Teachers
Lisa Higley- Director & Teacher: 9:00 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.
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Cindy Korpela- Assistant Director
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 three 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.
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Sarah Francis- Teacher: 9:30 AM Flex Day 4's M/W/F
I am thrilled to be a teacher at Northville Presbyterian Preschool, where all 3 of my children gained a great start in their education. I am a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and a later Master’s degree as Literacy Specialist. I spent many years teaching mostly third grade, and more recently helped with a toddler program, which allowed me time at home with my young children. I love the time I get with my family. We enjoy reading and drawing, hiking, canoeing, fishing, or swimming, most likely with our dog, Kip. In my free time I love to read, run, play tennis, and be with my family and friends. I am so excited to start my next life chapter with Northville Presbyterian Preschool and look forward to working with the children and their families.
Kaye Herdoiza- Assistant Teacher: 9:15 AM 1/2 day 4's M/W/F
I love Northville Presbyterian Preschool! I have been a parent, substitute teacher and now an assistant teacher here. My background is in pediatric nursing and I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters in Pediatric Nursing from University of Michigan. I have been home for many years, living in Northville raising our five children (ages 8-27) alongside my amazing husband. We have a black lab, a black cat, a 34 year old turtle, a saltwater aquarium and a backyard of birds (I especially love our hummingbirds). I enjoy pickleball and tennis, reading and everything water: swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.
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 Teacher: 9:30 AM 3's M/T/TH
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 continue teaching with the wonderful team of teachers at Northville Presbyterian Preschool.
Jena Metropulos- Assistant Teacher: 9:15 AM 3's T/TH
​I have a Bachelors Degree from Indiana University and a Masters Degree from The University of Illinois where I studied accounting. I live in Plymouth with my husband, our two teenaged children and our 75 lb German Shepherd mix. I am a sports fanatic, having played and coached many sports throughout my life and I referee local soccer games too! I enjoy running, playing soccer, tennis, pickleball and going to the gym. When I’m not working out or driving my kids around, I also enjoy reading, gardening and watching TV and movies. I have been a part of the NPP family as a parent, a substitute teacher and/or a classroom aide off and on since 2012.
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Rachel McCubbin- Assistant Teacher: 9:30 AM Flex Day 4's M/W/F
My husband, two daughters and I live in Northville. We are outdoor enthusiasts, always dreaming up and planning our next big adventure. In my spare time, I enjoy running, tending to my dahlia garden, cooking and baking, and hosting/spending time with family and friends. My official degree (Doctor of Pharmacy) was earned from Ohio Northern University. However, my unofficial degree (motherhood) has given me so many blessings and new opportunities; such as being a parent for two years and substitute teacher for one year at NPP. I am beyond excited to join this amazing teaching team.
Kimmy Odtohan Teacher: Terrific Two's W & TH
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.
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Christine Walter- Teacher: 9:15 AM 3's T-TH & Assistant Teacher: 9:00 AM Extended Day 4's M, W & F
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.