Meet the Team

Dedicated & Certified

Kristi Olterman

Director

I have proudly served as the director of Mt. Zion UMC Preschool since 2010. Prior to that time, I taught preschool for 6 years and at the elementary school level for 6 years, as well. I attended Furman University where I received a degree in Early Childhood Education, and then Oglethorpe University where I earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education.

I have been married to my husband, Rob, for 28 years and we are entering the realm of "empty nesters". We have two awesome boys, Nathan (23), who graduated from Clemson University and is now a productive member of society living in D.C., and Cameron (20), who is a junior at University of Tennessee.

I am very proud to lead such an incredibly qualified staff and the fantastic families of Mt. Zion Preschool, the loving school in the heart of East Cobb!

Lory Pruitt

Assistant Director

I have been at Mt. Zion UMC Preschool, the best preschool in East Cobb, since 2008. The first two years, I was the resource Manager and then became the Assistant Director in 2010.

I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a teaching degree in grades Pre-K through 8. I met my wonderful husband there,
and we have three children. My daughter Kelsey graduated from UGA and now lives in Washington DC and works for Morning Consult. My son Tyler graduated from Auburn and lives here in Atlanta. He works for JM Wilkerson Construction Company. My youngest, Brandon, is a Junior at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and is majoring in Religious Studies.

I am so incredibly blessed to be part of this wonderful Mt. Zion Preschool family! Come join our preschool because I know you will love it as much as I do!

Meryl Mims

Teacher

I am honored to be joining the Mount Zion Preschool community as the assistant teacher in the 4's Monday-Friday class. I have a passion for teaching little ones and have over seven years of experience working with children with Autism as an Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist. I'm originally from Johns Creek, Georgia, and currently reside in East Cobb with my college sweetheart, Derek, whom I've been married to for nine years, and our three amazing children: twin seven-year-old boys and a two-year-old girl (who will also be joining the Mount Zion Preschool family!), along with our labrador-beagle mix. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking and exploring nature, exercising, learning piano, reading, and visiting the beach whenever possible. I feel blessed that God led me to Mount Zion Preschool and am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Allison Redhead

Teacher

This is my 3rd year at Mt. Zion and I am so excited to be a Lead Teacher in the M-F 4’s class! I was the Assistant Teacher in the M-F 4's Forest Friends class the past two years where I gained a lot of knowledge. Prior to joining the staff at Mt. Zion, I was a Paraprofessional at Murdock Elementary for 13 years in the areas of Special Education, P.E., Kindergarten and Reading Intervention. Mt. Zion Preschool holds a special place in my heart as both my daughters went here a long time ago! Olivia is now a rising Junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Natalie graduated from Georgia College and is pursuing a Masters degree in Psychology at Richmont Graduate University. We lived in East Cobb for 17 years, but in 2023 my husband and I decided to make the move to Acworth to be closer to Lakes Allatoona and Acworth. I enjoy traveling, decorating my home, yoga, lake activities, true crime podcasts, and spending time with family and friends.

Bekah O'Toole Crosby

Teacher

I am beyond thankful for the privilege to teach at Mt. Zion for a second year. After growing up in Fayette County, I moved to Kennesaw where I graduated from KSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While I have worked with children of all ages for several years, I find my true passion in teaching the preschool age group. It's a treasure to watch children grow, learn and create, all while having fun!

My husband Brian and I met while dancing at KSU and enjoy performing with a few Atlanta based dance companies. Some of my other hobbies include hiking; reading; and hanging out with our cats, Lyra and Link.

Carley Rex

Teacher

I grew up in Roswell and I’m so happy to have settled back in East Cobb. I received my undergraduate in education from Georgia College and my masters degree in reading instruction from West Georgia. Prior to taking a short time off to be with my kids I taught elementary. This will be my fourth year at Mt. Zion. I have three busy boys! My oldest is a Mt. Zion grad and will be going into second grade. My other two will be here at preschool in the fours and 24 month classes. I’m looking forward to a fun, busy year full of learning and growing!

