Sherri Crawford, Co-Director

Sherri Crawford served as Director of Kids Express Preschool since the opening of the school in 2003. This will be her second year serving as Co-Director at Kids Express. Before operating the school, Sherri worked on staff as Early Childhood Coordinator and Childcare Coordinator for Bethel Church. Sherri received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from the University of Oklahoma, with a minor in Business and emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Sherri has taught or worked with preschool age children for over 25 years. Her career has spanned from Dance Teacher, professional Choreographer, Vice President of Sherri Hill Designs (evening gown design and manufacturing co. in Norman, OK), Kindergarten Coordinator for Hoffmantown Church (in Albuquerque, NM), to working on staff at Bethel Church. Sherri also serves on the Board of Directors at Liberty Christian School in Richland. Currently, Sherri and her husband Cary serve as Caregroup Leaders for Bethel Church. Sherri and Cary have a son, Evan (14), daughter, Clara (5), and a 9 yr. old dog, Hershey.

Edie Stewart, Co-Director

Edie Stewart has been working at Kids Express for the past three years in various roles. This will be her second year as Co-Director. She began her college education at Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada, and then moved to Cedarville College in Ohio where she became interested in Special Education. After Edie completed her 3rd year at Central Washington University, she married Jeff. She has over 25 years experience working with children as a day care provider, homeschool parent, church and school volunteer. Jeff and Edie have been married since 1983 and have 3 children, Nathan (and wife, Jaimi), Micah, and Heidi.

Kim Luoma, Lead Teacher

Kim Luoma is the Lead Teacher of the Locomotive Classes. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Oregon State University. She worked several years as a Research Scientist. She took time off to have her children, home schooled, and served in children’s ministries at church. She led the talented and gifted program at her children’s school in the Salem School District. For the last 12 years, she has run a business from home, illustrating scientific text books. Presently, she is a children’s Grief Facilitator at the Tri-City Chaplaincy. Kim has over 20 years of experience working with children at school and church. This is her 7th year as Lead Sunday School teacher in the Ark Room at Bethel Church. Of the students she teaches, she says, “I truly love the children and all of their different personalities and I want to be an encouragement to their parents.” Kim has been married to Jon for 28 years, and has four kids, Aaron (24), Meridith (22) and husband, Michael, Audrey (20) and Colin (16).

Linda Waller, Lead Teacher

Linda Waller is currently the Lead Teacher in the Boxcar AM class and the Co-Lead Teacher in the Friday Choo Choo class, Boxcar PM Class, the Rail Car Class, and the Steam Engine Class. She received her Associate of Arts Degree from CBC in 1994. She has been working with children both as a preschool teacher and volunteer in church ministry and Richland School District for over 15 years. In the fall she will begin her 6th year at Kids Express Preschool. “I love seeing the progress that the children make throughout their year here. Every milestone is great!”, she says. Linda is married to Mark, and they have 2 boys, Steven 13, and James 11.

Jessica Peterman, Lead Teacher

Jessica Peterman is currently the Lead Teacher in the Caboose Class and Co-Lead Teacher for the Friday Choo Choo class, Boxcar PM Class, The Rail Car Class, and the Steam Engine Class. Jessica will begin her 6th year of teaching at Kids Express Preschool in the fall. She is also currently a teacher for Columbia Basin Racquet Club and works full time as teacher in their summer program. Jessica has taught in the Summer Reading Program for the Benton City School District, and worked on staff at Bethel Church as Childcare Coordinator. She has volunteered and worked with children for over 8 years. Jessica says, “My children, Caden and Kyia have grown up in Kids Express. This has been a wonderful experience for my family. I really enjoy teaching and getting to know the kids.”

Melody Hall, Assistant Teacher

Melody Hall is the Assistant Teacher in the Locomotive PM Class. This is her fourth year teaching for Kids Express, but has worked on staff at Bethel Church for 10 years. She has over 25 years of volunteering in Children and Youth Ministries. Melody and her husband Bob, are veteran Youth Leaders at Bethel, serving since 1999. Melody says, “The conversations I have with these preschoolers are priceless! Teaching them is such a joy.” Melody enjoys scrap booking in her free time. She and Bob have 2 grown children who are married, son, Jonathan (and Amy), and daughter, Jaimi (and Nathan).

Jeannette Farr, Lead Teacher & Assistant Teacher

Jeannette Farr is the Lead Teacher for the Thursday Choo Choo Class and the Assistant Teacher for the Caboose Class.  Jeannette began serving at Kids Express during the ‘07 ‘08 school year. She has had 14 years of experience working with children in the school system, Sunday School, and nursery care. Her husband, Nick, and her have been married for 10 years and they have two children, Brayden (5) and Wesley (3). She enjoys getting to know the students and watching them grow and learn.

Dawn Pylate, Assistant Teacher

Dawn has been a part of Kids Express Preschool since it’s beginning.  She has served in various roles and this year she will be the assistant teacher in the Thursday Choo Choo class.  (More info coming!)

Holly Davis, Assistant Teacher

Holly Davis will be the new Assistant Teacher in the Locomotive AM Class this year. (More Info coming!)

Brandy Covington

Brandy Covington will be the new Assistant Teacher in the Boxcar AM Class this year. ( More info coming!)