STAFF

hours

Monday-Friday 7 am - 5:30 pm

Peace Lutheran Preschool Leadership

Peace Lutheran Preschool teachers play a vital role in the development of children. They introduce children to reading and writing, expanded vocabulary, creative arts, science, and social studies. They use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers, and other tools to teach concepts and skills.  Peace Preschool is blessed to have a leadership team who is truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. Following are brief bio's of our leadership team and their qualifications for ministry.

Mrs. DeeAnn Dupler

Director

Hi my name is DeeAnn Dupler, and I am the director here at Peace Lutheran Preschool. I have been a preschool teacher at Peace Lutheran Preschool off and on for thirteen years and have served as the director since May 2020. I graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.  My past work experiences have also included Service Coordinator with the State of Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Division and Child and Family Services Specialist with the State of Nebraska Division of Children and Families Services.   

I am very passionate about working with children, and I believe that as long as children feel safe and loved they can accomplish anything.  I love creating relationships with the children and families that we serve.   I feel so fortunate to be able to share God’s love with the children and let them know how much Jesus loves them.

In my spare time, I love to travel and spend time with my husband Mike and our three children, Austin, Addisyn and Nate.  Austin and Addisyn are both  graduates of UNL and work full-time in Lincoln.   Nate is currently attending UNL as a senior.  We also have two Labrador Retrievers, Murphy and Hank, who I adore.  As an empty nester, I have time to pursue my other passions which include reading and crafting.

Select Image

Hi my name is DeeAnn Dupler, and I am the director here at Peace Lutheran Preschool. I have been a preschool teacher at Peace Lutheran Preschool off and on for thirteen years and have served as the director since May 2020. I graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.  My past work experiences have also included Service Coordinator with the State of Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Division and Child and Family Services Specialist with the State of Nebraska Division of Children and Families Services.   

I am very passionate about working with children, and I believe that as long as children feel safe and loved they can accomplish anything.  I love creating relationships with the children and families that we serve.   I feel so fortunate to be able to share God’s love with the children and let them know how much Jesus loves them.

In my spare time, I love to travel and spend time with my husband Mike and our three children, Austin, Addisyn and Nate.  Austin and Addisyn are both  graduates of UNL and work full-time in Lincoln.   Nate is currently attending UNL as a senior.  We also have two Labrador Retrievers, Murphy and Hank, who I adore.  As an empty nester, I have time to pursue my other passions which include reading and crafting.

cancel save

Mrs. Mackenzie Eynetich

Lead Teacher

Hello!  I'm Mackenzie Eynetich.  I have been employed at Peace Lutheran Preschool since 2017 and have been working with children for seventeen years.  I have my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I absolutely love teaching children the basics they need to know to succeed in school.  Peace Lutheran Preschool was my own preschool, and I love the fact that I get to work here myself!

My husband, Jeff, and I have been married since 2014, and we have two children, Reid and Korra.  We love spending time together by doing all things sports, hunting, or anything outside!

Click here to email Mrs. Eynetich

Select Image

Hello!  I'm Mackenzie Eynetich.  I have been employed at Peace Lutheran Preschool since 2017 and have been working with children for seventeen years.  I have my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I absolutely love teaching children the basics they need to know to succeed in school.  Peace Lutheran Preschool was my own preschool, and I love the fact that I get to work here myself!

My husband, Jeff, and I have been married since 2014, and we have two children, Reid and Korra.  We love spending time together by doing all things sports, hunting, or anything outside!

Click here to email Mrs. Eynetich

cancel save

Mrs. Janal Laub

Lead Teacher

Select Image
cancel save

Mrs. Bri Olson

Lead Teacher

Hello!  I am Mrs. Olson and have been blessed to be part of the Peace Preschool team for four years.

I moved from Iowa to Grand Island eight years ago (Go Hawkeyes!) with my husband, Mike, who is originally from the Kearney area.  We have two children, Ella who is nine and Paxton who is five.

I have a bachelor's degree in Physiology and Criminal Justice, and spent the twelve years working in different positions with children in the social work field.  I have also worked with providing respite care services for children in the foster care system.