Julie Pass

Teacher

I’m excited to join Mt. Zion Preschool as the Tuesday/Thursday 2 year old teacher. I was born and raised in Cobb County and spent many years living away in Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, Tennessee. My undergraduate degree is from The University of West Georgia and I have a masters degree in education from Georgia State University. Prior to having my children I was an elementary special education teacher.
My husband Stephen and I have a 9 year old son and 5 year old daughter. As a family we love to travel, hike, camp, and ride bikes together. I love to play tennis, walk and bake in my spare time. It is an honor to watch your child grow and learn this school year!

Christine Fritsch

Teacher

Christine was born and raised in New York and moved to Marietta, Georgia with her husband David in 1991. They have two children. Christine has a degree in Biological/Chemical sciences and has been a part of the Mt. Zion family since 2004 when her son attended the program. Since being a parent of a Mt. Zion preschooler, Christine has been a substitute teacher, an assistant classroom teacher and continues as the lead science teacher which she began in 2006. Christine is extremely proud of the entire preschool program at Mt. Zion and looks forward to each new day with everyone. Christine enjoys sharing her love of science and working to enhance the outdoor classroom area known as the “Gathering Place”. Christine and her family are members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Christy Luttrell

Teacher

I am excited to be your lead teacher for the 4's Monday- Friday class. Mt. Zion is a great learning experience as we were fortunate to have two children recently graduate from here.

My past experience has included being a kindergarten/ first grade teacher, and elementary school counselor.

My educational background includes being an alumni of Emory University, Primary/Elementary education from Rollins College, and a Masters in School Counseling from Stetson University.

On a personal level, I like being outdoors,walking, beach activities, reading and being with my family and friends.

Looking forward to a great year!

Cindy Nekrasas

Teacher

I have been teaching for over 23 years both in the US and internationally and have an undergrad degree in International Studies and Russian, and a Masters in Elementary Ed. Mt. Zion is my happy place! I have spent the last 19 years teaching the 4 day 4’s class ever since I walked in the door as a parent of my own 4 year old. Ironically, the girl who always said, “I am never going to be a teacher,” is now teaching High School Special Ed in Florida. My husband of 29 years and I love traveling, hiking and Thai food.

Coach CJ Whyte

Teacher

I'm Coach CJ, the Movement lead teacher at Mt. Zion Preschool. This will be my fifth year at this wonderful school. During the school year, we will play/learn through creative activities and engaging music with one simple goal: Fun.

I have been happily married since 2007 and we have two amazing children, Ford and Harper. Ford is a football player at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy CB/WR and Harper plays NASA Academy Soccer as GK. She also plays soccer, basketball and tennis for St. Francis Middle School.

When I'm not sitting at a park or school cheering on my kids, I like to take family vacations, exercise, cook, paint, play bass, watch football, and spend time with my family.

Remember: Seven Days without Exercise Makes One Weak.

Jamie Crawford

Teacher

I am the Monday- Thursday three year old teacher and I am very excited to be joining the Mt Zion family. I have taught both preschool and elementary school in NC, SC, and FL. I graduated form Appalachian State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I relocated to the Marietta area five years with ago my husband and two daughters. My oldest is a sophomore at Walton and my youngest is an eighth grader at Dodgen. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, going to the beach, and reading a great book. I am looking forward to a great year with everyone.

Elizabeth Miller

Teacher

I’m very excited to be working with Coach CJ and the Mt Zion Preschool team again as an assistant in the Movement class. I have been happily married for 10 years to my husband David, have two children (7 and 5) and a labradoodle, Sawyer. Both of my children have attended Mt Zion and we have fallen in love with the school.

Previously, I have worked in various roles of Children’s Ministry before staying home with my children.

In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, going to the beach, traveling and spending time with my family! I am looking forward to a fun school year.

