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Adam Lamb Preschool

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Meet Our Staff

Director: Peggy Kanak (mrs.kanak@adamlambpreschool.com)

I would like to welcome you to Adam Lamb Preschool. I have been an employee at Adam Lamb since 1997. I began as a classroom teacher, and later (2006) accepted the position as director. I am a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with B.S. degrees in early childhood and elementary education. It is my responsibility to provide a safe and loving learning environment for our students and to develop a hands-on curriculum that meets the needs of our children in a realistic and age appropriate manner. I truly love working with young children. They bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

I enjoy traveling, listening to audio books, and attending my yoga class. My husband, Dan, and I have two sons. We are Mizzou football fans, and love the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues.

I am always happy to answer any questions that you may have. You may contact me by calling the preschool office, or via email.

Teacher: Laurie Aman (mrs.aman@adamlambpreschool.com)

My name is Laurie Aman and I am a teacher at Adam Lamb Preschool. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. After graduating from college, I worked for Rockwood School District teaching both third and fourth grade. In 1993 I earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Maryville University in Chesterfield, Missouri. From 2001-2004, I worked for Dardenne Presbyterian Church as a Mother’s Day Out teacher. In 2006 I began my career as a Preschool teacher at Adam Lamb. I am thrilled to say that I am still a part of such a great place to work. I love teaching at the preschool and working with such a fabulous staff!

I have been married to my husband, Greg, since 1991. We have two girls, Claire and Grace. Both of my girls attended Adam Lamb. So, when I heard that a job opportunity was available, I couldn’t imagine a better place to work. In my free time I love spending time with family and friends.

Teacher: Colleen Durbin (mrs.durbin@adamlambpreschool.com)

I have been a part of the Adam Lamb Preschool family for many years, as a parent and as a teacher. My husband and I have two daughters who both attended Adam Lamb Preschool. My personal interests include my children’s education, soccer, nutrition, fitness, and any activities with my family. I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a B.S. in Education, a B.A. in Psychology, and a M.A. in Education. I am certified in both Early Childhood Education and Physical Education.

It is my philosophy to meet the needs of the whole child in order to nurture the growth and development of a well-rounded individual. Learning through play is an excellent way for preschoolers to accomplish this. I believe it is my responsibility as a teacher to plan and implement age appropriate activities that will meet the academic, social, emotional, physical, spiritual and artistic needs of the children.

For several years I balanced starting a family and my career, working part-time as a substitute teacher. I have taught at all grade levels in the local school districts of Fort Zumwalt and Wentzville. I gained invaluable experience along the way and it is a blessing to be a teacher at Adam Lamb Preschool!

Teacher: Tracy McDermott (preschoolteacher@adamlambpreschool.com)

My name is Tracy McDermott. I graduated from University of Missouri- St. Louis with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood in 1999. After graduating, I taught two and three year olds for a couple years before becoming the assistant director of the facility I was at for 5 years. Then after getting married and moving, I taught pre-k for a year and a half at a preschool in O'Fallon until I had my own children. I have also taught Sunday School and volunteer in VBS at the church I was raised in and now here at Dardenne Presbyterian Church. In late 2014 I became a substitute teacher for Adam Lamb Preschool and then started teaching Lunch Bunch a few months later. I love planning activities for the children and watching them learn.

My husband, Dave, and I have two kids that attended Adam Lamb Preschool. Meredith and Aiden now attend Pheasant Point where I volunteer to help in the classrooms and other school activities. In my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, and traveling with my family.

Teacher: Emily O'Brien (mrs.obrien@adamlambpreschool.com)

My name is Emily O’Brien and I am a teacher at Adam Lamb Preschool. I feel very blessed to work at such a great school. I graduated from the University of Missouri St. Louis with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. After graduating I worked for the Francis Howell School district teaching third and first grade. I truly enjoyed working with elementary aged children and now I’m very excited to be helping preschool children prepare for kindergarten!

I have been married to my husband, Tim, since 2006. We have 2 wonderful children, Adison and Caleb. They both attended Adam Lamb for preschool and are now in elementary school. They keep us very busy with all their after-school activities! I enjoy volunteering at their school, crafting and spending time with my family and friends.

