Kim Wissman, Director
Kim has been at GUMC Preschool since 2002. She became the Preschool Director in 2017 after teaching for 15 years. Having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland, Kim is also a certified teacher through MSDE. She is a professional member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), and has earned the Maryland Child Care Credential Level 4. Married to her husband Patrick for 38 years, she is the mother of four sons. Kim enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. In her spare time, you can also find her reading, doing yoga, or watching Netflix with her husband and cat. She is a member of Glenelg United Methodist Church where she enjoys being active in the UMW (United Methodist Women), Bible study, book club and volunteering in VBS. “Miss Kim” considers herself blessed to work at GUMC, where she can live out her passion for the education of young children by nurturing the lifelong joy of learning and the love of God! |
Emily Herzing, Administrative Assistant
Emily lives in Sykesville with her husband, Ryan, and their two sons, Taylor and Wesley. She graduated from Penn State University, where she earned her BS in Hospitality Management. She spent most of her career working in restaurant and health club management, after which she became a stay-at-home parent. In 2020, Emily became the owner of Workout Mamas, where she teaches fitness classes to moms and their children. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her boys, traveling, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. She is thrilled to support the staff and students at GUMC. |
Julie Brogan, 2's and 3's Assistant Teacher
Julie lives in Woodbine with her husband, Shawn, and their three children, Amelia, Kaylee and Mason. They belong to GUMC, where Julie is part of the Fellowship Committee and UMW (United Methodist Women) and an assistant youth leader. Julie also chairs committees at Bushy Park Elementary School. In her spare time, she spends countless hours on sports fields, spending time with family and friends and volunteering. She also enjoys reading, movies, gardening and working on 4H projects with her kids. She enjoys being part of the GUMC Preschool Family! |
Cindy Coon, Pre-K Teacher
Cindy resides in Woodbine with her husband, Dan and their two children. She attended Montgomery College where she majored in Handicap Assistance then transferred to University of Maryland where she majored in Therapeutic Recreation. She obtained her 90 hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard County Community College. Cindy has been teaching in day cares and preschools since 1990 and has been at GUMC Preschool since 2002. She considers teaching at GUMC a gift from God. In her spare time, Cindy enjoys taking morning walks, cooking, and taking yoga classes. |
Mary Ann LeMonnier, Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Mary Ann lives with her husband and 2 children in Ellicott City. Mary Ann earned her MS in Occupational Therapy from Rush University in Chicago. In 1995, she moved to Maryland to work at Johns Hopkins Hospital. After taking a few off years to raise her children, she returned to the work force as a teaching assistant. In 2016, she began teaching in a 3 year-old preschool program. Utilizing her knowledge of OT and passion for learning, she found working with children to be both a rewarding and fulfilling experience. When not in the classroom, Mary Ann enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog Teddy and trying new recipes in the kitchen. |
Michelle McBryde, Pre-K Teacher
Michelle lives in Mt. Airy with her husband, Lee, and 3 cats - Lucy, Tiger, Dudley and hopefully a puppy soon. Her older son, Evan, and his family - Bre, Graham and 2 pups, Tux and Skye live in Ellicott City. Her younger son, Ethan and wife Ashley live in Williamsburg with 2 cats - Dan, Stella and 2 dogs - Jasmine, Vergie. Michelle enjoys family time, yearly mission trips with her church (Elders Baptist Church), planning activities for her class, crafts, and being with friends. Michelle received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater College and has taught kindergarten/preschool since 1984, taking a few years off when her boys were little. She loves sharing God's love with GUMC children and families and watching God work in the lives of those around her. |
Val Rickett, 3's and Pre-K Teacher
Val lives in Frederick with her husband, Jeff, and 2 young adult children, Samuel and Amanda. They have 2 very adorable young mini-goldendoodles, Blaze and Mocha. Val earned her BA in Social Work with an Elementary Education Certificate from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). Val recently received her 90 Hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard Community College. She has been a teacher and childcare provider for many years. She loves working with young children and looks forward to teaching a 3’s class and a Preschool class this year at GUMC. Val enjoys fostering the children’s enthusiasm and wonder of all of God’s creation surrounding them. Val enjoys walking with her husband and dogs, being with her church family, reading, eating out, and hanging out with family and friends. |