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Alicia Snyder

Teacher

I am the Lead Teacher for the MWF three year old class, the Fabulous Fishies. My son attended Mt. Zion for 5 years and I really loved what the school had to offer. After subbing at Mt. Zion for a couple of years, I decided to join this wonderful staff. I attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where I received a degree in Elementary Education. I taught 5th grade for 4 years and also earned a Masters in Educational Administration from Kent State University. I have been happily married for over 20 years and have a daughter in high school and a son in elementary school. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, photography, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and exploring together! Let’s Dive In!

Gabriella Boyle

Teacher

I am the lead teacher for our Young Fives Program. This will be my fourteenth year at Mt. Zion UMC Preschool. I learned about the preschool while my youngest son attended, fell in love and have been here ever since! I treasure the journey that I get to take with these wonderful young students year after year. I'm married to a great man for thirty-five years and we have three fantastic adult children and three dogs, a cat and a turtle..

Hannah Slocum

Teacher

I am so excited to join the Mt. Zion team! I am an East Cobb native and received my teaching degree from Kennesaw State. I have 4 years experience in primary grades at a local East Cobb school prior to staying home with my kids. I have 2 children at Mt. Zion and we have fallen in love with our sweet school. During my free time I enjoy reading, exercising and going to the beach with my family.

Holly Hugh

Teacher

I’ve been a part of Mt Zion preschool since 2009–first as a parent and since 2016 as a staff member. I love it here, and I’m thankful everyday for the opportunity to be a part of this community!
My wonderful husband and I have 4 awesome kids—three of whom are Mt Zion alumni. As a family we love to travel and have adventures, play games, and cheer for one another—whether it’s at a soccer, lacrosse, or rugby game, a dance recital, or a stage production! Never a dull moment!

Meghan Bradshaw

Teacher

I am thrilled to be joining Mt. Zion Preschool as the Tuesday/Thursday 2 year old assistant teacher. I have taught both first and second grade at the elementary school level. I have my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education (B.S.), my Master of Education in Elementary Education (M.Ed.), and my Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.S.). I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, and my husband and I moved to the Atlanta area 15 years ago. We are raising our three children in East Cobb and are loving it. I have a 5th grade boy, a 3rd grade girl, and a Kindergarten girl. Our last child just graduated from Mt. Zion and I loved the school so much I decided to stay and teach. I love reading and spending time with my family and friends. I'm looking forward to a great year!

Julie Taylor

Teacher

I am happy to be on staff at Mt. Zion Preschool. I grew up in South Carolina and attended Clemson University. I taught 4th grade for 9 years before moving to Marietta and staying home with my children. I have 4 kids who all attended Mt. Zion Preschool. I love reading and spending time with my family!

Kathryn Muraoka

Teacher

I am grateful to be a part of the Mt. Zion Preschool team since 2018. I have worked five years in the Science program and one year in the classroom. This year I am overjoyed to be teaching Science alongside Ms. Chris on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. I love my job working with 3–5-year-olds and seeing all the wonders of learning through their eyes. My husband, Ken and I have 2 children (17 and 20 years old) and one 13-year-old baby (our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Ruby). I love reading, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. I look forward to another great year with your children at our loving preschool.

Kay Morgan

Teacher

Both of our children attended Mt. Zion Preschool. I fell in love with the preschool and started working as an assistant in 2011. I have a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) . I am the lead teacher in the 18-24 year old class "Little Bears", and I have also taught three year olds for eight year. Starting in 2024 I will be the Science assistant on Monday and Wednesdays. I have been happily married since 2003. We have two children, a daughter, and a son. We enjoy music, traveling, and spending time with family.

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. We at Mt. Zion love them too.

Latta Patel

Teacher

I have been teaching at Mt. Zion since 2018, I am a lead teacher in music.

I have a background in dentistry, and I have also done my child development association from ashworth college.

I have been married to my wonderful husband for 15 years, we have 2 lovely daughters, and 1 fur baby.

When I’m not teaching at Mt. Zion, I like to spend time with family and friends, going on trips, and taking our dog for a hike.

