Meet Our Team
our early childhood educators
First Kids Christian Preschool and Troy First United Methodist Church are dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality in all aspects of our program, including our preschool staff. Our team of early childhood educators share our commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ” Matthew 19:14
chelsi schulz
Director
Chelsi brings over 18 years of experience as an early childhood professional, including the last 8 years in director and assistant director roles, all within Christian-based childcare and preschool settings.
Chelsi lives in Piqua with her husband, Josh, and their two children, Emilee and Owen. The Schulz family are enthusiastic Bengals and Ohio State fans, often found cheering on their children in various extracurricular activities. In her free time, Chelsi enjoys fishing, camping, and playing board games with her family. She attends Valley Church in Piqua and continually seeks new ways to connect with God, drawing inspiration from taking walks and listening to podcasts.
Chelsi’s passion for nurturing young minds and her dedication to early childhood education are a tremendous asset to First Kids Christian Preschool.
Chelsi lives in Piqua with her husband, Josh, and their two children, Emilee and Owen. The Schulz family are enthusiastic Bengals and Ohio State fans, often found cheering on their children in various extracurricular activities. In her free time, Chelsi enjoys fishing, camping, and playing board games with her family. She attends Valley Church in Piqua and continually seeks new ways to connect with God, drawing inspiration from taking walks and listening to podcasts.
Chelsi’s passion for nurturing young minds and her dedication to early childhood education are a tremendous asset to First Kids Christian Preschool.
“Let the children come to me for such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14
April Hostetler
Lead Teacher, Toddler Class & 3/4 Year Old Class
April believes the early childhood years are crucial to a child's social, emotional, and spiritual development, and she is blessed to be a part of their journey. She feels the importance of supporting families with positive encouragement, because she says parenting as we know brings great joy and a crazy of its own.
April resides in Arcanum with her wonderful husband of 34 years. They have 3 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren who are their pride and joy. Currently they're awaiting the special arrival of their first granddaughter! In addition to her family, she enjoys gardening, floral design, and biblical archeology. In the last several years, April has been blessed to work with a dedicated group of believers who are rooted in teaching God’s love to children at EUM Church in Greenville. She has seen a new generation of children come to know Jesus, God and the Bible while being involved with Lifewise Academy.
April's passion for sharing the Love of Jesus with children is a gift to our students and their families. She feels so privileged to plant spiritual seeds alongside educational seeds in their garden.
April resides in Arcanum with her wonderful husband of 34 years. They have 3 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren who are their pride and joy. Currently they're awaiting the special arrival of their first granddaughter! In addition to her family, she enjoys gardening, floral design, and biblical archeology. In the last several years, April has been blessed to work with a dedicated group of believers who are rooted in teaching God’s love to children at EUM Church in Greenville. She has seen a new generation of children come to know Jesus, God and the Bible while being involved with Lifewise Academy.
April's passion for sharing the Love of Jesus with children is a gift to our students and their families. She feels so privileged to plant spiritual seeds alongside educational seeds in their garden.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3
Haley Studebaker
Lead Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Class & Extended Care
Haley loves teaching preschool, watching the children learn and grow. She is excited to be part of teaching your children and watching them blossom, making new friends and getting closer to God.
Haley lives here in Troy and has a younger sister, as well as a dog Tucker and cat Gracie. She has been a member of Troy First UMC for 20 years where she serves as a VBS volunteer. Her hobbies include dancing and swimming. She has taken dance for 17 years and when she's not here, you can find her teaching ballet to Pre-K kids. She also loves boating on Norris Lake.
Haley's dedication to serving preschool children and their families is a blessing to both our church and preschool.
Haley lives here in Troy and has a younger sister, as well as a dog Tucker and cat Gracie. She has been a member of Troy First UMC for 20 years where she serves as a VBS volunteer. Her hobbies include dancing and swimming. She has taken dance for 17 years and when she's not here, you can find her teaching ballet to Pre-K kids. She also loves boating on Norris Lake.
Haley's dedication to serving preschool children and their families is a blessing to both our church and preschool.