Staff Biographies
Administration
Dr. Rebecca Bourlakas has been at the WWK for 5 years. She has 10 years of teaching experience in addition to her administration experience and holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Her motivation lies in creating an environment where children, parents, and teachers flourish. Dr. Bourlakas is currently chairing the Childcare Committee at her church. She is an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club, a past member of the North Georgia Chapter Red Cross, and has co-chaired the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) chapter of North Georgia .
Teachers of the 3's
Robin Appelt has been at Westminster for over 20 years. Both of Ms. Appelt's children are graduates of the program. She enjoys the supportive, caring and generous families of the program. Ms. Appelt's favorite things about teaching at WWK are the warm and supportive staff members, the beautiful facilities, and the great resources.
Margi Aubert has been at WWK for 11 years. She teaches the 2 day 3's and doubles as our Extended Day Coordinator. She enjoys sharing her day with the many wonderful children and families she meets. Ms. Aubert's youngest child is a graduate of the program.
Joan Coode has been with the WWK for over 20 years. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education with certification in Early Childhood Education. She appreciates that the parents are so helpful and generous with their time and talents. Mrs. Coode also enjoys the positive connection between staff members. All 3 of Mrs. Coode's children are graduates of the program.
Susie Hays has been at WWK for 7 years. Her daughter is a graduate of the program. Ms. Hays enjoys working with such a wonderful staff and her favorite part about being a teacher at WWK is seeing the genuine excitement of the children.
Shelley Sanford has a Bachelor of Education from the Universtiy of Mississippi. She has been a preschool teacher at theBuntyn Preschool in Memphis, TN since 2002. This year is Miss Sanford's first at Westminster.
Katherine Thym is in her 7th year at WWK. Mrs. Thym's three children are graduates of the program. She holds a M.Ed. in Education with a Reading specialty. Her favorite part of being a teacher here is the ability to extend the curriculum when warranted and the opportunities to implement new ideas.
Teachers of the 4's
Missy Banko has been teaching at WWK for 19 years. She appreciates the support and caring that the Westminster families bring to the school. Ms. Banko favorite part of being a teacher at WWK is working with a great partner for many years and the wonderful staff. Her son is a graduate of the program.
Elizabeth Cocke is enjoying her 3rd year at WWK. She has a B.A. in Journalism and is actively involved in many children's activities throughout the city. Her favorite part of teaching here is the children who are precious and a joy with whom to work. She feels the families of WWK are extremely supportive of what the teachers do.
Graeme Huffman has been with the WWK for 11 years. She holds a B.A. in English in addition to a Child Development Associate degree. Mrs. Huffman's youngest child is a graduate of the program. She appreciates how the parents of the children are supportive, encouraging, educated and want what is best for their child. Her favorite thing about being a teacher at WWK is the love and philosophy the staff shares of children learning through play.
Marjorie Kastrinsky has been teaching at WWK for 14 years. She holds a B.A. in English. She strongly believes in the philosophy of the school and admires the supportive families, the qualified staff, and the wonderful children. Both of Mrs. Kastrinsky's sons are graduates of the program.
Regina Kenney graduated from the Universtiy of Memphis with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a Junior Kindergarten teacher at the Emmanuel United Methodist Kindergarten in Memphis. This year is Mrs. Kenney's first at Westminster.
Ashley Moore holds a degre in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She taught at the Oakdale School in Los Angeles, Ca in addition to teaching in the Toddlers & Twos program for the past 3 years. This year is Mrs. Moore's first at Westminster.
Pam Swift has been with WWK for over 25 years. She has a Child Development Associate degree and is inspired by seeing the wonder in her students' eyes when they learn something new. Both of Mrs. Swift's daughters are graduates of the program.
Teachers of the 5's
Laura Bonvissuto is in her 3rd year at WWK. Ms. Bonvissuto holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and feels her students are wonderfully talented and unlike any other students she has ever taught. WWK families are very supportive and generous with their time and talents.
Jane Brown is currently in her 3rd year at Westminster. Mrs. Brown holds a B.S. in Education with a minor in Art. She is excited to be teaching at Westminster and shares this enthusiasm with her students. Her special interests are teaching through children's art and creative dramatics that provide for a classroom filled with loads of fun.
Allison Hammond has been at Westminster for 13 years. Mrs. Hammond holds a B.A. in English. Both of her children are graduates of the program. She enjoys seeing children (and parents!) blossom and gain independence throughout the year.
Dee Dee King has been at WWK for 14 years. She has a degree in elementary education and a minor in special education. She has taught in both areas as well as in a Federally Funded remedial reading program.
Music Teacher
Emily Apuzzo graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music degree. Emily sings with the Nashville Opera Chorus when she is not teaching preschool!
Resource Coordinator
Maria Teselle is in her 3rd year at WWK. She holds a B.A. in English and has had two children graduate from the program. Mrs. Teselle commends the parents of the program for their desire to participate in their child's education and their genuine interest in the curriculum and daily schedules