Staff

St. John’s has an amazing staff.   Please read a bit about the wonderful people that make St. John’s the best place for your child.

Wanda Burkett, Director

It’s been my privilege to serve as Director here at St. John’s Methodist School since the fall of 2001.  I began teaching here in 1996, first teaching in the 3’s class and then in the 4’s class.  Prior to coming to Richmond,  I had earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees (from colleges in Illinois), and had taught since 1976.  I have taught children ranging in age from 2 years old through the 9th grade. I did take time out from formal teaching to be home with my two daughters when they were young.

No matter what age level I am involved with, my goal is to respect and care for each child as the individual God created, while making learning and time spent in school a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.

Valerie Smithey, Teacher - 2 1/2 year olds and Afternoon Child Care

I’m Valerie Smithey and I’ve been teaching preschool for over 15 years in the Methodist ministry.  I enjoy working with this age group, they are so inquisitive and honest.  I live in Rosenberg with my husband and son.  We enjoy the outdoors and spending quality time together.  I look forward to working with your children.

David Luckert, Pastor

What a joy it is to be part of an educational program that has served three generations of “little people” with excellence and passion.  In my two years here at St. John’s I have been impressed with the commitment our teachers bring to their classrooms, and the joy I see on children’s faces day in and day out.  Whether it is an a unique learning experience in chapel, on the playground, or in their rooms, I sense a nurturing environment with makes me proud of our relationship and good work.

Karen Sebesta, Teacher Assistant - 2 1/2 year olds

My name is Karen Sebesta.  My husband and I have a daughter who attends Sam Houston State University.  In my free time, I enjoy crocheting and creating crafts.  My passion for children has spanned over 15 years, and as I spend each day with children my love and dedication continually grows.

Mary Ann Sliva, teacher - 3 year olds

Hi!  My name is Mary Ann Sliva.  I’ve been with St. John’s School since January 1981, starting out as a teacher’s assistant and then becoming a teacher of the 3 year olds in 1984 as well as the lead teacher of the Lunch Bunch class in the afternoon.  In 1990 I received my CDA (Child Development Association) certification from the National Credentialing Program.

It is a joy teaching the 3 year olds and helping them along their educational paths.  They are at an age where they enjoy exploring new experiences, and I want their experience at St. John’s to be a positive one, enriching each child’s life both socially and academically.  It’s my hope that each child and their parents leave my class prepared to take the next steps in their lives.

Candice Zepeda, Teacher Assistant - 3 year olds and Afternoon Child Care

Welcome to St. John’s School.  My name is Candice Janel Zepeda.  I have lived in the Rosenberg area all of my life.  I am a graduate of BF Terry High School.  I have a son, who was blessed to attend St. John’s for two years.

I enjoy antique shopping, crafts, and participating to the fullest in all of my son’s activities.  I am excited to be part of your children’s lives and look forward to a  fantastic year.

Sue Ann Stavinoha, Teacher - 3 year olds and Afternoon Child Care

My name is Sue Ann Stavinoha.  I’ve been teaching at St. John’s School since 1991.  I love teaching the 3 year olds.  I find it so rewarding to be able to enrich young children’s lives as they develop and learn.  I also help out with the 3 year olds afternoon child care.

Rena Sullivan, Teacher Assistant - 3 year olds and Afternoon Child Care

My name is  Rena Sullivan.  I have been at St. John’s School since 1996.  I have worked with 3 and 4 year olds as well as kindergarten and bridge classes.  I’m married and have three great kids.  I enjoy being around children and watching them learn and grow.

Kristy Hedden, Teacher  - 4 year olds

My name is Kristy Hedden.  I am married and have four young children, three boys and one girl.  We moved to Richmond in the summer of 2006 from Midland, Michigan.

I have a B.S. in Elementary Education with a major in child development and minor in Language Arts, as well as an endorsement in early childhood.  I previously taught kindergarten for 3 years and preschool for 2 years, I then took some time off to be a stay at home mommy!  I decided to join the St. John’s School family in 2007 and am very glad to be here.

