Staff

Get to know our Teachers

At Messiah’s Kids, it is our belief that children are a gift from God and each one is uniquely created and loved by Him! It is our privilege to love and teach them reflecting God’s grace in all we do. We believe a quality Christian Preschool nurtures not only the children but also the parents, and brings them daily to the open arms of Jesus.

We are licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) which insures excellence in safety, health, early-care and educational standards. Children who experience a quality program have greater academic success, enhanced self-esteem, and increased self-control. Messiah’s Kids plans for at least two teachers in every classroom and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. We are also committed to employing well-trained teachers who receive at least 24 hours of annual training and are certified in CPR and first aid. Our lead teachers hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field or a CDA.

Courtney Ludy, Preschool Director

I moved to Boerne when I was in sixth grade and am a charter member of Messiah Lutheran Church. I grew up in Boerne and went on to college at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). I have my Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Elementary Education) and am a certified teacher for Early Childhood through 8th grade with certifications in English Second Language, Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies, as well as being a Generalist in those grade levels. I moved to San Antonio and married my husband, David, in March of 2004. I taught for 7 years in Judson ISD in fourth grade and served as their team leader for 4 of those years. My twins, Rory and Keller, arrived in March of 2009, and I left teaching temporarily to stay with my boys. We moved back to Boerne in November of 2009 to have our children grow up in my hometown and as a part of Messiah Lutheran Church. I taught at Messiah’s Kids Preschool from January 2010 to May 2010, and then accepted a job with Northside ISD as a fifth grade teacher in August 2010. After our third son, Landon, arrived in January 2011, I felt that God was moving me to go back to Messiah’s Kids Preschool. Through His hand, Messiah’s Kids was growing, and I was able to return to teaching preschool! I received my Director’s certification after completing several classes with SAC. I was blessed to become Director of Messiah’s Kids in August 2013. I am excited as I continue my venture in the director position and in our growing school! I love kids, and I want to work with them that they may succeed and grow not only academically and developmentally, but also grow in their faith! I believe that God has led me to be a part of Messiah’s Kids Preschool to make a difference in children’s lives and be a part of their developing faith.

Kristen Goeke, Assistant Director

I have been a member at Messiah Lutheran Church since 1998. In 2012, I was a stay at home mom when God called me back to teaching, this time at Messiah. I had the privilege to teach Transitional Kindergarten for six years at Messiah’s Kids Preschool. In August 2018, I began a new journey as the Assistant Director at Messiah’s Kids Preschool. I am excited as I get to continue my journey playing a different role at Messiah. I can’t wait to get to know all of the families at Messiah this year! I feel very blessed to have the privilege of sharing the love of Jesus with children everyday.
I graduated from Concordia University in Austin with a degree in Elementary Education. I graduated with the Lutheran Education designation and Reading specialty. I have taught first and second grades in Lutheran schools and public schools. From 2000-2012, while my children were young, I worked part time tutoring kindergarten and TAKS small groups for Northside Independent School District. During the summer of 201,8 I completed the courses needed to receive my directors certification. I am a proud wife and am blessed with four wonderful children, two boys and two girls.

Lisa Lewis, Lead Teacher Kindergarten

I am beyond excited to have been given an opportunity to be a part of this amazing preschool! My husband Mark and I have lived in the Leon Springs area for over a decade. I had been a stay at home mom which was a wonderful blessing. Our children, Hopelyn and Reagan, both attended Messiah’s Kids, and we couldn’t have asked for a more positive experience for them. I graduated from Angelo State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, and Middle School ESL. There is no greater joy than watching children learn and grow throughout a school year. It has been great to get back into the classroom and I look forward to teaching Kindergarten at MKP!

