Preschool Staff

Klare Popejoy

Director

My Name is Klare Popejoy. I grew up in Germany and married my husband Kody Popejoy 46 years ago. In 1978 after a few short months marriage he brought me to the USA when I was only 18 years old. I am thankful to call GCC my church home for it is truly my family here in the USA. When I am not busy loving on my 5 grandchildren I am busy with many of my hobbies, such as cooking, baking, painting and spending time with my husband.

As long as I can remember, I have worked with children. In 1984 I worked at a day care in Grand Prairie, TX so that I did not have to leave my then 2 year old son, and was able to work my way up to the Director position. After our move to Ft. Worth, I worked at a Moms Day Out program at Western Hills Baptist Church. Our Director there spent much time educating us and making courses available to help us become better caretakers of children. When we finally moved to Glen Rose, I was hired as a Special Education Assistant at the Glen Rose Elementary school where I remained for five years. When my then growing cabin business took more and more of my time, I resigned and mostly taught here at GCC. For years I ran the Wednesday night children’s program, taught Sunday School, and volunteered for just about any job that had to do with being around children and youth.

I am thankful to be a part of a program that is run professionally and has only the best in mind for all of the children entrusted to their care. I am excited to servce as the preschool director and look forward to being a part of your child’s life.

Wendy Stephan

Preschool Teacher 

My name is Wendy Stephan. I grew up in the Midwest with strong family values and a loving church family. I received a BS in biology as well as a teaching certificate in secondary science. Forty-two years ago, I married a military pilot whose career took me all over the world to different continents and cultures. Twenty moves later we settled in Glen Rose, TX, falling in love with it’s beauty and people.

My husband, Billy and I have 3 grown children and 2 sweet grandchildren, which are our pride and joy. We have also fostered 3 babies at different times. The Lord has truly filled my heart with love for his children. I have organized and led Good News Club after school program and Soccer Camp as well as served as a VBS teacher, childcare nursery worker, and also, assist with Wednesday night children’s program as needed at Grace Community Church.

My retirement has brought me to Grace Preschool. I have served as a floater and as the Frog Class teacher. I have been blessed to have your sweet children entrusted in my care. My prayer is, as they grow and learn, that they see the love of Christ in my words and actions. My classroom is a safe environment where your children can explore God’s world and the knowledge of who He is, along side their fellow classmates. As they hear of God’s love for them through his Word, may they develop kindness and love for one another. May these truths be saved in their young hearts.

My husband, Billy, and I enjoy travel, outdoor activities, and spending time with our grandchildren and children.

Megan Lee

Preschool Teacher

Hi! My name is Megan Lee and I will be the new Owl class teacher. I’m very excited and thankful for this opportunity to come alongside you and your child! I homeschooled my three children off and on throughout their education and dedicated my life to encouraging them. I have also taught almost every age of Sunday School class throughout the years and have enjoyed each one!

I look forward to what God has in store for our journey together!

Amy Baggett

Preschool Teacher

My name is Amy Baggett. I grew up in west Texas in a Christian home. From a very young age I enjoyed any chance I got to be with children and longed to become a mother someday.

In 2005 I married my husband, Kevin. He has been a true gift from God to me. We now have four children and one son-in-law. I nannied three other children when my children were younger and used this opportunity to pour God’s word and love into each of their lives. I have enjoyed teaching my own kids through each stage of development, specifically working to provide an atmosphere and curriculum in which they develop a love for learning and most importantly a love for God. Two of my children have learning disabilities. During the course of their education, I was trained in working with students who struggle specifically with dyslexia and have tutored other students from the community who have similarly struggled.

Before moving here, I was a Sunday school teacher and nursery director. Here at Grace Community Church, I have served in the nursery, Junior High Sunday school, filled in as a soccer coach for Soccer camp, and taught VBS.

I love reading, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and enjoying God’s creation with my family.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with your children at Grace Preschool! I pray that God will use me to help prepare them for a life in which they will thrive, learning and growing in knowledge of and love for who He is!

Cassandra Cox

Preschool Teacher

My name is Cassandra Cox. I grew up in San Antonio and moved to North Texas in 2008. I became a Christian when I was attending youth services with a friend in high school.

I met my husband in 2011, and we married in 2013. We have three beautiful daughters ages 5, 7, and 10, who keep us busy. My family and I love the outdoors. Whenever we have free time, you will find us hiking in the mountains, fishing, swimming in the ocean, camping, and exploring God’s creation. We have set a “bucket list” goal to visit/camp at every State Park in Texas. Recently, I made the decision to complete a degree I started over 20 years ago, so I am currently a full-time college student.

I volunteer at our church. If you do not find me there, you will find me at Glen Rose Elementary and Intermediate Schools volunteering at least once a week. I have taught Awana’s and Sunday school for many years. I served as the Children / Preschool Associate Minister about a year ago. I love children and teaching them about the Lord! I cannot wait to get to know your preschool students and help them learn and grow.

Alison Yuille

Teaching Assistant

My name is Alison Yuille. I am from Ontario, Canada, but have lived in Texas for many years. I taught the Monkey class at Grace Preschool from 2009-2019. I am now serving in the Frog Class. I received my Bachelor of Education in 2006 from Trent University in Ontario, and I have many years of experience teaching in Christian schools. I love teaching the truths of God's Word to little ones and living out the Christian faith before them. My husband, Stephen, and I have been married for 32 years and we have two daughters. Our oldest, Laura (23), is married and lives in Ontario. We also have a 12 year old daughter, Emma. I am exceedingly thankful for Grace Preschool, and I am very blessed to be part of what God is doing through this ministry.

Bekah Garver

Teaching Assistant

Hello! My name is Bekah Garver and I am so excited to be assisting at Grace Preschool this year! I have about 8 years experience working in early education and I am passionate about helping a child grow in their love for learning about the world around them but, even more importantly, about God and the Gospel. What a privilege it is to work with your children and seek to show them the love of Christ throughout the week.

I am a mother of 2 wonderful children, RayLynn who is 5 years old and Shane who is 2 years old. They are my full-time job. While being a stay-at-home mom is the greatest challenge I've experienced in life by far, I wouldn't have it any other way. They light up my life and help me to grow in compassion and maturity.

A few things I enjoy doing are spending time with my husband, Shawn, and our 2 kids, cooking delicious food, eating delicious food (especially ethnic food!), writing songs, singing, eating dark chocolate, drinking strong coffee, and going birding whenever I can.

I look forward to meeting you and your preschoolers and spending this next school year together learning more about God and His Word and also teaching your children basic principles to prepare them for kindergarten in a couple years!

Elaine Brown

Teaching Assistant

Hello! My name is Elaine Brown and I was born and raised in Fort Worth but spent a lot of time in the Hico and Glen Rose area as a kid. My grandparents lived in Hico and my parents bought a farm there and eventually moved there when I was a teenager. I moved to Hico in 2017 to help care for my mom before her passing in 2021. I have 5 beautiful grandkids of my own in Fort Worth and a very precious 2 year old great granddaughter in Austin.

In 2022 I moved to Glen Rose to be closer to Grace Community Church, where I have been a member since 2018. In March of 2022 I was asked to be a helper at Grace Preschool and I was very grateful that I would be part of this school and a helper to Klare and to these wonderful teachers. This opportunity really excited and challenged me to be the very best for the church, the community, and most of all to help these little ones to learn about our Lord Jesus. I learn new things everyday to help me help these kids and it is an honor and a pleasure to do that.