Mindy Weiss – Preschool Director
I am so blessed to be joining the teaching team here at Redeemer Lutheran Preschool. Working with preschoolers is my passion. I have been teaching for more years than I can admit, let’s just say…my entire working career. I have served as a teacher with infants, preschoolers and school-age children, ages 6 months – 12 years old. I have served as a director at two different centers and I have also owned and operated my home-based preschool. No matter the position I hold, sharing the love of Jesus and building relationships with the children and their families is what I treasure most! I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton. I also took classes through Concordia University Irvine and earned my colloquy, a series of theology classes according to the Missouri Synod Lutheran beliefs. I attend Bethel Lutheran Church in Buena Park. In my spare time I love to do jigsaw puzzles, swim in my pool, and spend time with family especially with my grand-babies. On Monday evenings you will find me at the bowling alley – I have bowled in the same league for 25 years. I have lots of favorite Bible verses but if I had to choose one, it would be, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Kristen Schouw – Beginner Teacher
I am so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to work at Redeemer Lutheran Preschool. I have been teaching Preschool for 22 years, 4 of those years I had the amazing opportunity to be an Assistant Director. I’ve worked with many ages ranging from 2 to 6 years old and each one of those ages I find many blessings in watching the children grow. A little bit about who I am – I’m a mom to my son Ryder, who is my world. I get along with pretty much anyone I meet, and I am definitely a talker. I love working with children because no matter what kind of day you are having their smiles are what I look forward to. Some of my favorite things to do are going to concerts. I love all types of music, but country is my favorite. I love spending time with family and friends. You can usually find me at the lake on a boat or hanging on the beach. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love anything Red or Glitter. As long as I have my friends, family and a Diet Coke in my hands, I’m a happy girl.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
April Miller – Junior Teacher
I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child throughout my opportunity to work at Redeemer Lutheran Preschool. I have over a decade of teaching experience with children from birth to 6 years old. The majority of my teaching career has been with children from 8 weeks – 3 years of age. I adore the individual personalities of each child and how they connect with the world around them.
I am married and a mother of 2 elementary age children. I spent the beginning of 2018 – June 2022 providing care for my mother a she battled a terminal diagnosis. During that season of my life, I was thankful for my training in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I have worked in other fields as a hostess/server, cashier/stylist in retail stores and administrative assistant for a law firm, but no matter the jobs I’ve tried throughout life, the changes have always brought me back to the classroom. To be embraced by a child and hear his or her laughter brings such joy to my life.
My favorite things consist of documenting life through the lens of my camera, spending quality time with my family and friends, being out in nature and advancing in martial arts of Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I have received a purple belt an hope to achieve a black belt someday.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7
Mindy Weiss and Shelly Mickelson – Pre-K Co/Teachers
Mindy Weiss, our director, will be co-teaching with preschool board member and former preschool teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Orange, Shelly Mickelson. Together they represent almost 60 years of preschool teaching experience. Both, are experts in their field and we are thrilled to have this duo collaborating together at Redeemer.
Shelly Mickelson – Redeemer has been such a blessing to my husband and I since 2005 when God led us here. I serve Him by singing in the choir, ringing in the hand-bell choir and serving on the preschool board. Now, after nearly 40 years of teaching infants through school age children and working as a director of a few schools, I have retired….or so I thought. I now substitute at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Orange, where I worked till retirement and here at Redeemer. This year I am very excited to be co-teaching with Mindy in the Pre-K class! I have been married to my husband, Larry, for almost 40 years. We have four kids who have blessed us with three grandchildren. My hobbies are singing on Smule and crafting. I also create pendant necklaces, mostly with Bible verses. One of the biggest joys in my life (other than my family) has been bringing the love of Jesus to so many young children. When I am worried, anxious or sad, I go to Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God”. It reminds me that He is with me and will never leave me.
My name is Briana, but I prefer to be called Bree. I was adopted at birth in San Dimas and raised in La Habra and Huntington Beach. I have 2 dogs named Chip and Maddie! In 2020 I battled breast cancer. God blessed me with healing and very few symptoms. In my free time, I love to make crafts, spend time with family/friends and ride tandem bikes with my dad. I am very excited to be serving at Redeemer! Ever since I was little I wanted to be a teacher and work with children. I have been volunteering/working with children between the ages of infancy -junior high since 2009 at my church, Refuge Calvary Chapel – Huntington Beach. I have also volunteered/worked at various preschools. I am passionate about working with special needs children. My favorite age is pre-K, but love all ages. I have a certificate in early childhood education from North Orange County Community College. One of my favorite phrases used at Redeemer is, “share the love of Jesus”.
My favorite bible verse is, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”. Philippians 4:13