Maria Thompson
Hello! My name is Maria Thompson and I am happy to be a part of the amazing Corpus Christi staff!
To share a little bit about myself, I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic school for most of my life. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University for the Arts in Philadelphia where I met my husband. We moved here to Lawrence from New Jersey in 2008. Prior to, I owned and operated two performing arts centers for ages 2 and up. My arts background has allowed me to integrate those elements into a traditional classroom curriculum. Since our move to the midwest, I have concentrated my teaching experience for ages 3-5. I have shared many roles in the preschool environment including assistant teacher, art teacher, music teacher and director.
My husband Jay is a cartoonist and creative director for a marketing company in Topeka. Together, we have two children, Lily and Owen, both Saints alumni! We are parishioners of the church and are happy to be a part of the Corpus Christi community. In our free time, we enjoy visiting family, attending football games, walking our dog Maggie and anything Disney!
I have a strong passion for education and utilizing every moment as an opportunity to teach. I look forward to sharing my love of learning with my students and their families.
Mo Neidow
Hi! My name is Maureen Neidow but everyone calls me “Ms Mo”.
I grew up in Wichita and attended Catholic school until college and graduated KU in 1985. I have been Catholic all my life and been a parishioner at Corpus for over 30 years. I have three (now adult) children. Austin, Colleen and Porter and they are the loves of my life.
I have been teaching preschool for many years! (You’re as young as your spirit! :)) The last 11 at this wonderful place…Corpus Christi. My mantra is “Every interaction has the potential to hurt or to heal, to wound or to inspire.” I hope to inspire and help develop these little minds and hearts. They naturally show us their unique strengths and we help them to actually see those strengths! I strive to instill in them a specific and true confidence that they can believe in. I want them to feel successful. I believe in positive behavioral support. We compassionately communicate the necessary boundaries and teach them the how AND the why. I know how crucial this period of time is for laying the foundation for future learning and development!
We are blessed to have phenomenal leadership in Mrs. Thompson and a fantastic teaching team!
I look forward to a great school year!
Stacey Lane
Hello! My name is Stacey Lane and I will be an assistant teacher M-F. This is my second year teaching at Corpus and my 17th year in early childhood education. I grew up in Laramie, WY where I graduated high school and college, then moved to Lawrence to complete my M.S. in Counseling Psychology. I have been married to my wonderful husband Bill for 24 years and we have 3 grown children, Alex (24), Emma (22), and Ryan (18). My children were all confirmed at Corpus Christi. I have loved being a part of the Corpus school family and especially working with the amazing, kind and supportive preschool team.
In my free time, I absolutely love the great outdoors, especially our National Parks and the mountains. Hiking and kayaking are two of my favorite activities. I’m excited to get to know the new class this year, I love watching all the social and emotional growth that occurs during these early years!
Debbie Quirarte
Hello! My name is Debbie Quirarte and I am happy to be joining Corpus Christi in the preschool classroom! To tell you a little about myself, this will be my 48th year in education! I have taught Kindergarten and 1st grade in Lawrence and 2nd grade religion in St. Mary’s, KS.
My husband, Gene and I have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. We are parishioners of Corpus Christi and I also serve as a Eucharistic Minister.
Outside of the classroom, I like traveling and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy reading and cross stitching.
I look forward to meeting the many wonderful families of Corpus Christi and sharing my knowledge and experience in the classroom.