Staff
Meet Our Teachers
3’s – Yellow Apples
Meet Mrs. Quasney!
My name is Denise Quasney and I am the three year old teacher here at UCC Greenawalds Nursery School. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University in Maryland. My experience includes teaching first grade for five years as well as teaching pre-school. I was married in 1993 to my husband Brady and have been blessed with two wonderful children Brady jr. and Brandi. When I am not teaching I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy reading, playing games and taking walks with my dogs.
In the Classroom!
The three year old class room is looking forward to a fantastic year. We will be learning about our colors, our numbers, and our alphabet. All of our days will include snack, literature, art, physical play and music. We will visit the library once a week. Our themes will help the children to become familar with science, math, and social study concepts. Our classroom will always involve hands on activities that the students will enjoy. A monthly letter will be coming home to inform parents of the upcoming events and show and tell topics. I stress good manners and encourage classroom teamwork. I look forward to meeting and working with parents to prepare students for their future schooling. I wish to thank parents in advance for allowing me the opputunity to teach your children.
4’s – Red Apples & 2’s – Mommy and Me
Meet Mrs. Gross!
Hello! My name is Kathy Gross. Iam the Mommy & Me preschool teacher as well as the 4’s class teacher here at UCC Greenawalds Nursery School.
I went to Lehigh Community College where I earned my associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been a preschool teacher since 1995. I taught at Redeemer Church for 4 years and I will be finishing up my tench year here at UCC GreenawaldsNursery School. I have been blessed with a wonderful family that I love very much. I was married for 25 years to my loving husband who passes away in 2006. He was a wonderful husband and father to my 3 kids. I have two sons; Matthew and Gregory. The youngestofthe three is my daughter, Katie. I love spending time with my family. In my free time I like to watch TV, bowl, go for a walk, read and shop.
In the Classroom!
Mommy & Me:
With my Mommy & Me class, the mothers tend to take action and get involved. In this class I help the children learn their colors, shapes, and they learn how to get along and share. With this group we tend to have a lot of fun. The mother’s are great to have around while helping the children learn new things. I incorporate things such as a wonder box where the children get to guess what is in the wonder box each day. I also get a lot of help from Clifford the Big Red Dog who helps the kids predict the current weather and much more!
4’s Class:
My teaching style tends to be a little more routine when it comes to the 4’s class. My 4 year oldswork with hands-on things; they learn their address, their telephone number, writing their name, the alphabet, their numbers, and much more! The children stick to their planned day events and love to do each activity I have prepared for them that day. Just like the Mommy and Me class, I incorporate things such as a wonder box where the children get to guess what is in the wonder box each day. I also get a lot of help from Clifford the Big Red Dog who helps the kids decide their tasks for the day. I try my hardest to make each activity as much fun as it is knowledgeable.
Overall my passion is teaching kids everything I believe they need to know in order to excel farther in their lives and the grades they face ahead. I make learning fun and something that the kids look forward to. I believe strongly in the Student-Parent-Teacher relationship. I produce a weekly newsletter for the children to take home with them that keeps the parents involved in their child’s life inside and outside the classroom. I enjoy teaching very much and it is my goal to help your child succeed in any way I can.
Pre-K – Green Apples
Meet Mrs. Schmoyer
Hi! I’m Mrs. Donna Schmoyer, the Pre-Kindergarten teacher, here at UCC Greenawalds Nursery School.
I received my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northampton Community College. I received my associate’s degree in Business Management from LehighValleyCollege. I have been teaching since 1984 with some time off to raise my children. I taught Toddlers and Pre-kindergarten at a local daycare before having children. While my children were young I worked part time as a preschool teacher teaching four year olds.
My family is very important to me. I have a husband Michael, a son Kyle, and a daughter Rachael. My husband and I love to spend time walking and just relaxing together. We both love it on the rare occasions when our whole family is in the same place at the same time. In my free time I like to read, draw pictures, watch classic movies, shop, and eat out.
I truly love teaching, especially Pre-Kindergarten! I so enjoy four and five year olds and all the joy they bring to my classroom. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the students and parents, and expect to have another fantastic year at UCC Greenawalds Nursery School! By working together we will help your child excel beyond your dreams this year!
In The Classroom
My teaching style is a hands-on approach with active learning through the use of centers, science, math, reading, and writing. I make learning fun! By having a chance to make appropriate choices children are empowered to reach new heights in learning. I believe in a strong home and school connection and that by working as a team we will help your child be the best he/she can be in Pre-K. I pride myself on instilling a lifelong love of learning in my students. Most of all, I want your child to feel success everyday and to love school and learning.
We will work as a team to do our very best so that we are learning the most that we can. We will learn to think, challenge ourselves, and be lifelong learners. We will decide on classroom rules to follow so that we have a safe and happy place to learn. We know that we all make mistakes and we can learn from them. We will be kind and respectful to each other. We will be safe and caring friends. We will do tons of reading, math, writing, science and other fun things so that we love learning.
School Coordinator
Meet Sheri Stephens!
I have been the coordinator at UCC Greenawalds Nursery School since October 1995. I served on the board of the nursery school before becoming the coordinator. I handle many different duties at the Nursery School. Some of the activities you can see me involved with are greeting parents and students at the beginning & end of our day, handling library reading with each class, fielding phone calls, receiving payments from parents, scheduling lunch bunch activities, setting up field trips and many more daily activities of the Nursery School.
I worked at a pediatric dental office as a certified assistant before having my children. My husband Lee and I have been married since 1979 and have 3 great sons. Our 2 oldest boys are in their 20’s and our youngest son is attending college. All 3 of our sons attended the Nursery School. It was a great first experience to learning in a caring atmosphere.
I have been a member of UCC Greenawalds church for 40+ years. I have volunteered as a church school teacher, director of the vacation bible school, organized the Easter egg hunt, played bells and sang on the church choir. I have also been a den leader in Cub Pack 8 and serve as a Unit Commissioner for Troop & Pack 8 and also Troop & Pack 1600.
I my spare time I love to read, walk and exercise with friends, and vacation with my family and friends.
Meet the Board of Directors
Pastor – Jeff Brinks
I have been the pastor at United Church of Christ, Greenawalds since June of 1993. Before that I was the pastor of Hope United Church of Christ, in Wind Gap, PA for 8 years. I graduated from the University of Michigan in June of 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies, a combination of Philosophy, Psychology and English Literature. I graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in June of 1983 with a Master of Divinity degree. I began as pastor at Hope in June of 1985 after two years of working in the world of Business Forms while searching for a church to pastor.
I married my wife, Lisa, in 2005 (a second marriage for both of us) and we each have two children: Megan and Katie Williams-Brinks and Tyler and Jamie Potenzi. Our home is completed with Lucy, our chocolate Lab.
Chairperson – Jun Scott
I am a married stay at home mom to three children, Katelynn, James and Matthew, my two dogs Toby and Ally, my one cat Dusty and two goldfish Walle and Eva. I met my husband at New York Sate University at Stony Brook in 1996 where I received my bachelor’s in Sociology . We were married in February of 1998 and immediately moved to the Allentown area. I later received my Specialized Accounting degree in 2002 from Lehigh Carbon Community College.
Currently I am the Chairperson at U.C.C. Greenawalds Nursery School where my children go to preschool. This has been a great way to be involved with my children and their early education.
My hobbies include reading, crocheting, cross stitching and of course, shopping.
Treasurer - Drena Merkel
I am a member of UCC Greenawalds Church. I am married to my husband, Kerry since 1984. I have 2 sons and 2 granddaughters. My granddaughter, Abigail attended nursery school at UCC Greenawalds and she learned so much. She really enjoyed going there. Also in our family are my 2 kitties. Libby is all of 19 lbs., while Luca is only 11 lbs.
I work at Lehigh Anesthesia Associates in Allentown. I have been with them since 1994. When not working, I enjoy reading. I have a library of over 500 books!
Fundraising Chair – Karen Mertz
I am a substitute Teacher in the Allentown School District. I have my BS in education from Kutztown University. I am currently working on my ESOL certification from LCCC to add to my current Certificate.
I have a one daughter. We have a very busy schedule with dance, bowling, and ceramics. My daughter attended GreenawaldsNursery School with the Mommy and me, and the 3year old class which was a wonderful start to her education. I do the fundraising for the Nursery School, which ranges from Gertrude Hawk candy to flower bulbs, and hoagie sales.
Member at Large – Donna McHugh
I’m a stay at home mom from South Whitehall Township. My husband James and I have been married since 1993 and we have one son. I graduated from UrsinusCollege in 1983 with a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science. I am the primary care taker of our family’s “mini zoo” – Jesse our greyhound, Dusti our 23 year old cockatiel, Lenny the guinea pig, 4 fancy goldfish, a tank of tetras, a beta fish, and 2 leopard frogs.
I hold a myriad of volunteer positions, some of which include a Cub Pack 8 Den leader and the Fundraising chair, Bible school Crafts director, Stonecrest Swim Club summer swim team assistant coordinator, VP Ways & Means at Orefield Middle School, as well as running some fundraisers for the UCC Greenawalds church and Nursery School. I’m also a part-time Longaberger consultant.
My son attended the Nursery School for two years, and I loved the program, people and atmosphere there. After my wonderful experiences with the Nursery school, I decided to join the UCC Greenawalds church and the Nursery School’s Board of Directors. My goal was to give back to the school that gave so much to my son in his formidable years. I also fill in for the teachers and the coordinator when needed, so you’re likely to see me around.
Member at Large – Debra Kunkel-Christman
I am a mother of one daughter named Emily Rose. Kevin and I have been married since 1997. We reside in South Whitehall Township/Allentown. Each summer we enjoy going on vacation to Long Beach Island.
Currently, I am employed at Saucon Valley School District as a teacher, and I have been in education for nineteen years. I obtained my Associate of Arts in Education at Lehigh County Community College, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education at KutztownUniversity, Masters of Education with Reading Specialist at Kutztown University, and Supervisory in Special Education at East Stroudsburg University, as well as forty-five post graduate credits from East Stroudsburg University. I also have my “Highly Qualified Status” to teach Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science at the middle school level.
For the Greenawalds Nursery School, I am on the board as a member at large.
The Greenawalds church in which the nursery school resides holds dear to my heart since my husband and I were married there.
Member at Large – Fran Lanahan
My husband and I have lived in the Greenawalds neighborhood since 1977. It was very convenient to bring our seven children to UCC Greenawalds Nursery School, but it was also a great start for socialization and academics! I became active as a parent representative many years ago, then a board member, and even taught the Yellow Apples a few years back. I grew up in Philadelphia and received my BA in Elementary Education from Holy Family College (now University). I have taught grades 5-8 in Catholic schools in Philly and Easton, took a break to be home with my kids, and now teach at St. John Neumann in Palmerton. It is a pleasure to be part of such a dedicated board, working hard to maintain a quality, vibrant atmosphere for your children!
For more information, contact Sheri at 610-435-5467 or email at coordinator@uccgns.org
2325 Albright Avenue, Allentown, PA 18104 610-435-5467