SHARON FEASTER - Director
Southside Methodist Church Preschool first became a part of my life when both of my children attended the school in the mid 80’s. 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. I have been so blessed by them, 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 not a better place to begin than in the loving, Christian environment at Southside Methodist Church Preschool!!
karen feltman, Assistant director
My Southside Methodist life goes way back - from Littlest Angels Choir to getting married here, teaching preschool, being Church Children’s Ministry Director, then Wedding Coordinator, and back to teaching at the preschool. And now, I’m enjoying my new role of stepping into Administration - assisting 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 that went to UNF and UF. They both live here in Jacksonville and work in teaching and construction.
Both of our daughters started their education/foundation here at Southside. And I’m happy to get to be a part of the beginning education/foundation for all of our students.
I look forward to every year with Southside kiddos!
Rebecca acosta-go - pre-k2 assistant
I am very pleased to start the new school year as a teachers aide. I have always marveled when kids finally get their eureka moment and the light finally shines when they understand.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I enjoy singing in community chorales, as well as your Traditional Worship Service Choir on Sundays. I am a mother of three children and two grandchildren.
It is a great blessing from you to allow me to teach your children. I am looking forward to a wonderful year.
Melissa Aiuppy - music teacher
I have a Bachelors 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.
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 very excited to be at SMC Preschool.
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 hanging with my adult children, spending time out at the beaches or Ubering people around town.
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-k4 Assistant
I have been working in the church nursery here since 2017. I’ve been so fortunate to be apart of the preschool since 2019, first as an Assistant Teacher and now as a Lead Teacher!
My favorite thing to do other than teaching is spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, or just enjoying a day full 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 apart 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 and play and learn on their own or with each other, and watching them grow ~~ it is all so amazing, and the days go by quickly with them!
My family includes my college sweetheart husband, Will, who 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 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 into primary school 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!
alexis Graham - PRE-K2 ASSISTANT
Hi everyone! I'm Alexis Graham, mother of two amazing children, Kylie and Alexander. My husband and I stumbled upon SMCP after an unexpected move with the military and the rest has been history since. I have been a room mom twice for both of my children while attending SMCP and have accepted multiple volunteer opportunities.
I am so thrilled to officially be apart of the SMCP family and look forward to a wonderful year with all the little ones. I have worked with children for the last 3 years volunteering with Guardian Ad Litem and am looking forward to expanding my experience.
I'm a UF graduate (Go Gators!) and will be studying Juvinelle Law this upcoming fall. I can't wait to meet & get to know all of your this year! Xoxo Alexis
janelle heumann - pre-k2 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 - preschool reception
My grandsons, Jackson and Jacob Kennedy attended SMCP from 2014-2018. I was impressed with everyone then, as I was when my granddaughter Ellie came here in 2020 as a Wee Ones.
After working in public schools as an educator from1997-2017, I made the decision to retire in order to spend more time with my grandchildren. That meant spending my time in Kansas and in Florida. It can be challenging, however it has been very rewarding.
I enjoyed everyone at SMC Preschool last year as a substitute teacher, Candi was gracious to hire me as an assistant in the 2’s class for the 2023-24 school year. I am looking forward to the fun days ahead with this group of children, parents, and staff.
wanda kearson, pre-k4 assistant
I joined the Southside Methodist Church Preschool family in January 2022 as a substitute... and I am absolutely tickled pink to be moving on to assisting in preschool in fall 2022. I la-la-love being in the classroom and watching little minds grow. It is such a rewarding experience.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Education, and have taught first and second grade in public schools for the past eight years. Although teaching in elementary was a fulfilling passion, I am super excited for my adventure in preschool.
When I am not in the classroom, I love to spend my time camping in our pop up and snorkeling with my family. Speaking of my family... I married my high school sweetheart, Bill, in 1998, and we have two amazing sons... Nicholas and Alex.
I look forward to sharing this school year with your little ones, and celebrating all their academic successes in preschool.
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 in his final year at this sweet school. I have enjoyed volunteering at the school and am excited to now be part of the faculty.
My background is in the legal field, but I found a joy for sharing Jesus and the Bible with children through teaching elementary aged children at my church. I am excited for this opportunity to teach your children about Jesus, and my hope is 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 Bachelors 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 near or far, finding new places to explore and new restaurants to try.
I am looking forward to watching our class learn and grow this year!
mona ossi - computer assistant
I graduated from Baker County High School and am married to Richard. We have two girls, one who graduated from college in 2020 and one in college. I have worked at SUM Preschool for quite sometime now and have enjoyed being the Computer assistant.
Both of our girls attended Southside Methodist Preschool so we have fond memories of them being students at this sweet preschool.
laura phillips - pre-k4 teacher
My husband Mike and I joined SMC when our three daughters were young. We watched them grow through the loving environment provided in the Sunday school classes, choir programs and finally the youth group. I discovered my passion for education in ‘95 when I began teaching the three’s preschool program here. I took a brief pause between 2006-2020 to help run a business with my husband, but 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 Bachelors of Science in Child Development, 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!
debbie price - pre-k3 teacher
Hi Everyone,
I’m Debbie Price of Miss Debbie’s Dolphins Pre-K 3 Class.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Bobby, since 1981. We have two wonderful adult married children and their wonderful spouses. We are also blessed with a new grandson!
Being with my family and friends and, going to the beach are my favorite things to do.
I have been teaching preschool for over 30 years and enjoy the many wonderful blessings and connections with the children and families that it brings! I enjoy sharing the love of learning with our little ones and encourage them to always “Be the best you can be!” and “Always use teamwork!”
ashley saladino - pre-k4 teacher
I am a 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 bachelors 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 a part of the SCMP family and am looking forward to a wonderful school year.
missy scovill - computer teacher
I graduated from the University of Florida in 1989 with a BS degree in recreation. I have worked at the preschool for over 15 years. I am a resource teacher and teach Computers on Wednesday & Thursdays. I am married and have two children who both attended SMCP. My daughter, Morgan, graduated from FSU and my son, Chase is in college at University of North Florida. I am a member of Southside Baptist Church.
Computers:
In our computer classes, we learn the parts of a computer and master the skills of clicking a mouse and moving the cursor across the computer screen. We are also learning to take turns and follow directions from the games that we play.
marina sisco - Pre-k3 TEACHER
claudia streepey - pre-k3 assistant
It has been an honor working at Southside Methodist Church Preschool since 2016. I have enjoyed working in the classroom as well as in the reception office. It is always a joy watching the children grow and learn!
I have been married since 1989 to my husband mark 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! I my free time my favorite things to do are walks on the beach and cheering for the Gators
kRISTEN WAX - wee ones teacher
While I have worn many "hats" at SMCP and SMC, I am really excited to put on a teacher hat this year and get to know the 2 year old class!
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! And my family and I are members of the church - so I am 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 am looking forward to this new school year!
chris westbrook - pre-k4 Teacher
I’ve member of the SMC Preschool staff since 2004.
I graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's 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 silly playtime with them. 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 started my teaching career in the 1980's after graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelors 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 provides such a loving family atmosphere for students and parents. I am very happy to be a part of this staff of amazing people and look forward to meeting and getting to know everyone.