About Our Preschool
Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool was established in 1988. It is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The mission of the preschool is to help children develop spiritually, intellectually and physically in a Christian environment.
LOCATION
Our school is inside Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 2113 Ravenna Street in Hudson, Ohio. Click here for directions.
Preschool Purpose
- To provide young children with a supportive program of early learning experiences in a supportive Christian environment.
- To allow young children to grow in faith, confidence and
self-esteem. - To aid parents in the development of the child as he/she makes a gradual adjustment from home to school.
Thursdays 10-11 a.m.
Socializing the littlest members of our family has never been more important after these recent years. Email us to find out more about our fun Mommy & Me class that is designed for a caregiver and their child (18 months to 2.5 years old). Sessions occurring in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Email preschool@gloriadeihudson.org to register or for more information!
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Enrichment Programs
Gloria Dei Preschool offers enrichment programs throughout the year.
Devotions
Once a week the Pastor or the Director of Christian Education shares devotions with each class. These devotions are a special time to share God’s Word with the preschoolers and help develop their faith.
Library
Twice a month, preschoolers visit the Preschool Library to borrow a book and listen to a Hudson Librarian or a guest reader share stories.
Gymnastics
Once a month, Ms. Jen of Learning Ladder Gymnastics provides a gymnastics class for children to develop gross motor skills.
Meet the Teachers
We have a dedicated staff of Christian women who are here to nurture and teach your children.
Pre-K
Taren Smith
Education: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, University of Cincinnati
Years at GDLP: 6th year at Gloria Dei, was also a GDLP mom
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: I live in Hudson with my husband Andrew, daughter Rylie (11), and son Cameron (8). We have a golden doodle named Georgia. I love spending time with family & friends, traveling, being active, sports, sweets, and animals.
Megan Huettich
Education: Bachelors in English and Literature, Masters in School Counseling
Years at GDLP: 3
Favorite Part: Everything!
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: I went to the Taylor Swift Era’s Tour!
4s
Sherry Baylor
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education from Mt. Union College
Years at GDLP: 14 years
Favorite part: I love the daily interaction with the children and parents, teaching the Bible stories, and helping children become enthusiastic learners. My favorite part of working at GDLP is the annual Christmas Program. For the last song we invite all GDLP alumni to join us up front. I love seeing the generations of families that have attended GDLP!!
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: I am a charter member of Gloria Dei Church. I have been married for 42 years, and have one daughter, Allison. I enjoy reading, golfing, and family vacations!
Carrie Brumbach
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology & Long Term Care Administration, Kent State University
Years at GDLP: One year on staff at GDLP, 4 years as a GDLP parent :)
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: Our family loves traveling and exploring new places, and I love organizing and gardening!
3s
Jenn Lemmo
Education: bachelor’s in elementary education from Miami University
Years at GDLP: started in Aug 2016, this is my 8th year!
Favorite part about GDLP: I can’t pick one – the families, my colleagues, the support from the church, watching the little ones grow into big PreK kids
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: I have two cats, Max and Lewie. I love crafting!
Becky Hinkle
Education: B.A. University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
Years at GDLP: started January 2019 (minis, 4s, 3s), member of Church since 2005
Favorite part about GDLP: What a blessing to serve in a ministry where we introduce our littlest learners to Jesus, God’s Love, friendship and independence. Love our focus on social emotional growth and the team approach to helping each child succeed!
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: our family (husband and 3 adult children) loves hiking, traveling, boating, sports – spectating and participating, and trying new recipes!
Minis
Hillary Haddix
Education: Bachelors in Special Education, Ashland
Years at GDLP: 2
Favorite Part about GDLP: The teachers truly want to teach and love children. Everyone has a passion for helping little learners grow. Watching young minds grow and develop is so much fun. This school is truly a special place.
Fun Fact/Family/Hobby/Interest: I have three girls, a husband and the sweetest pup named Kya. I am always running to soccer, volleyball or basketball. We are an active family and love to go on adventures.
Jenn Lemmo
(See Bio under 3s)
Director
Megan Polak
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from Mount Union College
Years at GDLP: Began serving as Preschool Director in 2016. I’ve also have the pleasure of being a GDLP mom!
Favorite Part: I love our loving, supportive congregation, and it’s an absolute joy watching the children grow from babies into enthusiastic preschoolers! Our preschool family collaborates and supports one another.
Fun Fact/family/hobby/interest – I have 4 children under the age of 11; my husband and I have been married for 17 years. I love to read and be with my family.
