Our 2024/2025 Team

I moved to Allen from Chicago (Go Cubs!) in 1988 and have worked in education and served in a variety of children’s ministries over the last 45 years. I have a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master's in Education Administration. This is my 24th year leading the GEM staff at Grace. I have been married to Blair for 40 years and we have 4 children– Daniel, Katie, Lindsey and our son-in-law Lance. I love my job working alongside this awesome staff! It is a blessing to partner with parents teaching and nurturing children to grow spiritually, academically, socially and physically. Excited to have my granddaughter Cash at GEM this year!

This is my 21st year at GEM! My husband and I graduated from Allen, and I received my BFA from the University of North Texas. We have been married for 22 years and have 3 children who have all graduated from GEM; they are now 16, 18, and 20. Exciting news, our 20-year-old got married this year, so we now have 4 wonderful kids! Our family loves spending time together, hosting Life Group, and serving the community through Grace and GEM. I'm really looking forward to the 24-25 school year!

This is my 14th year at GEM; the first 3 years I was in the classroom and this is my 11th year on the Admin Team. My husband and I have 3 amazing sons and we have called Allen home since 2004. I love spending time with family, friends, and being a part of this amazing team!

This is my 14th year at GEM. My husband Chris and I celebrated 28 years of marriage in August and we have two adult children. Emma graduated from SFA in May and is working her first adult job. Alec is a student in the welding program at Collin College Technical Campus and loving all things metal. When we are not working on a house renovation project, I enjoy hanging out with my family, quality time with my hubby, and crafting. My favorite verse is Matthew 25:21, "His master replied, ‘Well done good and faithful servant.”

This is my 20th year teaching and my 13th year at GEM. I am blessed to be able to share my love of learning and God with my students. Michael, my husband, and I moved to Allen in 2006 from Boston. We have one daughter, Kaitlyn (16), who is a junior (Allen), and Cinnamon our sweet dog. Fun trivia fact: You might see me in PBS Curious George learning segment in the episode "Curious George Sees the Light" with my 2nd grade class in Boston.  In my free time, I like to read, travel, go to movies and spend time with my family.

This is my 2nd year at GEM.  I taught a 4’s class last year and am excited to assist in kindergarten this year. I have a BS in Child and Adolescent Development from UNC Greensboro.  My husband, Michael, and I helped pioneer a ministry called Ten Thousand Homes, which was formed to build HOPE and HOMES for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.  Our first 3 children, Isabelle, Ethan, and Aidyn were all born in South Africa, where we served as missionaries for 7 years. We’ve lived in Lucas since 2016 and have had 2 more kids, Riley and William, since returning to the States. I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering my kids on in all their activities. We’re a baseball family for sure!  I love running and am currently training for my 4th marathon. I also enjoy reading and photography.  I love working with children and am so excited for the opportunity to serve at GEM.

This is my second year teaching at GEM. This school is very special! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with such an amazing group of teachers and staff. My husband and i moved to Allen from California. We have 3 children, Sophie (14), Elyse (11), and Holden (7). We also have a mini golden doodle puppy named Hailey. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching my kids play sports, and going to the movies. I am so thankful to be part of this ministry! And looking forward to this next school year.

This is my 7th year at GEM and I absolutely love this sweet place! I've been married to my husband, Ro, for 19 years.  We have 3 children, Laela (16), Dhillon (13), & Olivea (11). The kids are all involved in sports and activities, which certainly keeps me moving!  Spending time with family and friends is my absolute favorite pastime, but I also enjoy crafting, bargain shopping, and party planning. I am excited to be part of an amazing ministry and look forward to a great year with fabulous 4/5 year olds & their families!

This is my fourth year at GEM. I have previously taught preschool with Allen ISD for four years. I have a Bachelors of Social Work from Texas State University. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Mike for 26 years. We have four children: Zane (19), Eli (17), Bella (15) and Jude (12). We have four pups, Scout, Sadie, Oakley and Rip. When I’m not at GEM, I’m cheering on my kids at their activities or taking a dog for a walk!