Working with and being around children is an absolute passion of mine.  There is nothing better than watching and learning through the eyes of a child.  I feel so lucky to be able to go to work each day at Peace and continue to share the love of learning with your children, watch them grow, support their curiosity and imagination, and support each and every child's individuality.


Click here to email Mrs. Olson


Select Image

Hello!  I am Mrs. Olson and have been blessed to be part of the Peace Preschool team for four years.

I moved from Iowa to Grand Island eight years ago (Go Hawkeyes!) with my husband, Mike, who is originally from the Kearney area.  We have two children, Ella who is nine and Paxton who is five.

I have a bachelor's degree in Physiology and Criminal Justice, and spent the twelve years working in different positions with children in the social work field.  I have also worked with providing respite care services for children in the foster care system.

Working with and being around children is an absolute passion of mine.  There is nothing better than watching and learning through the eyes of a child.  I feel so lucky to be able to go to work each day at Peace and continue to share the love of learning with your children, watch them grow, support their curiosity and imagination, and support each and every child's individuality.


Click here to email Mrs. Olson


cancel save

Mrs. Chanda Bowers

Lead Teacher

Hello, I am Mrs. Bowers.  I teach the MWF 4-5 all day class and Tu-Th 3-4 all day class. I have been a Peace Lutheran Preschool since August of 2018.  I have been working with children for 15+ years. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

I love teaching children the basics and watching them grow.  I love to see them smile when they learn something new.  I enjoy growing my faith and teaching them about the love God and Jesus has for them and watching their faith grow throughout the year.

Peace Lutheran is my home church, and I am blessed to be able to teach here and grow as a Christian and a teacher.  My husband Blake and I have been married since 2014, and we have two beautiful girls, Paysen & Nicklin. We live on a family farm and have cow/calf pairs, two dogs and farm cats.  I love spending time with family and watching our children grow.

In my spare time I love to stay at home with my family watching TV and movies, listening to music and just being outside hanging out with family when it’s nice out. We love to watch our children participate in their activities.


Click here to email Mrs. Bowers

 

 

Select Image

Hello, I am Mrs. Bowers.  I teach the MWF 4-5 all day class and Tu-Th 3-4 all day class. I have been a Peace Lutheran Preschool since August of 2018.  I have been working with children for 15+ years. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

I love teaching children the basics and watching them grow.  I love to see them smile when they learn something new.  I enjoy growing my faith and teaching them about the love God and Jesus has for them and watching their faith grow throughout the year.

Peace Lutheran is my home church, and I am blessed to be able to teach here and grow as a Christian and a teacher.  My husband Blake and I have been married since 2014, and we have two beautiful girls, Paysen & Nicklin. We live on a family farm and have cow/calf pairs, two dogs and farm cats.  I love spending time with family and watching our children grow.

In my spare time I love to stay at home with my family watching TV and movies, listening to music and just being outside hanging out with family when it’s nice out. We love to watch our children participate in their activities.


Click here to email Mrs. Bowers

 

 

cancel save

Mrs. Lori Brown

Lead Teacher

I have been employed with Peace Lutheran Preschool since 2012.  I have my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.  My husband, Aaron, and I moved to Grand Island from Columbus in 2006 and have three children, Ashlynn, Taylor and Austin.  We enjoy watching our children participate in their activities and taking vacations. We are also members here at Peace Lutheran Church.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. BROWN

Select Image

I have been employed with Peace Lutheran Preschool since 2012.  I have my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.  My husband, Aaron, and I moved to Grand Island from Columbus in 2006 and have three children, Ashlynn, Taylor and Austin.  We enjoy watching our children participate in their activities and taking vacations. We are also members here at Peace Lutheran Church.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. BROWN

cancel save

Mrs. Lindsey Hiegel

Lead Teacher

My name is Lindsey Hiegel.  I have been married to my husband since 2008.  We have two girls, Alexxa (14) and Alivia (10) and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels.  I started working at Peace Preschool in the fall of 2019 as an aide.  I now have my own class as a lead teacher!  I love being one of the first experiences that these children have with school.  It is such a pleasure to see them grow in all the different ways that they do.

