Ms. Penny is a veteran PYC parent and member of Faith.  A former pediatric triage nurse, Penny has found a niche with healthy children here at PYC.  She works with Dinah in the 4 Day classes.  Penny is also the staff representative to the PYC Board of Directors.

Penny Cooper– Assistant Teacher– PreK Classes

Faith Lutheran Church

Our Staff

Programs for Young Children staff are a unique and loving bunch of Christ-centered women with the energy and dedication for creating a dynamic program serving children and families.  They share a common desire to help PYC evolve into an organization that is family centered and supports parents as they raise their young children in Faith and Christian love.  Lead teachers hold 4 year degrees and have extensive background and training in Early Childhood Education.

Kie Zelms, MSEd., Director

Kie holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.  and has taught preschool Enrichment, Kindergarten and PreKindergarten At-Risk in public and private settings.  She developed the Playgroup program at Faith Lutheran.  As Director of PYC , Kie enjoys interacting with all the children and their parents.

Paulette Schafer– Teacher- 3 Day AM Teacher

Paulette holds a degree in Music Education and has taught preschool music, Enrichment and regular preschool for many years.  She brings boundless enthusiasm and a song for every occasion to PYC. Paulette is facilitating a new playgroup this year and will serve as our Parent Coordinator

Dinah Williams-  Teacher– PreK Classes

Dinah brings her love of nature and books along with a degree in English to enrich the 4 Day program.  She has directed and taught in Preschools all over the world for 20 years.  Dinah has a soft place in her heart for the needs of children with disabilities of all kinds.

Jill Koch– Playgroup Facilitator

Jill’s degree is in elementary education.   She taught in PreKindergarten At Risk and has a special interest in speech and language issues.  Jill practices her teaching methods on PreK g

Jill Koch– Playgroup Facilitator

raduate, Marissa and her son Bryan. Daughter Nadia is a preschooler now. Jill is a certified Parents as Teachers home educator for the city of O'Fallon's Bright Beginnings.

Kristi Holliday- Playgroup Facilitator/ 2 Day Class Teacher

Kristi has taught Kindergarten, Preschool and has worked in PreKindergarten At Risk classes.  She holds an Early Childhood teaching certificate.  She, is a veteran Playgroup parent who teaches our 2 day class of young 3's this year.  Her son, Blake, attended PYC and is now in Kindergarten.

Programs for Young Children

Anne Muren comes to us with her degree in Elementary Education and background teaching preschool and music enrichment classes.  She has taught the 2 day class and now teaches the afternoon blended age 3 day class.  Her children are in 4th grade and 3rd grade this year...  Anne's 3rd grader was one of the very first graduates from our program.

Susan McKean–Spiritual and Educational Resource Assistant

Susan is a long time member of Faith Lutheran who formerly directed our Kid’s Day Out program. Susan has taught Faith’s 3 year old Sunday School class for countless years and was the "original" preschool assistant during our "co-op" years. Susan skillfully leads our Godly Play program and assists in all the classrooms when needed for special events. 

Christen is member of Faith Lutheran who brings her love of books and literature to PYC.  Christen holds a degree in Sociology and finds her understanding of group behavior useful as she assists with the managing our billing and registration procedures.  This year Christen will add her nurturing touch to the 2 Day class.

Christen Reinert– Registrar/Assistant Teacher– 2 Day AM