Karen Feltman - director
My Southside Methodist life goes way back - from Littlest Angels Choir to getting married here, teaching preschool, serving as Church Children’s Ministry Director, then Wedding Coordinator, and finally returning to teaching at the preschool. And now, I’m enjoying my new role of stepping into Administration - guiding our teachers, students, and preschool families.
I received my AA degree in Early Childhood Education from FSCJ before going to UF and meeting my husband, David. We have two daughters who went to UNF and UF. They both live here in Jacksonville and work in teaching and construction. Both of our daughters began their education and faith walk here at Southside.
I look forward to every year with our Southside kiddos!
Ashley Saladino - Assistant Director
I am excited to begin this next chapter as Assistant Director after spending over a decade in the classroom here at Southside. Teaching has always been close to my heart, and this school is especially meaningful to me—not only as an educator, but also as a parent, as my daughter attended the preschool as well.
After attending Jacksonville University, I spent time in the public school system before joining the faculty at SMCP. Being part of the Southside preschool family for so many years has been a true privilege, and I am grateful to continue supporting our children, families, and staff in this new role. I look forward to many more years of growing, learning, and building strong relationships within this wonderful school community.
karen brown - preschool receptionist
I am married to Ken, and we have two beautiful daughters. I live in San Marco and attend church here at Southside. I love working with children and am thrilled to be part of the SMC Preschool team.
sophia brown, Pre-k2 assistant
Hi everyone, I’m Sophia Brown. I have been a member of Southside Methodist Church for many years. I enjoy working with young children and love being around them. I am a recent graduate of Mandarin High School and am embarking on my academic journey towards an Associate of Science degree to be an American Sign Language Interpreter.
MICKIE CALASCIONE - pre-K4 Assistant
I'm a very proud mom of four wonderfully mindful young adults (Ryan, Lauren, Shelby, and Cheryl). As an educator, I was blessed to have the perfect profession, which allowed me to teach at the schools my kids attended.
It's so wonderful being back at Southside Methodist, with so many familiar faces here still. Having taught here years ago, while my two youngest went to school here, I could not ask for a better place to work my perfect "retirement" job!
For fun, I enjoy spending time with my adult children, going to the beach, or taking people around town via Uber.
After driving for Uber part-time for almost 9 years and over 9000 rides, I have met some of the most fascinating people; I have had the most interesting discussions, and I always have a story to share. Life is good! :)
Mikaela Dees - Pre-k2 Teacher
I have been working in the church nursery here since 2017. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the preschool since 2019, first as an Assistant Teacher and now as a Lead Teacher.
My favorite thing to do, aside from teaching, is spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, or simply enjoying a day of movies at home.
In December 2020, I became a mom, and my son Elijah stole my heart completely. I can’t wait for him to love the teachers and staff at SMCP as much as I have over the years!
I am so thankful to be a part of your child’s growth while here at Southside Methodist Church Preschool!
Tara Grogan - Pre-K2 Assistant
I became acquainted with SMCP many years ago when two of my children attended preschool here. I have worked at SMCP since 2000, first as a Teacher Assistant and then as a Lead Teacher. I have an AA Degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Teaching little ones is a joy like no other!
My husband, Dan, and I have been married since 1986, and we have three adult children, two sons and a daughter. We enjoy spending time with our family as well as cheering for the Florida Gators and the Jacksonville Jaguars
lEA ANN HALL - MUSIC TEACHER
Bio coming soon…
Janelle Heumann - Pre-K3 teacher
I became acquainted with SMCP many years ago when two of my children attended preschool here. I have worked at SMCP since 2000, first as a Teacher Assistant and then as a Lead Teacher. I have an AA Degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida State College at Jacksonville. Teaching little ones is a joy like no other!
My husband, Dan, and I have been married since 1986, and we have three adult children, two sons and a daughter. We enjoy spending time with our family as well as cheering for the Florida Gators and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Susan Humphrey-Jones - COMPUTER teacher
Bio coming soon…
Wendie Kesinger - PRE-K3 ASSISTANT
Bio coming soon…
ELIZABETH MCGOVERN - PRE-K3 ASSISTANT
Bio coming soon…
PATTI PRICE - PRE-K3 TEACHER
I’m so blessed to be back on staff here at the Preschool on the Point. Over our years here at Southside, I’ve worn many hats. From Director of Children’s Ministries to teaching Computers and VPK and a lot of jobs in-between, this has been home to us our entire married life. My husband, David and I, have two grown sons, Andrew and Matthew, who attended preschool here and grew up at Southside Methodist. Our sons are both married, so now I have two precious daughters-in-love. I love being with the preschoolers and learning so much from them. They are always so full of joy and sadness only comes with the occasional skinned knee. One of the many things they always teach me, and I remind them is this favorite Bible verse. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. Whenever something is new to a preschooler, they tend to want to quit or say this is hard. This is the perfect verse to ask them to draw strength from Jesus who gives to us all in plenty. I’m looking forward to a great year full of blessings and seeing the wonder of Christ’s creation through the eyes of the preschoolers.