Amy McLaughlin, Lead Teacher Transitional Kindergarten

Hi! I am a native Texan originally from Baytown, just outside of Houston. My family relocated to Florida where I attended University of South Florida and received my degree in Elementary Education. I have my certification in ESL and GT as well. I met my husband Andrew just after graduation, and we married in 2001. We lived in lovely St. Petersburg, Florida for 14 yrs, where I taught at North Shore Elem. I was blessed to teach in second (10 yrs) and fourth grade( 3yrs) classrooms. I am proud to say I stay in touch with many of my former students and they have gone on to start their own journeys, attending and graduating college, beginning their professions, starting a family, and joining the military. I am so proud of each one of my students as they reach their goals and continue to be their best selves. After moving to the Houston area in 2013, I taught first grade, in the Sugar Land area for 6 years. Once we relocated to Boerne in 2019, I had an opportunity to teach 1st grade in BISD. With the pandemic I chose to stay home and care for my family last year.
We welcomed our sweet daughter, Vivienne in September of 2015, and now she is starting kindergarten! We are so excited to be in the Texas Hill Country and count our blessings that we are able to watch our daughter grow in this amazing area. As Vivienne begins her school journey, as a kindergartener, I am excited to begin my own adventure at Messiah Kids Preschool.
I believe God has guided my path to Messiah Kids to help enrich children's lives and be an active part in their developing faith. I am looking forward to the little sweet moments of learning and seeing the kids grow academically, developmentally as well as in their Faith. My passion and love for educating young minds hasn't wavered since I started teaching over 20 years ago. Each student that enters my classroom holds a special place in my heart. I believe that God has given each of His children a unique gift to share with the rest of us as we all continue to grow in our relationship with God.
I am so excited to meet my new crew as we grow and learn in grace this year.

Jennifer Nichols, Lead Teacher Transitional Kindergarten

Hi! I’m Jen Nichols and I am so excited to be joining the staff at Messiah. When my family moved to Fair Oaks 5 years ago, we fell in love with this amazing school and even camped out overnight to ensure a spot for our youngest daughter, Kenzie, in the T-K program. That year we also worked with staff there to raise over $30,000 for the new building. So there was no question, that when I decided to return to teaching Messiah was a perfect place to be! My husband, Mark and I are both proud Fighting Texas Aggies, Class of ’01. I graduated with a degree in Health Education and started my career in non-profits. My main focus was designing, implementing and evaluating programs along with writing grants. In 2006 I decided to pursue my teaching certificate because impacting the lives of children and being a piece of their love for learning was where my heart was. I had the privilege of teaching 5th and 6th graders in South Side ISD for 3 years before I had my first daughter and took on the task of full time mom. We now have two beautiful daughters, Mckaylee (10) and Kenzie (8) who light up my life. Once they both where in full time school, I knew God was calling me back to the classroom. I spent the last year substitute teaching at Fair Oaks Elementary and working on continuing education to renew my teaching certificate. During my time substitute teaching I had the pleasure of filling a long term assignment in the preschool room there. I fell in love with the age group! Watching all the excitement in their eyes as they learn and accomplish new things made my heart sing. One of the things I enjoy the most about teaching is learning each of the students unique personalities and learning styles. I believe God has gifted each child in so many unique ways. In the same way I enjoyed evaluating communities to see where their strengths and deficits where and how to use them to help reach their upmost potential, I find it even more rewarding to do so on an individual level with young learners. I can’t wait to meet your precious gifts from God and be a part of their learning adventure!

Melanie Buegeler, Assistant Teacher Transitional Kindergarten

What a blessing to be in my second year at Messiah. As a teacher, there's truly nothing than watching children learn and grow in Christ. I love shepherding little ones.
I always knew I would be a teacher. I fondly remember those long summer days of playing school at my grandmother's along with my sister. Before moving to Boerne in 2015, I was a teacher at First Baptist Church and also a long term substitute at the elementary in Alice, Texas. I also worked at St. Helena's before taking a teaching position at Heritage in Fredericksburg. As you can see, I love shepherding children as they grow nearer to God. I have also loved being a stay-at-home mom over the years and travelling a majority of the United States with my husband of 20 years, Dustin and three kids: Noah, Macy and Kyra. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, spending time with family and spoiling my three dogs: Butterball, Rocky and Sassy.

