Our Amazing Teachers!
Pre-Kindergarten 5's:
Karin Eldred - (Certified)
Hello! My name is Karin Eldred and I am thrilled to
be a part of the Wee Blessings family.
My husband of 21 years, Mike and my 3 children, Lindy 16, Maclyn 14 and
Tucker 11, moved to Chandler 5 years ago from Paramount, California. I attended Long Beach City College where I
received my Early Childhood Development certification and taught in Christian
Preschools for over 15 years. I took a
year of when we first moved here to help my family adjust to their new life in
Arizona. I then secured a position at
The Grove Bible Church as their Children’s Ministry Director. Although I thoroughly enjoyed working in
ministry, my passion was for teaching.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the staff at Wee Blessings
for a 3rd year and I look forward o helping your child develop socially,
academically and spiritually. Thanks for
entrusting Wee Blessings and myself with your child’s development.
Pre-Kindergarten 4's:
Lisa Hoverson - (Certified & Credentialed)
Hello! My name is Lisa Hoverson and I am extremely excited to be joining the Wee Blessings’ family. I am married to an amazing man, Yuri, and we have fabulous twins, Emma and Dalton, who are 8 years old and going into the 3rd grade. I am originally from Northern California. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and from Northern Arizona University with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. I previously taught 1st grade for 10 years, and after having stayed at home for bit, I have taught preschool for one year. During my time at home I tutored students K – 8th grade, served as a MOPS coordinator and Council Coordinator, and served in the early childhood ministry at church. The early childhood years are a favorite, and I can’t wait for the learning adventure to begin with each child this year! I look forward to creating a partnership with you, in making your child’s educational experience a blessing!
Mariza Martinez - Gay (Certified & Credentialed)
Hello, my name is Mariza Martinez-Gay. My husband
and I moved to Arizona from Michigan about 11yrs ago. We have been
married for almost 17 years and have been blessed with 3 wonderful children
ages 13, 11 and 8. I have always had a passion for teaching children.
I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and
have had several years of teaching experience. I have also volunteered
for many years in the Children's Ministry at my church. I have been
teaching the Spanish Program here at Wee Blessings for the past 3 years. This
includes the Lunch Bunch classes as well as classes for the Extended Day
program. I am always amazed at how quickly the children can learn to
speak a new language! Last year, in addition to this, I began
teaching the MWF 4 yr old class. It was such a fun and rewarding
experience and I am looking forward to continuing with it again
this year. I feel very blessed to be working alongside such a great
staff and wonderful families, Thank you for the opportunity to be a
part of your child's learning and development.
Melissa Branting - (Certified)
Hello my
name is Melissa Branting. I started working at Wee Blessings at the beginning
of 2010 as a Teacher of the 5 Pre-K class, an aide for the 3’s class and snack
person for the school! 2010-2011 I had
the joy of teaching the 4’s Pre-K class on T-Th. What a blessing the kids made to my life and
a joy to see their faces each day. I have been married for 16 years and have 2
daughters ages 7 & 10. I grew up in
a small town in Nebraska where I graduated from the University of Nebraska with
my BS Degree in Business and minored in Economics. Over the last 3 years, I worked at a couple of
Churches helping out with the MOPS childcare and really enjoyed bringing a
smile to a child’s face – the reward is priceless. I have also volunteered in Children’s
Ministry at Church, volunteered several years at VBS, was a part of the MOPS
Steering Team as well as a table leader. I also substitute teach at my
children’s school in Chandler. As I work
with the children here at Wee Blessings, I am truly amazed at the curriculum,
the Worship time and prayers – what a wonderful start these kids are getting to
prepare for Kindergarten and life. They will truly be ahead of the game. Thank
you for sharing your child/children, and I look forward
to a new year watching each child grow, learn...and being a part of it all.
Preschool 3's:
Deborah Knox - (Certified & Credentialed)
"Hi, my name is Deborah Chovan and I am so happy to
be starting my second year with the team at Wee Blessings Preschool. Last
year was amazing and looking forward to this year being just as good. I have
always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember and received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. I am so thankful for the
many opportunities God has given me to work with children in wide range of
avenues and ages. I don’t think there is anything more rewarding than being
part of a child’s growth and development- physically, intellectually, and
spiritually."
Amy Wicoff - (Certified & Credentialed)
Hello! My
name is Amy Wicoff, and I am very excited to be joining the Wee Blessings family. I
am originally from northern California, but have been living in Arizona since attending
college at ASU. I have a Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education, and have
also earned my ESL and Early Childhood Endorsements on my teaching certificate.
I taught elementary school in the Tempe School District for six and a half years;
where I mostly taught 1st grade, but also taught 2nd and 1st/2nd multiage classes. My
husband and I have been married for 9 years and have 2 amazing daughters.
I took a break from teaching when my oldest was a baby, and was blessed to stay
home with my girls for several years. Now I am thrilled to be able to be back
in the
classroom, and am so very blessed to be a part of the Wee Blessings team! I am looking forward to a
wonderful year with your child!
Marie Smith - (Certified & Credentialed)
My name is Marie Smith and I am pleased to be a part of the
Wee Blessings Family! I am originally
from Hawaii, but have lived in Chandler for over 20 years. My husband George and I have 2 wonderful
children: Riley who attends Hamilton
High and Jenna who is a seventh grader at Santan Jr. High. How time flies! I attended ASU and received my Bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration. I
later returned to ASU Polytechnic where I earned my Elementary Education
teaching certification. Since then, I
have taught and tutored students in preschool through 8th
grade. I am truly looking forward to a
rewarding and exciting year!
Preschool 3's / Wee Tots (combo):