Click here to email Mrs. Hiegel

Select Image

My name is Lindsey Hiegel.  I have been married to my husband since 2008.  We have two girls, Alexxa (14) and Alivia (10) and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels.  I started working at Peace Preschool in the fall of 2019 as an aide.  I now have my own class as a lead teacher!  I love being one of the first experiences that these children have with school.  It is such a pleasure to see them grow in all the different ways that they do.

Click here to email Mrs. Hiegel

cancel save

Mrs. Kristen Poppert

Lead Teacher

Hi!  I'm Mrs. Poppert.  Teaching is an absolute passion of mine.  I love watching and helping children grow their brains!  I believe learning should be fun and exciting.   

I am a proud mother of Raegan in fifth grade and twins Rilee and Jax who are eight.  They take up most of my free time, but some hobbies I enjoy are crafting and spending time with my pets...a cat Donut and our dog, Rowdy.  I also enjoy traveling.

This is my fourth year teaching at Peace Lutheran Preschool.  It is my mission to instill a lifelong love of learning for all of my students.  The most important thing I want all of my students to learn is to be kind to one another.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. POPPERT

Select Image

Hi!  I'm Mrs. Poppert.  Teaching is an absolute passion of mine.  I love watching and helping children grow their brains!  I believe learning should be fun and exciting.   

I am a proud mother of Raegan in fifth grade and twins Rilee and Jax who are eight.  They take up most of my free time, but some hobbies I enjoy are crafting and spending time with my pets...a cat Donut and our dog, Rowdy.  I also enjoy traveling.

This is my fourth year teaching at Peace Lutheran Preschool.  It is my mission to instill a lifelong love of learning for all of my students.  The most important thing I want all of my students to learn is to be kind to one another.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. POPPERT

cancel save

Mrs. Kathy Kroeger

Lead Teacher

Hello, my name is Kathy Kroeger.  The first preschool class I taught at Peace Lutheran Preschool was for the 2003-2004 school year and later helped with snack and art for two years.  Following, I was a substitute teacher for about 15 year and taught for several maternity leaves.  Last year, I was excited to be back full time as a teacher's aide.  This year, I am privileged to be back as a lead teacher for a 4-5 year old class.  Sharing my faith and the love of Jesus as our Savior is what I love most about Peace Preschool.

I love spending quality time with my family.  My husband, Kurt, and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in April 2021.  We have five children and one granddaughter.  Jeremy is married to Juliana.  He loves to farm, and Juliana is the Ag teacher in Deshler.  Their daughter, Adelynn, will turn two on August 29th, 2023.  Macey was in law school when she married Micah.  On their sixth month anniversary, Jesus took her to live in heaven with him.  Micah is a chemistry graduate student at UNL.  Brandon works for Affiliated Foods in Norfolk.  He and Michelle will be married in June, 2023.  Michelle works for a financial firm.  Jessica is a sophomore at Northwest High School, and Stephanie is a seventh grader at St. Libory Public School.  They both love sports and are talented in music and dance.  When I am not busy with teaching or family activities, I enjoy my embroidery machine, crafts, baking, and being outside in the summer.

Click here to email Mrs. Kroeger

Select Image

Hello, my name is Kathy Kroeger.  The first preschool class I taught at Peace Lutheran Preschool was for the 2003-2004 school year and later helped with snack and art for two years.  Following, I was a substitute teacher for about 15 year and taught for several maternity leaves.  Last year, I was excited to be back full time as a teacher's aide.  This year, I am privileged to be back as a lead teacher for a 4-5 year old class.  Sharing my faith and the love of Jesus as our Savior is what I love most about Peace Preschool.

I love spending quality time with my family.  My husband, Kurt, and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in April 2021.  We have five children and one granddaughter.  Jeremy is married to Juliana.  He loves to farm, and Juliana is the Ag teacher in Deshler.  Their daughter, Adelynn, will turn two on August 29th, 2023.  Macey was in law school when she married Micah.  On their sixth month anniversary, Jesus took her to live in heaven with him.  Micah is a chemistry graduate student at UNL.  Brandon works for Affiliated Foods in Norfolk.  He and Michelle will be married in June, 2023.  Michelle works for a financial firm.  Jessica is a sophomore at Northwest High School, and Stephanie is a seventh grader at St. Libory Public School.  They both love sports and are talented in music and dance.  When I am not busy with teaching or family activities, I enjoy my embroidery machine, crafts, baking, and being outside in the summer.

