Hello! I have been blessed to be a part of Wesley’s Bright Beginnings preschool for the past 19 years, and if you count my first year as a parent of a toddler in the program, then it’s 20!! Most of my years were spent teaching 2s, then I became the director and did both for several years. Now I am not in the classroom, but I have the perfect job in that I get to go into all the classes and see all our kiddos!! I am originally from Missouri and have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood from University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou!) and a Master’s in Reading from Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri. My family has lived in Bloomington for 20 years and includes my husband, our daughter, Hannah-Kate who will be a Junior at Mizzou, our son Carter who just graduated from University High School in Normal and will attend Mizzou in the fall, and our 4 year old Mini Australian Shepherd, Luna. In my spare time I enjoy walking, reading, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Hello! My name is Amanda Peck. I was born and raised here in Normal. I moved to Missouri in 2007 where I attended Missouri Southern State University. While there, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I also met and married my wonderful husband, John. In 2017 we moved back to Normal to begin our family. We have two wonderful boys ages 8 and 6. I love reading, taking walks , hiking, and playing with my children. I love playing outside with my children and their friends. I am thankful to be here at Wesley’s Bright Beginning’s. I am looking forward to a wonderful year here. 

Hi, my name is Laurie Sperry and I am the class assistant in the Voyagers Class. I attended Illinois State University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My husband and I have lived in the Bloomington-Normal area since our college days. I am blessed with two grown children and two beautiful grandsons. My elementary school years were spent in the Gibson City Melvin Sibley School District. During my 35 years, I taught second, third, and fourth grade. I am thrilled now to have the opportunity to work at the preschool level. Over the last several years, I have enjoyed teaching and assisting at all levels. I love working with very young children! Their curiosity, excitement, and spontaneity to learn make school days a joy. My free time is spent walking my dog or relaxing with a good book. I am very excited to join the staff at Wesley’s Bright Beginnings Preschool. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year.

Hello! My name is Stephaney Jones. My husband Brian and I have lived in Bloomington-Normal since college. We both attended Illinois State University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s Degree in Reading Education. We both began working in Bloomington after graduating and have never left! I started my career at Stevenson Elementary in District 87. I left in 2008 after having my twins. We have three boys, Mason, Spencer, and Asher. Mason and Spencer are soon to be 8th graders, and Asher will be a 2nd grader! All three of our boys have attended preschool at WBB, and their time here was invaluable. This will be my fourth school year being a teacher at WBB. It is such a special place, and I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love and still enjoy a work/life balance that fits the needs of my family! We are so excited for this school year.

My name is Teresa Kunkes and I’m the Assistant in the Comets Class. I am originally from Taylorville which is about 2 hours south of here. I moved to Bloomington with my husband Nick about 10 years ago. We have a 13 year old son named Jonathan. He is very active in school, sports and Scouts. We also have 6 year old twins daughters, River and Rose. The girls are also very active in Scouts. In our free time we like to go hiking or visit with family. River and Rose attended preschool here at WBB and we fell in love with the program. I am really excited about joining the WBB staff and look forward to the upcoming year!

Hi! I’m so excited to be Lead Teacher in the Little Dippers Toddler Room. I’ve been involved with Wesley’s Bright Beginnings as a parent for the past four years. I’m so glad to be on this amazing staff and work with such wonderful kiddos! I moved to Bloomington/Normal to attend Illinois State University and have been here ever since graduation. I live just outside of Shirley with my husband, Chris, and our two daughters. Hallie is a kindergartner who previously attended WBB and Emma is in the 3’s Comets Class. When I can find the time I enjoy to cook and bake and just overall being a foodie. Plus I love spending time with my friends and having relaxed family time.

I’m so excited to join the classroom! I moved to Bloomington from India in 2014 after getting married. I live with my husband and our two daughters. My oldest attended WBB and my youngest is currently in the Little Explorers 3 Day 2’s class. When I can find the time I love to paint and make handmade jewelry and cards. I love to travel and explore new places.

Hi, my name is Kendra Meismer! I’m so excited to be an assistant teacher in the Little Explorers Room! I have two kids, a son who is a Wesley graduate and a daughter who is currently enrolled. I moved to Normal with my husband in 2015. I have an associate degree and worked in healthcare for 11 years before beginning my teaching journey. I love crafting, cooking, and hiking with my family and our German Shepherd, Gus. I’m so excited to be part of the Wesley community in a new way and can’t wait to get to know all of the Little Explorers!

My name is Krista Mroz.  I live in Normal with my husband, our three sons, and our sweet pup, Kona.  I graduated from Illinois State in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  I also received my master’s degree in reading from ISU.  I have been a 3rd and 4th grade teacher for the last 14 years in District 87 at Sheridan.  After our third son was born, I stepped away from teaching full time to focus on my family.  I have enjoyed a year being home with my boys, but the classroom is already calling me back!  Our oldest is a WBB graduate and our two younger boys are currently enrolled.  We absolutely love the Wesley program and I am grateful to start a new chapter teaching two year olds.