I am so excited to be celebrating my 14th year at GEM! This is my first year to assist Kinder. The last 5 years I’ve been fortunate to have taught music and Spanish. My husband, Todd, and I have been married 29 years and have 2 adult kids. Olivia (21) who will be graduating in December from OU! Grant (19) graduated from Allen High and following his passion of all things golf.  My family also consists of two fur babies a chiweenie named Thibodeaux (YES, we are from Louisiana) and our Pomeranian named Zeus!  My husband and I are enjoying our new season of life that we call “Free Birding” This summer we made a big change by moving to the small town of Weston.  I’m learning to channel my inner country girl. My love language is serving others so outside of work, I enjoy teaching 4th graders at my church along with volunteering in the community. I absolutely LOVE my job and look forward to working with this gifted kinder team and amazing kids!

This will be my 18th year at GEM! I have been a classroom assistant, office assistant, P.E. assistant and receptionist in AISD, and this year will be my second full year as a 4s teacher. My husband and I have been married for 34 years. We have two adult children and I became a first-time grandmother this past January. I love Bible journaling and hanging out with our Shelties, Ranger and Maggie.

This is my 12th year at GEM. I previously served as a 4s Teacher and the Music & Spanish Teacher. My husband and I have 18-year-old twin girls that attended GEM 12 years ago. We stay busy doing all the SENIOR year activities as well as cross country for AHS. I love art and scuba diving in Cozumel.

This is my 8th year serving at GEM, and it’s a true blessing being a part of such an amazing team.  I have taught and assisted from 2’s to 4’s over the years (5th year in the 4’s). My husband and I have lived in Allen for over 20 years and have two sons. Jacob is attending CCCC and Joshua surprised us last year by graduating a year early. This is the first year I’m not doing back to schooI shopping for my boys! Meanwhile, our 9 year old yellow lab, Barley, will follow me around like a 3rd son. On my days off you will find me spending time with family and friends. I love a good thunderstorm, with the windows open and a book in my hand. I will also take any chance I can get to plan a trip!

I am delighted to be teaching at GEM this year!  I am originally from Illinois and have had the pleasure of teaching High School Mathematics for 6 six years. Before taking this opportunity, I was a stay-at-home mom to my two wonderful daughters. My oldest, Payton, attended GEM for the past two years, and now my youngest is joining this year.  I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact GEM has on our children. Outside of teaching, I enjoy quality family time, playing games,  shopping, arts and crafts, and spending time outside.

I received my BS in Child and Family Development from the University of Missouri in Columbia. I have taught in Developmental Day Care and a variety of preschool settings over the years. This is my 18th year at GEM and I feel very blessed to be a part of such a great school!  My husband, Mike, and I have been married 36 years and have 3 children. Our twin daughters, Hillary and Megan, are married and have blessed us with 5 grandchildren. I am excited that our granddaughter, Amelia, will be attending GEM this year! Our son, Michael, lives with us and works on the Media Tech team at Prestonwood Church.  We moved from St. Louis, MO. to Texas in 1997 and  currently live in Princeton.

This is my 13th year at GEM, my 10th year as a teacher, and before that I was an assistant in the 3s class for three years. My husband, Matt, and I have three wonderful children. Genevieve (19), who is a sophomore at OSU, and enjoying college life. Camryn (17), is a senior at Lovejoy High School this year and is very active in Lovejoy Lacrosse. My son Dade (14), plays on a club soccer team, and then also plays football, wrestling and soccer for Lovejoy.  They are all three GEM graduates. I stay very active running my youngest to all his various sports and activities. I feel blessed to be at GEM again this year.

This is my 8th year teaching at GEM. Through the years I have been blessed to serve GEM as a parent, a teacher, and as a member of the GEM Board. I am super excited to be teaching the Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 3’s class this year! It is such a privilege to be a part of these foundational years of early childhood. My husband, Chad, and I have been married for 30 years. We have 4 daughters, Mykaela (26), Moriah (24), Marissa (20), and Marlee (14) – all who are alumni of GEM. In my rare spare time, I enjoy reading, watching football, and crafting.

