Meet the Teachers | northvillepreschool

Teachers

Lisa Higley- Director & Teacher: 9:15 AM 4's M - 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 shopping. 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 been teaching preschool children since 1983! I have lived in Livonia since 1985 and have two daughters. We also include in our family an adorable orange tabby cat named Baxter! In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, eating out, volunteering at my church and relaxing with my family. I have been on staff since 2005.

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 for ten years 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 in our hometown. I enjoy watching my boys play sports, reading, music, walking, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. I have been teaching at NPP since 2011.

Dawn Frederick- Teacher: Young Fives

I have a Bachelor's Degree in ELA and Child Development from Central Michigan University and a Master's Degree in Reading from Oakland University. I previously taught kindergarten for 20 years. I live in Novi with my husband, Mark, and our two children. I enjoy golfing, reading, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.

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 family has lived in Novi for 20+ years. We have two children (who are both married) and two grandsons. In our free time, my husband and I like to spend time with our families, travel, bike ride and have dinner with friends. I joined the Northville Presbyterian Preschool staff in 2004. Prior to joining Northville Presbyterian Preschool I worked in the Novi public school system for several years.

Natali Elledge- Assistant Teacher: 9:00 AM 3's T/TH

Northville Presbyterian Preschool is near and dear to my heart for three very important reasons. All three of my children started their education here at NPP. My husband Chad and I absolutely loved all of our time here, especially the Christmas pageant and graduation ceremony. Now that all three of my children are in elementary school I wanted to become a contributing member of the Northville Presbyterian preschool community. I am excited to be a part of your child’s development and look forward to meeting you soon

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 4 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.

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!

Christine Walter- Assistant Teacher: 9:15 AM 4's M-F

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I currently live in Northville with my husband, 3 children and our crazy cat Bo. All of my kids are NPP graduates and I have spent many hours in the classroom as a parent volunteer. This is my fifth year as an assistant teacher and I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing team of teachers. When I’m not enjoying all of the activities that my kids are involved in, I enjoy reading, baking tasty treats and exploring my love of all things Disney.