St Paul Lutheran Preschool
New Braunfels, Tx
Meet The Team
Director
Michelle Martin
I was born and raised in New Braunfels. I have my Child Development Associate Credential and Para Professional Credential. I began working in childcare in 1998. My favorite color is purple and I love GLITTER! I have 3 beautiful children, Amanda, who graduated from Tarleton State University; Sarah who graduated from Midwestern State University; and Jacob who graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. I have one granddaughter named Amara. I enjoy reading, watching movies, going to the beach and spending time with my family.
Assistant Director
Amanda Kennedy DPA, MPA
Hello, my name is Amanda and I am the assistant director for the preschool. I have been with St Paul Lutheran Church since November 2017, as a Business Administrative Assistant for the church. I started in the preschool in July of 2018, my prior roles for the preschool were School Age lead and administrative coordinator. I have been working in early childhood, and youth development since I graduated from high school in many different forms.
I have a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's of Public Administration from Tarleton State University. I also have my Doctor of Public Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I also hold an after school program director certificate from DFPS. I look forward to working with the families of St. Paul.
Infant Teacher
Heather Knetsch
Hi, my name is Heather Knetsch. I am a native of the New Braunfels/Seguin Area. My husband Brian and I have been married over 20 years and have 2 daughters, Reagan and Drue. We are a retried Navy family and members of St. Paul Lutheran Church. I graduated from Gulf Coast Community College with an Associate in Early Childhood Education in 2007. I also received my Associates in Applied Science from North East Lake View in 2022. I currently attend Tarleton State University. I have worked with children in different educational settings for over 20 years.
Infant Teacher
Annie Gonzalez
Infant Teacher
Jessica Coble
My name is Jessica Coble. I was born and raised in New Braunfels TX. A forever Unicorn! Married to my Highschool Sweetheart and celebrating fifteen years together. We have two girls! We also have a spoiled fur-baby named Loosie. In my free time I enjoy going to the zoo, exploring new local shops around NB, spending all my money at the garden center and volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Toddler 1 Teacher
Ashley Kuntz
Hi, my name is Ashley Kuntz. I moved to New Braunfels from Stockdale, TX with my husband a few years ago. I worked at Freiheit Elementary in the preschool Special Education. I have two fur babies named Baby and Molly. I am thrilled to be your teacher. It’s going to be a fun year full of lots of learning and new adventures. I can’t wait to see what is in store for us.
Toddler 1 Teacher
Casey Norris
Hello, my name is Casey Norris. I Graduated from Seguin High School. I have a spoiled fur-baby named Snickers. In my spare time I enjoy doing diamond puzzles, being outside and spending time with family.
Toddler 2 Teacher
Christiana Nardolillo
Hi everyone! My name is Christiana. I am originally from Rhode Island. I was homeschooled. I’ve been working with kids for 7 years now. I am excited to work with the children of St Paul.
Toddler 2 Teacher
Jessyka Dodson
I was born and raised in the Houston area. I went to college at the University of Houston where I got my bachelor's degree in Sign Language interpreting. I have two daughters that are my absolute world. I have two dogs, an Aussiedoodle and a Pointing Griffon Poodle mix. I have the absolute best partner by my side, helping raise our wild wolf pack. We wouldn't have it any other way! Prior to having my own children, I worked in childcare for about 4 years and loved it so much. Watching little ones learn and grow has by far been the most rewarding career path for me. I am beyond lucky and so excited to work with your children!
Preschool Teacher
Destinie Perales
Hi, my name is Destinie Perales I was born in California but raised here in Texas. I lived in New Braunfels for 6 years and fell in love with this town. I’ve always had a passion in childcare love helping children grow and develop. I’ve taken care of kids on and off for the past 10 years and it’s always been something I’m passionate about. I’m excited for what the future holds for me here at St. Paul.
Preschool Teacher
Tierra Stanton
My name is Tierra Stanton, aka “Ms. T”. I have lived in New Braunfels all of my life and I am a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Both of my girls and I were baptized here. I love working with children. I started babysitting when I was a teenager and then worked in daycare until 2018. Five of those years were right here at St. Paul.
I left the daycare profession to work fulltime with my second love, animals. I have worked with large and small, domestic, and exotic animals. I completed the Veterinarian Support Assistance course and Animal Behavior and Training course. In 2022 I made the decision to return to daycare so I could spend more time with my girls, and asked to come back to St. Paul. I thoroughly enjoy working with the young minds and loving hearts of children and am blessed to be back with my St. Paul family.
Pre-K Teacher
Codi Harder
I was born and raised in Seguin, TX. I started showing sheep when I was 10 all the way up to senior year of high school. I participated in FFA & 4-H growing up. I went to cosmetology school in San Antonio. My boyfriend and I have two blue heelers. On weekends we go to dirt track, racing, hunting, fishing or to softball games. I enjoy the outdoors, summer time and spending time with family and friends.
Pre-K Teacher
Dawn Turnquist
Hi, my name is Dawn Turnquist. I have been a teacher for 30+ years! Working with children is truly my passion and working at St Paul Lutheran Preschool is a wonderful place to spend my work days!
Resource Teacher
Kindergarten/ School Age
Jordan Marbach
Hi, my name is Jordan. I was born and raised in New Braunfels. I received my teaching degree December 2021 from Texas State University. I married the sweetest man in March of 2021. In my free time I enjoy doing puzzles, reading, and spending time with my family and friends. I have been at St. Paul Preschool for 6 years now and have enjoyed my time here so much. I’m so excited to teach and learn from your children!
School Age
Patty Brehm
My I moved to New Braunfels 7 years ago right before I got married. Over the last 12 years I have been in education working with many different age levels. I am a proud graduate of Angelo State University, Go Rams Go! My husband and I are the proud parents of our 3-year-old son Jake. We love spending time together. Pink is my favorite color. I also love coffee, shopping, and all things Disney.