wetumpka and graduated from Wetumpka High School in 1990.  My husband Mike and I have been married for 18 years.  We have two children, Maddux who is a 7^th grader at Holtville Middle School and Haley who is a 1^st grader at Holtville Elementary School. We also have two dogs Dudley (2 years old) and Sandy (15 years old).   Our family attends Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka.

This will be my fifth year at First Baptist CDC, it is and has been a learning and joyful experience.  I feel blessed that God has given me this opportunity to assist in teaching your wonderful children here at First Baptist Child Development Center.

Sincerely,

Lisa Rucker

Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to sharing your child’s K4 experience this year.  This will be my third year serving the CDC as a K4 teaching assistant.  Previously I have been a K5 assistant and have taught Preschool 3.  I feel very blessed to be able to join with you and your child during this crucial year in your child’s development. 

I am married with four children; Zachary (21)  will be a senior at Troy University (go Trojans); Stuart (19) will be a sophomore at AUM; Jared (13) who will be in 8^th grade at WMS; and Miranda (10) who will be in 5^th grade at WMS. 

Before my employment with the CDC I worked for AT&T and as a medical assistant.

My husband Billy Johnson is retired from the Air Force and now works for the Air Force in a civilian capacity.  We feel fortunate to have been able to retire in Wetumpka.  We are members of First Baptist-Wetumpka and we currently volunteer as AWANA leaders in the Cubbies Club (3’s, 4’s) and teach 2^nd grade Sunday School.

In His Service,

Teresa Johnson

Dear Parents,

I grew up in a tiny little town I’m sure you’ve never heard of --Bear Creek, Alabama.  I moved to Decatur at the age of 16, and a year out of high school my I married my wonderful husband, Brent. 

After working in daycare for five years, I was offered a position teaching four-year-old preschool in a Christian school.  During this time I also accepted a position babysitting triplets in the afternoon (my K4 class dismissed at noon).  I kept the triplets from the time they were 3 months old until they were 2 ½. 

In 1999 my husband was accepted to law school at the University of Alabama and we moved to Tuscaloosa.  I returned to college as well to finish my teaching degree.

After graduation we moved to Spanish Fort where I taught kindergarten for a year.  In the spring of 2004 my husband’s job was transferred to Montgomery and we moved to Wetumpka.   I then substituted in the public school system until we traveled to China in January 2005 to adopt our daughter, Hannah Grace.   I joined the staff of First Baptist CDC in the fall of 2006. 

After over twenty years of working with children, I can say that the CDC is a wonderful environment and I was so pleased with what my daughter learned and the experiences she had while she was here.   I look forward to this year and getting to know you and your child better. 

Sincerely,

Marie Woodall

Mrs. Jane Gilliand

Dear Parents,

My name is Jane Gilliand.  My husband and I have been married for forty years.  We have two sons and twin granddaughters.  I live in the Holtville/Slapout community and am a member of First United Methodist Church in Wetumpka. 

I have been a member of the First Baptist CDC staff for 1 ½ years and love working with the children.  I worked within the school system at Holtville Elementary, Chapman Christian Academy, Sunday School and Home schooling.

My hobbies include counted cross stitch, craft painting, working in my flower garden, and playing with my granddaughters.

I look forward to working with your children this upcoming school year.

Sincerely,

Jane Gilliand

Dear Parents,

Your child will soon be ready to begin their year as a student at First Baptist Church, Wetumpka.  I am excited about being a part of your child’s learning experience and would like to share some information about myself.

I am married with one son, Jason; he works with Wachovia Bank in Alex City.  My husband Dennis retired from the Air Force in 1992 and currently works with HP in Montgomery.  

I enjoy spending time with my family and in my spare time I enjoy cross stitching and scrap booking.  I enjoy collecting and trying new recipes. I have a pet dog named Ladybug. 

This will be my eighth year with First Baptist Church, Child Development Center.  Previously I taught 3^rd and 4^th grades at Chapman Christian Academy in Millbrook.  I enjoy teaching children and seeing their enjoyment when learning something new.  My goal is to share the excitement of learning with each child.

Sincerely,

Debbie Clifton

Mrs. Veronica Kelley

Dear Parents,

It’s almost time for your child to begin our school year at First Baptist Child Development Center in Wetumpka.  I will be assisting in your child’s class for the 2010-2011 school year.  I am very excited about being a part of your child’s learning experience. 

I have been married to Michael for thirteen years, and we have two children. Lexie is eight and Christian is four.  Lexie attended the K4 and Kindergarten program at First Baptist CDC.  She will be in third grade at Wetumpka Elementary School.  Christian will be attending the K4 program at the CDC.  My family attends First Baptist Church.

I am looking forward to the start of the school year and also very excited about the opportunity you have given me to become a part of your child’s life.  It is going to be a fun and wonderful year for your child.  I believe learning should be fun and exciting.   

If you ever need me or have any questions, please do no hesitate to contact me. 

