Staff



Director and Teachers


Ms. Natalie is the Director and a Lead Teacher here at PHCP.  Ms. Natalie has been with the preschool in different capacities since 2006. Her origins as a teacher are rooted here at the preschool, as she was a practicum student and student teacher here while attending UNM, eventually earning a B.S. in Early Childhood Multicultural Education. Ms. Natalie taught at the school in 2006-2007, then left the state for nine years.  During her time in Eugene, OR, Ms. Natalie worked at a University of Oregon based child care center working with children from six weeks to school age. Ms. Natalie then traveled with her family to Baltimore, MD where she worked to develop and implement early childhood programs through the Baltimore County Public Library System. Upon her return in 2016, she was given another opportunity to return to the preschool.  Ms. Natalie has two sons, and some house pets she loves spending time with and taking care of. Ms. Natalie loves working with her incredible fellow teachers and teaching staff, the wonderful office staff, and the parent board members to create an enriching curriculum, engaging environment, and exciting learning experiences for our students to grow and learn. Ms. Natalie strives to connect with every student and their family to build a strong network of support for a rich and fulfilling school year.

     

 

Mrs. Bruch began at PHCP as a Teacher Assistant in the spring of 2021. She gratuated in May 2023 with her teaching degree. She will be continuing on as a Lead Teacher at the school. She’s happy to be with all the wonderful students at the preschool. Her niece and nephew attended our school 20 years ago, and her daughter was a student here a few years ago. She then  decided to shift gears to teaching after 20 years in the medical field, with the goal of working here at PHCP.  She has an awesome husband, two wonderful kids of her own and two wonderful step-daughters. “I love my job so far and am hoping to expand my knowledge this upcoming year. I love to help in any way I can with the students. I enjoy reading to them, playing with them and hopefully teaching them a thing or two as well!”

Mrs. Spaulding is one of our Lead Teachers at the preschool.  She is from Colorado Springs, CO.  She moved here in 2011 when she got married to her husband.  Mrs. Spaulding is an elementary school teacher who paused her career to raise her three children.  All three children attended Paradise Hills Community Preschool with the youngest finishing last school year. She has taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. Kindergarten was her favorite grade to teach as the students are so ready to learn and because of all the exciting activities you get to do.  Mrs. Spaulding fell in love with the preschool upon entering the building and is so excited to be a part of it!

Ms. Erin  is one of our Teaching Assistants this year. She has 3 kids and has been with PHCP since 2017 when her oldest daughter attended the school. She worked as an assistant for 2 years but then took a break to raise her 3rd (and final) baby! Now she’s back and eager to be in the classroom again. However, when she isn’t in the classroom, you can find Erin and her family busy with homeschooling, Irish dancing, soccer, basketball, and baseball! And also loving on their 2 year old golden retriever Shadow. Ms. Erin has a medical background and has a degree in EMS but has always had a love for working with children! “Preschoolers are my favorite age to be with, and I’m excited to be back at the school I love and assist with helping these children thrive and grow!”

Ms. Catherine who is our Office Manager will be sharing the role of Teacher Assistant will Ms. Erin. As Office Manager she has played a hidden role of supporting and creating student content but this year she will be actively in the classroom assisting the Lead Teachers and could not be more excited. 


Office Staff

 
Ms. Catherine Smouse is our Office Manager. She holds a Masters in Electronic Engineering and was a Commissioning Engineer before becoming a mom. She has been a part of the preschool for 6 years. She has had two children at PHCP.  She has served on the Parent Board for 4 years as Fundraising Chair, Vice President and then as President for a few years. She is on her second year as staff and is excited for new things to learn and new student faces at the school.
 
Mrs. Penny Bakke is our Bookkeeper at the Preschool. After 14 years of working in the corporate world, with her second child on the way she knew she wanted to slow down and be a stay-at-home mom. “I’m extremely thankful for this part time job to help me be able to do that.” She has a 5 year old son Grayson and a 2 year old daughter Adianna. Penny loves to travel and relax by pools or beaches! She is excited to be a part of this amazing preschool and serve in ways to help it prosper. Please contact her at phcpbookkeeper@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about the financial aspects of your students’ enrollment.