St Paul Lutheran Preschool
New Braunfels, Tx

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 Midwestern State University; and Jacob who is attending 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.

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Administrative Coordinator

Amanda Kennedy

Hello, my name is Amanda and I am the administrative coordinator for the preschool. I have a Bachelor's degree in History and a Master's of Public Administration from Tarleton State University. I am currently working on my Doctor of Public Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.  I look forward to working with the families of St. Paul.

Infant Teacher

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 have worked with children in different educational settings for 20 years.

Infant Teacher

My name is Elisa Mireles, I am 27 years old. I've lived in New Braunfels since 2006. Prior to that I lived in Northwest Arkansas, I graduated from Canyon High School in 2012. I was adopted by my parents when I was 2 days old, but I have 3 biological younger sisters and 4 biological older brothers. I am animal person, I have 3 dogs, 2 hamsters and 3 turtles. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, and spending time outdoors. 

Toddler 1 Teacher

Ashley Kuntz

Hi, my name is Ashley Kuntz. I moved to New Braunfels from Stockdale, TX 3 years ago with my husband. I came from Freiheit Elementary working with preschool Special Education. I have one fur baby named Baby. 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

Codi Harder

I was born and raised in Seguin, TX. I started showing sheep when I was 10 all the way up to high school senior year. I participated in FFA and 4-H growing up. I went to cosmetology school in San Antonio. I currently live in San Antonio with my boyfriend and two blue heelers. On weekends we go dirt track racing, hunting, fishing, or to softball games. I have 3 dogs; one yellow lab named Winston, the blue heelers are Strut and Dinaco. I enjoy the outdoors, summertime, and spending time with family and friends. 

Toddler 2 Teacher

Somara Cruz

My name is Somara Cruz and I am 18 years old. I graduated from New Braunfels High School at 16, and have been working in childcare for over 2 years now. I have experience working with children as young as infants and as old as school age kiddos, however toddlers have a special place in my heart. I have a passion for helping children reach their full potential and watching them blossom into their own unique individuals. 

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Toddler 2 Teacher

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 5 years now and have enjoyed my time here so much. I’m so excited to teach and learn from your children!

 

Preschool Teacher

Sharon Brewington

Hi, my name is Sharon Brewington. My family moved from Colorado Springs, Colorado to New Braunfels, Texas 10 months ago. I am originally from Sylvester Georgia where I was born and raised. I have been in Early Childhood Education for 24 years. I attended Pike Peak community college and have taken a couple of Early Childhood classes. I enjoy early childcare because it allows me the opportunity to assist with molding young children’s mind and helping to guide the future leaders of America.

Preschool Teacher

Diana Phillips

My name is Diana Phillips, I grew up in California, but I moved to Texas about 25 years ago. I love the hill country! I have a BS degree in Human Services and have worked with children in care for 6 years and with pre-school ages before that time. I have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Our beloved pets are Josie, Bailey, Carlos, and Pearl. I enjoy the outdoors, traveling, crafts and cooking/baking. I look forward to meeting all our St. Paul children’s families and watching them blossom and grow. These are our future Leaders; let’s nourish and educate them well.

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Pre-K Teacher

Jose Jimenez

Hi my name is Jose Jimenez. I moved to New Braunfels three years ago. I have three boys whom I am very proud of because they grew up to be very humble and responsible persons. I have been in education for over 32 years. I love being around young curious and active minds that are just ready to learn new things. I graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas with a Bachelors of Science in Education in 1985. In 2005, I received my Masters of Education with a certification in school admin.

Pre-K Teacher

Dawn Turnquist

Hi, my name is Dawn Turnquist. I have been a teacher for 30+ years! I am currently working on my CDA and hope to receive my certificate this year. Working with children is truly my passion and working at St Paul Lutheran Preschool is a wonderful place to spend my work days!

School Age Teacher

Aaron Jauregue

My name is Aaron Jauregue in case you can’t say my last name here is how you pronounce it (Howdy-Key). I am from Hebbronville, Texas. I graduated in 20002 from Hebbronville High School. I went to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on a baseball scholarship. In my off time I run two baseball select teams and I do baseball lessons for kid ages 4-18. I also do a lot of volunteer work for New Braunfels Little League and other kid organizations. I have 3 kids, 2 step-kids and 1 dog. My kids’ names are Dierk, Nate, Erin, Jordan and Devin and my dog’s name is Elle. My half is Wendy. We love to travel, and my goal is to try to make it to every major league baseball in America.

Resource Teacher- Infants

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 a spoiled fur-baby named Loosie. This year my husband and I became foster parents to a wonderful 3-year-old. In my free time I enjoy taking our little one on trips to the zoo, exploring new local shops around NB, spending all my money at the garden center and volunteering at the local animal shelter.

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