Meet the Team

Dedicated & Certified

Kristi Olterman

Director

I have proudly served as the director of Mt. Zion UMC Preschool since 2010. Prior to that time, I taught preschool for 6 years and at the elementary school level for 6 years, as well. I attended Furman University where I received a degree in Early Childhood Education, and then Oglethorpe University where I earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education.

I have been married to my husband, Rob, for 30 years and we are entering the realm of "empty nesters". We have two awesome boys, Nathan (25), who graduated from Clemson University and is now a productive member of society living in D.C., and Cameron (22), who graduated last spring from the University of Tennessee and has entered the work force here in the Atlanta area. Yay!

I am very proud to lead such an incredibly qualified staff and the fantastic families of Mt. Zion Preschool, the loving school in the heart of East Cobb!

Lory Pruitt

Assistant Director

I have been at Mt. Zion UMC Preschool, the best preschool in East Cobb, since 2008. The first two years, I was the resource Manager and then became the Assistant Director in 2010.

I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a teaching degree in grades Pre-K through 8. I met my wonderful husband there,
and we have three children. My daughter Kelsey graduated from UGA and now lives in Washington DC and works for Morning Consult. My son Tyler graduated from Auburn and lives here in Atlanta. He works for JM Wilkerson Construction Company. My youngest, Brandon, is a Junior at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and is majoring in Religious Studies.

I am so incredibly blessed to be part of this wonderful Mt. Zion Preschool family! Come join our preschool because I know you will love it as much as I do!

Ashley Endara

Teacher

My name is Ashley Endara and I am excited to join Mt. Zion this year as a lead M-F 4’s teacher! I recently moved to East Cobb from Dunwoody, where I enjoyed teaching for the past nine years at DUMC Preschool. I was born and raised in the Atlanta area, while my husband grew up in Quito, Ecuador. I graduated from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) with a BA in Linguistics and then went on to earn my Master's Degree in Teaching from Georgia State University. I taught in the public elementary school system before having my three beautiful children, and in my free time I enjoy learning foreign languages, hiking, and playing the piano. I am looking forward to sharing a wonderful year of love, learning and fun with your children!

Allison Redhead

Teacher

This is my 5th year at Mt. Zion and I am so excited to continue as Lead Teacher of the Beach Buddies M-F 4’s class! Prior to joining the staff at Mt. Zion, I was a Paraprofessional at Murdock Elementary for 13 years in the areas of Special Education, P.E., Kindergarten and Reading Intervention.

Mt. Zion Preschool holds a special place in my heart as both my daughters went here! Olivia (22) just graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Studio Art degree. Natalie (25) graduated from Georgia College in 2023 with a degree in Psychology and recently received her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Our family lived in East Cobb for 17 years and in 2023 my husband and I moved to Acworth to be closer to Lake Allatoona.

I enjoy traveling, decorating my home, lake activities, learning to play golf, true crime podcasts and spending time with family and friends.

Bekah O'Toole Crosby

Teacher

I am beyond thankful to be a part of the Mt. Zion UMC Preschool family! I have been teaching at Mt. Zion since 2021. After growing up in Fayette County, I attended Kennesaw State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Before joining the Mt. Zion family, I spent several years working in private childcare in the East Cobb area. While I have experience working with children of all ages, my true passion has always been teaching the preschool age group. It is such a joy to watch children learn, grow, create, and discover the world around them while having fun!

My husband, Brian, and I have a wonderful 3-year-old son and recently welcomed our baby girl in March. We are excited that our son will be returning for his third year at Mt. Zion! As a family, we love spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, and making lasting memories together.

I believe every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore the world around them. My goal is to create a classroom where children are excited to learn, make new friends, and develop a lifelong love of learning. I look forward to getting to know each child and partnering with your family for a wonderful school year!

Marlo Giamou

Teacher

I am excited to return to Mt. Zion as Lead Movement teacher! It has been such a joy getting to know our incredible students and families, and I can’t wait for another year filled with laughter, learning, and fun.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and am also a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. I’m passionate about helping children develop confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of being active through engaging games, creative activities, and positive encouragement.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Mt. Zion community and look forward to partnering with our families to help each child learn, grow, build confidence, and have lots of fun. Here’s to another fantastic year of making memories together!

Julie Pass

Teacher

I have been a part of this wonderful preschool since 2023. I was born and raised in Cobb County and spent many years living away in Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, Tennessee. My undergraduate degree is from The University of West Georgia and I have a masters degree in education from Georgia State University.