This is my third year at GEM, but I've been a part of the GEM family for the past 7 years as a parent. My son and daughter are both GEM graduates. I was born and raised in southern California. I left the coast to I attended The University of Oklahoma where I earned a BA in Letters, a MA in History, and a MA in Library and Information Studies. My husband James and I have been married for 16 years and we live in Lucas with our kids and our two Huskies. I love sports, reading, traveling, and all things Disney! I'm blessed to be a part of this amazing GEM family!

This is my third year at GEM. I have been married to my husband for 21 years, and we are blessed to have an amazing son. When I'm not at GEM, I stay busy with my son and my mother. Working at GEM has been such an awesome experience of self growth and daily satisfaction. It is a joy to work with the children as they grow and learn. 

I am excited to start my first year on staff here at GEM! I have been in education for 29 years and recently retired from teaching. I have 3 beautiful kids Grace (24), Emma (21) and Will (14) - a GEM alumni! I am adding a wonderful son-in-law to the family this October, and having fun planning the wedding! I love entertaining, reading, crafting, trying new restaurants, and celebrations big and small. I'm very thankful to now be a part of the GEM family.

This is my 11th year at GEM and my 7th year as the 2's team lead. I love being in the classroom and have such a heart for the littles as they begin their journey in education. My husband, Brett, and I have lived in Allen for 29 years and we have 3 amazing kids, Emily, Kaylee, and Ethan. When I am not at GEM I enjoy spending time with friends and fun game nights! You can also find me cheering for my son, Ethan, as he continues his pole vault career at UNT this fall, Emily as she is working on her research for her Master's thesis at TX State, and Kaylee in her 3rd year on the UTD club swim team. In my spare time I volunteer for the non-profit Amazing Little Hearts and support the Allen High School Marching Band. I feel very blessed to have been a part of the GEM team for so many years!

I was born in San Jose, CA, moved to Frisco, Texas in 1998 and now reside in Princeton. I have been teaching preschool for the past 21years, 18 of those years with the 2’s. This is my second year at GEM Express and I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful school. My husband, Wes, and I are a blended family with 6 awesome children between us; Casey (30), Caitlin (29), Megan (26), Katelin (30), Marisa (28) and a son, together, Sean (20). We have also been blessed with 6 beautiful grandchildren; Leah (6), Emilia (6), Levi (5), Lily (4), Lemon-Louise (2) and one on the way due in March. We love camping, fishing, boating, watching movies, playing with our 2 fur babies (Buddy and Shiloh), being involved at church and spending time with family.

This is my fourth year in the 2s Team at GEM. I have also been an assistant in the Friday Enrichment class, but the 2s are my sweet spot! The littles are such a joy to teach! And I'm humbled to be a part of their first pre-school experience. Texas has been my home for most of my life but I am originally from Honduras and speak fluent Spanish.  My husband, Ray and I have been married for 33 years and are blessed with a married daughter-Maya and son-in-love-Chris and our son Ethan who is a GEM Alumni. We’ve been attending Grace church since God brought us to GEM in 2006. I love working and serving the Lord and our community at Grace church. Ray and I are leaders in the Big Tots room on Sundays. And I serve as an  AWANA leader on Wednesday nights. I love working at GEM where we teach in a loving, nurturing and God honoring environment.

This is my first year teaching at GEM, however, I have previously taught and subbed at another local preschool over the last 4 years.  My kids have also attended GEM for the last several years. I grew up in Allen and then attended college at the University of Oklahoma where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations. I met my husband at OU, and we have been married for 11 years and have 3 kids:  Caroline (7), Rhett (6), and Abigail (1). On the weekends, we are usually cheering on our kids in their activities, spending time with friends and family, and attending/serving at our church.  I also enjoy exercising, baking, and eating anything chocolate!

