Our Teachers
At St. Luke's Preschool, we are blessed with teachers that are second to none. Our teachers truly love our students.
Janice Ring, Director
Janice Ring is married and has two adult children. She and her husband moved to this area in 2005 from Baltimore, MD for ministry purposes. Janice has a BA degree in Elementary Education from Arlington Bible College in Baltimore, MD. She has additional credits from Cedarville College (Cedarville, OH), Catonsville Community College (Baltimore, MD), and Tennessee Temple University (Chattanooga, TN). Janice was self-employed with a home-based Day Care where infants to five-year-olds were enrolled. She was a kindergarten teacher at Liberty Christian School for ten years. She also served as an administrative assistant for the Missions Pastor for three years and the Children’s Director for four years at Chapelgate Presbyterian Church. Janice feels called to ministry with children and loves sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them.
Lynn Gerber, Administrative Assistant
Lynn and her husband Burt have lived in the Low Country for five years. They have two adult sons and two grandchildren. Lynn enjoys traveling. Over the years her husband’s career had moved them to nine different states!
Lynn knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was in fourth grade. Her dream came true in 1969 when she finished her education and was finally on her way to be in a classroom. Lynn has degrees in Education, English, Sociology, Psychology, and a Master’s in Special Education. Her 37 years of teaching experiences include Montessori School, first grade through fourth grade, Inter-related Special Education in Elementary and Middle school before retiring the first time. Even in retirement when opportunities became available to participate in educational programs Lynn would volunteer or work part time. She currently holds the position of Administrative Assistant at St. Luke’s Preschool where she has been for 3 years. Lynn loves to teach, nurture children, watch them grow and see them succeed.
Lynn’s life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Lynn knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was in fourth grade. Her dream came true in 1969 when she finished her education and was finally on her way to be in a classroom. Lynn has degrees in Education, English, Sociology, Psychology, and a Master’s in Special Education. Her 37 years of teaching experiences include Montessori School, first grade through fourth grade, Inter-related Special Education in Elementary and Middle school before retiring the first time. Even in retirement when opportunities became available to participate in educational programs Lynn would volunteer or work part time. She currently holds the position of Administrative Assistant at St. Luke’s Preschool where she has been for 3 years. Lynn loves to teach, nurture children, watch them grow and see them succeed.
Lynn’s life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Minnows Class (18 months – 24 months)
Vanessa Rubio, Lead Teacher
Vanessa has been with St. Luke’s Preschool for two years as an assistant teacher. She was interim teacher for the Minnows for a month and half and knew she wanted to be the lead teacher. She loves the children and is now the lead teacher for the Minnows class.
Brittany Rubio, Assistant Teacher
Brittany has been with St. Luke’s Preschool for 2 years and is the assistant in the Minnows class. She has a quiet and loving spirit which makes it easy for the little toddlers to quickly connect with her. She loves the children and enjoys how they express themselves.
Seahorses Class (2 – 3 year olds)
Shannan Sauerbrei, Lead Teacher
Shannan has a Bachelor’s degree in education. She has been the lead teacher for the Seahorse class for two years and loves what she does. She brings out the best in children. She loves to fish, travel and hike. She always is open to new experiences and loves living life to the fullest. She inspires little minds in knowing Jesus and encourages kindness and respect for one another.
Roxanne Sauerbrei, Assistant Teacher
Roxanne has an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. She is a divorcee with two adult children. She enjoys children and watching them learn. She currently is the assistant teacher in the Seahorse classroom. Roxanne has been at St. Luke’s Preschool for 5 years.
Miriam Martinez-Vega, Assistant Teacher
Miriam is an Assistant teacher in the Seahorse classroom. She has been with St. Luke’s Preschool for 4 years. She enjoys doing crafts and special events with the children.
