Director: Laurie Hedrick

My name is Laurie Hedrick and I am the Director here at FUMC Preschool. I have been married for 33 years and have 2 grown children ages 30 and 27. I have had the privilege of being a part of FUMC preschool since 1996. After spending over 20 years in a classroom teaching infants, 2 year olds, 3 year olds, and 4 year olds, I was excited to expand my role here as Director. Together with a team of amazing and creative teachers, I am committed to providing your family with a loving and developmentally sound foundation for a lifetime of learning.  At FUMC, we know that play is a child’s most important work, and we strive to create and maintain an environment where your child can grow and thrive while exploring the world around them, while preparing them for their step into kindergarten. Thank you for sharing your precious children with us!

Assistant Director:  Heather Hoffman

My name is Heather Hoffman and I am excited to be working this year with all the kiddos.  I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before moving to Mount Holly, NC with my family in 2014.  My husband is a Charlotte Firefighter and we have two beautiful daughters, Aubrey and Avery. Previously, I was employed as a paraeducator and worked one-on-one with exceptional children at South Allegheny Elementary School.  Since then, I have worked in a number of customer service roles but am excited to be back in the classroom. In my downtime, spending time with my family, crafting and baking. I’m so excited to work with each child this year!

2022-2023 Teachers

My name is Debbie Kimray and I am excited to work as a floater for classes this year.  While I have been with FUMC Preschool for over 20 years, I have been caring for and teaching children throughout my adult life.  I am a native to Mount Holly, North Carolina, attended Mount Holly High School, and am a charter member of Grace Baptist Church. I have been married to my husband, Larry, for 50 years and have a son, daughter-in law, and granddaughter. I have always enjoyed teaching children and strive to provide a Christian based, loving, and safe environment that gives children interesting and fun learning experience that is effective and age appropriate for their overall development.

My name is Shannon Goad and I have enjoyed working at FUMC Preschool for 13 years.  I have been happily married for over 26 years and have 4 wonderful boys ages ranging in age from 13-26. After high school, I graduated from King’s College and love to spend time my family making memories. I also love to paint and take pictures!  I have been blessed to be able to teach in the 1, 2, and 3 year old classes and am excited to focus my talents on the 2 year olds this fall. There is nothing more rewarding than watching each child grow and teaching them about the love of God.

My name is Courtney Stratman and I will be co-teaching in the 4 year old classroom.  I am originally from Ohio, where I met and married my husband, Ron. I taught 2nd grade until we moved to Mt. Holly in 2000.  I taught 3rd grade in Mecklenburg County Schools for 3 years until I “retired” in 2003 to raise my children.  My son is now 16 and my daughter is 14; they both attend Piedmont Community Charter School in Gastonia.  For the past eight years, I have taught a Pre-K program in Gaston County. In my free time, I enjoy attending my children’s sporting events, traveling with my family, and playing with our 3 year old dog. 

My name is Holly Stokes and I will be working with 4 year olds this year.  I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband, Eric, of 23 years and our two twin girls, Mallory and Mia.  Our son is a sophomore baseball player at the University of Mount Olive. I attended both Wingate University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where I studied Elementary Education.  I have always enjoyed working with children and make it my mission to ensure that parents are confident that their children are safe and loved under my care. In my free time, you can find me at the ball field watching my kids play, spending time with family and friends, and at church on Sunday mornings.

My name is Brittany Roberts and I will be co-teaching in the 1 year old classroom this year and have so many fun activities planned for our students! I was lucky enough to marry my high school sweetheart, Bobby, and we have been blessed with a son, Trey, who is starting kindergarten this year after completing the 4’s program at FUMC Preschool. .  We are currently expecting our second child in February. We also have a dog named Trixie and enjoy taking her to dog parks in our free time. I am one of 5 siblings and have 7 nieces and nephews. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and, of course, spending time with my family. It has always been a goal of mine to work with children and am thankful that I get to do something I love every day.  Every second I am at work is a blessing and every child holds a special place in my heart. I am so grateful to be a part of their learning and development!

My name is Haven Suttle and I am excited to join the staff at FUMC Preschool. I am married to Gregory Suttle and we have 4 terrific kids, Ava (12), Reese Ann (7), Griffin (6) and Charleston (3).  I have worked in banking for 13 years but have recently felt that I my heart was being pulled in another direction. My children are the primary reason that I wanted a change in careers; so that I could spend more time with them while they are young. I am a born and bread Clemson Tiger fan and raise my children to do the same! I am excited about starting this new adventure with you and your children. I know we are going to have a great year of learning and fun!