Our Hiz Kidz First Staff

At Hiz Kidz First all of our classrooms have teachers that are certified in CPR and First Aid.  We employ eight teachers who have earned their Child Development Associate Credentials (CDA); four hold a Bachelor’s Degree and three are currently enrolled in local colleges and universities.  We have very high standards and expectations for all of our staff—they serve as strong Christian role models.  Please take a moment to read our thoughts on the Ministry of Teaching.

Little Bugs
                                                       
Mrs. Burdette Crosby has taught the two-year-old class for almost 20 years.  Mrs. Crosby is responsible for planning and overseeing the beautiful art projects that your child brings home.  Mrs. Crosby has the gift of patience and a stunning singing voice.

Mrs. Jennifer Newman loves to sing and tell stories to the two-year-old Little Bugs.  Mrs. Newman returned to Hiz Kidz First after taking a 3-year hiatus.  She daily teaches her class with compassion and creativity that makes the Little Bugs the place to “bee”.

Since 1998 we have had the pleasure of having Mrs. Jimmie Swilley teaching in the two-year-old class.  Mrs. Swilley loves to help the Little Bugs explore God’s world by introducing nature to the classroom.

In the afternoon the Little Bugs enjoy the company of Mrs. Dede Stephens.  We consider her enthusiastic, Christ-like spirit to be a blessing to our school.  Her bright smile and playfulness make her a wonderful asset to the two-year-old class.

Brown Bears 

In the mornings our three-year-old Brown Bears are greeted by Mrs. Sharon Wilson.  She is an exceptional storyteller, making circle time a favorite time of day in the Brown Bear class.  Mrs. Wilson has a unique way of incorporating literacy into each aspect of the day, and prides herself on promoting pre-readers.

Mrs. Betty Bachman is our afternoon teacher in the three-year-old Brown Bear class.  Mrs. Betty has been with Hiz Kidz First since 2003 and is wonderful at planning games that the children love to play.  Her devotion to the Brown Bears is seen in the love that she shares with each child in her class.

  Bumble Bees

Our older-three-year-old class, the Bumble Bees is led by Mrs. Rachel Gillis.  This spirited age is taught by an exceptionally gifted teacher.  All of the “Bees” want to be the star student.  Mrs. Rachel plans wonderful activities that delight each child in her class.

The Bumble Bees have a terrific afternoon teacher: Miss Kelsey Schwartz.  Miss Kelsey, a recent graduate of Santa Fe, has been with Hiz Kidz since 2005.  Miss Kelsey is currently pursuing pre-med at Santa Fe Community College.  We love Miss Kelsey’s positive and playful spirit.

  Pre-kindergarten Koala Bears 

Our Pre-K Koala Class has an excellent morning teacher in Mrs. Cindy Collins, who has been with us since 2005.  Mrs. Collins has two Bachelor’s Degrees and was a missionary in Malaysia.  Mrs. Collins is just amazing to watch in the classroom; her love of Christ is modeled through each activity during the day.

Our afternoon Pre-K Koala Class is led by Mrs. Gay Moody, who has joyfully served with us since 2004.  Mrs. Moody is full of energy and creativity; she especially sparkles when she works with the children on special projects and holiday crafts.

  Pre-kindergarten Panda Bears 

Ms. Bobbi MacCallum has been joyfully teaching our Pre-K class since 2004.  Ms. Bobbi holds a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Her creativity in art projects is unparalleled, as is her desire to have her students excel.  Ms. Bobbi’s students are well equipped for the future God has prepared for them.

School-Age

Our school-age program is led by Mr. Pete Collins.  Mr. Collins holds a Bachelors Degree in Theology, and has been a phenomenal addition to our staff.  Mr. Pete designs experiments, creates and leads innovative games, and is always implementing new ideas into this classroom to keep the students guessing—and coming back for more.

When your child boards the bus from school, they will always be greeted with a smile by our bus driver Mrs. Joanne Whitehead.  Her day does not end with the bus run; Mrs. Joanne is also an afternoon homework helper.  Along with the other school-age staff she ensures that your child understands and completes homework prior to your arrival.

Substitutes

Mrs. Beth Fisher is our school substitute.  What an asset she is to each teacher at Hiz Kidz First.  Mrs. Beth’s joy is contagious as is her love for children—she makes the transition in each class seamless.  Even though she is not in each class everyday, all of the children love Mrs. Beth and get excited seeing her enter the classroom.

Chapel

God definitely led the right person to us to direct Chapel.  Mrs. Carol Combs brings the story of Christianity to life each and every week.  From theatrical one person productions and special characters, to game-show activities—your child will LEARN THE BIBLE and will come home singing His praise.