Cheri Erk - Preschool Director

Cheri graduated from Purdue University with a major in Elementary Education and minor in Physical Education.  This is Cheri's fifth year at CCEP.  She taught a PreK class for ten years at a West End preschool and served as their Assistant Director for four years.  Cheri also worked for Henrico County Public Schools as a PRIME teacher before joining Christ Church Preschool in May 2006.  Her true love is working with preschoolers; nurturing, and preparing them for elementary school.  She loves the children’s enthusiasm and joy they bring to school daily.  Cheri is most excited about growing and building this ministry of Christ Church that serves the children of this community.  As director, her vision is to create a curriculum where children enjoy a Christian environment using a multi-sensory approach that encourages the children to explore the world that surrounds them.  Cheri is married with three daughters.  In her spare time; she enjoys reading, time at the beach, and snow skiing.

Sally Raderer- 3's Lead Teacher

Sally brings over 7 years experience in the field of early childhood and elementary education. She graduated with a BS in Child Development and Family Relations and completed her Master’s in Elementary Education.  Sally taught for seven successful years in Henrico County Public Schools before staying home to raise her three children.  She has a strong background in child development and education and is passionate about working with her preschool students.  Sally loves getting to know the children in her class (and of course their parents) and using their likes/dislikes to help them develop a love for school and learning. She enjoys using children's literature to bring themes to life.  Sally loves learning and loves to share the joy of discovery with her students.   She is married with three wonderful children of her own!

Barbara Young - 3's Assistant Teacher

Barbara graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Food Science and Technology.  She was been with CCEP as a substitute teacher for the past two years before moving into the three year old assistant teaching position.  Barbara enjoys working with preschool children and teaching them to become confident, comfortable and independent learners in the preschool classroom setting.

Jennifer Gertz - 3's Lead Teacher

Jennifer brings 9 years teaching experience working in the 3 year old classroom.  She is excited about moving into a lead teaching position.  Jennifer graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BS in Tourism, Food and Lodging.   After college she returned home to Northern Virginia to work at the American Society for Training and Development in advertising. Richmond became her home in 1991.   Jennifer is a true "child at heart" and understands the importance of teaching children through song and play.  She has been at CCEP for 4 years.  Jennifer and her husband of 22 years have a son in college and a daughter in high school. 

Renee Sasser - 3's Assistant Teacher

Renee graduated from University Of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology.  After working in her field for five years, she stayed home to raise her children for 11 years. Renee brings much love and joy to the children each day. Her goal is to nurture our 3 year olds while teaching independence and building self confidence in the early preschool years. Renee is in her 3rd year at CCEP.  She teaches Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and is on Board of Children’s Ministries at her church.  She is married and the mother of twin boys.

Lorie Brocklehurst - 4's Lead Teacher

Lorie brings experience and love of preschool children to Christ Church Episcopal Preschool.  She taught preschool for 5 years and is in her fourth year with CCEP as our 4 year old lead teacher.  Lorie is creative and brings much energy to her classroom on a daily basis.  She understands the importance of instilling a love of learning at an early age and looks forward to a rewarding experience at Christ Church Preschool. Lorie is married and the mother of two children.

Jackie Mitchell - 4's Assistant Teacher

Jackie brings to us her love of children and twelve years working experience with special needs children in Northern Virginia and Henrico County.  Jackie worked for Henrico County for 6 years as an instructional assistant and is in her 5th year at CCEP.  Prior to staying home to raise her children, Jackie worked at the Northern Virginia Training Center for the Mentally Retarded for six years.  She loved caring and teaching the residents life long skills with a long term objective of placing them in a group home.  Jackie also currently teaches third grade Sunday school at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  Jackie is married and has three children.

Debra Templeton - PreK Lead Teacher - 4 Day

This is Debra's second year at CCEP.  She graduated from University of Kansas with a B.S. in Education. Debra has 21 years of teaching experience with 16 years in the preschool classroom.  Debra has a natural love for teaching preschool children.  She brings her energy and creativity to the classroom, and she actively engages her children throughout their day.  Her former preschool director states, "Debra is probably one of the best teachers I've worked within 35 years"   Debra is married and has two children.  

Libby Hall - PreK Assistant Teacher - 4 Day

Libby graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a BA in 1993.  She is in her third year at CCEP.  Libby was an assistant teacher for three years at a West End preschool before joining Christ Church Episcopal Preschool. Libby has been a head swim team coach and worked in a Washington D.C. think tank before moving to Bermuda and working in a small publishing firm.  She returned to Richmond once her two daughters were born.  Libby looks forward to providing a fun and creative place for children to experience the joy and thrill of learning.

Debby Barney - PreK Lead Teacher - 5 Day

Debby graduated from Radford University with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  She taught elementary school for six years before staying home to raise her two children.  Debby is in her fourth year at CCEP.  She provides a warm and nurturing environment, encourages independence, and understands the importance of preparing her children for kindergarten.  When not volunteering in her children's schools Debby enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two children.  

Trish Palmer - PreK Assistant Teacher - 5 Day

Trish is in her fourth year at CCEP as the assistant PreK teacher.  Before joining Christ Church Episcopal Preschool she worked at Nuckols Farm as an instructional assistant. She is a long-time member of the Richmond Philharmonic and teaches both piano and violin.  Before her twin daughters were born she followed a career in computer programming and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Psychology from Mary Washington College. Trish loves being involved in education and never wants to return to an “office” job again.  She looks forward to helping children prepare for kindergarten in a fun, caring way and assisting in the area of music.   Trish is married and has two children.

Carie Kuzemchak – Bookkeeper

Carie graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Accounting and Finance.  She spent ten years in corporate accounting. She has spent the past fifteen years at home raising her girls, volunteering at school and leading Girl Scout troops.  She and her family are parishioners of Christ Church.

Laura Monica - Music/Movement Teacher

Laura has her MS in Early Childhood Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Psychology for The Colorado College.  She is in her fifth year with Christ Church Episcopal Preschool.  Laura has been a lead 3 year old teacher at CCEP for the past four years and this year will step into our lead music and movement teacher.  She enjoys providing developmentally appropriate activities for children of all ages and instilling a love of life-long learning.  Laura is married with 2 children.