Dolphins Class (3 – 4 year olds)
Cherish Bell, Lead Teacher
Ms. Cherish has been a teacher at St. Luke’s Preschool for 10 years. She discovered her passion for teaching at a very young age. As a teenager, Ms. Cherish became fully responsible for the care of her mentally handicapped uncle which she believes prepared her for a career in teaching and as a caregiver; it made her who she is today. Her experience taught her love and patience, and that God created each of us special. Before coming to St. Luke’s Preschool, Ms. Cherish worked with both children and the elderly at day cares and assisted living facilities. She is a member of Live Oak Christian Church in Bluffton where she was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She is the mother of four beautiful children, Austin, Taylor, Olivia and Julia. Ms. Cherish’s goal as a teacher is to provide children with a safe, learning environment where they can grow academically, socially, and most of all, grow in the love of Jesus Christ.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Lola Lazovic, Assistant Teacher and Teacher of Serbian
Lola is a graduate from the University of Sarajevo with a BA in Law. In 2012 she earned an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Technical College of the LowCountry. She has lived on Hilton Head Island with her husband, John and two adult children, Ivan and Iva since 1992. Lola currently is the assistant teacher for the Dolphins class, as well as teaching a foreign language, Serbian.
Lola believes that “all children are naturally curious, capable and competent learners.” She supports the philosophy of Jean Piaget which a hands on approach. Children learn through “concrete hands on activities through using their five senses to explore their environment.
Lola enjoys reading, swimming, walking on the beach and traveling with her family.
Lola’s life verse is Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Lola believes that “all children are naturally curious, capable and competent learners.” She supports the philosophy of Jean Piaget which a hands on approach. Children learn through “concrete hands on activities through using their five senses to explore their environment.
Lola enjoys reading, swimming, walking on the beach and traveling with her family.
Lola’s life verse is Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Sharks Class (4 – 5 year olds)
Stephanie Sturm, Lead Teacher
Ms. Stephanie has been lead teacher of the Sharks class for three years and at St. Luke’s Preschool for 8 years. She feels blessed to be able to be a teacher at St. Luke’s Preschool. Stephanie graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master Degree in Business Administration. She moved to Hilton Head in 1999 and became a member at St. Luke’s Church in 2003. She is married and has three children; Natalie, Roman and Joel, all of whom attended St. Luke’s Preschool. Stephanie became interested in education when she started teaching Sunday school and quickly realized the positive impact she can have on a child. As a mother of three children who attended St. Luke’s Preschool, she can honestly say there is no place that she’s experienced where her children received more love, more kindness and more respect than they did while attending here. And for that, she knew she wanted to share that love with other families.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
Lainy Tompson, Assistant Teacher and Teacher of Portuguese and Spanish
Lainy has been with St. Luke’s Preschool for 3 years as Ms. Stephanie’s assistant. She and Ms. Stephanie are a great team. Lainy has a great rapport with the children. She comes along side of children and helps them grow and develop. Lainy’s quiet spirit and confident presence encourages the children into an environment of learning and fun.
Manta Rays (Kindergarten – Third Grade aftercare program)
Doris Backel, Lead Teacher
Doris has been with St. Luke’s Preschool for 8 years. She has held various positions. She currently is the lead teacher for our Manta Rays aftercare program. She comes to us with 15 years of experience outside of St. Luke’s Preschool. She is certified in Early Childhood Education. Doris believes that children can and will learn. She hopes to instill a sense of confidence in each and every child she has contact with. Doris follows the quote of Mother Theresa “God doesn’t look at how much we do but with how much LOVE we do it.
Doris’ life verse is “Be Still and Know that I AM God” Psalms 46:10
Doris’ life verse is “Be Still and Know that I AM God” Psalms 46:10
Dawn Dixon, Part-time Fill-in
Dawn has been with St. Luke’s Preschool for 1 year. She is a big asset in filling in the gaps. She works full time in the summer as an assistant teacher and during the school year as a substitute. Dawn has a wealth of experience. She has a kind and loving spirit and the children gravitate toward her.