I am Rebeka Russell and I’m thrilled to be director of Grace Preschool. I have spent the past 25 years in the early childhood field and have taught as lead teacher in a variety of settings. My background education is in early childhood development but my many years of experience have prepared me in a more practical way for my position as preschool director. I am committed to providing your family with a loving and nurturing learning environment that allows your child to grow and develop in all areas of his/her life. I believe in giving children the respect and care they need and deserve, as well as providing guidance to facilitate their becoming an independent and confident individual. Additionally, I very much value my faith and feel it is an integral part of my life to share that faith with others, especially young children.

I have been married for 20 years and have two beautiful twin teenage daughters. We enjoy walks in nature with our dog, spending time with extended family, and participating in art projects for fun. I am devoted to maintaining a family oriented school where children feel free to be themselves and explore engaging activities, experiences, and materials on a daily basis. Preschool should be a place where a child feels welcome and excited to come in the door, where there is encouragement and the child is praised as a unique and valued person, and where they learn that they have a lot to offer. I am a firm believer in teaching and leading by example. That is the natural way for a child to develop positive character attributes and grow into becoming a good friend to others.

I am Liz Frusti and I am grateful for the privilege of being on this team. My background includes both educational and recreational studies. Some of my experience includes coordinating and creating recreation programs for children ages 3-8 years old. I have also worked for a private school teaching physical education. It has been a valuable preparation to have taught so many children with varying gifts and abilities.

I believe God made each child unique and talented. It is important to create a welcoming and accepting environment for children to learn and experience joy with their unique gifts and personalities. While these children learn and develop many new skills, my first purpose is for them to know how loved and precious they are to the Good Shepherd, Jesus. My prayer is that my heart as a teacher would reflect His: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them."

Pastor Dan Schwick has served at Grace Lutheran Church and Preschool since 2017. “Pastor Dan” spent most of his career as director of government relations and church relations for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), one of the state’s largest private child welfare agencies.

Dan and his wife are parents to three grown sons and have been rescued by two great shelter pups.

On most Mondays and Tuesdays, Pastor Dan shares Bible stories, songs and fun movements with the kids of Grace Preschool.

I'm an ordained Lutheran Pastor with experience serving congregations and the larger church. I recently retired as Chief Spiritual Officer of Advocate Health Care, where my focus was on the spiritual and emotional well-being of our patients and employees.

I'm married to Pastor Dan Schwick. We're blessed to be parents to three adult sons, and two rescue dogs.

I'm honored to be able to share some of my time supporting Grace Preschool's gifted, faith-filled teachers and fun, inspiring students!

My name is Bella Russell. I love being a student aid at Grace Preschool. I am a highschool student focused on a future in education. I am currently working on getting my ECE credential 1 which will help me jump start a future career in Early Childhood Education. I am continuing to build up my experience with children as I volunteer at my church for Sunday school. I have been helping teach Sunday School now for five years. It is also my third year helping with Awana that meets once a week, which is a children’s ministry for ages 3-10. Something I enjoy most about working with young children is watching them grow and develop from their experiences throughout the year. Whether it’s making slime or taking a walk to explore the outdoors.

In my free time I take art lessons, attend the youth group at my church, go on walks with my dogs, and spend time with my family.