Prior to having my children I was an elementary special education teacher.

My husband Stephen and I have a son and daughter who keep us busy with sports and activities. As a family we love to travel, hike, camp, and ride bikes together. I love to play tennis, walk and bake in my spare time. It is an honor to watch your child grow and learn this school year!

Minda Crosby

Teacher

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be an assistant teacher at Mt. Zion this year in the 3’s Monday, Tuesday & Thursday class alongside Ms. Jen. I am a Florida native - I grew up in Jacksonville and did my undergraduate at UCF in Orlando, Go Knights! My husband and I moved to East Cobb in 2018.

Our son will be in a 4’s class next year and our daughter is in 5th grade! In my free time I love being outdoors, spending time with friends, going to the beach, doing puzzles, reading, and cheering on our kids at their sporting events. Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, friendships and fun!

Christy Luttrell

Teacher

I am excited to be a lead teacher for the 4's Monday- Friday class. Mt. Zion is a great learning experience as we were fortunate to have two children graduate from here.

My past experience has included being a kindergarten/ first grade teacher, and elementary school counselor.

My educational background includes being an alumni of Emory University, Primary/Elementary education from Rollins College, and a Masters in School Counseling from Stetson University.

On a personal level, I like being outdoors,walking, beach activities, reading and being with my family and friends.

Looking forward to a great year!

Amanda Valle

Teacher

After having the privilege of subbing in most classes last year, I am so excited to join Mt. Zion as a regular staff member this year as the Assistant Teacher in the 4’s M-Th class!

I grew up just over the river in Roswell and attended Valdosta State University. My husband and I moved to East Cobb in 2017 and have two boys, Thomas and Ben, and a little black cat named Ted. Our oldest started at Mt. Zion in 2020 and is now a rising 2nd grader at Tritt and our youngest is heading into his last year at Mt. Zion. In my free time I love to needlepoint, go to Barre classes, work in the yard, and have movie nights with my family.

I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Mrs. Luttrell in the Forest Friends class and am looking forward to the school year ahead!

Jen O'Daniel

Teacher

I am thrilled to be teaching at Mt. Zion Preschool this year! I grew up in Athens, Georgia, and attended college at Furman University, where I met my husband, Clay. After graduating, I received my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Georgia State University. I have taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade for 7 years before moving to East Cobb and staying home with our two children, both grown teenagers now, a son at Pope High School and a daughter at Auburn University - War Eagle!

In more recent years, I have been a preschool substitute and assistant teacher, and I am thrilled to lead the 3's class this school year alongside Ms. Minda!

I love being outdoors with my family, spending time with friends, playing games, and traveling - especially to the beach! I can't wait for a fun year full of learning and growing!

Jamie Crawford

Teacher

I am so excited to be teaching the Monday- Friday 3 year olds again this year at Mt. Zion. This will be my fifth year at Mt Zion.

I have taught both preschool and elementary school in NC, SC, and FL. I graduated form Appalachian State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I relocated to the Marietta area nine years with ago my husband and two daughters. My oldest is going to be a sophomore at Brevard college and my youngest will be a senior at Walton.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, going to the beach, watching the Braves, and reading a great book.

I am looking forward to a great year with everyone.

Samantha Vlass

Teacher

My name is Samantha, and I am so excited to be joining the Mt. Zion UMC Preschool family this year as an Assistant Teacher in the Twos! I have spent the past 11 years as a Special Education teacher in Cobb County, where I had the privilege of helping children learn, grow, and build confidence every day. While I loved my time in public education, I am thrilled to begin this new chapter teaching preschool.

I believe the preschool years are such a special time. I love watching children learn through play, discover new things, build friendships, and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments. I look forward to helping create a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, and excited to come to school each day.

I graduated from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. My husband and I have two young children, Jacob and Anna. We are especially excited because Anna will be attending Mt. Zion this year, too! As both a teacher and a parent, I know how important it is to find a place where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to grow.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and making memories with my little ones. I can’t wait to get to know each of your children and make this a wonderful year of learning, laughter, and fun!

DSC09511_MOD2_CR5x7 - Copy (2)_edited.jpg

Alicia Snyder

Teacher

I am the Lead Teacher for the MWF three year old class, the Fabulous Fishies. My son attended Mt. Zion for 5 years and I really loved what the school had to offer. After subbing at Mt. Zion for a couple of years, I decided to join this wonderful staff. I attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where I received a degree in Elementary Education. I taught 5th grade for 4 years and also earned a Masters in Educational Administration from Kent State University. I have been happily married for over 20 years and have a daughter in high school and a son in middle school. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, photography, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and exploring together! Let’s Dive In!

