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 Graham co-teaches in our 4 year-old Panda Class Mondays through Fridays. Pam has worked with children for over 20 years. She has home schooled her own children, taught Bible classes and worked with the Vancouver church of Christ youth group. She has her AA from Clark College and is currently working on her BA in Social Work at Eastern Washington University.
Cheryl Hamm also teaches in the 4 year-old Panda Class. Cheryl graduated from Corban College in Salem with a BS in Psychology: Family studies. Since that time she has worked as a youth counselor, Health Instructor for the Red Cross, taught secondary education and did some substitute teaching. Last year she was the first grade teacher at Bright Beginnings. Cheryl is currently involved at the Hazel Dell Church of Christ.
Pam McCaughan teaches the 4 year-old Chipmunk class on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. 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.
SueAnn Jones assists in the Zebra class. SueAnn has completed her Washington STARTS training and has been very involved in the Children’s ministries at the Hazel Dell Church of Christ. She has experience as a first aid provider at camp Yamhill and also assisted in teaching some of their classes.
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.
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.
