Who We Are
Our school is a place where children are told they are valued, loved, important, respected, free and forgiven. In every aspect of our school from snack time, to learning circles, to playground adventures, to waiting in line, we want to reflect and share God’s love with the children and their families. We believe all children have the innate curiosity to ask questions, search for answers, test boundaries, and learn from their choices. We continually scaffold children’s interests into age-appropriate math, science, and literacy activities.
Where We Began
Northwood Christian Preschool was started in 2000 by Christi Keefer and Robben Lyons. They had a strong desire to share God’s love with young children and their families. Christi Keefer faithfully taught and directed the preschool for 15 years.
Our team
Rachel
Preschool Director
Hello, my name is Rachel and I feel honored to be leading Northwood Christian Preschool as the director. I started at Northwood in 2016, first as a teaching aide and then as a lead teacher, and now directing. I have a passion for early childhood education and I am proud to call Northwood home. My goal is to provide a loving atmosphere where your child can grow and thrive academically, socially and spiritually.
Outside of work I love reading, gardening, hiking, camping, and fishing. I also love spending time with my husband and three children. As a family we are always making messes, doing lots of art projects and crafts!
I am excited to see where God takes our school and the Northwood community this year!
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Coritnthians 16:14
Rebecca
Teacher
I have had the blessing and the honor to work with children and families since 1992, including volunteering in my own children’s preschool-5th grade classrooms. In 2012 I was invited to join the staff at a Christian early learning center where my passion for working with children, and coming alongside parents as a community of support truly blossomed.
I appreciate the opportunity to help parents fill up their children with God’s unconditional love everyday, and to teach them the necessary skills to set them up for success today, tomorrow and in their future.
When I am not working I love to spend as much time as possible reading my Bible and going for walks with God as I pray, sing and listen to Him. I also love to hiking, biking, and cooking with my husband.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Darlynn
Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Darlynn!
I have been teaching since 1986 in a variety of settings. I have had a few years scattered throughout that I have explored other careers, but always come back to teaching.
I love the wonder and discovery that children have, and I love helping them build a solid foundation in their educational and spiritual lives.
Outside of work my husband and I are very involved in our church. We also love spending time together hiking, traveling and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. I am an avid wildlife and scenic photographer and puppeteer. To relax, I enjoy reading and watching movies – especially old ones!
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped.” – Psalms 28:7
Sue
Teaching Aide
Hello, I’m Miss Sue!
This is my fourth year teaching and I wish I’d been teaching for thirty years. I love caring and coming alongside our preschoolers. It is fun, challenging, and a privilege.
I enjoy all things warm weather, container gardening, cooking, reading, being creative, walking, and always family and friends.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Him.” – Psalm 34:8
Shelby
Teaching Aide
Hi, my name is Ms. Shelby, and I am honored to have the
privilege of being a teachers assistant to your child this year.
After a two-year medical leave, I am returning for my fourth
year and I’m extremely blessed to be back in the classroom.
Preschool is such an important time in a child’s life. It
provides an environment for children to explore, gain a sense
of self, play with others and build social skills.
My husband Joe and I have four wonderful children and
two grandchildren. I love being with my family, watching my
kids play sports and spending time outdoors.
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that
the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience
have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4
Suzy
Teaching Aide
Hi, my name is Miss Suzy and I have been at Northwood since Fall 2022. Before that I enjoyed volunteering at my sons school. When the pandemic hit, I became a stay at home mom and during that time I was able to help my older son with online schooling and also got to experience all of the firsts with my youngest.
I absolutely love teaching children. I love watching them lean new things and develop their creative side. I also love learning from them as well!
Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my husband and our two boys. We enjoy going for walks, going to the park, visiting the coast, playing baseball, and jumping on our trampoline.
“Trust in the Lord with al thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path.” – Proverbs 3:5-6