Gabriella Boyle

Teacher

It has been my privilege for the past 19 years to be part of the Mount Zion Preschool family. I discovered Mt. Zion Preschool when we enrolled our youngest son. I was so impressed with the love and learning environment that I left the corporate world and decided to become part of the school.

I became part of the Young Fives Program. The gift of the Young Fives Program offers students a unique advantage in a small class setting to focus on each student’s unique learning style. Once I became the Lead Teacher, I had the opportunity to expand the learning curriculum. Every year I treasure the journey we take as a “community of friends” to develop critical thinking skills and learn the magic of a story and the wonder of words.

I have been married to the same amazing man for the past 40 years and we are blessed with three adult children, plus a dog and a cat. I treasure and am so thankful for this journey that I get to take with these wonderful young students year after year.

Hannah Slocum

Teacher

This is my sixth year teaching at Mt. Zion. I am an East Cobb native and received my teaching degree from Kennesaw State. I have experience in primary grades at a local East Cobb school prior to staying home with my kids. I have 2 children that have gone through Mt. Zion and I fell in love with the school and the staff. During my free time I enjoy reading, exercising and going to the beach with my family. I’m excited for another great year!

Holly Hugh

Teacher

I’ve been a part of Mt Zion preschool since 2009–first as a parent and since 2016 as a staff member. I love it here, and I’m thankful everyday for the opportunity to be a part of this community!
My wonderful husband and I have 4 awesome kids—three of whom are Mt Zion alumni. As a family we love to travel and have adventures, play games, and cheer for one another—whether it’s at a soccer, lacrosse, or rugby game, a dance recital, or a stage production! Never a dull moment!

Brooke Dean

Teacher

I am very excited to be joining the Mt. Zion Preschool team as an Assistant Teacher in the M-F 4s class! I was born and raised here in East Cobb and recently graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration- War Eagle!

I have always enjoyed working with children and am looking forward to being in the classroom!

In my free time, I enjoy playing mahjong and tennis, spending time at the beach, and being with my family and friends. I am so excited to meet all the kids and their families, and I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Julie Taylor

Teacher

I am happy to be on staff at Mt. Zion Preschool. I grew up in South Carolina and attended Clemson University. I taught 4th grade for 9 years before moving to Marietta and staying home with my children. I have 4 kids who all attended Mt. Zion Preschool. I love reading and spending time with my family!

Loli Nicola

Teacher

My name is Maria Dolores Nicola, and I’m originally from Argentina. My family and I have lived in East Cobb since 2020.

I hold a degree in Music Therapy from the School of Medicine at Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and bring over 15 years of experience in healthcare and education.

I believe in the power of curiosity, creativity, and collaborative activities as the foundation for meaningful learning.

I’m grateful to support the Science class alongside Ms. Holly and proud to be part of the Mt. Zion Preschool community.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing, spending time with my family and friends, walking my dog Maia, practicing yoga, and exploring nature.

Kay Morgan

Teacher

Both of our children attended Mt. Zion Preschool. I fell in love with the preschool and started working as an assistant in 2011.

I have a CDA in education. I taught the 18–24-month-old class, “The Little Bears” for fourteen years.

I will be the lead teacher starting in 2026 in the twos class, “The Happy Hippos.”

I have been happily married since 2003. We have two children, a daughter, and a son. We enjoy music, traveling, and spending time with family.

Latta Patel

Teacher

I have been teaching at Mt. Zion since 2018, I am a lead teacher in music.

I have a background in dentistry, and I have also done my child development association from Ashworth College.

I have been married to my wonderful husband for 15 years, we have 2 lovely daughters, and 1 fur baby.

When I’m not teaching at Mt. Zion, I like to spend time with family and friends, going on trips, and taking our dog for a hike.

Jody Clickner

Teacher

I'm very excited to be joining the Mt Zion family! I grew up in metro Atlanta and graduated with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. My husband and I have lived in Marietta since 2012. We have 3 boys who have all attended Mt Zion! I love to read, bake, and spend time with our friends and family. I'm really looking forward to a wonderful school year with the Top Dogs!

Paulina Almendaro

Teacher

I am very happy to join the Mt. Zion team as the assistant Spanish teacher, sharing a class with my good friend and name-twin, Mrs. Paulina Gómez.

In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to sub in Spanish and Music, and I love Mt. Zion’s preschool community.

