Our Staff
Each class has a two-person teaching team. All staff have child abuse, state police, and FBI clearances. They are also trained in CPR and First Aid.
2-year-old/young 3's class
Keri Paetzold ("Miss Keri")
Miss Keri has taught at Little Friends since 2013. Since her first babysitting jobs as a young teenager, Keri has always loved working with children. Prior to teaching, she worked for twenty years in the restaurant business. After she became a mother, Keri transitioned to a career in preschool education, bringing with her all of the patience, multi-tasking, and diplomacy skills one learns in customer service as well as parenting. She especially enjoys helping her students explore their creativity by making art they can share with their families. Keri's favorite pastimes include crafting, swimming, gardening, travel, and most of all having fun with her family.
Carla Greenberg ("Miss Carla")
Miss Carla is in her first year of teaching at Little Friends Preschool.
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**More information to come!**
"3C" 3-year-old class - M/T/Th
Christine Burhans ("Mrs. Burhans")
Mrs. Christine Burhans joined our staff in 2021 following her retirement from full-time teaching locally. Christine has been teaching for over 20 years and loves working with children of all ages. She loves to travel with her husband, especially on cruise vacations. Christine enjoys reading in her spare time, and loves spending time with her adult children and their families.
Patricia Vargas ("Miss Patricia")
Miss Patricia is in her first year of teaching at Little Friends Preschool.
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**More information to come!**
"3M" 3-year-old class - M/T/Th
Trudy Krueger ("Miss Trudy")
Miss Trudy has taught at Little Friends since 2017; she joined the school as a TSS, then became a beloved 2’s teacher, and is now enjoying teaching in one of the 3’s classrooms. Prior to that, she taught at Playful Beginnings. After serving in the US Navy, Trudy has focused her career and life on her passion for child development, from running a childcare business to being a scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and youth sports coach. These experiences drive her dedication to creating an inclusive learning environment and taking a whole-child approach to teaching. Outside of school, Trudy enjoys travel, hiking, pickleball, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Irene Clauser ("Miss Irene")
Miss Irene is in her first year of teaching at Little Friends Preschool.
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**More information to come!**
4-year-old class
Janet Rice ("Mrs. Rice")
Mrs. Janet Rice moved to the Mechanicsburg area 5 ½ years ago. Her daughter attended the 4-year-old program at Little Friends Preschool; the following year, Mrs. Rice was hired to teach that same class! Between her teaching degree, experience as a one-on-one aide, and time as a special education teaching assistant, it’s obvious that Janet’s passion is working (and playing!) with children. 2022-2023 will be her 5th year teaching at Little Friends. Janet has also taught the 4/5’s summer camps and is a frequent and beloved substitute in the Pre-K classroom. Above all, Janet believes in making learning FUN! In addition to her now-third-grader daughter, Janet shares a home with a son starting 11th grade at Cumberland Valley High School; her husband, an Army retiree now “playing in the dirt” at a construction company; and a crazy cat named Abbott.
Kayla Martin ("Mrs. Martin")
Mrs. Martin joined Little Friends in January of 2022-- More information coming soon!
Pre-K class - AM & PM
Candice Rudy ("Ms. Rudy")
Candice Rudy is starting her 7th year of teaching at Little Friends Preschool, her 6th year in the Pre-K Class.
**More information to come!**
Director
