Memorial PDS Director  

Ms. Beth has been the Director of Memorial Presbyterian Day School since the fall of 2023. She is originally from Georgia, where she began her career in the field of early care and education back in 2004. Beth holds a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She has been married for 28 years and has 3 adult children, 2 girls and 1 boy. She is the proud mother of a Sailor in the U.S. Navy and 2 little Shih Tzus named Winston & Willow. She loves attending concerts, playing Pickle Ball, spending time with her family and is a lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan. Go Dawgs!

Her favorite children’s book is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Her favorite quote is “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years” Abraham Lincoln

Assistant to the Director

Ms. Kerry is retired from St. Johns County School District after many years as both a general education teacher and as a special education teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Specific Learning Disabilities.  She decided that full retirement wasn’t for her so started working at PDS in 2017 as a VPK teacher.  She  transitioned to be a mentor teacher and an instructional coach to help all of our teachers be the best teachers possible, and now helps the director, oversees assessments, and fills in in the classroom too (among other things!).  She has a granddaughter in VPK–and this isn’t her first grandchild at PDS either! She loves to read, spend time at the beach, listen to live music and spending time with friends and family.

Her favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Her favorite scripture is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Infant / Young Toddlers Guppies Teacher

Ms. Varnita has been a teacher with PDS since 2024. She has an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies and a National Infant/Toddler CDA. Varnita has over 30 years of experience in child care. She was born and raised her in St. Augustine where she and her husband of 44 years raised their 4 sons and now their 15 grandchildren! She loves crafting, bike riding and reading.

Her favorite children’s book is Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina.

Her favorite scripture is Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you”

Infant / Young Toddlers Guppies Teacher

Ms. Alejandra has been a teacher at PDS since 2023. She has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 5 years of experience working in childcare. She is originally from Venezuela and is fluent in Spanish. She moved to the U.S. a few years ago to be closer to her family. She is married to her husband Juan and has a beautiful little boy named Luca and a dog named Chloe. She loves hiking, road trips, watching documentaries, Disney movies, and good food!

Her favorite scripture is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Infant / Young Toddlers Guppies Teacher & Resource Coordinator

Ms. Sheila has been a teacher at PDS since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and has taught for many years out of state, as well as in St. Augustine.  She grew such a close bond with our guppies last year that she requested a move to the guppy class for the current year.  In recent years her specialty has been in Extended Day where she excels in creating innovative centers where children can learn as they play. Her creative ideas and love of children have led her to us and we are happy to have her!  She now acts as resource coordinator in addition to her work with our youngest students.  Ms. Sheila has two grown daughters and three grandchildren–two of whom are PDS alumni!

Her favorite book is Frederick by Leo Lionni

Her favorite quote is “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Robin Williams

2PK Otters Lead Teacher

Ms. Jen has been a teacher at PDS since 2017. She holds an advanced credential in preschool teaching. She is originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Florida when she was a little girl. She has four children of her own from elementary school to college and enjoys spending her time at soccer games, dance recitals, reading, meditating or hiking! Ms. Jen is happy to be in 2PK as she loves the little ones and misses when her own children were that age! She is loved by all the children at PDS.

Her favorite scripture is “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Otters 2PK & VPK Sharks Teacher

Ms. Julie has been a teacher at PDS since 2023. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Penn State and over 11 years of experience in the early education field. She is the mom of 2 girls, Nora and Claire and a dog mom of 3. She enjoys baking, cooking, reading, organization and anything outside or on the water!

Her favorite children’s book is I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges & Sue Buchanan.

Her favorite quote is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

2PK Otters Teacher

Ms. Judy has been a teacher at PDS since 2023. Judy has an National Child Development Associate credential (CDA) and over thirty years of experience in early childhood education. Her roles have ranged from teacher to assistant director.  She recently retired from her position at an early learning coalition school and decided sitting at home isn’t for her. We are lucky enough to reap the benefits.  Ms. Judy has taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at MPC for many years and makes all the gingerbread houses every Christmas.  She also raises chickens in her spare time and is known for her delicious fresh eggs!

3PK Seahorse Co-Teacher

Ms. Brooklyn has been a teacher at PDS since the fall of 2023. She is a native Floridian from St. Johns County. She has always had a passion for teaching young children.  She holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has over 13 years experience working in the early care and education field.  Ms. Brooklyn is married and she and her husband have two children who also attend PDS.  In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, crafting, spending time with family and being outdoors.

Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

3PK Seahorse Co-Teacher

Ms. Kelly has been a teacher here at PDS since 2024. She has 5 years of experience in child care and she also has a medical background. She is originally from Florida and loves the beach and soaking up the sun. She loves ballet, playing the piano and spending time in nature. In her free time you will most likely find her at the beach!