I’m a native Spanish speaker from Mexico City. I moved to the East Cobb area in 2021 with my husband, two children (Natalia and Jorge), and my furry baby (Mr. Bear). Back in Mexico, I worked as a Culinary Arts teacher at Ahahuac University for 10 years and hold a Master’s Degree in Family Sciences. In 2023, I joined Spanish Now ASP and began my journey as a preschool Spanish teacher.

I love baking, crafting, reading, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the beautiful Georgia outdoors.

I’m ready to have fun and learn with your wonderful children, and I’m excited for this new chapter!

Luba Abounassar

Teacher

I have been a 12-18 month teacher at Mt.Zion Preschool since 2015. Taking great care of small children is my biggest passion.

I live with my husband of 25 years in Roswell and we have three sons. I hold a master degree in early childhood education and have taught in elementary schools in Europe for 4years.

My hobbies are healthy cooking and baking,hiking and reading.

Marisa Carter

Teacher

I am the lead teacher in the 4 day 4's Tiger class. Born and raised in Georgia, I received my Early Childhood degree from Georgia College. I began my teaching career in grades kindergarten and first for 8 years. I have been at Mt. Zion since 2011. Teaching is my passion and I love Mt. Zion!

I am married to my high school sweetheart (Rob) with two boys (Mason and Hudson) and two dogs (Hank and Bo). When I am not in the classroom I love spending time with family and friends at our lake home, playing tennis and mahjong, and cheering on Auburn athletics!

Marlene Asensio

Teacher

I taught at Mt Zion from 2004 to 2015 and am so excited to be returning as an Assistant Teacher for the 4-year old class. I have also taught Spanish in After School Programs at different East Cobb elementary schools. I have a degree in Marketing from Georgia State. I am from Panama. I have been married for 30 years and have three children Melissa, Cristina and Charlie. I love to spend time with my family and going to the beach.

Missy Ayele

Teacher

I have been a member of the Mt. Zion staff since 2006. I have worked with in the fours class throughout that time. I was born in Ethiopia, but moved to the United States in 1992. I have two wonderful children, Mathew and Elaine. In my spare time I love catching up with them and spending time together.

Paulina Gomez

Teacher

I am very excited to be the Spanish teacher!

I was born in Mexico City. I am married and have 3 wonderful children Jeronimo, Santiago and Andrea. My daughter Andrea attended Mt Zion preschool and we love everything about it!

We moved to the US in 2021 from Mexico, it has been a great experience living here.

I enjoy exercising and traveling. I love spending time with my family and friends.

Desiree Lewis

Teacher

I’m so excited to be assisting Ms. Boyle in the Young Fives class! I graduated from KSU in 2011 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to starting our family, I had the pleasure of teaching Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and Georgia Pre-K.

My husband and I moved to East Cobb in 2017 and have two girls, Blake (7) and Austyn (4) both who have been part of the Mt. Zion Preschool family. Our youngest is starting her last year at Mt. Zion and, as a family, we all love this sweet little school!

As a family we enjoy riding bikes, playing games/puzzles and traveling. I’m looking forward to the fun year ahead!

Megan Walton

Teacher

I am excited to be working at Mt. Zion this year as an assistant teacher in the M/W/F 24-30 month classroom! I grew up in East Cobb and went to Sprayberry High School where I met my husband Tim. We have been happily married for 13 years and have 3 kiddos Fisher (8), Elsie (6) and Bennett (3). I have been at home with my kids for the last 8 years and before that I was a nanny for multiple families around East Cobb.

I love baking, reading, hanging with family and friends and trying new hobbies! My big two kids have already come through Mt. Zion and we loved their experience so Bennett and I are very excited to get started in the Fall!

Neha Marfatia

Teacher

I am happy to be on the staff at Mt.Zion. I was born and raised in Mumbai, India and have a Bachelors in History and Economics from the University of Mumbai. I have been in Georgia since 2017 and love it here. I have a background in banking and have been married to my husband for 16 years and we have a son in middle school. When I am not teaching I love to spend time with my family, travel, and read. I love being the music teacher because we get to see all the kids from 1 year old class to the young fives.

Annie Williams

Teacher

It is such a joy to be returning to this wonderful school in a new role this upcoming year as the assistant in the 2.5 year-old class. I am so excited to get to know your child and help create a warm, nurturing environment where they feel loved and supported. I look forward to watching the children explore, build confidence, make new discoveries, and experience all of the fun and creativity that our preschool has to offer!

