Meet the Teachers | northvillepreschool

Teachers

Lisa Higley- Director & Teacher: 9:15 AM 4's Extended Day 4's M/W/F

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Madonna University and have been in the early childhood field for over 25 years. I live in Farmington Hills with my husband and we are the proud parents of 4 adult boys. We also have 2 dogs, Zella and Jules. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, gardening and spending time with my family. I have been teaching / directing at Northville Presbyterian Preschool since 2005.

Cindy Korpela- Assistant Director & Teacher: 9 AM 4's M/W/F & 9 AM 3's T/TH

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Central Michigan University and have enjoyed teaching preschool children for many years. I live in Livonia and have two amazing adult daughters, two wonderful son-in-laws and two adorable granddaughters. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, dining out, traveling and relaxing with my family. I have been on staff at NPP since 2005.

Kim Bonsall- Assistant teacher: Young Fives

I have a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Secondary Education (English and Physical Education). I worked in Japan as an ESL teacher for 2.5 years and as a special programs preschool teacher before starting my own family. I live in Novi with my husband and four amazing girls who attend the Northville Public Schools. We also have a very spoiled Bernedoodle named Olive.
I joined the amazing staff at NPP as an assistant teacher in 2022 after my youngest started kindergarten. I enjoy exercise, spending time with my family, watching my girls play sports, and taking them on adventures.

Melanie Bugar- Teacher: Young Fives

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Teaching from Michigan State University and a Master's Degree in Literacy Education from Madonna University. I taught first grade before taking time off to start my own family. My husband and I both grew up in Northville and are happy to be raising our boys, now both in college, in our hometown. I enjoy watching my kids and their friends play sports, reading, music, walking, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. I have been teaching at NPP since 2011.

Jamie Danielsen- Assistant Teacher: 9 AM 4's M/W/F

I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Management. My husband and I live in Novi. We have two adult children and four grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family, bike riding and traveling. I joined the Northville Presbyterian Preschool staff in 2004.

Kristy Jewell- Teacher: 9:15 AM 1/2 day 4's M/W/F

I am a native Texan who has lived in Michigan for almost twenty years with my family. I absoutely love my adopted home state! I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development from Houston Baptist University. I am endlessly curious, so I enjoy traveling, reading, and learning new things. I had a chalkboard in my room and was teaching my stuffed animals by age 5, so I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I can tell you that it is way better now, with clever, creative wonderful children!

Julie Malloure Assistant Teacher: 9:15 AM 1/2 day 4's M/W/F

I have a Bachelor's degree in Education from Bucknell University and a Master's degree in Curriculum Development from the University of Michigan. I have taught elementary school in Connecticut and Michigan and worked on educational research in early literacy. I live in Northville with my husband and two teenage daughters. I thoroughly enjoy traveling and have been lucky to travel to about 25 countries and 42 states When I am not traveling I enjoy reading about new places to explore. I am very excited to join the wonderful team of teachers at Northville Presbyterian Preschool.

Kimmy Odtohan Teacher: Terrific Two's W & F

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and English from the University of Michigan - Dearborn, and a Masters in Education and teaching certificate from The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (however, I am an MSU fan!) I love nothing more than spending time and making memories with my husband and two children, and we reside in Livonia. When I'm not shuffling kids to dance or sports practice, I love to attend MSU football games, travel, or watch reality television. Both of my kiddos attended Northville Presbyterian Preschool and it is my absolute happy place. I am delighted to work with our littlest learners!

Tracy Purty- Assistant Teacher: 9:30 AM 3's M/T/TH

I graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. My family and I moved to Northville 6 years ago from Bangkok, Thailand. We lived overseas for 9+ years where I helped and supported the international school system that my boys attended. My husband and I have two beautiful boys and I'm excited to be a part of the Northville Presbyterian Preschool team. I enjoy traveling, exercising, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Christine Walter- Assistant Teacher: 9:15 AM 4's M, W & F 9:00AM 3's T-TH

I was born and raised in Los Angeles where I studied radio and television production at Pepperdine University. My husband and I live in Northville and have 3 amazing kids who all graduated from NPP. I am so happy that life brought me back here to be a part of this wonderful team of teachers. I enjoy family time, dinners with friends, reading, baking tasty treats and all things Disney.

Caryl Wierengo- Teacher: 9:30 AM 's M/T/TH

I have a bachelor's degree from Hope College in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education from National Louis University (Chicago) in Language and Literacy. I taught second, third, and fourth grades in the Chicago suburbs of Wilmette and Wheeling before my family and I moved to Michigan in 2005. I have four children, and my youngest went to preschool here at NPP! My family loves playing and watching sports. Lacrosse, soccer, cheer, and hockey take up all of our time outside of school!