Her favorites children’s books are fables. She loves the classics.

Her favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”.

VPK Sharks Lead Teacher

Ms. Nancy has been a teacher at PDS since 2011. Nancy grew up on Long Island and moved to St. Augustine to attend Flagler College.  Like so many Flagler grads, she and her husband decided to stay in St. Augustine.  They have one daughter, a freshman at Flagler College, who is a Memorial PDS alumna, who also works part-time teaching assistant at PDS.  Nancy’s own positive experience as a PDS parent led her to become an assistant teacher in VPK and then later the lead teacher in 3PK.  Nancy returned to the VPK classroom, her first love, a few years ago.  She loves to learn and enjoys going to preschool trainings where she gets new ideas to implement in her class.

VPK Sharks Teacher & Otters 2PK 

Ms. Julie has been a teacher at PDS since 2023. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Penn State and over 11 years of experience in the early education field. She is the mom of 2 girls, Nora and Claire and a dog mom of 3. She enjoys baking, cooking, reading, organization and anything outside or on the water!

Her favorite children’s book is I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges & Sue Buchanan.

Her favorite quote is “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

VPK Dolphins Lead Teacher

Ms. Gina is the our 5 day VPK teacher. She has her National child Development Associate credential (CDA) and has enjoyed teaching preschool students for many years. She and her late husband helped plant a church in Melbourne, Florida where he was the teaching pastor for 18 years. She relocated from Palm Bay, Florida to be near her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Her granddaughter also attends PDS. Ms. Gina is a welcome part of the staff at PDS and we are blessed she chose to make our school part of her work family. Gina loves to travel, hiking, running and cats. She has 3 of them.

Her favorite children’s book is The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.

Her favorite scripture is Psalm 91

VPK Dolphins Assistant Teacher

Ms. Deana is from Racine, Wisconsin where she received her BA in Business Management.  She and her husband have two children and relocated to Florida for the sunny weather! After moving here, she decided she wanted to work with children herself.  Deana started teaching VPK at Mason Elementary School and then moved to PDS to work with the Sharks class.  She is now with our Dolphins, and we are so happy she is here!  Ms. Deana also speaks Spanish fluently, so her students have the added benefit of Spanish lessons every day! She loves to travel, shopping and trying new foods.

Her favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by John Archambault & Bill Martin.

Her favorite quote is “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

Sunshine Club Teacher

Ms. Kristen is the accounting clerk for Memorial Presbyterian Church, and she always enjoyed the children she saw while at work in the finance office.  We are lucky that she decided to take us up on our offer of teaching our early morning children before she goes to her “day” job in the other wing of the church!  Ms. Kristen graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in finance, and also spent a year in the domestic peace corps.  Many of our students know her as their soccer coach as she does that too!

Sea Turtles Extended Day Coordinator and STEAM Music Teacher

Ms. Amy has been a teacher at PDS since 2021. She was born in Missouri and moved to Florida to attend graduate school. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University.  She is a board-certified music therapist. Amy met her husband, John, in the marching band at the University of Oklahoma.  They have two daughters in college, Emma and Caitlin.  In addition to her duties at PDS, she is also Area Personnel over the North Florida region for Bible Study Fellowship. She loves reading, watching sports, jogging and music.

Her favorite children’s book is Because by Mo Willems.

Her favorite scripture is the Beatitudes, Matthew 5: 3-12.

Enrichment Assistant & STEAM Sign Language

Ms. Amelie is an alumna of PDS and is currently a freshman at Flagler College. She graduated from St. Augustine High School where she received an Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma (AICE) which is part of Cambridge University in England.  She has worked as an intern here at PDS while in high school and now works part-time assisting our teachers during enrichments and teaching American Sign Language (ASL) during STEAM. Amelie grew up in St. Augustine and has been part of Memorial Presbyterian Church since she was very young – singing in the youth choirs, attending Vacation Bible School, and later serving as a VBS volunteer. She loves hiking, swimming in the ocean, yoga and spending time with friends, family and animals.

Extended Day Teacher

Ms. Madie is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Her family relocated to  Ocoee, FL for her father’s job. She later moved to St. Augustine to attend college at Flagler. In 2023 she began interning with us while attending school. She is a recent 2024 Flagler grad with a double Bachelors Degree in Psychology & Criminology. Toward the end of her program, Madie began working with us as an extended-day teacher. The children love her so much! We are grateful she was able to join our team. Madie loves to read and is very interested in child development.

Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.

Her favorite quote is It takes a big heart to shape little minds.