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 foundation here at Southside. I’m happy to be a part of the foundation for all our students' education.
I look forward to every year with Southside kiddos!
Ashley Saladino - Assistant Director
I am thrilled for another school year at SMC Preschool. I have been blessed to be a lead teacher at Southside since 2013. I am a Jacksonville native and attended Jacksonville University, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
My husband and I have been married since 2018 and have one daughter (Caroline) who attends SMCP. We love attending Jaguar games and spending time with our very large extended family!
I am honored to be part of the SMCP family and look forward to a wonderful school year.
SHARON FEASTER - Administrative Advisor
Southside Methodist Church Preschool first became a part of my life when both of my children attended the school in the mid-80s. Shortly after they moved on to Hendricks Avenue Elementary, I began my career here in 1990. I started as an assistant, then a lead teacher, and I have been in administration since 1999. Through the years, I have been so lucky to work as a team with such an amazing group of ladies. They have so blessed me, the church staff, the preschool families, and especially the children.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Chuck, since 1980. We have been blessed with two awesome children, our son, Chad, and our daughter, Kacie, and their wonderful spouses - daughter-in-law, Brittany, and son-in-law, Taylor. We have the four sweetest grandchildren we could ever ask for - James, Jack, Marlee, and Shay. They bring us so much joy!!!!
I love my job. Helping families get their little ones started on their educational journey is a privilege and an honor, and there’s no better place to begin than in the loving, Christian environment at Southside Methodist Church Preschool!!
Melissa Aiuppy - music teacher
I have a Bachelor’s of Music Performance from Wheaton College. I have taught music in the Jacksonville area since 2004, and I have taught music at Southside Methodist Church Preschool since 2017. I also teach private piano and voice lessons, as well as play and sing at my church, River City Church. I live with my husband, three kids, one dog, two cats, and fish in Springfield.
brittany bingeman - pre-k2 assistant
I'm Brittany Bingeman, and I'm very excited to be joining SMCP as a 2s assistant teacher! I am married to Ken and have two wonderful sons, Griffin and Aiden. Griffin attended SMCP and is now at Hendricks Avenue Elementary, while Aiden is currently attending SMCP. Griffin had a great experience at the preschool with the wonderful teachers and loving community of the school.
I have been a stay-at-home mom for several years; however, I have a bachelor's degree in Consumer Journalism with an emphasis in Child and Family Development and a M.S. in Nutrition. I've taught nutrition/cooking classes to adults and children of all ages.
I have volunteered at SMCP on the fundraising committee and for SMC Vacation Bible School, and I am very honored to now be on staff. I am thrilled to help young children develop the skills they need to succeed in the future, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with your children.
Mallory Bosque - Computer Teacher
Bio coming soon…
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, wee ones 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-k3 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!
Janet Dickey - Pre-K3 Assistant
It is a wonderful blessing and a great opportunity to work for Southside Methodist Church Preschool.
I have worked at the preschool since 2004. Listening to the children, observing them paint, play, and learn on their own or with one another, and watching them grow — it is all so amazing, and the days pass quickly with them!
My family includes my college sweetheart husband, Will, whom I met at Auburn University. We have two grown sons, Matt and Brian, who graduated from the University of Florida and the University of North Florida.
Will and I occasionally help pet-sit Nova, a Vizsla that belongs to our son Brian. Nova loves long walks and sitting beside us at reading time.
My hobbies include cooking, gardening, hiking, reading, and traveling with family and friends.
Melissa Farhat - P.E. teacher
I’m Melissa Farhat, and I'm so excited to be the Physical Education teacher! In previous years at Southside Methodist Preschool, I’ve been an assistant teacher, a lead teacher, and a substitute.
My husband and I have been fortunate to be part of the wonderful Southside Methodist Preschool community since 2014. Our three children went through the program, and we are forever thankful for the stepping stones of a wonderful education in primary school that it provided to our children.
As a PE teacher, I’m passionate about promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, not just in my work but also in my personal life. You will find me at the gym bright and early most days of the week. It is something I am truly passionate about.
Our family loves to travel, fish, and enjoy dining experiences together. We also make the most of our time outdoors, finding joy in staying active and appreciating the beauty of nature.
I’m looking forward to watching your children grow!
Melissa Gregory - Pre-K4 Assistant
Bio coming soon…
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
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.
Sandy Holsberg - Pre-K3 Assistant
Bio coming soon…
Erin Lufkin - God & Me Teacher
After being part of the Southside Methodist Preschool family for several years, it is a blessing and honor to join the preschool as the God & Me teacher this school year! I have two children who graduated from SMCP, and one is in his final year at this sweet school. I have enjoyed volunteering at the school and am excited to be part of the faculty now.
My background is in the legal field, but I found joy in sharing Jesus and the Bible with children through teaching elementary-aged children at my church. I am excited about this opportunity to teach your children about Jesus, and I hope that they will learn more about the Bible through our weekly lessons.
I am looking forward to a great year!
Shelly Middleton - pre-k3 TEACher
After 3 years as a parent and volunteer at SMC Preschool, I am so thrilled to join the staff this year! I am a Jacksonville native, married to my middle school sweetheart. I graduated from UNF with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2010, then followed my husband’s career in the Marine Corps for a few years before we settled back home in the city we love. We have a daughter and two sons in elementary and preschool. I enjoy traveling, whether near or far, and discovering new places to explore and restaurants to try.
I am looking forward to watching our class learn and grow this year!
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!
Marina Sisco - Pre-k4 TEACHER
Bio coming soon…
claudia streepey - pre-k3 assistant
It has been an honor working at Southside Methodist Church Preschool since 2016. I have enjoyed working in both the classroom and the reception office. It's always a joy to watch the children grow and learn!
I have been married to my husband, Mark, since 1989, and we have three grown children and two beautiful grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my family and especially my grandchildren. They bring me such joy! In my free time, my favorite activities include walking on the beach and cheering for the Gators.
Sarah Thompson - Pre-K2 Assistant
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.
Jan Wilson, pre-k2 Teacher
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.