Gina Huskey, Lead Teacher Transitional Kindergarten

Originally from Chicago, I made my way to Houston many years ago to begin teaching and escape the cold weather. Since the early 2000’s, my husband and I have called many places home including Mobile, Lumberton, Qatar, and now Boerne. I’ve been fortunate to teach in many different places, including overseas, and have had the unique opportunity to teach alongside many amazing educators. As our family began to grow, I took a break from the classroom and became a stay-at-home mom. I have three children, and we are always on the run. Now that my kids are getting older, my heart is tugging me back into the classroom and Messiah’s Kids is the perfect place.

Kathy Pemberton, Assistant Teacher Transitional Kindergarten

I am a native of San Antonio. My family and I moved to the Boerne area a couple of years ago. Although it is growing, I love the small town feel not far from a big city. I have many years of experience teaching at an NAEYC accredited preschool in San Antonio. I started working with young children when my teenager children were in preschool. My husband, children and I are active members of our church, just down the road from Messiah Lutheran. I believe it is a great responsibility to help young children learn and grow through not only academics, but also their love for God and others. I am blessed to be given the opportunity to join the Messiah Kids team! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, music, art, and volunteering at my church. I am looking forward to an exciting school year and getting to know you all!

Anna Dwarshus, Assistant Teacher Transitional Kindergarten

I am originally from the San Antonio area, attended the University of the Incarnate Word and received my Business Degree. I married my husband Chad in 2010 and after working for many years in Finance, my husband and I decided to move to the Boerne area shortly after my oldest son was born. I am a boy mom to two boys and love ALMOST every minute of it, especially on a day when nothing has been broken! As a family we love to camp and be outdoors at our family ranch. I love supporting my boys and their activities, cheering them on, rain or shine! I always try to take time to work out, eat ‘mostly’ healthy and at the end of the day curl up with a good book. After watching my youngest son attend Messiah’s Kids Preschool, I knew with my love for Christ it was the right place to begin working again after being a stay at home mom for many years. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Messiah family and really look forward to meeting, playing and growing in faith with your sweet kiddos!

Alison DeLeon, Lead Teacher Kinder Prep

My family and I moved from San Antonio to Boerne in 2019. My husband and I were married in 2013 and we have two wild and crazy boys, Chase and Reid. Our family is always on the go enjoying anything outdoors and playing CYO sports. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. I have a Texas teaching certificate in Early Childhood through 4th grade and an English as a Second Language certificate. I taught elementary school for 6 years in North East ISD in San Antonio before taking a break to be a stay at home mom. After 6 years at home, my love for teaching children brought me back into the classroom. Joining the Messiah’s Kids family in 2020 was such a blessing for me. I was reminded of my deep love for God and my passion for sharing His love with others, especially little ones. I trust that God has some amazing things in store for us this year and I can’t wait to get started!

Tatiana Friere, Assistant Teacher Kinder Prep

Jean DeLucio, Lead Teacher Kinder Prep

Hello, my name is Jean DeLucio and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to teach your child! This is my first year as a teacher at our wonderful school. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University in Indiana, almost a second Bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville Tennessee and a Master’s Degree in Education Instruction from Central Michigan University in Michigan.
Originally from Indiana, in 1986, I married my husband, Raymond, and together we have two sons, Andrew and Anthony born in 1988 and 1989. They are married with families and live out of state. I have three grandchildren, Hayley, Aurora, and Zander! In 1996, my husband took a break from teaching and joined the United States Army and we began our travels around the world. Because of our travels, I’ve worked in many different industries, from working in retail to working as a veterinarian assistant. My husband’s last duty station before his army retirement was San Antonio and we decided to make it our home. He now works for the Airforce! Since we’ve settled down, I’ve worked as a long- term substitute kindergarten teacher for SAISD and as a Pre-k teacher for a local charter school. We have lived here for six years and I am still enjoying learning about local foods and customs! I enjoy traveling, reading, cruising, learning about new cultures and learning about new educational ideas and philosophies.