This is my 13th year at GEM!!! Throughout the years I have served in many different roles. I have an associate degree in computer science from Collin College and a bachelor’s degree in Business Computer Information Systems from the University of North Texas. Working at GEM has by far been my most rewarding job. I thank God every day for the opportunity to be part of such a strong early education ministry working with an amazing staff, wonderful families and getting to help develop little hearts and minds for Christ. My husband Zach and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary in February. We have 2 daughters, Shelby (20) and Courtney (16). Shelby just earned her Medical Assistant Certification through Collin College. Courtney is a junior at Allen High School and this year she will be working towards a Physical Therapy Rehab Aide certification. When I am not at GEM, I can usually be found hanging with my family. In my quiet time I love to hang at the lake, fish, swim, diamond paint, work on vinyl crafts and binge watch good shows. I also enjoy spending time with friends and love a good game night.

This is my 3rd year at GEM and I love it more every year! This will be my 1st year teaching Music and Spanish and I can’t wait to sing a joyful noise with your precious children! I have lived in Allen over 20 years with my husband Scott. We have two adult daughters, Emily (24) teaches 1st grade in Stillwater, OK and Hailey (22) is a student at Tarleton State in College Station. You can usually find me at home chilling with my dog, Phoebe, reading or planning my next trip.

I married a New Jersey boy and we celebrated our 38th anniversary this year. We raised 2 boys and 2 girls in Allen, Texas. They have blessed us with a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law and 2 grandbabies so far! I’ve loved working at GEM since 2005. I am thrilled to be teaching all the kids Sensational Science and singing in Chapel each week. We have fun in Friday Enrichment classes. I love to travel, especially to Montana, Tennessee and College Station where some of my kids live. I also like to eat out, walk at the park, play pickle ball, hike and go to the movies with my husband.

I am a graduate of the University of North Texas, where I met my husband Lee. We have been married for 30 years and have three children; Dylan attends Texas Tech University, Morgan is a graduate of Texas State University and Jessie attends Lovejoy High School. We spend our free time fishing at the lake, playing with our dogs and visiting the college kids! This is my 14th year teaching at GEM and I have coached the Soccer Express program here for several years. I love being a part of this great community and am thankful for all the children I am blessed to teach.

My name is Suzanna my husband and I moved from California 2 years ago. This is my first year at GEM. I am so blessed to be apart of this amazing team! I have two kids that graduated from GEM. Kids and baking is my passion.

Blessed to be serving my 9th year as the GEM Resource Assistant. This opportunity allows support of teachers, assistants, and other staff so they are able to spend their time and talents teaching or aiding the students. My husband, Rocky, and I have a daughter, Ransom and son, Zackary and daughter in law, Vanessa, which have blessed us with Alexandria, 3 in November and Gideon, who turned 1 at the end of July.

This is my 8th year at GEM Express.  I was at GEM from 2008-2012 then came back in 2021!  Through the years I have taught 18 month olds, 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, PE, and last year I was thrilled to serve as Learning Support Teacher.  This year I have worked in after care and been a substitute in most GEM classrooms. My husband David and I have been married for 30 years and have 3 adult sons, Joseph, Adam, & Luke.  We also have 2 cats, Blue & Pumpkin, and 2 dogs, Sunny & Bob. My background includes being an Early Intervention Specialist for 12 years, working as a Special Education Assistant, subbing in both Allen and Lovejoy, and teaching blended public Pre-K.  I got my Masters in Education in 2020 and am currently working on becoming fully certified to teach in Texas.

So thankful to be going into my third year at GEM! This year, I get to spend time with all the GEM students as a playground assistant! I am going back to school to finish my degree at the University of North Texas, studying Elementary Education (K-6). When I am not at GEM, you can find me doing all sorts of things: studying at coffee shops, exploring small cities and their downtown areas, spending quality time with my boyfriend Michael, volunteering with my sister at our local community theatre, and the newest hobby, crocheting! GEM is such a wonderful place to serve. I look forward to another year of helping kids develop new skills, finding their personalities, and a love for Christ!