Sincerely,

Veronica Kelley

Dear Parents,

I am excited about the opportunity to teach your child in the K3 Kindergarten class this year.  I will have a great partner in teacher Mrs. Beth Bridges who'll be assisting me this year.  

My name is Lisa Colley, I have been married to my husband (Steve) for almost 28 years and the Lord has blessed our marriage with three beautiful, wonderful children.

Our oldest Jasmine has been married for 3 years to Sean Blackburn and together the two of them are stepping into their calling to Christian ministry.  Jasmine is blessed with the gift of music and Sean with preaching the true Word of God.  We couldn’t be happier for the two of them.  Our son Benjamin has recently married his sweetheart of four years.  They are truly a beautiful couple. They also feel called to Christian ministry and are looking forward to being where God places them.  Courtney, our baby girl is in the eleventh grade at WHS.  She is in the honors classes and doing well.  Praise the Lord her focus is on school. 

Our family attends Healing Waters Church of God.  We have been attending for nine years and are truly blessed.

Our whole family has always lived in Elmore County, and even though some of our children are married they still live in Elmore County and they still attend our family church.  I hope this tells you a little bit about me and our family.  Thank you for the chance to be blessed by your child.

Sincerely.

Lisa Colley

Dear Parents,

It’s almost time for your child to begin our 2010-2011 school year at First Baptist Child Development Center in Wetumpka.  I just wanted to let you know how excited I am to be teaching your child this year and share a little information about me.   

I am married to a wonderful man, Ted Bamberg, and we have two sons.  Tony is ten and Timothy is almost six years old.  I have lived in Titus the better part of 20 years prior to that I lived in Holtville since I was 12.    I have been a member of Ebenezer Bible Church in Holtville for more than 32 years   I over see and help run our nursery at my church and teach 1-4 year old Sunday School.  I have a degree in nursing and worked at Community Hospital in Tallassee for 13 ½ years before retiring and having my son, Tony.   I started working at the CDC in the summer of 2003 when an opening was available in the Mother’s Day Out program.  I taught 1 ½ to 2 ½ year olds for that summer and into the school year.  I continued to teach MDO 2 ½ year olds prior to having my second child, Timothy.  I started teaching the Preschool 3 year olds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in 2005 and teach Mom’s Morning out on Tuesday and Thursday. Teaching the different ages and seeing them grow in learning and social skills is very rewarding.     

I really enjoy working with the program at FBC because it enables me to work part time and yet still be a stay – at – home – mom.  I really enjoy teaching; learning, playing and watching the children grow and learn.  God has blessed me by giving me this great job.  It is a joy every day to have a part in the growth and learning of a child!  They are truly a gift from God. 

I look forward to working with you and your child.  It is going to be a fun and wonderful year for your child and you but more so for me.   If you need to ask or talk to me, please feel free to do so.

In His Service and Grace,

Ann Bamberg

Mrs. Charlotte Flue

Dear Parents,

My name is Charlotte Flue and I will be assisting Mrs. Bamberg in the M-W-F P3 class at the First Baptist CDC this school year.  I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University (Tx) in 1987 with a degree in Psychology and received a graduate degree in Counseling from Henderson State University (Ar) in 1995.

I stayed at home with my children until 2008, when I started working part time at the Mother’s Day Out program back in Texas.  I taught a class of young two year olds.  Last year I started substituting at the CDC.  I enjoy working with little ones and seeing them grow and learn.  I also love being able to talk to children about Jesus.

My husband James and I have four children: Jessica (15), Sarah (13), Brennan (11), and Sharon (9).  James works for the US Forest Service in Montgomery.  Our children go to the Wetumpka schools.  We are originally from Texas and moved here a year and a half ago.  We live out in Wallsboro and attend First Baptist Church.

I look forward to working with your children this year.

In Christ

Charlotte Flue

Dear Parents,

My name is Jan Atkinson.  I have been married to Greg for nine years and we have three children, Taylor, Jack and Gracie Ann.  Taylor and Jack both attended the CDC in past years and Gracie Ann will be enrolled this fall.  I live with my family in Eclectic.

I attended Auburn University in Montgomery where I received a degree in history.  I have taught VBS and children’s choir and currently serve as an officer on the Eclectic Elementary PTSO.    I am very excited to be a part of the CDC team this year where I will be assisting Mrs. Bamberg in the Preschool 3 class.  I look forward to working with your child this year.

Sincerely,

Jan Atkinson 

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Mrs. Judy Morrow

Dear Parents,

I have lived in Wetumpka for 35 years and have been married to Alex Morrow for 35 years.  I have two daughters and 3 grand children and another grandchild on the way.  I’m retired after 36 years as a Lab. Technician, working with children. 

I have subbed this past year and so enjoyed working with these wonderful children that I have accepted this position as assistant in the 2 year old class. 