I believe that preschool should be a warm, nurturing environment for children to experience many new hands on activities.  This experience needs to take place in a positive learning environment, surrounded by people who love and care about the children.  I want your child’s classroom experience to be one that they look forward to each day and feel comfortable in, I will do all that I can to make this experience a long and lasting loving memory.

My one true love outside of my family is teaching, especially the very young.  I look forward to a terrific year with you and your child at St. John’s!

Gina Galvan, Teacher Assistant - 4 year olds and Afternoon Child Care

Hello, my name is Gina Galvan.  I live with my family in Needville.  Some years ago, the Lord put a passion and love in my heart for children.  I have since enjoyed the experience of teaching, loving, and nurturing children of all ages.

Marilyn Wester, Teacher - 4 year olds

My name is Marilyn Wester, and I have been with St. John’s Little School since 1994.  I started as a teacher's assistant with the 3 year olds for 8 years.  In 2002, I attained my Child Development Associate Accreditation, and became a lead teacher with the 4 year olds.  Fifteen hours of further education annually is required which keeps me current and updated.

Being able to teach children and help structure their lives to prepare them for life gives me the most rewarding opportunity.

Jennifer Salinas, Teacher Assistant - 4 year olds

Hi there!  My name is Jennifer Salinas.  I grew up in Rosenberg, graduating from Lamar Consolidated.  I am currently working on a degree in Education from the University of Houston.  I have two daughters.  In 1985 and 1986, I actually attended St. John’s School!  So I feel very blessed to be back here as part of the staff.  I am extremely excited about the school year.  It is truly a blessing to watch your child learn and grow over the next several months.

Mylene Flores, Teacher - 4 year olds

My name is Mylene Flores.  I am a certified teacher with twelve years of classroom experience.  I have been a preschool teacher at St. John’s since 2006.  My teaching philosophies are: teach with patience and understanding, teach each child as an unique individual with his or her own learning styles, potential and abilities, provide a creative classroom environment with engaging activities, and apply discipline fairly and consistently.  Have fun!

Stephanie Thielemann, Teacher Assistant - 4 year olds and Afternoon Child Care

My name is Stephanie Thielemann.  I have worked here at St. John’s School for 18 years.  I am married and my husband is a teacher at Foster High School.  I have two children, a girl who is 16 and a son who is 13.  I enjoy working with your children and thank you for sharing them with me.

Heather Lowrie, Teacher - Kindergarten

My family and I live in the Pecan Grove area.  I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two children.  In my free time I enjoy writing for Katy Magazine.  I also love to encourage people and inspire all of my students to achieve their full God given potential.  I am passionate about teaching and am blessed to be able to work at St. John’s.

Tammy Hasty, Teacher - Music and Afternoon Child Care

Hi!  My name is Tammy Hasty.  I have been working at St. John’s School since 2001.  I began as a teacher’s assistant working with Mrs. Sliva (an awesome teacher).  In 2008 I started a new challenge in becoming the music/motor skills teacher.  I absolutely love it!  It is a very rewarding and fun position.  God has definitely blessed me!

Kathie Psencik, Afternoon Child Care

I grew up in Rosenberg; graduated from Lamar CISD in 1972.  I’ve been working for St. John’s School for about 8 years now. I’m a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.  I like to do jigsaw puzzles, crossword, and word search puzzles.

Nancy Jo Gonzales, Afternoon Child Care

I’ve lived in Richmond all of my life.  I attended Lamar Consolidated in Rosenberg.  I’ve been blessed with five children and three grandchildren.  I have been working with children for several years and I love it.  God blessed me with a position here at St. John’s School, and I'm happy to be here.

Mary Ann Kramer, Secretary

Hi, my name is Mary Ann Kramer.  I have worked at St. John’s School for Little Children for thirty years as a secretary/bookkeeper, and I have also worked in child care in the afternoons on occasions.  I have enjoyed every year at St. John’s watching your children grow.