Jody Clickner

Teacher

I'm very excited to be joining the Mt Zion family! I grew up in metro Atlanta and graduated with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. My husband and I have lived in Marietta since 2012. We have 3 boys who have all attended Mt Zion! I love to read, bake, and spend time with our friends and family. I'm really looking forward to a wonderful school year with the Top Dogs!

Angie Hall

Teacher

I am so happy to be working at Mt Zion with the 4's. I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Child Development and Family Studies. I've worked as a Child Life Specialist and spent 11 years at Lekotek of GA, working with children with disabilities and their families. I taught a 4's class at Roswell United Methodist for 6 years and then started a preschool pod with 3 and 4 year olds during Covid.

My husband, Gavin, and I have 3 children - Lindsey(26), Ethan(18) and Alex(16). We recently welcomed an amazing son-in-law, Joe, into our family. We also have 2 dogs, Lucy and Dash.

I love to travel, exercise and read. What a blessing it is to be here!

Luba Abounassar

Teacher

I have been a 12-18 month assistant teacher at Mt.Zion Preschool since 2015 and a 2 years old assistant teacher since 2018. Taking great care of small children is my biggest passion.

I live with my husband of 21 years in Roswell and we have three sons. I hold a master degree in early childhood education and have taught in elementary schools in Europe for 4years.

My hobbies are healthy cooking and baking,hiking and reading.

Marisa Carter

Teacher

I am the lead teacher in the 4 day 4's class. Born and raised in Georgia, I received my Early Childhood degree from Georgia College. I began my teaching career in grades

kindergarten and first for 8 years. I have been at Mt. Zion since 2011. Teaching is my passion and I love Mt. Zion!

I am married to my high school sweetheart (Rob) with two boys ages 18 and 21 ( Mason and Hudson) and 2 dogs (Hank and Bo). When I am not in the classroom I love spending time with family and friends at our lake home, love reading, going to the movies, watching my boys play sports, and cheering on Auburn football.

Marlene Asensio

Teacher

I taught at Mt Zion from 2004 to 2015 and am so excited to be returning as an Assistant Teacher for the 4-year old class. I have also taught Spanish in After School Programs at different East Cobb elementary schools. I have a degree in Marketing from Georgia State. I am from Panama. I have been married for 30 years and have three children Melissa, Cristina and Charlie. I love to spend time with my family and going to the beach.

Missy Ayele

Teacher

I have been a member of the Mt. Zion staff since 2006. I have worked with in the fours class throughout that time. I was born in Ethiopia, but moved to the United States in 1992. I have two wonderful children, Mathew and Elaine. In my spare time I love catching up with them and spending time together.

Paulina Gomez

Teacher

I am very excited to be assisting in the Spanish class with Mrs Suzy Viera and joining Mt Zion Team!
I was born in Mexico City. I am married and have 3 children (2 boys and 1 girl). My daughter Andrea attended Mt Zion preschool and we love everything about it!
We moved to the US in 2021 from Mexico, it has been a great experience living here.
I enjoy excercising and traveling. I love spending time with my family and friends.

Denise Johnson

Teacher

Hello Everyone! I am very excited to be assisting Mrs. Gabriella Boyle with her 5 year old class this year and joing the Mt. Zion team. I am a retired nurse and I have a degree in Health Care Managment. I have been married to a wonderful man for 48 years and we have one adult daughter and a grand-cat. I enjoy linstening to music and reading.

Jessica Schiappa

Teacher

Hello, Mt. Zion families! My name is Ms. Jessica, and I feel so fortunate to be the Assistant Movement Teacher at such wonderful school. I graduated Cum Laude with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia in 2015. I have two awesome boys, Henry and Charlie. Henry is a third grader, and Charlie is a current student at Mt. Zion. In my free time, I’m typically at home with my husband Louis, my two boys, and my dogs Cookie and Birdie. I love to grow lots of fruits, veggies, and herbs in my backyard garden, bake fresh bread, and cook for my hungry guys. I so look forward to meeting all of my students this year! Not only will I be teaching, but also exploring, growing, and learning alongside them.

