Lexington Friends Preschool

Emily Webb began her teaching career in 2005 as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer with Great Basin Outdoor School in Reno, Nevada. Since then, she has served children as a Montessori teaching assistant, preschool teacher, and science, yoga, and cooking class instructor. Emily received her American Montessori Society credential from the Greater Cincinnati Center for Montessori Education in 2010 and has worked as a lead teacher in a Montessori primary classroom for three years. When not teaching, she enjoys hiking, gardening, bird watching, volunteering, and practicing yoga. Emily loves incorporating messy art projects and big science experiments in the classroom, and believes in the importance of connecting children to their community in meaningful ways. Emily is thrilled to be a part of the new Lexington Friends Preschool community.

I moved to Lexington in 2015 from Chicago, Illinois and began Working at LFP last year as the Afternoon Assistant in our Waldorf-inspired program. I am thrilled to be coming back for my second year as Lead Teacher in the Primary 2 class.

I earned my BFA in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design and continued my education in Early Montessori Education.

I have a colorful background in art including public mosaic murals, art classes for children, costume design, and theater. I also run my own small art business, Sweet Burn, where I design and create original wood-burned artwork.

As a mother of two, I naturally gravitate to children and offer continuous love and support. I work with each individual and their specific needs. I encourage respect for all living things and appreciation for the world around us. I love to be silly, get messy, and help everyone feel comfortable to explore their interests.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring Kentucky, gardening, hiking, making art, listening to music and reading.

I am extremely grateful to be working with such supportive families and staff members and feel honored to be apart of this beautiful LFP community.

Hi there! My name is Sarah Jo and I am a recent graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a Degree in Theater and English. Before completing my degree I spent a year teaching at a nonprofit after school theatre program in Austin Texas as well as facilitating at 'The Thinkery' a local children's museum in Austin. After graduation I started work at Lexington Children's Theatre and so enjoyed working with the young people decided to pursue a career in early childhood education. I am thrilled to be back in Kentucky and starting my professional career with Lexington Friends Preschool and its amazing staff. Teaching and theatre are my passions and I hope to use my creative energy to learn and explore with the young people here at Lexington Friends Preschool.

Originally from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, I grew up around the Lexington area. I attended Eastern Kentucky University where I earned a B.A in Theatre with a Studio Art minor and special study in English. During high school I spent time as a mentor in middle and high school musical programs as well as working with local children's programs in the summer such as Summer Playhouse/Summer Stock and the Montgomery County Migrant Program. Since then I have always had an interest in sharing arts, communication, creativity, and play with children and I believe they are important aspects to maintain in early childhood. When I am not in the classroom I am a local, freelance Stage Manager and Theatre Artist and enjoy making and seeing theatre, nature, reading, and creating art with different mediums. I spent the 2017 spring semester substituting for LFP and am very excited to join in part time during the afternoon this year!

Joy Mitchell joined LFP during summer camps in 2018. She is a valuable part of the whole community, primarily assisting in the Goldenrod Room.

My name in Maryuri Welsing, I was born in Santa Clara Cuba and moved to Florida when I was 24 years old. I have a bachelors degree in physical education with a basketball training certification. I am Montessori trained and have experience in teaching Spanish amongst all lower elementary grades.

I am beyond excited to be assistant teaching in the Lavender room this year! This past school year while substitute teaching, I loved getting to know all the wonderful families in the LFP community that make this such a special place. This year, I am looking forward to all the cool and new things we are going to create and learn from each other. When I am not teaching or babysitting, I am making art with others or hanging out with my dog, Presley. In addition to teaching at LFP this year, I will be teaching at ARTPlay Children's studio. I strongly believe in community engaged art, and hope that I can share what I know and enjoy about making art with all the friends at our school.

I graduated with a BS in Agriculture and Natural Resources from Berea College in 2016, and traveled for about a year before settling back in to KY. I'm a Gardener, Baker, and crafter, and I spend a lot of time going on adventures with my pup Roo. I've been subbing for LFP since January, and I'm excited to be an assistant in the Goldenrod classroom this school year!