Laura Phillips - Pre-K4 teacher
My husband, Mike, and I joined SMC when our three daughters were young. We watched them grow in a loving environment provided by the Sunday school classes, choir programs, and ultimately the youth group. I discovered my passion for education in ‘95 when I began teaching the three-year preschool program here. I took a brief pause from 2006 to 2020 to help run a business with my husband, but I have found my way back to SMC Preschool and could not be happier! I truly enjoy watching children grow spiritually, socially, and academically in the classroom.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations, with a minor in Psychology, from FSU. I have taught in the public and private sectors for many years and truly feel blessed to be back at Southside!
CAROLINE REID-FOLEY - PRE-K4 ASSISTANT
Hi! I’m Caroline Reid-Foley, and I’m so excited to be part of our preschool community! I actually attended Southside Methodist Preschool myself, so it is incredibly special to now have the opportunity to be part of the school in a different role.
I have always had a passion for working with children and creating a warm, nurturing environment where they feel loved, confident, and excited to learn. Being part of a faith-based preschool is especially meaningful to me. I love having the opportunity to help children learn about God’s love and grow in kindness, compassion, and faith while building a strong foundation for their early years.
Outside of the classroom, I’m a mom of three, so I know firsthand how important it is for children to feel safe, loved, and cared for while they are away from home. I love staying active, spending time with my family, and making the most of the little moments that make childhood so special. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a place that was once such a special part of my own childhood and to now help create those same meaningful memories for the next generation!
sYDNEY ROUSSEAU - PRE-K3 ASSISTANT
Bio coming soon…
ANNA SCHNABEL - PRE-K4 ASSISTANT
Bio coming soon…
KRYS SCHNABEL - WEE ONES TEACHER
Bio coming soon…
Marina Sisco - Pre-k4 TEACHER
Bio coming soon…
Kristen Wax - wee ones teacher
While I have worn many "hats" at SMCP and SMC, I am excited to put on a teacher hat as the Wee One’s Lead Teacher!
I graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Journalism, and worked in local news and television for a decade. But after my husband Dave and I had our first child, I decided to take a leap of faith and become a stay-at-home mom. Three children and another decade later - I have to say, best decision of my life! But now that the youngest is off to "big kid school," I'm excited to get back to work! What better place to start than SMCP, where all my children attended?
You may have seen me around before; I have volunteered for things like the fundraising committee, the book fair, I have been a room parent, I used to run the MOPS program, I have been a substitute teacher at the preschool, I even had a girl scout troop that used the classroom upstairs! My family and I are members of the church, so I'm always around if you need me.
Working with kids is always fun and exciting - every day is new! - And I am blessed you're allowing me to teach your children! I'm looking forward to the new school year!
chris westbrook - pre-k4 Teacher
I’ve been a member of the SMC Preschool staff since 2004.
I graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I have been a resident of Jacksonville for 29 years. I am married to John, and we have three children: two sons, Charlie and John Patrick (J.P.), and a daughter, Jordan.
I love crossword puzzles, cooking, taking walks with my children, and having fun with them during silly playtime. Children enrich my life each day, both at home and at preschool. It is such a joy and an honor to be a part of such a wonderful school family.
kAT WILLS - TWEENIES TEACHER
KRISTINA WILLIAMS - TWEENIES ASSISTANT
Jan Wilson - pre-k2 Assistant
I began my teaching career in the 1980s, following my graduation from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
Through my 40-plus years of working in education, I have grown passionate about working with "the early learners.” It is rewarding and exciting to watch their daily emotional and intellectual growth as they tackle their world.
I am the mother of two children, Jake and Rachel, who have blessed me with five fabulous grandchildren. All of my grandchildren have happily attended or are currently attending Southside Methodist Church Preschool.
Southside Methodist offers a warm and loving family atmosphere for students and parents. I am delighted to be part of this exceptional staff and look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone.