Mindy Weiss – Preschool Director/Dolphin Teacher
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
Debra Tyler – Angelfish Teacher
I have worked with children for over 30 years. After living in the San Diego area for 22 years, I have moved to Huntington Beach where I have family roots. I have studied Child Development at Cuyamaca and Mt. San Jacinto College, and received an Early Childhood Teaching certificate while raising seven children of my own. I have worked with many wonderful schools both in public and private settings, working closely with special needs children. I have had the privilege to learn and partner with many great mentors. My goal in teaching is to encourage a child’s natural love of learning and enhance their preschool experience by providing a rich, loving an nurturing environment while partnering with families to meet the needs of each child. It is a joy working with children and their families and I look forward to getting to know all of you better.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Katrina Kerwin – Rainbowfish Teacher
I am currently 23, and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. I attend Irvine Valley College with the anticipation of moving to a four year university. I have served my home church, Refuge Calvary Chapel of Huntington Beach, working with children’s ministries. I have volunteered in a supervisory role with 3rd – 6th grade students, as well as, being employed as a caregiver for toddlers at their many services. I have functioned as a youth camp counselor and nanny, which provides me with the experience needed to work with children. Currently, I serve junior high and high school students, as I am an overseer/leader for my church’s young adult ministry. During this pandemic my ministry with 3rd – 6th graders has been put on hold. I plan to return once this ministry is up and running again.
I am passionate about children in general. I believe this to be the case because I’m a kid at heart. Aside from that, learning how children develop has left me awestruck. From gestation to adulthood, I find human development to be a fascinating subject. It reminds me that we have a Creator who has thought of every detail, down to each cell within us. And, it’s given me a desire to work alongside preschool aged children and their parents as they navigate the formative years. Thank you for trusting me and the school with such precious gifts that are your children.
“The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness.” Psalm 145:3-6
Kristen Schouw – Dolphin 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
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
Debbie Tiso – Assistant
I am very grateful to be a part of the teaching staff at Redeemer Lutheran Preschool. In 2016, after many years working in a corporate position, the Lord laid on my heart the desire to teach at a Christian Preschool. Walking by faith, I submitted my resignation and enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program at Orange Coast College. While attending classes I worked as a Classroom Aid at Harry and Grace Steele Children’s Center. There I had the privilege of assisting in all classrooms, which served ages infants to 4/5 years. I continued to work at the Children’s Center, as a Teacher Assistant, after earning a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. I am a member of Crosspoint Church in Huntington Beach, where I serve in the Children’s Ministry with our Three-Year-Old / Preschool Class. I am a proud mother of two grown daughters and “Grammy” to two precious grandsons. My favorite activity with children is Creative Arts: painting, dancing, puppets, and music. I find leading children to use their imagination and to freely express themselves, while developing their emotional and physical abilities, to be very rewarding. In my free time, I like visits with family, tending to my freshwater aquarium, bike riding, and taking long brisk walks.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6