Grace Community Church: Glen Rose, TX

Grace Preschool Directors & Staff

Grace Preschool, LLC has two directors, Rick Stone and Klare Popejoy. Rick is the Administrator and Missions Director at GCC and also provides oversight of the preschool program. For more information on Rick, please go to the GCC staff profiles here.

Grace Community Church is blessed to have such dedicated and God-centered leadership to equip the next generation to delight in God's glory and minister to children and their families.

Klare Popejoy

Preschool Director

I am Kläre Popejoy Director here at Grace Preschool. I immigrated from Germany to the USA 49 years ago and love living in Texas.

I have spent my life caring for young children and walking alongside the families who love them.

With many years in early childhood education, I simply hope to help create a warm, joyful Christ centered place where every child feels seen, safe, and free to grow to love Christ.

My path began as a young mother working in a local daycare and Mom’s Day Out program. I later had the privilege of directing a childcare center, then serving special education preschool children in GRISD. During those same years I led the Wednesday night children’s program at Grace and together with my husband, invested in teenagers through teaching our youth group in Sunday-school. Each of these seasons has only deepened my belief that every child deserves to be known, nurtured, and taught about the beauty of Christ and how that translates into their every day lives.

Kody and I have been married for 49 years. We are the grateful parents of three children and the grandparents of eight. In August 2025 we lost our son Kaine, a sorrow that remains with us daily. Even in that grief I continue to find joy, purpose and strength in the work of supporting children and families during their most formative years.

I lead with a creative, hands-on, always learning new teaching strategies style, and a deep desire to partner with teachers, parents, and the community. My heart is to help raise up little ones who love Christ and make him known to others, grow in kindness and confidence, and remain curious about the world God has made. I truly believe the early years plant seeds that last a lifetime—seeds of faith, joy, and belonging.

My door is always open.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is any way I can help you and your family.

Teaching Staff

Wendy Bio Photo

Wendy Stephan

Preschool Teacher

My name is Wendy Stephan. Forty-six years ago, I married my husband, Billy, a military pilot whose career gave us the opportunity to live in many places and experience life around the world. After twenty moves, we gratefully settled in Glen Rose, Texas. Billy and I have three children and two grandchildren.

I am a retired science teacher but throughout the years, I have enjoyed serving in various areas of children’s ministry. Each of these opportunities has strengthened my desire to encourage children in both faith and learning.

I have served at Grace Preschool as both a floater and a Frog Class teacher. It is truly a privilege to care for your children each day. My team teacher, Ali, and I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel loved and encouraged as they explore God’s world, build friendships, and begin to understand who He is. As they hear about God’s truths in His Word, I pray these truths will take root in their young hearts so that they will grow into lives marked by kindness, compassion, and love for Jesus Christ.

Amy Baggett

Preschool Teacher

Hello! My name is Amy Baggett, and I have a deep love for children and a passion for helping them learn, grow, and know they are deeply loved by God. I have been married to my husband for 21 years, and together we have been blessed with a wonderful family, including four children, a son-in-law, two grandchildren and one bonus grandchild through foster care.

My faith is at the center of everything I do, and I feel called to invest in the hearts and minds of children during some of their most important formative years.

I homeschooled all four of my children, and it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Three of my children are now grown and building lives of their own, while my 16-year-old daughter, Brooklin, continues to homeschool and serves alongside me at the preschool as a helper. Watching my children grow into capable, hardworking young adults has only deepened my passion for investing in the next generation.

I currently serve as the Owl class teacher and Assistant Director at Grace Preschool, where I love combining faith, creativity, and hands-on learning to create a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore the world God created. I also tutor students struggling to read and spell and enjoy helping them build confidence academically, emotionally, and spiritually. One of my greatest goals is to help all of my students (in the classroom or through tutoring) not only develop a love for learning, but also to know God more deeply and one day be able to confidently read and understand God’s Word for themselves.

I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to encourage little hearts, point them toward Christ, and help lay foundations that will last into eternity.

family photo

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.