Preschool Staff

Debbie Hilliard
Preschool Director

I am very honored and excited to be joining this remarkable faith based community as the new Preschool Director. Having been previously employed at St. Joan of Arc as both a Pre-K and a Kindergarten teacher, I feel as though He has brought me back home! It is truly a blessing to be a part of this Catholic preschool where I am able to share my faith and His love with our families. Pursuant to this wonderful opportunity, I was the Director at Our Lady of Joy Preschool & Kindergarten for the last 5 years. I am a native of York, Pennsylvania where I received a BA in Psychology, with a Minor in Early Childhood Education from Penn State University and pursued my Masters in Clinical Child Psychology at Loyola College. Having lived in Arizona for the last 21 years with my son (Donny), I was recently blessed to receive the Sacrament of marriage with my soul mate, Michael Hilliard, and have added two wonderful girls (Emma and Tess) to our family! Our newest edition (Bella) is a 7 month old lab +? who “picked us out” at the pound! Since returning to this parish, my husband and I have become Adorers for the Perpetual Adoration, in which I also assist as an hourly captain. I feel truly blessed to be part of this caring and giving community! It always amazes me how often we are given the opportunity to experience His undying love through the selfless actions of our fellow parishioners.

Ami Anderson
Administrative Assistant

My name is Ami Anderson and I am so excited to be working with the fantastic staff here at St. Joan of Arc Preschool! I have been married to my husband, Doug, for 8 wonderful years and we have 2 children: Devin who is 7 and attends first grade at Annunciation Catholic School, and our daughter Payton who is 4 and attends Pre-K here at St. Joan of Arc Preschool.

Before starting our family, I worked in the accounting field as a staff and cost accountant. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 2002. I have also been very involved in my children's education as a Parent Advisory Board member at a previous catholic preschool, assisting with fundraising and school activities.

I am thrilled to be a part of the St. Joan of Arc family!

Eileen Wraith
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Teacher

I am so excited to have the privilege to teach the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and to be able to help your child grow in their relationship with Jesus. I am really looking forward to seeing these precious children grow in their love of God and the Catholic Church.

I was born and raised in upstate New York. When I was almost 17, my parents decided to move our family to Phoenix, Arizona. I went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. I was a CPA for 10 years, worked in both Public and Private Accounting and taught Accounting and Business Math classes at Scottsdale Community College. I have taught Religious Education classes for many years here at St. Joan of Arc. I have also been an aide in second grade at Pope John XXIII Catholic School. I taught the Mini 4’s class here at St. Joan of Arc Preschool and last year was Assistant Director of the Preschool. I have just recently begun my training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

My husband Jim and I have been happily married for 24 years. We have a son, Jimmy, 21, who is attending seminary for the Diocese of Phoenix at the Pontifical College of Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. We also have a daughter, Becca, almost 20, who is a sophomore at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

I look forward to providing your child with a wonderful place to blossom and grow in their love of our Lord.

Jennifer Dougherty
PreK Teacher

Welcome to St. Joan of Arc Preschool. I am so blessed to be your child’s Pre-K teacher! Working together, we are going to have an amazing year.

I am looking forward to my third year of teaching at SJA. I also look forward to getting to know your children. To help you get to know me, I’d like to share with you a little bit about myself. I was born in Indiana and moved to Arizona shortly thereafter. Growing up in Arizona has been wonderful, and I am so lucky to have all of my family here in town. My husband, JD, and I have two very busy sons, Dillon (age 9) and Holden (age 8). We also have a Miniature Australian Shepard named Zoey. Both of my children attended SJA for Preschool and are now at Pope John XXIII. Our family likes to travel, attend sporting events, hike, go fishing and watch movies. When I am by myself, I like to shop and get pedicures!!

I graduated from ASU with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recreation Management. I then continued my education at Ottawa University in Phoenix and received a Post-Baccalaureate in Elementary Education. Up until the time my youngest son was born, I taught in the Roosevelt School District as a first, third and fourth grade teacher. I absolutely love to teach and watch children learn!

Please feel free to talk to me about any concerns you may have about your child throughout the year. Together we will be partners in your child’s education.

Meg Kinneberg
Mini 4's Teacher

Dear Parents,

Welcome to St. Joan of Arc Preschool and the mini-4’s class! I am very excited to begin another year of teaching at SJA. God truly blessed me nine years ago when He guided me to the St Joan of Arc community. I love coming to work and being surrounded by all of God’s miracles- your children and being able to teach them how much Jesus loves them!

I was born and raised in Denver, CO where I was educated in Catholic schools until I went to college. I have my BA in Sociology from Arizona State University and my MA in Psychology/Counseling from Antioch University.

I have 18 years experience working in Early Childhood Education, and I have worked 8 years at a NAEYC accredited preschool in Spokane, Washington where I taught 4-5 year olds. I then spent 2 years teaching in an ECEAP program in the Spokane Central Valley School District. My classroom was a multi-age class of 3, 4 and 5- year olds, which was, needless to say, very challenging. Since moving to Phoenix, SJA has been my home where I have taught mini-4’s, four year old, and Pre-K classes.

My husband, Eric, and I have two sons. Kyle, 24 years old, is beginning his 3rd year of graduate school at UCLA where he is studying Math. He hopes one day to teach at the college level. Our younger son, Craig, is 22 years old and is living in San Bartolo, Peru. He has entered Formation with the Sodalit Community and is studying for the priesthood. I continue to try and “embrace” the “empty nest” life style, but I do miss having my boys at home! In my spare time, I love to bike, swim, and golf.

I feel very blessed to be here at St Joan of Arc Preschool and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your child. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together with you! I know this will be a very exciting, fun year!

God Bless,
Meg Kinneberg

Sheri Miles
PreK Teacher

My name is Sheri Miles and I am very excited to be returning for my 5th year at St. Joan of Arc Preschool. I was raised here in Phoenix. Following high school, I moved to California and attended Los Angeles City College. I worked in the health-care industry for several years. I have over 16 years experience working with young children and I regularly advance and update my skills via Early Childhood Education classes.

My husband, Alex and I have been married for 19 years. We have four children: Jenna, a junior at Notre Dame Preparatory; Mattie, a sophomore also at Notre Dame; Lindsey, an eighth grader at Blessed Pope John; Alex, a former St. Joan of Arc graduate, now a fifth grader at New Way Learning Academy. We enjoy a busy family life but in my spare time I like reading, home-decorating, art, sporting events and traveling.

I am very thankful to God for leading me to this rewarding profession and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your child.

Spring Maertens
3's & Mini 3's Teacher

It is with great enthusiasm I introduce myself to you. My name is Spring Maertens, and it has been a true joy to teach at this wonderful faith-based preschool! This is my 5th year instructing the 3's class, along with a Mini 3. I also assist with our Lunch Bunch program.

My husband and I moved to Arizona six years ago. We both were born and raised in California, as were our two, now adult, children. I was on the teaching team at All Saints by the Sea Preschool in Santa Barbara for over twenty years. I have also taught Religious Education for many years at our parish. My Early Childhood Education was received at Santa Barbara City College along with Glendale Community College. In addition, I continue to add early childhood education classes to my regular schedule!

My husband and I are Parishioners at St. Helen Catholic Church in Glendale. In addition, I am a Eucharistic Minister for the local Hospitals.

I never tire of educating these wonderful children and watching them grow, especially within our Catholic faith, and look forward to a year of learning with them. Please know that I am always available to you with any questions or concerns you might have. Most of all, I want to thank you for sharing your children with me!