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Teachers

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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.

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Cindy Korpela- Assistant Director & Teacher: 9 AM 4's M/W/F

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.​ 

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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.

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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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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. 

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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.

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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!

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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: 9:00 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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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!   

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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: 9:00AM 3's T-TH & Assistant Teacher: 9:15 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. 

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