I am a Northern transplant, having lived in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota before calling this area home for the past 8 years. I have been happily married to my husband for 14 years, and we have three boys (ages 10, 8, and 6), all of whom attended this incredible school. Outside of the classroom, I love baking cookies, decorating our home, planning Disney trips, and training for marathons.

I am grateful to be part of this amazing school community and can’t wait for a wonderful year together!

Kelly Jordan

Teacher

I am excited to be joining the Mt. Zion family! And I am excited to be the assistant in Movement.
My husband, Josh, and I have lived in Marietta with our children (Naomi, 20; Jackson, 17; Leeah, 16; and MaKenna, 13) since 2010. My younger three attended Mt. Zion when they were small, and we have many fond memories of their time here. I hold a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education and have been a dedicated stay-at-home mom for the last almost 21 years.
I love traveling, spending time with family, reading, and baking.

Sam Stark

Teacher

I am so grateful to be joining the Mt. Zion Preschool family this year as the Assistant Teacher for our 18-24 month olds!

With a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University and a background in corporate learning and development, I have always been passionate about helping individuals learn and grow. Since having children of my own, I’ve been drawn to early childhood education with a child-centered approach to social-emotional growth, learning through play, and relationship building.

We moved to Georgia in 2020 and my husband and I have two daughters, Millie (7) and Addie (4). Addie will be completing her second year at Mt. Zion in the 4s class this year! I’m excited to bring together my love of learning and teaching with the adoration and awe I feel for children to ensure a year full of growth, love, and fun!

Outside of the classroom, I love reading, gardening, traveling, and long-distance running. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year together!

Alyse Simon

Teacher

I am thrilled to be joining the Mt. Zion Preschool as the assistant art teacher! Born and raised in Marietta, I am a Georgia peach through and through. I attended Valdosta State University to receive my Bachelors in Fine Arts and a minor in Women and Gender studies. I continued my education at CW Post Long Island University receiving my Master’s degree in Clinical Art Therapy. I have been happily married to my husband for 10 years and we have two amazing little boys ( 5 & almost 2). I am so excited to meet and get to know your amazing children this year! I can not wait to share my passion for art and creativity!

Angela Burton

Teacher

Our family has been a part of Mt. Zion Preschool since 2018 and I am so excited to be starting my second year as the assistant art teacher! My husband and I met while attending Valdosta State University and have loved raising our 2 girls here in East Cobb. I loved being a preschool parent of Mt. Zion and I am now so delighted to be able to work here too!

Amy Campbell

Teacher

I am very excited to be joining the Mt. Zion family as the Monday-Friday 3 year old assistant teacher! My nephew graduated from Mt.Zion this year and I have experienced first hand what a magical place it is. I have a degree in English from Hobart and William Smith College and adore working with children.
I lived in London for 10 years with my British husband Simon, and both our sons were born there. In my spare time I love traveling with my family, cooking, reading and walking my two dogs. I am looking forward to a great year ahead!

Tara Bretl

Teacher

I am so excited to join the MWF 2’s class as their Assistant Teacher! My daughter Lexi, 16 and my son Zac, 13 are both Mt Zion alum and this preschool has always held a special place in my heart.
After many opportunities to substitute in various classrooms last year I am so honored to rejoin the Mt Zion Family as an assistant in my most favorite class. This is such a precious age and it truly is a happy place to be a child!
My other joys are spending time with my husband of almost 20 years, my children, exercising, reading, traveling, being outdoors, and shopping (except for groceries!!)

Kelsey McMullen

Teacher

I am so excited for my second year at Mt. Zion Preschool in the 3’s MWF and to join the 18-24 month class T/TH. I have two children Ben (7) who is in 2nd grade and Lily (3) who is currently at Mt. Zion.

I have just celebrated my 10 year anniversary with my husband who attended Mt.
Zion Church as a child. My background is from Wesleyan College where I graduated with a degree in Psychology with an emphasis of child development and then continued at University
of Tennessee where I pursued a Degree in Child Play Therapy.

In my spare time, I love to read, hand knit and spend time with my family. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help your little ones’ grow to love learning and school.

Melissa Buffin

Occupational Therapist

Hi! I’m Melissa Buffin, and this is my third year partnering with Mt. Zion to provide on-site pediatric occupational therapy services. I’m the owner of Milestone Solutions, a private practice offering pediatric OT and parent consultation services, as well as MelissaBuffin.com, a national consulting business where I work as an inclusive design specialist helping create sensory-friendly spaces for children and families across the country.