Mary Stubs, Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Mary lives in Dayton, Maryland with her husband, Mike. They have three daughters. Sage is married and lives in Tennessee with her husband and two young sons. Shannon lives in Virginia, and Josie will be attending Towson University this fall. Mary received her 90 Hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard Community College. Mary worked with GUMC Preschool previously as an Assistant Teacher. More recently she has been doing office work for her husband’s business. Mary loves spending time with her family and traveling. |
Maureen Simpson, 2's and 3's Teacher
Maureen lives in West Friendship with her husband, three children, and two dogs. Her two oldest children attend Bushy Park Elementary and her youngest will be completing his final year at GUMC this fall. Maureen earned a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from St. Bonaventure University, where she was on their collegiate diving team. She went on to earn her masters degree in school counseling at Loyola University and worked as a School Counselor in Baltimore County for five years. Maureen then stayed home to raise her three children. During the 2020-2021 school year, Maureen substituted at GUMC and earned her 90 hour Early Childhood Certification from Howard County Community College. Maureen loves working with children, and has a passion for social-emotional learning. Maureen feels very blessed and excited for this new chapter in her life! In her spare time, Maureen enjoys walking her dogs, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Maureen also has a passion for fitness, and you may see her running the streets of Western Howard County! |
Amy Story, Music Teacher
Amy lives in Ellicott City with her husband and their three kids, Emma Grace, Judah, and Luke. She studied music at Christopher Newport University and earned both her Bachelors of Music and Master of Arts in Teaching in Music Education. Her music degrees have allowed her to do a lot of fun jobs! She’s been a middle school choir director, worked with inner city beginning music students, worked in many facets of church worship, and had her own private piano studio. But she is probably more excited about this GUMC job than any she has ever had. This is her very favorite age group to teach and she loves the pre-school music curriculum! When she’s not doing something music related you can find her snuggling with her kids, taking a walk in the woods behind her house, drinking coffee, laughing at her own jokes, and crafting. |
Pam Sumpter, 2's and 3's Assistant Teacher
Pam lives in Glenwood with her husband and three sons, Tim, Evan and Braedon. Her daughter, Alyssa, lives in Pennsylvania and is studying Business Management. Their oldest son, Tim, recently graduated from nursing school. Evan is pursuing his artistic interests, and their youngest son, Braeden, is a sophomore at Glenelg High School. Pam received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and taught first grade for many years. She left teaching after eight years to raise her family. In 1995, she moved to Glenwood, and all of her children attended GUMC preschool. After her youngest started kindergarten, Miss Pam returned to work, subbing for the Howard County Public School System. She enjoyed doing that for nine years, but was excited to return to the GUMC family in 2017. Pam enjoys working with the GUMC children, and the school holds a special place in her heart! |
Karen Welsh, 3's and Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Karen lives in Eldersburg with her husband Ben, and their three daughters and son. She graduated from Towson University with a BS degree in Business with concentrations in Management and Marketing. She has worked in a variety of different fields; her favorite positions were working with and helping others. She stayed at home to raise her children, while volunteering at their schools and Saint Joseph’s Catholic Community Church. The last three years she has been working in the public school system, encouraging and helping students with daily tasks and assignments. She enjoys watching her daughters perform in the marching band and cheering for her son at his baseball games. She also enjoys being with her family, reading books, and hiking/walking on trails. She is really excited to start her new position working at GUMC as an assistant teacher. |
Emily Wofford, 2's and 3's Teacher
Emily lives in Jessup with her husband, Rodney, and children: Xavier, a senior at UMBC and Olivia, a freshman at Temple University. They attend worship services at The Washington National Cathedral. Emily earned her BA in American Studies from Marlboro College in Vermont. She was a teaching assistant at Christ Memorial Christian Preschool for four years. Emily then completed the 90 Hour Early Childhood Certification at Howard Community College and taught Pre-K as lead teacher for two years. Emily has been a teaching assistant for one year and lead teacher in 2’s and 3’s classes at GUMC for the past three years. She also holds a Maryland Child Care Credential at level three. Emily enjoys traveling to visit family and friends, outdoor walks and playing with her dog, Rocky. Emily feels blessed to have the opportunity to teach at GUMC. |