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 – Pre-K 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
Cristy Higley – Beginner Teacher
My name is Cristy Higley. I have served in teaching ministry since I was in High School, back in 2010. I started working as a Fieldtrip helper for Grace Lutheran Preschool during my summer breaks and as Assistant Teacher during my studies at Orange County Community College in 2016. My experience in becoming a toddler and preschool teacher continued to develop while working as Lead and sometimes Co-Lead teacher at Surf City Christian Preschool (3 years), Community United Methodist Preschool (2 years), and most recently, Tutor/Nanny for a Pre-K child.
As the Lord opened up a new opportunity in my career, I have the privilege of being part of Redeemer’s Preschool program this year. I look forward to working with the parents and their children to nurture, care, and love them as part of their development. My goal is to continue my true passion by guiding the children with the love of Jesus and building a positive classroom environment filled with peace and joy.
Some of the activities and hobbies I enjoy are; swimming, traveling, spending time with my friends, shopping, working out at the gym, and photography. I attended OCC to obtain two certificates: one in Still Photography and Digital Technician. This hobby developed my vision for detail, contrast, proportion and harmony. All these elements along with light express my emotions and tell a story. My favorite holiday is Christmas! Sharing the birth of Jesus with the children is the best gift of love and patience I can teach them.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, So that everyone who believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Briana Shrimpton – Assistant
My name is Briana, but I prefer to be called Bree. I am very excited to be back 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 for 13 years 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. I have a certificate in early childhood education from North Orange County Community College. I was adopted at birth in San Dimas and raised in La Habra and Huntington Beach. In my free time, I love to make cards and spend time with family/friends. I also love going on tandem bike rides with my dad. I have 2 dogs named Chip and Maddie!
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6