Teachers

All of our teachers are experienced Early Childhood Educators.

Lisa Bromley-Parker is our Teacher in the Toddler Class and 2 Day Three -Year- Old Class. She has been teaching at First. Pres. Preschool for over 15 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Skidmore College and is certified preschool through 6th Grade. Lisa loves spending one on one time with her students and watching them grow and learn.  She especially loves watching them learn through art and circle time, and reading to her little ones.  During her time away from school, Lisa loves watching football, hockey, and basketball. 

Mindy Hess is one of our Pre-K teachers. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education with a minor in Communication. She has two daughters and enjoys being active outside with her family and their dog.  Mindy is active within her church and enjoys helping with their children’s ministry program. 

Emily McPhee is our Pre-K and Enrichment teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Arts, and a BS in Childhood Education. Emily and her family live in Glens Falls.  Outside of school Emily is a member of the Kensington Road PTA, a Girl Scout troop leader, and enjoys reading, geocaching, and hiking.

Amy Ross joined First Pres Preschool in 2012 and leads the Our Time class. She lives in Queensbury with her husband, two daughters, (First Pres. alumni!) ) and their golden retreiver.  Amy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Penn State University, and previously worked as the activities director at a nursing home. She has been a piano teacher for many years and looks forward to spending time with the little ones every week.

Sarah Spitzer has been teaching Gym class here at First Pres. for many years. She has a Master’s Degree in Sport and Fitness Management. Both of her children attended our Preschool.

Madison Rypkema teaches in our three day, three year old classroom. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a BS in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. She has two children who attend school in Glens Falls, where she is also an active member of the PTA. Madison enjoys spending time mountain biking on local trails, hiking in the Adirondacks and skiing at West Mountain with her family.

Assistant Teachers

Sara O’Connor is an Assistant Teacher in the 3 day Three- Year Old classroom and Twos class. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. She has one daughter who currently attends our Pre-K program at First Pres. Sara lives in Queensbury with her two daughters, her husband, as well as her dog Bodie. Her family enjoys spending time together doing outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, skiing, and participating in holiday activities. 

Lynn Schulz is the Assistant Teacher in the 4 Day Pre-Kindergarten class with Mindy Hess. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She has been with First Pres. for many years; first working as a “Floating Staff” and then in the Three- Year- Old Classes. Lynn has three children and lives in Queensbury with her husband.

Amy Ross is the Assistant Teacher in the 4 day Pre-K class when she is not teaching Our Time on Fridays.

Preschool Director

Kristen Paigo has been at First Presbyterian Preschool since 2013. She holds a Master’s Degree of Art in Teaching. Kristen has three children who are all alumni of First Pres. She began as a preschool Assistant and then Teacher in the 3 day Threes class. She and her family live in Queensbury. Kristen works diligently to offer the best preschool experience for all families; one where they feel safe, nurtured and respected.