Neha Marfatia

Teacher

I am happy to be on the staff at Mt.Zion. I was born and raised in Mumbai, India and have a Bachelors in History and Economics from the University of Mumbai. I have been in Georgia since 2017 and love it here. I have a background in banking and have been married to my husband for 16 years and we have a son in middle school. When I am not teaching I love to spend time with my family, travel, and read. I love being the music teacher because we get to see all the kids from 1 year old class to the young fives.

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Annie Williams

Teacher

It is a pleasure to be joining the wonderful staff at Mt. Zion Preschool as one of the Movement Assistants this year. I am so excited to meet and get to know your child, share my passions for health and wellness through fun and engaging activities with him/her and watch everyone grow and thrive in a loving and caring environment.

I am a Northern transplant (Wisconsin, Ohio & Minnesota), have been happily married to my husband for 12 years and have three boys (8, 6 & 4) who have all attended this incredible school. In my free time I love to bake cookies, decorate my house, plan trips to Disney and train for marathons #9 and #10!

Susan Kaye

Teacher

I am the lead teacher for the 2 1/2yro classes. I have been teaching at Mt. Zion since 2007. I have a degree in teaching. I love sharing my excitement of books and crafts with my students! I have loved Mt. Zion Preschool since both of my children went to the school.

I have a wonderful husband, Rod and 2 amazing children, Amelia and Justin. We are members of Mt. Zion church. I love doing crafts, exercising, going for walks and spending time with family.

Suzanne Viera

Teacher

I am the Spanish teacher. I was born in Venezuela. I got married in 1990 and we moved to the United States to pursue a Masters degree in Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech. I have two children, Juan and Susy. I started working at Mt Zion in January 2003. I began as an assistant teacher and, after a few years I started the Spanish program at the preschool. I also teach Spanish in the after school programs in some of the public schools in East Cobb. I love teaching Spanish! I also enjoy spending my time with family and friends.

Yoko Calhoun

Teacher

Time flies..... I have been at Mt. Zion Preschool since 2002. Both of my children attended the school; therefore, I knew how wonderful the school was! I was born and raised in Japan. After studying English litterateur in college and worked in Japan, I decided to come to the U.S. I attended LSU in 1983. I am now married and blessed with 2 adult children. I have been with children between the age of 12 month and 24 month all those years, and now am with 12 to 18 mos. and 4s. and young 5s. for Art also. I love the nature of young children, and my heart melts for them.

Angela Burton

Teacher

Our family has been a part of Mt. Zion Preschool since 2018 and I am so excited to be starting my second year as the assistant art teacher! My husband and I met while attending Valdosta State University and have loved raising our 2 girls here in East Cobb. I loved being a preschool parent of Mt. Zion and I am now so delighted to be able to work here too!

Shannon Bridges

Teacher

I am thrilled to be joining Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Preschool as the Monday -Thursday 3-year class's assistant. Born and raised in Illinois, I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. I worked in the Chicago Loop prior to relocating to Atlanta. Since moving to Georgia, I shifted my professional skills from commercial design to mentoring our younger generation in the arts. A glimpse of my previous teaching experience includes leading a PreK homeschool co-op classroom, assisting a hybrid homeschool Kindergarten classroom, speaking at an elementary school Arts Jubilee to inspire youth about Fine Arts, and teaching business owners design software. Some things I enjoy are exploring new places with my children, teaching our poodle new tricks, Zumba, and learning something new everyday from my joy of reading. Looking forward to a great year!

Heather Lanxton

Teacher

I am so excited to be back at Mt. Zion this year as the assistant in the Young Twos class. I’ve taught at this wonderful school for seven years. I am married to my sweet husband Rodney and together we have five kids. I have a business degree from UGA and an Early Childhood Education degree from Mercer University. In my spare time I love spending time with my family, planning my next Disney trip and working on my antique business.