Our Director:
Kelly Steinberg

My name is Kelly Steinberg and I am very excited to be the new Manahawkin Methodist Preschool Director.   I first learned about the Manahawkin Methodist Preschool from my mothers group where I served as the membership vice-president.  I was looking for a caring and quality preschool for my son who was 3 at the time.  The Manahawkin Methodist Preschool came highly recommended from many members of my mothers group.  After sending my son here, I understood why so many Moms and Dads felt so strong about the incredible program offered here.  That being said, when an opportunity to teach became available, I jumped at the chance to become a part of the school. This past year I was head teacher for one of the Pre-K classes, prior to that I taught in the 3 year old room for 2 years.  I have also substituted in the beginner room. As I take on this new opportunity I feel these experiences, coupled with my enthusiasm for the school will enable me to contribute to the growth and success of the program. 

Prior to becoming a stay at home mom, I was the World Language teacher at the McKinley Avenue School in Stafford Township.  I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia in Spanish and International Business.  I have also completed several education courses at Richard Stockton State College and completed the Alternate Route Teaching Program through the State of New Jersey.

My goal is to ensure that the quality program that has been established continues as well as hope to bring some new and creative ideas to inspire both students and staff. 

I began working as a teacher's assistant in a Pre-K class in 1988. I continued to work in the summer camp program throughout college and during my years as librarian at St. Catherine's School in Spring Lake. After only a few years, I left St. Catherine's to go back to the preschool as Pre-K teacher. My degree is in Library Science but my heart is in the preschool. I came to Manahawkin Methodist in 2008 after 3 years at home with my daughter. I am excited to be a Pre-K teacher again and look forward to a new class this year.

Lori Martin
Assistant Pre-K

I am the assistant in Mrs. Mower’s Pre K class.  This will be my third year at Manahawkin Methodist Preschool.  I have experience in babysitting both from my home and for Jazzercise.  My twin boys attended Manahawkin Methodist Preschool and had such a great experience that when the opportunity arose for me to join the staff I though it would be great.  I wanted to be a part of that great experience and bring it to the children that come to our school.  My responsibilities include assisting the child with their projects, supervising free play, organizing the classroom and supporting the teacher.  I have worked with all age groups of the school.  I also participate in our extended day program 3 afternoons a week.  

Jessica Selert
Teacher Pre-K

I graduated from Kean University with a BA in Psychology.  After graduation I worked in a group home with troubled children and then moved on to teaching preschool for autistic children.  I finally found my niche in life.  After being a stay at home Mom I decided to go back to teaching.  The first and only place I looked was Manahawkin Methodist Preschool.  My family had a great experience with this preschool, so I felt that I should give back.
My goal is have your children experience new things in a fun way while preparing them for Kindergarten.  For every letter that is introduced, your child brings in an item beginning with that letter for show & tell.  We also do journals, letter books arts & crafts and sometimes we even come to school in our pajamas.  We sing, dance, play outside, read stories and have special guests.  During the holidays we always have great projects for Mom and Dad.  Your child will have the chance to learn some computer skills while playing an educational game.  Science lessons are also part of our curriculum.  Your children will learn about a microscope and look at all sorts of bugs, fibers and anything we find on a nature walk.  At the end our our day we eat lunch and talk about our favorite thing for that day.  And most days my favorite thing is seeing all the smiles from my class.

Heather Keller
Assistant Pre-K

This is my third year working at the school.  I am a teacher assistant in the Pre-K class.  Prior to coming to work here I was  Human Resource Manager for seven years at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living.  I also worked as a teacher assistant for one year at Ocean Grove Elementary School in Middletown.  I have a Teaching Assistant Certificate from Brookdale College in Lincroft.

Letitia Kolbman
Teacher Three Year Old

This is my eighth year working in the Three Year Old class.  I started our tin the Beginner room when the school was small and we only had two classrooms; one for Beginners and another for 3's & 4's.  As our school grew I moved 'up' to the Three Year Old class and have been there ever since.  I have a degree in business and a certificate in food service management along with many courses in childcare education.  When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  My answer was always "A Teacher."  After many years working in the hospitality industry I finally fulfilled my dream here at the preschool.

Michelle Dahlberg
Teacher Beginners Room

I have lived in Manahawkin for 17years, with my husband, two children and our dog.  I graduated from Kutztown University, PA. with a BS in Psychology.  After working for more than five years, I decided to become a stay at home mom. When my children started in school,  I became a trained volunteer in the local school system.  I went in the classroom to help the teacher with the school’s writing and reading programs.  I also became the Room mom, a PTA volunteer, and a Girls Scout Leader too.  These activities lead me to find the most rewarding job, which is working with children.  When my son was three, he began preschool right here at the Manahawkin Methodist Preschool.  While he was enjoying his preschool time, I began substituting for our school.  After substituting,  I was very thrilled to become the teacher’s aide in the three-year-old room.   Although I will miss my classroom across the hallway, this year I am very excited and enthusiastic about becoming the teacher in the Beginner room.  We will be learning our shapes, colors, calendar, and so much more.  The children will also have fun by making arts and crafts. Playtime will encourage their socialization skills, while they make new friends.  I love to encourage the children to take steps toward their independence, in a positive nurturing way.  When I come to work and see the children’s smiles or get hugs, it is the best feeling ever.  

Jennifer Sullivan
Assistant Beginner's Room

I am the Assistant teacher in the Beginner room with Mrs. Dahlberg.  In December of 2009, I began working as the assistant in the Beginner room.  I really enjoy being a part of the Manahawkin Methodist Preschool family and love working with the kids and with Mrs. Dahlberg.  It is wonderful to have a role in helping kids learn how much fun school can be and watching them form friendships, some for the first time.

I am a mom to three children, aged four years, three years and 18 months.  My four year old has Asperger’s syndrome and goes to Oxycoccus Elementary, where he is enrolled in the special need’s program.  My three year old daughter is enrolled here at Manahawkin Methodist Preschool, while my 18 month old son is at home with Grandma.  I’ve lived in Manahawkin for 12 years and lived in North Jersey before moving here.  Prior to my career as a mom, I worked as a medical secretary for 17 years, both locally and in North Jersey.