Staff

The school staff consists entirely of Christians dedicated to working with young children. All participate in continuing education in the areas of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practice, as well as training in first aid and CPR.

If you desire more specific information on our teachers, please request the teacher bio/fact sheet. This informative handout explains the specific background, training, and experience of each of our teachers.

Mary Krongaard M.Ed., Director

Northminster Christian Preschool and Kindergarten is under the direction of Mary Krongaard, who founded the preschool over ten years ago. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child Development from San Diego State University, and holds a Master's degree in Curriculum Development from Colorado Christian University. Mary has worked with a variety of children. She was a special needs teacher, worked with children exposed to drugs and alcohol in utero, and worked as the Director of Children’s Ministries for Northminster for fourteen years.

Rachel Brinker

We have been blessed to have Mrs. Brinker teach our Kindergarten class for the last eight years. Prior to coming to Northminster, Rachel taught at Lambsgate for twelve years. She has been actively involved in education for over tewnty-five years, the last eighteen of which have been Kindergarten. Rachel has also taught Sunday School, Wednesday night programs and Vacation Bible School. Rachel holds a B.A. in Education from the University of Arizona. She holds a Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood Endorsement and Structured English Immersion (SEI) Full endorsement from the State of Arizona. Rachel makes it a personal commitment to make sure her students are ready for 1st grade no matter where they go!

Becky Gonzalez

Becky Gonzalez, our lead teacher for the Dragonflies and assistant for Ladybugs, is also one of our own preschool parents! Becky has fifteen years experience working in the Academic libraries and both the University of Texas and at the U of A. Last year Becky joined our teaching staff. Becky graduated from University of Texas in El Paso with a degree in psychology and biology.  Becky brings to our school her experience with literacy. Her children have both attended our school and her daughter is a honey bee graduate! We are happy to welcome her back!

Anna Johnson

Anna is the co-teacher for the Kindergarten class with Mrs. Brinker. Anna holds a double major in both early education and elementary science. She attended Covenant college in Georgia and received a Masters degree in integrated curriculum instruction. Anna has taught first grade for ten years and also assisted in a kindergarten class. Anna knows what our kinders need to know as they head into first grade. Anna is a newlywed and we are pleased to have her on staff!

Frances McNew

Our lead teacher for the Butterfly class is Frances McNew, whose children have both attended our school. Enrique is currently in the Kindergarten class. Frances received her B.A. in Education from the University of Arizona and also has an M.A. through Northern Arizona University in Bilingual/Multicultural Education. She taught in the public school system for six years. Being a past Kindergarten teacher Frances knows what skills the 4-year old’s need to succeed in Kindergarten! Frances has been married to her wonderful husband David for nine years.

Michele Ross

Michele Ross has been a valuable member of our staff at Northminster for nine years with the 2 1/2's, 3's and 4-year olds! She has an A.A. degree from Palomar College and brings experience and a nurturing spirit to our classes. Michele has three grown children and a brand new granddaughter. She is married to our Senor pastor, Andrew Ross, and is also very active in the life of the church here at Northminster. Michele enjoys working with our fours and getting them ready for Kindergarten.

Vanessa Shaw

Vanessa Shaw is the assistant for Becky Gonzalez with the 2-year olds class and also the part time office assistant. Vanessa is also one of our parents and her daughter is a current Honeybee and her son an alumni! Vanessa has both early childhood experience and office experience, and is working towards an Associates of Arts degree. She is very glad to be working here and has proven to be invaluable!

Patti Tidy

Patricia Tidy is the new assistant to the Ladybug class and a Northminster parent.   Patti graduated with a B.A. in Art History from Calvin College and Seminary with a minor in Studio Art.  She has taught Vacation Bible School, Fine Arts Camp and Sunday school for five years at Northminster.  She and her husband Sean moved to Tucson twelve years ago and their family has grown to include two daughters who have both attended the preschool.

Sharon Young

Our Ladybug classes will be taught by Sharon Young, who received her B.S. in Human Development with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Sharon has over twenty years experience working with children. She joined our staff in 2008. She also worked in social work for six years. She is married to her wonderful husband Keith and has one daughter, Anna. We are very happy to have Sharon on our team.

Northminster Christian Preschool & Kindergarten
Located on the campus of Northminster Presbyterian Church
2450 East Fort Lowell Road
Tucson, AZ 85719-2417
Preschool Office: (520) 327-7121 ext. 234
Mary Krongaard, Director
mkrongaard@npctucson.org
preschool@npctucson.org

Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International