leading with smarts and heart

I have been working at DPCC for 5 years in our three day two year old class. My DPCC experience began in 2008 as a parent. As a mother of 2 daughters, I knew instantly that DPCC was a special place and that my children would not only grow and learn here, they would be loved here. Prior to working with children, I worked as a City Planner working with local governments and Community development programs throughout Georgia. Its exciting to be a part of the DPCC team and to work in a loving positive environment “Where Play is Child’s Work”.

I have lived in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur for 13 years with my husband, daughter and son. I started my journey with DPCC in 2011 when my children started attending DPCC. The teachers were so loving and giving. I loved being a part of this special community and never wanted to leave! Before becoming a mom, I worked as a Consumer Relationship Manager. I later served on the Board of DPCC for 4 years. I am thrilled to now be a teacher for this amazing preschool and to be able to give to these children all the love, growth and knowledge the school provided for my own children.

Amy Wilson has been a teacher at DPCC since 2011. After her 3 boys ‘aged out’ of DPCC, Amy wasn’t ready to leave the nest and has been lucky to experience the school from the other side of carpool line…as a teacher. She absolutely loves helping the sweet 2’s grow from babyhood into full-fledged little kids! In her life before kids and DPCC, Amy studied Art History and Business and worked for many years as an event planner.

Claudia Hernandez grew up between Arkansas and Chicago, then married and moved to Atlanta where she’s become a mother of five. Her skillfull creativity and energetic connection with children make every day a fun adventure in the room. She and her family have been part of the DPC community for years, where her husband Juan is a member of the church staff.

This is Mary Lynn’s 6th year at DPCC. She lives in Oakhurst with her husband and 2 daughters- both of whom are proud DPCC alum. She gained valuable teaching experience working with kindergarten and 1st graders in the Gwinnett County Public School system. Before having children, she taught 5th graders at Kings Ridge Christian School. She feels honored to be a part of the DPCC team and looks forward to coming to school each day.

Laura Schiener is so excited about being in our DPCC community as the teacher of the new 3s flex classroom. Laura has always had a passion for working with children. She spent 13 years coordinating inpatient special events, donations and volunteer community programs at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Scottish Rite. Most recently has loved her time teaching art classes for 4-7 year olds at Clubhouse Kid & Craft here in Decatur. Laura lives in Decatur’s Lenox Place neighborhood and is married with 2 kids (Isla & Ian who have both been students at DPCC!) and a dog named Maisie.

I was born and raised in Atlanta, and currently live in Decatur with my husband and 8-month old son, Theo. I am thrilled to work alongside Mrs. Trujillo as a 4-day 3’s assistant at DPCC. I went to The University of Georgia and majored in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education. I taught 1st and 2nd grade in Fulton County before moving to Decatur. After subbing at DPCC, I knew that I wanted my son to learn from the loving and supportive teachers that work here, and I feel honored to be apart of such a talented community of educators. Fostering a love of learning, exploring and playing in children is my greatest passion. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, reading, practicing yoga, and doing anything outdoors.

Lisa Harris, in her fourth year at DPCC, has found a home in this warm and welcoming community. She has 2 elementary-aged daughters, the youngest of whom started 1st grade this year. Helping her daughters transition to elementary school made it clear to her how precious and magical the preschool years are for children, and she is excited to help create some of those special learning moments here at DPCC. Before stepping away from full-time work when her oldest daughter was a toddler, Lisa’s career was focused on writing and editing, primarily for nonprofit organizations, and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Lisa enjoys hiking and other outdoor adventures with her family, running, reading, and helping lead a Girl Scouts troop.

Christy Hancock is excited to be working as the lead teacher in the 5 day 3s. This is her third year at DPCC, after moving to the North Druid Hills area with her husband. She has six grown children and one grandchild.  Christy has been working with young children for over 20 years and loving every minute of it.  In her free time she loves playing tennis, watching football and spending time with her husband/family.

My name is Reuben, spelled just like the Sandwich (AKA Mr. Sandwich). I grew up here in Decatur and recently returned home after a decade in Vermont. Growing up, I spent my summers as an Acrobatics Instructor at Circus Camp. After getting my Bachelors in Exercise and Movement Science from the University of Vermont, I worked with youth in a variety of environments like after school programs, summer camps, preschools, gymnastics coaching, and pediatric healthcare. I enjoy music, making art, cooking, and all outlets of creativity. I look forward to bringing energy to the classroom and fostering an environment of learning, creativity, silliness, safety and fun for all students.

