Hope Lutheran Preschool/4K Staff

Barb Jones, Director

Greetings!  I’m Barb Jones, director for Hope's Preschool.  I earned a bachelor's degree from UW-Whitewater, a master's degree from Aurora University in Illinois, and have had the privilege to teach in the Fond du Lac School District for 33 years prior to retiring.

I love sharing time with my daughter, family and friends.  I jump at opportunities to travel and explore the wonderful world we live in.  When I’m at home, I enjoy studying family history, working in my yard and biking around town.

Contact Barb at:  preschool@lifeathope.org

Hello, my name is Jessica Hernandez.  I am the 4K teacher for the morning session.  I graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.  I have a license to teach Pre-K through 6th grade.  In additional to teaching here, I also teach Sunday School at St. John Lutheran Church in New Fane.  I am very enthusiastic about helping children learn and reach their highest potential.

I live in Fond du Lac with my husband, Bobby, and my two daughters, Marysa and Hannah.  In my spare time, I enjoy keeping active by taking walks, bike rides, playing softball, or going to the gym.  I also like to relax by watching movies or reading books.  One of my biggest passions is traveling.

Hello, my name is Brandy Wals.  I am the 4K assistant for the morning session and have been in childcare for six years.  I completed Early Childhood 1 and 2 courses at Moraine Park in 2003.  In 2006 I finished my Early Childhood courses and became part of the Registry.  I enjoy teaching and working with children.

I live in Fond du Lac with my son, Isaiah, and daughter, Brianna.  My son is disabled so I spend a lot of time focusing on him. We like to do a lot of outdoor family activities, reading, watching movies and playing board games.  Our favorite things to do are sledding in the winter and swimming in the summer.

My name is Amie Leistikow and I am the 4K afternoon teacher.  I earned my B.A. from Ripon College.  Teaching is my passion and it brings great joy to me when I can make a difference in a child's life.

I married my husband, Joe, in 2008.  We have a Gold Bass named Moose.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, making crafts and decorating cakes.

Hi! My name is Bonnie Federman and I am the afternoon 4K assistant.  I received my BFA at Kendall School of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI.  I have had extensive experience in designing and creating educational environments and edutainment spaces for children throughout the country.  I have also enjoyed working with children of all ages, creating art in the Fond du Lac area.

My husband, Jesse, and I have been blessed with a wonderful son named Wyatt.  We have a Standard Poodle named Morgan, one Love Bird and a horse named Moondoggie. I enjoy camping, the outdoors, making art and spending time with my family.  We have been members of Hope for almost 20 years.

My name is Renee Schnell, Hope’s Preschool classroom Teacher.  I earned my B.S. in Education from Illinois State University.  Teaching is my passion and I take great pride in what I do.

My husband, Corey, and I have been blessed with three wonderful children: Teagan, Allison and Justin.  We also have a Siberian Husky, Vader, who we all adore.  I love to shop, make crafts, scrapbook, garden and play computer games.  My family constantly keeps me busy!

Hi!  My name is Jeanette Wolf.  I'm the Teacher's Aide in the Preschool classroom.  While on our dairy farm, my husband and I welcomed many school groups for educational farm tours.  I also had a daycare on our farm.

My husband, Don, and I have seven children with fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandbabies to cherish in our family.  Children have and always will be an important part of my life.

Hello!  My name is Kari Graham. I work in the Before/After School Childcare program at Hope Lutheran Preschool.  I have worked with children of all ages for the past ten years.  I love my job!  It's fun and exciting to see the children learn new things and try new things on their own.

My husband's name is Ryan.  In our spare time we enjoy going up north, spending time with our family and friends and traveling.

My name is Ashley Steffes.  I work in the Before/After school Childcare program at Hope Preschool.  I earned my Wisconsin State certification in childcare in 2008.  Working with children is my passion, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

I married my husband, Robert, in 2008.  We have two cats: Snickers and Prince.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.