Preschool Staff

Sunday

Service 10:00 am

Tara hartman - Preschool Director

Tara has been with the preschool since 2012, first as an associate, then 2's lead teacher and assistant director, and currently, as of fall 2019, the preschool director. She lives in Johnston with her husband Michael and their three children Noah, Isaac, and Emily. She grew up in Des Moines and, like her children, attended Meredith Drive Preschool. Tara has a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa. Tara and her family are active members of The Bridge Church. She enjoys reading, volunteering, taking walks with her family, including her dog Dewey, and baking. One of her favorite children's books is Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin.

Michelle Applegate - Associate Teacher

Michelle has been an associate teacher for Pre-K since 2008. Michelle lives in Johnston with her husband Doug. They have three grown children Hezekiah, Tennessee and Willow. She is a graduate of Johnston High School and Iowa State University where she earned a degree in fine arts. Michelle and her husband are members at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny. Some of her favorite things to do are junking, watching movies and hanging out with her family. Michelle’s favorite children’s books are Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell and I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont.

Jill Boom - Lead Teacher

Jill is the lead teacher for 2's and has been teaching at The Bridge since 2013. Jill lives in Johnston with her husband Chris and daughter Sienna (who attended Meredith Drive Preschool!) She grew up in Urbandale and has a degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University.  In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, traveling, practicing yoga, and cuddling with her two kitties, Steve and Sketch. One of her favorite children’s books is A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood.

Meggan Boyle - Lead Teacher

Meggan has been a teacher at The Bridge Preschool since 2019 and is excited to begin her roles as the 4's/Pre-K teacher and assistant director this year.  Having served as the lead teacher for both the 2's and 3's classes, she brings a rich understanding of child development to her new positions. She lives in Johnston with her husband, Brad and their three wonderful girls, Mara, Paige, and Ellery. She first fell in love with The Bridge Preschool when her daughter, Ellery, attended the 2-year-old program. She has a degree in education from Drake University. Meggan grew up in McHenry, Illinois and tries to travel home as much as possible to visit her family and friends. Meggan and her family attend Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.  In her free time, Meggan enjoys walking, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her husband and active girls. The LLama LLama and Pete the Cat series have been her most favorite books to read to her children.

Morgan Mescher - Lead Teacher

Morgan has been part of The Bridge Preschool program since 2019.  This year she will be taking on a new role, leading both 3 year old classes.  She lives in Johnston with her husband, Justin and their two children, Katelyn and Ethan. They are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where Morgan volunteers for the Faith Formation program.  She holds a degree from Iowa State University in Hospitality Management and a Child Development Associate Credential. Morgan has enjoyed working with children since her days as a camp counselor and is passionate about early childhood education.  She loves to help nurture preschoolers' love of learning.  Her hobbies include reading, riding bikes, kayaking, spending time with family and friends and crafting. Morgan’s favorite children’s book is Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle.

Sarah Schall - Associate Teacher

Sarah has been with our preschool program since 2017 and is currently the 2 year old associate teacher. Sarah lives in Grimes with her husband, Mike, and their kids, Isabel and William. She has an elementary education degree from Central College with an endorsement in Early Childhood. Sarah and her family worship at The Bridge. Her hobbies include morning walks with her dog, cheering on the DC-G Mustangs and the Iowa Hawkeyes, attending Broadway shows, and spending lots of time with her family. Sarah has always enjoyed reading and is eager to share the love of books with the students. Some of her favorite children’s books are But No Elephants by Jerry Smath and the Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems.

lisa neppel - associate Teacher

Lisa joined the preschool staff as a substitute teacher in 2023 and will be the associate teacher for the 3's this year.  Lisa lives in Johnston with her husband, Jon and their two children, Jace and Audrey who attended The Bridge Preschool. They are members of St. Pius X Catholic Church. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE. Lisa grew up on a farm near Breda, Iowa and enjoys visiting family there. Her favorite things include nature walks, attending her children’s activities and sporting events, playing card games, and spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite children’s books are The Monster at The End of This Book by Jon Stone and many books written by Todd Parr.

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