Preschool and Kindergarten Office and Staff Information
Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. You are welcome to drop in to take a tour or you can make an appointment by calling, 749-1738.
Our Staff is a Blessing for Your Child
We continue to be blessed by an incredible staff at TVLC Preschool and Kindergarten. Many of our teachers have taught at our school for years. This long-term experience helps them give your child the best possible learning environment. All of our teachers love children, enjoy working with each other and are dedicated to making our school the best in Tucson.
The enthusiasm and joy our staff brings to the school has an impact on each child. You will especially appreciate the way we listen to the needs of your child and your family.
We believe that each child is a unique gift from God and we feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of your child’s learning experience. We rejoice in the gifts from God your child brings to our school!
Preschool Staff
Office Staff
Cari Lindsey- Director
I love being part of the Tanque Verde Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten team. I have taught the Bunny’s class and now I am blessed to be leading such a wonderful school and staff. I have a BA in Business Administration and Business Management and spent my time working in the financial industry, so I am returning to my roots.. I was blessed to have been a stay-at-mom until my 2 children entered school and am lucky to work at a place that I can still be very involved in their school as well.
A Favorite Bible Passage
Melissa Gutierrez- Assistant Director
I am so excited and blessed to be back as part of the TVLCP/K family. I first started with TVLCP/K in 2012 in the Dolphin class. Before joining TVLCP/K, I had the opportunity to teach Kindergarten and First grade for 8 years. In 2013, my husband and I were blessed with our second child. I was fortunate to take some time off to spend with our boys who are now part of the TVLCP/K family. I currently hold a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona as well as a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. I look forward to a wonderful year with TVLCP/K.
A Favorite Bible Passage
“Let us love one another because love comes from God”. I John 4:7
Office Staff
Cari Lindsey- Director
I love being part of the Tanque Verde Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten team. I have taught the Bunny’s class and now I am blessed to be leading such a wonderful school and staff. I have a BA in Business Administration and Business Management and spent my time working in the financial industry, so I am returning to my roots.. I was blessed to have been a stay-at-mom until my 2 children entered school and am lucky to work at a place that I can still be very involved in their school as well.
A Favorite Bible Passage
Melissa Gutierrez- Assistant Director
I am so excited and blessed to be back as part of the TVLCP/K family. I first started with TVLCP/K in 2012 in the Dolphin class. Before joining TVLCP/K, I had the opportunity to teach Kindergarten and First grade for 8 years. In 2013, my husband and I were blessed with our second child. I was fortunate to take some time off to spend with our boys who are now part of the TVLCP/K family. I currently hold a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona as well as a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. I look forward to a wonderful year with TVLCP/K.
A Favorite Bible Passage
“Let us love one another because love comes from God”. I John 4:7
Lambs Class (2 years old by August 31st )
Erin Harayda- Lamb Lead Teacher
Stephanie Chadwick- M/W Assistant
Tarah Maddox- T/TH Assistant
Bunnies Class (3 years old by August 31st)
Marisa Kim- Lead Teacher
Lesley Pinelli- Teacher Assistant
A Favorite Bible Passage
“Jesus said, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Bethany McKibben- Lead Teacher
I am so excited to be joining TVLC Preschool for another year as the Bunnies Teacher. I love our preschool community and have seen my daughter through her years here. My family loves to garden, enjoy long weekends in Prescott, and play scrabble.
Favorite Bible Verse
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Kristen Taylor- Assistant Teacher
I am so honored to be a part of TVLC preschool. I started out as the assistant teacher in Lambs, and now I am super excited to be the assistant teacher in Bunnies. I have been working with children ever since my own kids were in preschool. I have been happily married to my husband for 19 years and we have two wonderful children who are both in high school. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family and friends, watching my kids play sports, traveling, watching movies, and spending time at the pool.
Favorite Bible Verse:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Favorite Quote:
Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
A.A. Milne
Giraffes Class (4 years old by August 31st)
Jannell Wheeler- Lead Teacher
Nancy Gardner- Teacher Assistant
I am so excited to be here at TVLC Preschool. I am assisting in the Giraffes and the Bunnies. I have over 16 years of experience in early childhood education. My husband David, son Ethan and I moved to Tucson in 1996 and soon afterwards, became members of TVLC.
A Favorite Bible Verse
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Marie Goins- Lead Teacher
Lesley Pinelli- Teacher Assistant
A Favorite Bible Verse
“Jesus said, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Owls Class (4 years old by August 31st)
Marlena Mendoza- Lead Teacher
Angie Reed- Assistant Teacher
Gecko Class (5 years old by August 31st)
Holly Lloyd- Lead Teacher
I am a mother of 5… two sons Colton and Chase, two daughters Savannah and Aimee and my nephew Cody. I have always been a teacher. When I was 17, I started teaching tap and jazz dance classes, swim lessons and “aerobics” (which I still teach 3 decades later)! I graduated from the U of A with a bachelors degree in Exercise and Sports Science and then completed my Masters degree in Education through Chapman University. All of my children went through the preschool program at TVLC, and I couldn’t be happier to be back here teaching the Giraffes and Owls.
A Favorite Bible Passage
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:6
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
Angie Reed- AM Assistant
Lilian Benavente-Heisler- PM Assistant
Dolphins Morning Enrichment Class (available for all students who are at least 3 years old and are potty trained)
Lilian Benavente-Heisler
Monkeys Afternoon Enrichment Class (available for all students who are at least 3 years old and are potty trained)
Lesley Pinelli- Lead Teacher
A Favorite Bible Passage
“Jesus said, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14