Teacher: Anita Stellhorn (preschoolteacher@adamlambpreschool.com)

My name is Anita Stellhorn. I have been a teacher at Adam Lamb Preschool since November 2003. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development. The emphasis of my education was studying child development from ages 0-6 years. Since college, I have taught preschool, worked as a Parent Educator for the Parents-As-Teachers program and was a Teacher Assistant for a pre-kindergarten program.

I really enjoy helping young children learn and grow. It is always amazing to watch how they change throughout the school year. They bring so much joy and laughter to my life. It is a great pleasure to be part of such a loving, Christian preschool program.

My husband, Lee, and I have three children. We enjoy spending time together. We like to walk and bike outdoors.

Teacher's Aide: Pam Deffendall

Hello! My name is Pam Deffendall, and I was born and raised in the St. Louis area. I currently live in Dardenne Prairie. I have been married for twenty-four years to my husband, Gary. We have three beautiful children, and two dogs

I have been employed at Adam Lamb Preschool as a teacher’s aide since 2006. I have enjoyed working with many children over the years all with diverse personalities. My role as teacher’s aide is not only to assist the teacher in preparing for class, but also work with the children on their art projects. I enjoy watching the children embrace their creative abilities, and seeing them grow and learn!

Teacher's Aide: Chris Dodd-Swim

I have been a teacher’s aide since 2005 at Adam Lamb Preschool. Prior to that, I worked for the Mother’s Day Out program at Dardenne Presbyterian Church while my daughter attended the preschool. I enjoy working with the children, and find it rewarding to see them grow in size, knowledge and their love of Jesus. My mission is to help prepare them for school by giving them a solid foundation to build upon.

I grew up in Iowa, and attended Kirkwood Community College completing the Early Childhood Development program there.

My husband, Phil, and I have 4 children. I love to help at their schools whenever I can. My hobbies include running, biking and other fitness challenges. I love to bake cakes, pies, and cookies. I also enjoy volunteer work and serving God by helping those in need.

Teacher's Aide: Keri Begley

Hi my name is Keri Begley, I am the teacher's aide for Mrs. Stellhorn's class. I have been working at Adam Lamb Preschool since 2013, and I absolutely love it! I was a teacher's aide at St. Patrick Preschool. My husband, Pat, and I have two wonderful children, Riley and Patrick. They attend St. Patrick school where I volunteer. Riley plays softball, basketball, and volley ball. Patrick plays soccer, baseball, and basketball. I love working with children, and watching them grow and learn. I like to spend a lot of time with family and friends. I can't wait to get to know all of your great children over this school year!

Teacher's Aide: Melissa Copeland-Wilson

My name is Melissa Wilson. I teach lunch bunch at Adam Lamb Preschool. I graduated from Greenville College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. I taught second and third grade in a public school in Illinois for eight years. I earned my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2011. I am thrilled to be joining the staff at Adam Lamb Preschool. I am also currently working in the DPC Mother’s Day Out program.

I have been married to my husband, Dave, since 1999. We have 3 sons, Colin, Sean, and Ryan. We stay busy with their various activities and are active in our church. We love to travel. My personal interests include running, swimming, and cycling.

Office Assistant: Ali McCulloch (ali.mcculloch@dpc4u.org)

My name is Ali McCulloch. I graduated from Maryville University with a B.S. in Business Marketing. My husband and I have three children (Griffen, Addison and Ainsley), who have all gone through the Adam Lamb Preschool program. My kids keep me pretty busy with their loves of soccer, volleyball, and gymnastics. So in my personal time I am running from one sporting event to another. I enjoy watching them play and thrive in what they love doing. We also have an Australian Shepard named Dash, who is a big part of our family.

I was an Adam Lamb committee member for four years and love everything about the program. So, with all three of my kids going through Adam Lamb and my time on the committee

I have been a part of this family for several years. Looking forward to many more years with this amazing staff!

Interested in learning more?

News and Announcements

About Adam Lamb Preschool

Adam Lamb Preschool offers a Christian based early childhood educational program for children 3 - 5 years of age. We are conveniently located in the Dardenne Presbyterian Church in Dardenne Praire, MO and serve the surrounding areas of New Melle, O'Fallon, St. Charles, St. Peters, and Winghaven. Adam Lamb Preschool has been part of these communities since 1987.