Cristin Davis is excited to be working as the lead teacher in the pre-k room. This is her 12th year working at DPCC. She has worked in the Young Twos and Three Year Old classrooms and with PMO. She fell in love with DPCC when her two children, Riley and Brady, began in the two day 2’s class all the way through Kindergarten, and they are teenagers now! Cristin has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Reading and Comprehension. Before having children, she taught 12 years in public school as a Pre-K teacher, First Grade teacher, and Reading Specialist. More recently she worked as an instructor and supervising coach in the MAT program at Georgia State, training and supporting new teachers.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity teach at this wonderful school. After taking three years to stay home with my son Charlie (who attended two years here), I am excited to return to the classroom for my third year at DPCC. I discovered DPCC in 2019 when looking for a preschool, and within minutes of entering the building, I recognized it as a loving community that prioritizes nurturing the whole child. I have a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University and have taught grades K-3 since graduating from Samford University in 2007. I love teaching and could not picture myself in any other profession.

An Atlanta native, Mrs. Weathers has been working at DPCC for 29 years. Her love for children led her to become a preschool teacher. She especially enjoys working with the four year olds through fun and engaging educational activities, to prepare them for kindergarten. Mrs. Weathers has three grown children of her own and four grandchildren, all of whom she equally adores. Her favorite author is Dr. Seuss.

I live in Decatur with my husband, three children, and three cats.  My younger two children attended DPCC after being stuck at home for a year during COVID, and they had a magical experience here!  This is my first year teaching at DPCC and I’m so happy to be part of this wonderful school.

I grew up in Decatur, and returned after college.  I have degrees in Fine Arts and Psychology from College of William and Mary, and before staying home for 4 years with my children, I worked at a law firm and as a studio potter.  I enjoy art, music, gardening, travel,  and exploring the woods with my family.

This is my 14th year teaching Kindergarten and my 18th year at DPCC. I taught the 3 day 3’s for 2 years before landing my favorite job as the lead Kindergarten teacher at DPCC. I graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I taught Kindergarten, First, and Second grade for 8 yrs. in the Archdiocese of Atlanta (St. Thomas More and St. Peter Claver). I am married and have two teenagers who attend Decatur High School. We also have a very spoiled Westie, named Snowy who becomes the subject of a lot of our stories in Kindergarten! I have enjoyed working with young children for as long as I can remember. I believe there is no better job than seeing the world through a 5 year old’s eyes. It is so fun to be able to engage children in meaningful and creative ways. Every year is a new big adventure! It is such a gift to be a part of the wonderful community of DPCC!

Katie Coleman is excited to be full time at DPCC. With a degree in Marketing from UGA she worked in various marketing outlets.  Her three daughters all attended DPCC and soon after Katie started substituting at the preschool.  After being a stay-at-home mom for 11 years, Katie is thrilled to be working alongside Ms. Putman in the Kindergarten class.  She is married to Sean and her three girls are in Elementary school.

Miche Baskett, a native of Decatur, lives a half-mile from DPCC with her husband (a professor at CSU), twin boys (students at DHS), Nando the Superdog, and twin kitties named by their boys after soccer stars, Lio (Messi) & James (Rodriguez). She learned Spanish from living, traveling, and studying abroad. Señora Baskett has over twenty years teaching experience, with eight of those years at DPCC. She was a founding member of the City Schools of Decatur Spanish team, as a certified teacher, developing the curriculum for all the elementary schools, while teaching students in kindergarten through third grade. She did graduate work in Early Childhood Education, as well as Spanish Language Education at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She truly enjoys spending time with the children at DPCC, witnessing their growth and learning, and she especially loves to share her enthusiasm for the Spanish language! You can read a lot more about Sra. Baskett on her website “Spring Into Spanish.”

Working alongside her husband, Matt, the two of them have served together in music ministry throughout their 39 years of marriage (and each of them, individually, for several years prior to that). Upon arriving at DPC, Lori began a preschool choir (the Cricket Choir), which remains active to this day. Lori assumed the position of Director of Children’s Choirs upon the retirement of Carolyn Brooks, in 2000. In addition to her responsibilities at DPC, she has enjoyed teaching music at DPCC (Decatur Presbyterian Children’s Community) for many years.She maintains an active piano teaching studio, teaching mainly children and youth of DPC. Lori and Matt have served churches in Oxford, Anniston and Birmingham, Alabama; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and Canton, Ohio. Lori holds degrees from New World College and Gadsden State College, in pediatric nursing, and KinderMusik, respectively. Additionally, she has received her accreditation in Musikgarten (specializing in music for young children). Lori has always been a homebody, and has loved the part-time schedule she maintains at the church. Lori and Matt reside in Lilburn, Georgia, along with their 2 dogs, Daisy and CharlieMc. They have 2 grown sons, Drew, who works for the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and Wes, who sings in the DPC Choir as a staff singer, and is Assistant Manager at Music and Arts.