The Child of God Preschool has 7 staff members. All preschool staff must meet all of the state licensing requirements, including a background check.
Our educators are required to obtain training in First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse Recognition, Communicable Disease Recognition, and they must also obtain at least 6 hours of training per year in child development topics and attend periodic staff meetings.
We are pleased to announce that we have staff members who have a child development associate (CDA) credential. (120 hours of college classes)
Educator Directory
Nancy Higgins- Administrator
I was born in Ohio and am the mom of 3 children and now grandmother to 1. I began my career working with children in 1991. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Zane Trace College. I also attended Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with my husband, obtaining training in the area of supportive ministries. My husband Wes and I pastor a church in Granville. I have been the director of Child of God Preschool since 2001. I love working with children and seeing them grown and learn. In my spare time I like to read, take walks with my dog and go to the lake in our boat or to kayak.
My mission at Child of God Preschool: I want children to feel safe and to learn about God and his love while at preschool. My goal is to help children build self-confidence, independence and social skills that will set them up for future academic success.
Birthday- April 26
Hobbies- reading, hiking, biking, kayaking and going to the movies.
Favorites- Candy- Sea Salt Caramels, Lindor truffles, Resees Cups, MM’s. Color- Pink,
Restaurants- Puerto Vallarta, Chipotle, Subway, Elliotts, Texas Roadhouse, and City BBQ. Stores- Kohls, TJ Max and Maurices.
Trish Frey- Head Teacher Ocean Room
I am Miss Trish and I have been teaching at Child of God since 2006. I have been a stay at home mom to two children, and a state tested nursing assistant.
My mission at Child of God Preschool: I want children in my classroom to have a great first preschool experience. I provide a creative curriculum where children learn academic and social skills through play and hands on learning. It is important to me that each child feels safe and nurtured in my classroom. I believe each child is a gift from God and we are blessed to be a part of their lives.
Birthday - February 7
Hobbies- Gardening, scrap booking, cooking and baking.
Favorites- Candy- Red Licorice, Color- Red, Restaurant- Olive Garden.
Hilda Chapman- Assistant Teacher Ocean
I have been teaching at Child of God Preschool since 2002. I have earned my CDA in Early Childhood Education. I previously worked in banking and also in the insurance field. I found my place in teaching. I live with my husband and son and I attend Family of Faith Community Church.
My mission at Child of God Preschool: I want children to experience the love of Jesus in my classroom. I want them to feel secure enough to express themselves freely at they play and learn.
Birthday- November 23
Hobbies- Gardening, reading, exercise and sewing.
Favorites- Candy- Hershey Kisses, Color- Blue, Restaurants- Texas Roadhouse, Tumbleweed, Subway and Tim Horton's.
Krysten Forgette- Head Teacher Garden Room
I am a central Ohio native that enjoys spending time outdoors, crafting, gardening and interior design. My passions are my three beautiful daughters, my son, my family, teaching and spend time in the Bible. I earned my CDA in Early Childhood Education.
My mission for Child of God Preschool - I strive to provide a safe, loving and caring atmosphere as the children learn and grow with one another while learning the Bible and the ways of Jesus Christ.
Birthday- February 21
Hobbies- Crafting, Gardening and Interior Design.
Favorites- Candy- Mallow Cups, Reese's Cups, Snickers, Hersheys kisses, Color - Green, Restaurants - Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Chipotle, and Panera.
Lisa Ellis- Assistant Teacher Rainbow Room
I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Food Science and Technology and worked for nine years in the industry in western Ohio. My husband and I moved to the Licking Valley area and I became a stay at home mom with my two boys. I have been teaching at Child of God Preschool since 2005 but I have been a part of the preschool family since the beginning. Both of my sons are Child of God graduates. The preschool has been a blessing to my children, to me as a parent and now as a teacher.
My mission at Child of God Preschool: To be a tool in helping each child reach their potential in becoming the lifelong learner that God created them to be
Birthday- March 6
Hobbies- Gardening, books and movies.
Favorites- Candy- anything chocolate, Color- Earth Tones, Restaurants- Mongolian BBQ, Olive Garden.
Amanda Eberts- Assistant Teacher Garden Room
I started teaching at Child of God in 2023. I graduated from The Ohio State University (2006) and Heidelberg University (2015) and have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music education. I taught general music and art for grades PK-8. I am married and have 2 daughters that have both attended Child of God.
My mission at Child of God Preschool: To provide a safe, loving, fun and creative preschool experience that will inspire our students’ educational, emotional, social and spiritual growth through play, exploration and prayer.
Birthday- Dec. 10
Hobbies- Reading, anything outdoors, gardening and decorating.
Favorities- Candy- Anything fruity Color - Pink Restaurants- Jimmy Johns, Starbucks and Texas Roadhouse
Maria Bigler- Head Teacher in the Rainbow Room
I have been an early childhood educator for over 30 years in various compacities. I previously taught for Child of God Preschool for 16 years. I was away for a few years pursuing other interests but I always had a place in my heart for Child of God. In the fall of 2024, I returned to teaching in the Rainbow Room. Amazing how God has a plan and works everything out.
Mission- My mission at Child of God Preschool is to teach children about God and his love while teaching the academics for future school sucess.
Birthday - December 2
Hobbies- Walking, swimming and warm weather outdoor activities and In the winter, cuddling in a blanket and watching movies.. Finally spending time with my husband, 4 children and 6 grandchildren.
Favorites- Candy- Chocolate Color- Purple Restaurant - Olive Garden