Andrew Guzman, Assistant Teacher Kinder Prep

Cyndi Dufresne, Lead Teacher 4 Day Preschool

My family has been blessed to live in the beautiful town of Boerne since 2009. My husband, Mike, daughter, Hannah, and I moved here and shortly after, welcomed our son, Gage. Mike and I met in 1999 at Southwest Texas State University, as I finished my degree in Ag. Business. After graduation, I worked for Target as an Executive Team Leader for 8 years. When Hannah turned one, I decided to become a stay at home mom. Once both of the kids started school, it seemed like a perfect time to start working again. I was so excited to have the opportunity to join the Messiah’s Kids team. My son completed the TK program, and I was already in love with the school and teachers. I am looking forward to a new year and watching the children blossom in God’s love!

Jessica Thompson, Assistant Teacher 4 Day Preschool

I am excited to be a part of the Messiah Preschool Family! I am looking forward to getting to know your little ones. My family and I moved to Boerne in 2018 after my husband retired from the army in Fort Hood. I have been blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom for the last 14 years. My husband and I have three wonderful children, 2 boys and a daughter. We are very active family, and we are always on the move. If we are not at home, we are usually on the baseball field or camping!

Grace Mershad, Assistant Teacher 4 Day Preschool

My name is Ms. Grace! My daughter and I moved here to Texas a little over a month ago from Ohio. I am officially engaged to my amazing fiancé! I have a history of child care and excited to be joining the Messiah's kids preschool family! Feeling very blessed!

Melissa Udell, Lead Teacher 4 Day Preschool

I am so excited to be in another year in the Messiah family! I was born and raised in San Antonio and moved away to attend Texas A&M University where I received my Bachelors of Science. My husband and I have three beautiful daughters, Abigail (9), Avery (6) and Harper (2). I also have my animal family, Sarge (Boxer), Major (Boxer), Luna (Cat), and Oreo (Bunny). My second daughter has attended Messiah for three years, and we fell in love with the program and the people. I enjoy being with my family, playing games around the table at dinner with the girls, reading anything I can get my hands on, camping, and when I get a really good recipe, I love being in the kitchen. I can’t wait to start working and playing with the children and getting to know each and every one of them!

Lauren Johnson, Lead Teacher 3 Day Preschool

I am excited to spend this amazing year with your sweet ones! My husband and I have three children. We are originally from Southern California, and most recently from Plano, Texas. We are continuing our journey here in Boerne, Texas! I attended DePaul University in Chicago, IL where I graduated with a BS in Early Childhood Education. This is my 5th year teaching 3’s Pre-K. In previous years, I have worked at a private Lutheran school up in Plano, TX, and am so excited to now be part of the Messiah’s Kids program! I have a love of traveling, reading good books, movies, enjoying a healthy lifestyle, fitness, and spending time with my family. We are always on the hunt for new and exciting activities to fill our free time! I look forward to sharing the wonderful journey discovering the “love of learning” with your kiddos this year!

Maria Ross, Assistant Teacher 3 Day Preschool

My family and I moved from Dallas to Boerne in 2017. I have two daughters who both attended Messiah and are now at Kendall elementary. I graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown with a Bachelor degree in Animal Behavior. Before I was a preschool teacher, I worked at the Dallas Zoo as a gorilla keeper and at Sea World San Antonio with the beluga whales and sea lions! Once I became a mom, I moved from animals to toddlers and worked at the Mother’s Day Out program my girls attended in Plano, TX. In my free time I enjoy being with my family, listening to live music, and being outdoors.

This will be my 4th year working with Ms. Lauren in the 3’s classroom and I couldn’t be happier to share the love of Jesus and all the fun of preschool with your children!

