Allison Lane is the director and teaches the pre-k Zebra class at Bright Beginnings Preschool. She has been involved in early childhood education for over 20 years. She has an associate degree from Palomar College, Montessori training from UC Irvine, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development from Warner Pacific College as well as education training. She is currently a member of the Eastside Church of Christ where she is involved with the education committee, Vacation Bible School and a Bible class teacher.
All of our teachers have been first aid and CPR certified.
Pam McCaughan teaches the 4 year-old Chipmunk class on Tuesdays through Fridays. Pam graduated from Harding University with a BA in education. Since that time she has worked with special education, taught kindergarten, done some substitute teaching at Columbia Christian in Portland and Bright Beginnings and raised a family. Pam is currently involved with the Metro Church of Christ in Portland.
Meredith Spivy co-teaches the Penguin class. Meredith attended Bakersfield College for two years and majored in Psychology. Since that time she has worked for the Multnomah county District Attorney’s Office and the Circle of Friends Preschool. Her and her family lives in Brush Prairie and attends the Vancouver Church of Christ.
Charlene Harmon co-teaches the Penguin class. She has completed her Washington STARTS training and has attended various teacher-training conferences. Charlene was involved with the Light House church and their children’s ministries for over seven years and taught preschool at the King’s Way Learning Center.
Mara Brown works in the panda class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She attended Columbia Christian University where she majored in Early childhood education. After college, because of her great love for children, she ran her own Daycare for over 20 years. Mara and her husband Craig, one of our ministers, are both very involved with the Vancouver Church of Christ.
Jodie Hicks is working in the chipmunk class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She received her BS in Psychology from Columbia Christian and her MA in counseling Psychology from Abilene Christian University. Since graduating, Jodie has worked at the Parry Center for Children and Columbia Christian as a part time counselor. The last four years she has taught preschool at the Southwest Church of Christ where she and her family attend.
Romy Stallings-Barnes co-teaches the Zebra class. She received her Early Childhood Education training at Solano Junior College in California. Since that time she has taught in three preschools and completed her STARTS training. Romy is a dedicated mother of three and has worked at Bright Beginnings since 2006.
Kara Corley teaches the 4-year-old M/W/F Panda class. Kara graduated with a BSE from Oklahoma Christian University majoring in Education. She continued her education at Seattle Pacific University where she received her reading endorsement. After working seven years in the public school system, she took a break from teaching to spend time at home with her three children. She is currently very active in the Vancouver Church of Christ congregation. This will be Kara’s second year at Bright Beginnings.
The oversight committee is a committee of members from theVancouver Church of Christ that assist the Director with planning and coordinating activities between the church and preschool.
Christine Lawton, Treasurer - Christine is responsible for monitoring the finances of the preschool by reviewing the information provided by Columbia Christian and reconciling with preschool data. She established the initial accounting practices for Bright Beginnings. Christine is also responsible for monitoring fundraising for items which are shared between the church and the preschool, but are the churches property – such as the outdoor playspace. Monitoring enrollments is also a key responsibility for Christine.
Christine and her husband Lance have two boys in the first class at Bright Beginnings. She is a Creative Memories consultant and a CPA.
Susan Maxwell, Secretary - Susan’s primary responsibility is communication, both internal and external. Internal communication involves scheduling meetings, compiling meeting agendas and taking notes. External communication involves information for the web site, communication with the congregation and other advertising. Crafting written materials such as the handbook, the preschool’s mission, vision and values, and working on written policy and procedure have been Susan’s primary areas of responsibility.
Susan and her husband Jim have two school age boys. She works full time at Clark College as a Research Analyst. Susan’s church ministries have primarily focused on children’s education and ministry programs, and event planning.
