Teachers and Staff
Mary Lloyd – Director
My name is Mary Lloyd and I am the Director of Bethany Early Childhood Center. After seven years as the Assistant Director, I have been the Director for the past six years. I have been involved in early childhood education and administration for over thirty years.
I graduated from Augustana College and worked as a Speech Pathologist and Audiologist for several years. During that time I was President of the Eastern Iowa-Western Illinois Speech and Hearing Association.
I got involved with early childhood education when I came to Colorado over thirty years ago. After teaching for a few years I decided to get my certification for early childhood education administration. I taught at and co-directed my own preschool in Littleton for fourteen years.
I have been married to Ron Lloyd for forty-two years. Our local family includes our son, Chris, his wife, Catherine, and our two beautiful grand-daughters, Hannah (9) and Helena (4). Our daughter, Laura, works for the National Organization for the Prevention of Teen Pregnancies in Washington, DC.
When not working, I enjoy reading, going to the theater, and spending quality time with my family. I am proud of the work I have done with children and families over the years. I love the diversity in our center. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to meet, counsel, and learn from our families, staff, and administration of Bethany Lutheran Church. I feel blessed to have the opportunity lead a ministry to educate and nurture the precious gifts from God, our children.
Liz Radeff – Whales Teacher (2 ½ year olds)
The Whales teacher is Liz Radeff. She has been teaching children under the age of four for the past 30 years. Liz is group leader qualified and director certified. A parent recently compared her to “Mary Poppins.”
Jean Jonasson – Lambs Teacher (3 year olds)
My name is Jean Jonasson and I am the Lambs teacher. The Lambs class consists of the younger three year olds.
This is usually their first experience in school, and I love to nurture them and guide them as they progress from toddlers to preschoolers. I have been working with children for 24 years. I have been an in-home child care provider, a volunteer at my daughters’ schools, a Girl Scout leader for 12 years, a Mopettes teacher here at Bethany, and finally a teacher at BECC for 13 years. I truly enjoy working with young children. I obtained my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arapahoe Community College. I have my director’s certificate from the State of Colorado, and I substitute for Mary in the BECC office when necessary. I am married to David and have two grown daughters. My oldest daughter graduated from CSU and is living in San Francisco, and my younger daughter is attending Metro State. In my spare time I enjoy Book Club, Bunko and traveling, especially cruises.
Barbara Nesland – Lions Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten)
My name is Barbara Nesland and I’m the Lions Pre-K teacher and I’ll be starting my fourth year at BECC this January 2009. I have worked as a Special Education teacher on the secondary level for fifteen years and taught preschool for nine years at two other preschools besides BECC.
My educational background consists of a degree in Medical Technology, a BA from the University of Denver, and a master’s in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. Teaching has been a very rewarding career for me as I continue to grow in my profession, learning with the children and watching them grow. I have two grown sons, one of whom has two sons which makes me a relatively new grandma, experiencing many joyous moments traveling to and from New York. Although a New York native, I have lived in Colorado now for almost thirty-two years and call it home.
It’s been a pleasure working here at BECC and working with nice families.
Nancy Nelson – Monkeys Classroom teacher (Pre-Kindergarten)
My name is Nancy Nelson and I am the Monkeys teacher. I have been teaching for nearly 30 years and I still love it. I received my bachelor’s degree in Education from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD. After college, I taught Kindergarten on a Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. I also taught Kindergarten in Maryland and Colorado. I enjoy travel and the theatre. I have a son, Scott, who is a professional photographer in many countries.
Kari Bratagar – Afternoon Activities Coordinator
I have been working with young children for nearly 18 years in both volunteer and paid positions. I spent five years working at Cornerstone Montessori School in Golden as a teachers assistant, and then transferred to Bethany Early Childhood Center in the Fall of 2006.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry and in Theatre from Colorado Christian University which I used in working for a local children’s theatre company for four years. I have also recently completed my master’s degree in Counseling for Licensure from Denver Seminary, where I took classes in assessment and diagnosis with children, and had some training in play therapy. This included an extensive internship in which I focused on working with survivors of abuse, and recognizing the symptoms of abuse. I also have training in Educational Kinesiology, Montessori basics, and group dynamics.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading, and being involved in theatre. It has been a joy to be involved at Bethany, and I look forward to working with your children.
Chris Charron – Chef
Chris Charron is our chef and makes all the nutritious meals for the children.
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