Early Education

Amy has been at Grace Early Education since 2022. She feels called to share the love of Christ with infants and their families. She lives in Tyler and enjoys spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews. She loves to lead worship and write, and she hopes one day to write a series of books for young children. Amy is grateful to be part of a community that loves people so well.

Gail has worked at Grace Early Education since 2008 and has worked in the early education field for more than 35 years.  Gail feels she was called to work with younger children; their pure hearts bring her so much joy!  She and her husband, Jerry, live in Lindale, where they were both born and raised. She is the proud mom of three adult children, Paige, Macie, and Brennan, and currently has eight grandchildren but anticipates more. Gail enjoys anything outdoors, especially hunting and being on the lake.  She and her husband love traveling and attending all of their grandchildren’s activities. Gail says Grace is her extended family. The staff and families love big, support each other in the good and hard times. She feels blessed to call Grace Community her home away from home.

Sara has worked at Grace Early Education since 2016. She has taught many different age groups, from three-year-olds all the way to After School Care. She lives in Tyler with her husband Jason, a baby boy, and an amazing bonus daughter, both of whom also attended the EE. Sara enjoys participating in theatrical productions, traveling, and loves curling up with a podcast or a good history book. Grace has been a huge support for her family, both professionally and personally. Getting to partner with the EE families every day is so rewarding, and supporting the teachers as they teach our littlest cougars about Jesus’ love means that every day is a blessing!

Shanequa joined Grace Community School Early Education as a K4 Teacher in 2023.  She received her Associates of Art degree from Northeast Community College and is completing her bachelor’s degree in Communications.  She earned her Registered Behavioral Health Certificate.  Shay has enjoyed working with children at the Andrew’s Center and Mentoring Alliance.  She attends and is involved with her Church home, Church of the Pines.

Jessica serves as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for Grace Community School. She began her career as a high school and college mathematics teacher in 2003. She joined our high school mathematics department at Grace in 2013. She has also served as the mathematics department chair, TAPPS Academic Coordinator, and TAPPS Mathematics Coach. Since 2018, she has served as Director of Curriculum & Instruction and the Purposeful Design Director (STEM). Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Tyler, her master’s degree in Mathematics from Stephen F. Austin State University and completed her administration certification at The University of Texas at Tyler. Jessica is certified as a Legacy Master Teacher and Principal. Jessica and her husband, Craig, have a daughter, Randi, who is a 2024 alumni of Grace.

After 7-plus years of teaching at Grace Early Education, Melissa Miller can now invest in teachers and give back what she was given. As a teacher, Melissa can confidently say that she has “never experienced a workplace where the administration and staff love, pray for, and support one another,” as she has found at Grace. Now, being a part of the Admin team allows her the opportunity to pour into teachers, students, & families just as she was poured into. Melissa’s favorite moments in her day are when she can show Jesus’ love & redemption to a child. She says every day is an adventure in caring & loving the littles. Melissa & her husband, Steve, have lived in Tyler for 8 years now. She feels blessed to have three adult children, Logan, Cory, & Savannah, and two beautiful granddaughters. In her spare time, you can find her reading C.S. Lewis and Francine Rivers, journaling, or spending time with family and friends.

Kenisha started her career in Early Childhood Education in 2008 and found it one of the most rewarding jobs. To be able to set the foundation for little minds brings me such happiness! My favorite verse, and one that I live by, is ” Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6. Kenisha has worked for Grace since 2017, and soon came to realize that there is no other place that you can proudly proclaim your love for Christ. Being a part of the Grace Community has helped me with my spiritual walk, and for that, I am forever grateful. Kenisha and her husband, Porter, have been married for 19 years and have two daughters. In my spare time, I enjoy event planning and crafting, and I love working with flowers.

Rhonda has been involved with our Grace campuses for many years.  She was a proud parental support when her children attended the school.  Now that her children are grown with families of their own, she continues supporting Christian education through her work in the EE.

Rhonda worked at our Lindale location for 13 years before transitioning into her new role.  She is currently working in both of our locations, helping to support and structure our curriculum.  

During her almost 48 years in childcare, she is blessed to say that nearly 15 years have been at Grace.  Rhonda loves what she does, and her enthusiasm for it shows each day.  

Stefanie is a devoted mother to her two beautiful children, Brentlynn and Wesson. Born and raised in Lindale, she has a deep love for her community and her Grace family. Stefanie finds joy in serving her church, family, and friends, always striving to positively impact the lives of those around her. She thrives in the summertime, cherishing every moment spent outdoors, whether gardening or simply enjoying nature. With a heart full of faith and love, Stefanie embraces life with warmth, dedication, and gratitude. 

Leah Rickelman has worked at Grace Early Education since 2016, where she has had the privilege of working with children across all age groups. Leah found her passion for childcare and has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and setting a strong foundation for their early years. Leah and her husband, Tristan, have two children, Olivia and Rhett, and live in Frankston, TX. Leah loves reading, spending time outdoors with her family, and raising farm animals. Leah is grateful for the personal and professional growth she has experienced since joining Grace, and what’s been the most rewarding for her is that the people she works alongside are her sisters in Christ. She wouldn’t be where she is in her walk with God without their constant mentoring, love, and support.

Victoria joined the Grace EEC-Tyler team in 2013. She began working with children at an early age; her first job was at a local gym and then expanded to babysitting and nannying for those families. After graduating from high school, she coached volleyball and mentored girls in elementary, middle school, and high school. Victoria was fortunate to stay at home with her son for almost two years after he was born. Then, when she returned to work, she chose Grace EEC and said the community blesses them. Her son attends Grace Community School.