Kim (Kimy) Brown, Lead Teacher 2 Day Twos

I was born in Houston, Texas and raised in San Antonio from seven years old and on. My husband, David, and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 18 years. We are parents to three active boys ages 14, 12, and 4. I graduated in 2001 from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Business Management. When my older two boys were in preschool, I worked as an assistant with the four year olds at a local church. I enjoyed my time there, and then became pregnant with our third boy. I have been a stay at home mom since. Being a parent is a continuous joy and working with children adds to that joy. I am constantly reminded of God’s part in my family’s life and how He shows us the way. I am looking forward to sharing my love for faith and children and learning with you at Messiah’s Kids.

Krystal Horner-Bland, Assistant Teacher 2 Day Twos

I’m Ms. Krystal and I started working at a Messiah kids in the 20/21 school year, and it has been a wonderful experience. I have worked with kids off and on since I was a teenager. I have babysat, worked summer camps, nannied for a family, and a lead teacher for 3 years at a San Antonio preschool.
When I’m not at school you can find me on my mat in yoga or with my family. My husband and I are busy with our three kids, so our weekends are filled with football, baseball, basketball, soccer and theater.

Pam Ethridge, Assistant Teacher 2 Day Twos

Rachael Macias, Assistant Teacher 2 Day Twos

My name is Rachael Macias. I was born and raised in Oklahoma, but have been living in south Texas for the past 12 years. I recently moved to the NW side of San Antonio with my husband and kids. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and gardening. I am really looking forward to starting my new chapter with Messiah’s Kids Preschool.

Alex Hinson, Lead Teacher 2 Day Twos

Brenda Rose, Lead Teacher 2 Day 18 Months

My name is Brenda Rose, and my family and I have lived in Boerne for 9 years. I have been married to my husband, Michael for 17 years. I have three very active children, (1 boy and two girls). We are a very sports driven family and spend our weekends on the soccer fields or basketball court. We also have two sweet pups named Gunner and Grace.
I graduated from UTSA, with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, EC-6, Bilingual Education. Once I had my son, I stayed home to take care of my kids and had stayed home for 16 years. I knew I wanted to go back to work and wanted to be able to work with kids, preferably babies. I LOVE BABIES!!! I knew there was no doubt about where I wanted to work; Messiah's Kids Preschool was a no brainer for me. My two girls had gone to preschool here, and we all loved the experience of being at a Christian based school.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, and running. This will be my second year at Messiah and can’t wait to continue in this journey of watching these sweet kids grow.

Katie Martinez,Assistant Teacher 2 day 18 months

I am very excited at this opportunity to invest in your children this upcoming year at Messiah’s Kids and be a part of a great team. I’ve been working in child care, as well as Children’s ministry for the majority of my life, so you can say working with kids is my passion. I’m originally from Michigan, but have been in Texas for the past ten years. I have continued my passion with working with children by serving in church in kids ministry, as well as the Children’s Director and also doing child care. My husband and I have two amazing children, ages 5 and 6, they are an absolute joy! We also have two dogs, Duke and Cowboy. We love hiking, swimming, going on spontaneous adventures, pretty much all things out doors. There are many things I enjoy about working with kids but the one thing I love the most about is being able to experience the excitement of kids as they grow in their learning. Thank you for this opportunity, truly looking forward to the year ahead!

Brenda Souza, Motor Lab

I am so excited to be part of the Messiah's Preschool family as your kids' Motor Lab instructor. My husband, Jeff and I along with our two children, Ethan and Ella, recently moved to Boerne in Dec. 2020 from Austin. I was born and raised in a small town in California. I went to school in Fresno, CA where I graduated as a Veterinarian Technician. I met my husband, and we moved to Texas in 2005 to start our family. My children both attended a Christ-centered preschool. I started working at their preschool and was blessed there for 7 years. When I moved to Boerne, I knew I needed to be part of a preschool that was fun, loving, and nurturing with Christian values. Thankfully, God led me to Messiah's Kids Preschool.
We love spending time fishing and boating at the lake and camping in the mountains, but most weekends you can find us out on the soccer fields cheering on both our kids.

Messiah’s Kids Preschool is a Christ-centered family of learners.