Meet the Staff
Meet the Staff
LeAnne Ash - Music and Movement
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Ms. LeAnne bounced around a little bit before returning to Kentucky back in 2008. LeAnne joined the staff of GSDS in 2016 and with her BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art, we're thrilled to announce she will bring that creative flair to our music and movement program. LeAnne enjoys hiking, teaching pottery classes, spending time with her family, all things nature, and is currently training for her first triatholon. Ms. LeAnne fell in love with Good Shepherd when her oldest son, Sebastian began in the program and we are lucky to have had both of her boys with us!
Ginny Barrett - Assistant Teacher 4s
Ms. Ginny is originally from Lexington and has lived here most of her life. With a BA from Transylvania University in Elementary Education, and her Masters in the same program from the University of Kentucky, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our program. Ms. Ginny is a wife and mom of 4 children, and 1 granddaughter, with another grandchild soon on the way! In her free time she likes hiking, sailing, gardening, reading, and cooking. She loves GSDS because of our focus on the whole child and our family involvement.
Megan Ciekurs - Administrative Assistant
Ms. Megan came to us from Royal Oak, Michigan back in 2009. This will be her 6th full year of teaching at Good Shepherd where she loves instilling a love for learning in the children. Megan graduated from Grand Valley State University with an elementary education degree and math major. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially her daughter Olivia, who is a treasure here at GSDS as well, crafting, and watching reality TV.
Lucy Cox - Assistant Teacher 4s
Ms. Lucy begins her 33rd year with Good Shepherd Day School! Not only is she a lifelong resident of Kentucky, but almost one of GSDS as well! Ms. Lucy studied special education at the University of Kentucky and has also completed her CDA credentials. She is very active in the community as a member of the Church, the Junior League of Lexington, and the Orphan Society of Lexington. She and her husband Bill have two grown children and In her free time she enjoys pilates, reading, and is a super fan of UK basketball. Lucy obviously loves being with children and feels blessed to serve such wonderful families at GSDS.
Joan Hutchinson - Lead Teacher 4s
Ms. Joan begins her 12th year at Good Shepherd and her 5th year in the 4 year old department. Our newest "grandma" on the staff loves spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter Emmie, reading, paddle boarding,working puzzles, pilates, and anything to do with the beach. Ms. Joan received her education degree from Eastern CT State University and was drawn to GSDS because of the friendliness of the school.
Jane Patterson - Speech Pathologist
Ms. Jane has been providing speech and language services for the children of Good Shepherd for the past 15 years. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she has lived here her whole life. Jane received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Centre College and her Masters of Science in communication disorders (speech pathology) from UK and has been practicing for the past 22 years. When she's not working with the children she enjoys running, reading, following sports, especially UK basketball or her children's activities, and traveling with family and friends.
Laura Sikora - Lead Teacher Kindergarten
Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Laura has lived in Lexington since 1998, and has taught at Good Shepherd Day School since 2002. With her BS in elementary education from WVU, she has dedicated herself to the Kindergarten children at GSDS providing them an exceptional education. Married, with 2 grown children,Nicole, who was recently engaged and lives in Philedelphia, and Michael, who is in Sweden for 2 years working on his Masters in Audio Engineering, Ms. Laura really values spending time with her family. In her free time she likes cooking, reading, hiking, riding her bicycle, shopping, and traveling.
Gwyn Weixler - Lead Teacher 3s
Ms. Gwyn has been with the Day School for over 15 years and we're blessed to have her. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she has been in Lexington for more than 30 years. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, Ms. Gwyn loves being able to work in an environment where she can express her faith as she helps children learn and grow. In her spare time she enjoys reading, playing the flute, crafting and spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters Mariah and Sylvia.
Jenn Whitton - Extended Day Coordinator
Ms. Jenn is a Kentucky native originally hailing from Mt. Sterling. She is entering her second year as a staff member, but has a long history with the school as a nanny to several of our former students. Ms. Jenn received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from the University of Charleston, West Virginia and her Masters of Arts in History from Georgia Southern University. She loves to research and write on a wide array of topics in her free time and also enjoys a variety of sporting events. When she's not busy at the school, she is working for the business she co-owns with her mother.
Kelly Crawford - Lead Teacher 2s
Ms. Kelly was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, moved to Nashville and Knoxville, and then returned to Lexington about 3 years ago. She attended Hopkinsville Community College and is married to husband Jonathan for 20 years and has 12 year old twins, Tyler and Taylor. She enjoys watching her children play their sports as well as partaking in running and tennis herself. In the 3 years Ms. Kelly has been at Good Shepherd she says her favorite part of her job is watching the kids learn something new and the excitement on their faces when they achieve something for the first time.
Celine Dunne - Assistant Teacher 2s
Ms. Celine has been a staple in our 4 year old department for the past 17 years, and has brought her expertise to the 2 year old department this year. Coming to us all the way from Ireland, where she attended St. Mary's College, she has been in America for the past 27 years working with childre both as a preschool teacher and a nanny. Although she misses her parents back in Ireland, she spends her free time gardening and cooking.
Kathy Gross - Assistant Teacher 4s
Ms. Kathy was born in Lexington, moved away for several years, and then returned to Lexington in 1996. She earned an associates degree from UK, and was fortunate enough to stay home and raiser her 3 boys while they were in school. Since then, she has worked at Christ the King in their extended day program and was a substitute teacher at St. Michael's before arriving here. When she's not at work Kathy enjoys going to the beach, baking, working puzzles, and visiting with friends and family. Our wonderful staff and awesome children and families is what landed her here.
Adrienne Jones - Assistant Teacher 3s
Ms. Adrienne started with Good Shepherd four years ago as a substitute teacher, and with our family first environment, found it was the perfect fit for her. Originally from Pineville, she has lived in Kentucky since birth. Adrienne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Kentucky University in public relations and loves anything to do with fashion & design. She and husband, Tom have two girls, Mallory and Amelia. Afternoons are spent going over their homework, attending their activities, cooking, working out, and getting ready to do it all again the next day!
Stefanie McDowell - Lead Teacher 4s
A Morehead State University graduate with a degree in Recreation/Early Childhood Development, Ms. Stefanie has been with the Day School since 2011 when she started with us as a substitute teacher. A lifelong resident of Kentucky, she spends her time with her husband and two daughters reading, running the girls to their various activities, and baking. We are all very thankful that Ms. Stefanie loves baking!
Tricia Reilly - Lead Teacher 4s
Tricia was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky. While there she was on the dance team and earned a B.A. in social work. During her free time she enjoys running with her dog Georgia, gardening, watching UNC basketball, traveling, and playing recreational sports. She also loves spending time with her nephews and niece.
Kristine Walker - Assistant Teacher 3s
Kristine is beginning her 11th year at Good Shepherd Day School, workinig in the three year old program. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Kristine began her career at GSDS as a parent sub when her daughter joined the 3 year old program. Kristine is the proud mother of 15 year old Kate, and wife of Chad. Her focus is caring for her family and dedicating her day to caring for GSDS families!
Jennifer White - Lead Teacher 2s
This marks her 3rd year of teaching at Good Shepherd, but her 8th year of teaching 2 year olds, both as a lead and an assistant. Ms. Jennifer is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, but relocated to Kentucky three years ago. Some of her interests apart from the Day School are photography, watching her 3 children in all their after school activities, and operating her own business through Stella & Dot and Ever skincare.
