First Presbyterian Church, Boulder

Judy Demarest

Friday Fun Day Teacher, 5th Year

M.S. in Geology, Ohio State University

I have lived in Colorado for the past 30 years.  Moving here as a field Geologist for Arco, I became a stay at home mom after my daughter was born.  I have 2 kids and started teaching when my youngest started Kindergarten.  I worked as “Ms. Wizard”, teaching a science program at Make a Mess Preschool.  My theory was to teach science principles with a “wow” experiment to encourage excitement about being a “scientist”!  I later became a tutor for autistic children, while working as a youth minister with middle and high school students at St. Tom’s.  I love every age and have been blessed to have so many kids in my life and to share my 2 passions, science and faith. 

Lois Greer

Fours Teacher, 7th Year

B.A. Education, College of William & Mary, M.A. in Education, University of Denver

I taught in the Denver Public Schools as an elementary teacher.  I love playing and learning with the children.  My hobbies are reading, biking and enjoying nature with my family.  My daughter, Laura, is in seventh grade. 

Jamie Hanes

Friday Fun Day and Threes Teacher, 2nd Year

B.A. in Biblical Studies, Life Pacific College

I grew up in Nebraska, spending my summers at camps in Colorado dreaming of living here someday!

My husband and I were Youth Pastors for seven years.  I have also taught Sunday school for many years and have worked in church offices doing administrative duties including bookkeeping.  My two boys are graduates from the Preschool and I have enjoyed being a Coop parent, teacher’s aide and lunch bunch supervisor.  My hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking, fishing, photography and travel.

Joy Laesecke

Fives Teacher, 16th Year

B.S. in Journalism, University of Texas, Teaching Certification for Elementary, Secondary and Special Education

I am a born and raised Texan! After my university studies I worked at the Texas Education Agency (Dept of Special Education,) and later as a teacher. I have had the privilege to teach all age levels at First Pres since 1997.  Our two children attended First Pres Preschool as well, during which time I served as a Room-Rep.  Our daughter, Anne, currently is a volunteer teaching English with the Peace Corps on the Crimean Peninsula in the Ukraine.  Jan, 21, continues his education at CU in the field of Environmental Engineering.  In my leisure time I enjoy traveling, gardening, reading and knitting.  This summer my husband and I will reunite with our daughter for a short visit in Vienna, Budapest, and Stuttgart, Germany, his hometown.

Sarah Lair

Program Assistant, 2nd Year

B.S. in Public Relations, Harding University

Being a mom is my primary job!  It is something that I love and enjoy, and as you all know it provides a lot of challenges. I was born and raised in Boulder (a lot of that time was spent here at the preschool) and even graduated from the preschool.  I still remember my mom and I ending our day at the preschool and going home for a nap with my mom (Janet).  My husband and I met in Arkansas and have been married for 9 years this August.  We decided to make the move back home to Colorado in March of 2009.  My hobbies include sewing, embroidery and spending time with our families now that they're so close!

Kelye Lotz

Music Matters, 2nd Year

M.A. from McGill University in Montreal; B.S. & a Teaching Certificate, University of Florida

Classically trained in music from the age of 4, I've been playing and singing since I was tall enough to reach the keys on my grandmother's baby grand.  After receiving my Master's degree in 1992, I spent the next fifteen years teaching French to students ages 5 to 55, and used music to enhance their learning.  As a teacher who has always loved making music, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to incorporate my love of music with my love of teaching and children.  I have two children of my own, ages 10 and 16, and I've learned some of my favorite songs (and life lessons) from them!  

Janet Madden

Director, Enrichment Teacher, 29th Year

B.S. in Home Economics, Early Childhood Emphasis, University of Tennessee

I think a lot like a child, so I suppose that is why I love my job so much!  From one of my favorite science experiments with the children of blowing air into a cow's lung with a vacuum cleaner to delighting with how they look at the world, ("My mama is not having any more babies because she had her boobs tied") is how I like to look at the world...through experience, through listening, loving and learning.  Children make us laugh, cry and our heart swell with love and joy.  I started teaching preschool when my youngest, Sarah was three and my oldest, Molly was in kindergarten.  I learned then that the preschools philosophy of being cooperative (since 1954) is a great place to teach sharing and community to each of us.  I enjoy staying current on your needs and desires for your children.  I love to be outside, gardening, hiking, walking my dogs, biking, singing and picking raspberries.  I also love to cook and entertain friends and family.  And, I love, love my granddaughter and having part of my little family so close. 

Rhonda Maguire

Treasurer, 16th Year

A.A. in Business & Music, College of Lake County

I have been involved with the preschool for over 15 years and have over 30 years experience in the accounting field.  My relationship with FPCP began when my son attended in 1992 as a four-year-old.  I fondly remember my first parent job - cleaning out the hamster cage!  What a cute critter.  I grew up in the Midwest in a small town north of Chicago called Gurnee, and moved to Boulder in the mid-eighties.  Currently, I live in Louisville and love to travel, cook and spend time with family and friends.  You might see me on a tennis court or golf course in my neighborhood! 

Cheri McMurren

Friday Fun Day & Threes Teacher, 4th Year

B.S. in Child Development & Family Relations, Colorado State University, M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction, Colorado Christian University

I am a Colorado native from Greeley.  I spent 23 years in Gunnison raising my family and teaching dance to budding ballerinas.  I moved to Boulder three years ago.  I am blessed with three children who now at 28, 26 and 24 are some of my very best friends.  I am honored to be a part of this 'family' at the preschool and enjoy my new little friends -what a happy place to get to play!

Laura Nordson

Music Makers Enrichment Class Teacher, 1st Year

University of Denver with a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Performance

In addition to teaching Musicare and Music Together, Laura is a member of St. Martin's Chamber Choir and Harmonia and performs regularly with these groups. She recently completed her Orff Certification Level 1 and is excited to bring some new ideas into her teaching. Laura loves experiencing music as part of her everyday life, and is delighted that she can share this experience with your children.

Jennifer Rieger

Art Enrichment Class Teacher, 4th Year

B.F.A., University of Colorado, Boulder

I have been an artist my entire life. My main focus has been Painting and illustration, but I am also well versed in sculpting and mixed media. I started teaching art to children about 3 years ago. My goal at First Pres. is to teach children art through art history and culture. I have been an avid follower of art history and I love to implement the techniques used by artists throughout the world. My main goal, as I have told all my students' parents, is to make art that doesn't look as though your child made it. Something that is worthy of your living room walls. Both my children have been or are currently enrolled in First Presbyterian Coop Preschool.