Click here to email Mrs. Kroeger

cancel save

Mrs. Shelby Schwartz

Aide

Select Image
cancel save

Mrs. Karen Garrett

Aide

I have worked at Peace for 13 years. My husband and I moved to Grand Island 16 years ago and have enjoyed raising our family here in Grand Island. We have two sons, both of which attended Peace Lutheran Preschool.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. GARRETT

Select Image

I have worked at Peace for 13 years. My husband and I moved to Grand Island 16 years ago and have enjoyed raising our family here in Grand Island. We have two sons, both of which attended Peace Lutheran Preschool.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. GARRETT

cancel save

Mr. Jared Stauss

Aide

Hello! The kids call me Mr. Jared. This is my third year as an assistant at Peace Lutheran Preschool, and I am also a member of Peace Lutheran Church. My first priority is to make sure the children know they are loved by God. It's been my great joy watching the kids grow in knowledge and character. If you see me in the hallway, don't hesitate to say hello!
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MR. JARED

Select Image

Hello! The kids call me Mr. Jared. This is my third year as an assistant at Peace Lutheran Preschool, and I am also a member of Peace Lutheran Church. My first priority is to make sure the children know they are loved by God. It's been my great joy watching the kids grow in knowledge and character. If you see me in the hallway, don't hesitate to say hello!
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MR. JARED

cancel save

Mrs. Stephanie Villanueva

Aide

Hello, My name is Stephanie Villanueva, and I am an assistant in Mrs. Kroeger's class for the four and five year olds Monday thru Friday.  This is my second year at Peace Lutheran Preschool; however, I currently work with children at church and also worked with children in my previous job, which lasted for a few years.

My family and I moved to Grand Island in November of 2017 for my husband's job, shortly after our third child was born.  We have three children in total, with our oldest being a high school junior, our second child is a 8th grader, and our youngest will be a kindergartner.

When I have free time, I enjoy baking and staying home, but I also enjoy attending local family-oriented events in Grand Island.


Click here to email Mrs. Villanueva

Select Image

Hello, My name is Stephanie Villanueva, and I am an assistant in Mrs. Kroeger's class for the four and five year olds Monday thru Friday.  This is my second year at Peace Lutheran Preschool; however, I currently work with children at church and also worked with children in my previous job, which lasted for a few years.

My family and I moved to Grand Island in November of 2017 for my husband's job, shortly after our third child was born.  We have three children in total, with our oldest being a high school junior, our second child is a 8th grader, and our youngest will be a kindergartner.

When I have free time, I enjoy baking and staying home, but I also enjoy attending local family-oriented events in Grand Island.


Click here to email Mrs. Villanueva

cancel save

Mrs. Thressa Trausch

Aide / Snacks

I've been married to David for 22 years (I think!)  and have three children, one in college, one at Northwest High School and one who attends Westridge Middle School.   I've been working at Peace Lutheran Preschool for ten years in various capacities.  The majority of my time has been spent in Mrs. Brown's classroom as her aide.  

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. TRAUSCH

Select Image

I've been married to David for 22 years (I think!)  and have three children, one in college, one at Northwest High School and one who attends Westridge Middle School.   I've been working at Peace Lutheran Preschool for ten years in various capacities.  The majority of my time has been spent in Mrs. Brown's classroom as her aide.  

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL MRS. TRAUSCH

cancel save

Mr. Bill Klinginsmith (Mr. Bill)

Volunteer

We have been fortunate to have Mr. Bill as a volunteer for the past ten years.  Volunteering in Mrs. Dupler's classroom, she describes him as involved, compassionate, hard-working, engaging and wanting the children to learn. His kind, gentle demeanor has made for a happy and comfortable learning environment.  

Select Image

We have been fortunate to have Mr. Bill as a volunteer for the past ten years.  Volunteering in Mrs. Dupler's classroom, she describes him as involved, compassionate, hard-working, engaging and wanting the children to learn. His kind, gentle demeanor has made for a happy and comfortable learning environment.  

cancel save