I am so looking forward to working with your child and you.  First Baptist Child Development Center is such a wonderful learning environment. 

Sincerely,

Judy Morrow

Dear Parents,

My name is Jennifer Johnson.  This is my sixth year with First Baptist CDC.  I am really looking forward to getting to know your child this year.  This will be my third year as a computer teacher.  I will also be teaching art.

 Now, I would like to tell you a little about myself and my family.  My husband, Jay, and I have been married for 16 years and have two beautiful daughters, Morgan, 14 and Madison, 12.  We attend New Home West Baptist Church in Wetumpka where I work with the AWANA program.  I am also active in the choir and the library.  I am really looking forward to our year together.

In His Love and Service,

Jennifer Johnson

Dear Parents,

My name is Tonya Cobb. I am married with two children. Brianna is fourteen and attends Wetumpka Middle School. Brandon is eight and attends Wetumpka Elementary.

We have lived in the Wetumpka area for seven years. I’m a 1989 graduate of Ashford High School in Ashford, Al. I attended George C. Wallace Community College in Dothan, Al. In 2000 I taught 3 year olds in Bay Minette, Al. for a year and assisted my husband as Youth Pastor and work with the music department for two and half years.

We then moved to Dothan where I taught the A Beka curriculum at First Baptist Church in their 4 year old program. While we were there I lead the worship service for the church we were attending. We moved to Culpeper, VA where my husband, Darrin and I served on staff at the First Assembly of God for two years. I was the Worship Leader at the church, and the director of the Child Development Center for the church.

After making the transition here to Wetumpka, I taught the 3-year-old Kindergarten class my first year, and I was also the extended day teacher for four years. I’ve been a K4 teacher for the past six years. I’m looking forward to teaching the Music Class this upcoming year. My family and I are members of Bethel Worship Center where I’m also on staff as the Minister of Music.

Teaching and nurturing children in every area is a fulfillment and responsibility I take seriously. I thank God for the opportunity to invest in your child’s life through music. I’m looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Tonya Cobb

Dear Parents,

My name is Mary Wiggins and I love children.  I have been married for 54 years to my husband Robert.   About 45 of those years were spent helping Robert pastor.  During those years of ministry, I also taught Sunday school and one of my favorite things was leading Children’s church.  I have one child, Beverly and one grandson, Michael who attended the CDC program for three years. He is now employed with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department and is a reservist in the United States Coast Guard.  He is a part time student at Auburn University, Montgomery pursuing his Criminal Justice Degree. Michael and his wife Shay have one daughter Hannah my first great grandchild!

In 1997, I was employed at First Baptist Church Child Development Center as an assistant in the Mother’s Day Out program in the nursery on Tuesday and Thursday.  In 2001, I returned and taught a K4 class.  I have also led chapel on Thursdays and had the most fun when we had the “dress up dramas”.  What fantastic little actors they were!  In the past I also helped with Library Time. 

In 2002, I found my true calling – “Playground Patrol”!  I do believe this is the children’s favorite time of the day!  As they are walking out, I see them in a straight line almost dancing a jig so happy to be coming to play.  I do my best to keep them safe and still have a great time of play. I also come in early and clean and get everything ready for the children.  I love to “do” the hall bulletin boards.

Greeting children in the halls as they come in the doors in the morning is my great delight.   Seeing children learn is my great reward.  Knowing the children all by name is my great desire.  To encourage a child is my great satisfaction.

Working with children is such an important ministry.  Jesus said, “Let the children come.”  My prayer is that I will have many more years to enjoy this wonderful ministry.  Who says God doesn’t save the best till last! 

To sum up my job with one word, it would be “helper”. 

Sincerely,

Mary Wiggins

Dear Parents,

My name is Beverly Collins.  I have worked at First Baptist Child Development Center for 12 ½ years.  During my years at CDC I have worked as an assistant in Mother’s Day Out and preschool.  I have also taught 4 year kindergarten.  I am currently administrator in the CDC office. My duties include registration, tuition payments, answering any questions you may have concerning the CDC and assisting our director Mrs. Cathy Sanford in whatever capacity I’m needed. 

I have been married for 30 years to my husband Ronnie; he works with Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Prattville.  We have one son Michael who is 24.  As a young child he attended CDC for three years.  That seems like such a long time ago!  He is a deputy with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department, a reservist in the United States Coast Guard and is a student at Auburn University, Montgomery working toward a degree in Criminal Justice.  He and his wife Shay have one beautiful little girl – Hannah (my first grandchild) who will be one year old this July 31^st.   

We have lived in the Lightwood Community since October, 2001 where my husband, Ronnie, lives out two of his lifelong dreams the first of flying and landing his airplane in our yard and the second of playing music (drums in the “Tom Williams Band”) in our music room upstairs and not disturbing the neighbors!  We attend Riverside Baptist Church.

I am very excited about this upcoming school year and look forward to meeting each of you.

Sincerely,

Beverly Collins