Betsy Mueller, Director and Teacher (Monday-Friday)
My name is Betsy Mueller (pronounced Miller). I’ve lived in Mequon for 18 years with my husband, Howard, and our two cats. I have been teaching preschool-age children since I earned my B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Carroll University in 1993. I love teaching children with songs, stories, and games that make learning fun. Helping children achieve success in age-appropriate activities and nurturing a love for learning are my top priorities for this age group. I also enjoy guiding them socially by encouraging them to problem solve, cooperate, and try new things. Each day is new and exciting with young children. I consider myself lucky to have been able to “do what I love, and love what I do” for over 25 years. When I’m not teaching, I love to sing as a classically trained mezzo soprano.
Cindy Anderson, Administrator & Teacher (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
My name is Cindy Anderson. I’ve lived in Mequon for 8 years with my husband, 2 daughters (now 14 & 17), & our chocolate lab, Maggie. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1999 with a master’s degree in public health. When my girls were young, I transitioned from my public health career to teaching preschool. Teaching preschool allowed me more time with my daughters (they attended some of my preschool classes!) and the experience confirmed my passion of working with children. I am constantly amazed by the curiosity, imagination, honesty, & adaptability of preschoolers. I hope to help give the students a safe, accepting, happy & enriching early school experience. In my free time I love traveling, practicing yoga, spending time with my family, volunteering, hiking, & reading a good book by the fire.
Melissa Gebhardt, Teacher (Tuesday, Thursday)
My name is Melissa Gebhardt. I grew up in Mequon and I am still a Mequon resident. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990, where I earned my B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Child Psychology. I got married in 1992 and have been with my husband, Butch, for 34 years. We have three daughters, Hayley (23), Emma (21), and Jamie (17). I have taught at Mequon Preschool since 1992. I’m lucky enough to say that all three of my girls are graduates of Mequon Preschool! I have been the Head Varsity tennis coach for the Divine Savior Holy Angels for 7 years and the Assistant Varsity Coach for the University School of Milwaukee Boys for 6 years. I also instruct at the Paley Tennis Center in their Summer Program and their Summer Camps. I obviously love tennis, and still play competitively on State League teams.
Teresa Kennedy, Teacher (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
My name is Teresa Kennedy and this will be my 7th year teaching at Mequon Preschoool. I have a MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Deafness from Gallaudet University and I have worked with children in a variety of educational settings over the years. I especially enjoy working with young children as they are eager to learn and have fun! I look forward to seeing your child grow and develop skills, confidence and independence throughout the year! I am originally from PA and have lived in Mequon since 2012. My husband and I have three children who either graduated from or attend MTSD.
Rachel Giesfeldt (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
My name is Rachel Giesfeldt. I’ve lived in Germantown for the past 6 years with my husband and 2 daughters (Ava, 12 years and Ella, 4 years old). I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to coming to Mequon Preschool, I worked as a preschool and elementary school teacher in Indiana, as well as in the banking industry and at the corporate headquarters for Kessler’s Diamonds. I’ve enjoyed spending the past four years at home with my youngest daughter and am now looking forward to joining the excellent staff here at Mequon Preschool. I enjoy working with preschool children and watching their enthusiasm and energy grow each day. My goal is to give them a happy, encouraging and nurturing environment to learn and develop in an early childhood setting. In my free time, you can find me spending time with my active family, reading, gardening, golfing & playing in my church’s bell choir.
Jesse Hillstrom (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Hello I’m Jessica (Jesse) Hillstrom. I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in History from University of Wisconsin-Madison and hold a Masters in Environmental Education from Hamline University. I have a background working at summer camps teaching swimming, leading outdoor extended camping trips and ropes courses classes. I’ve also worked in the public schools with students with disabilities by redoing the curriculum to help the specific student needs. I currently split my time between Mequon Preschool and working with adults with disabilities by helping them to find employment. My husband and I have three kids and live in Bayside. All three of our children are Mequon Preschool graduates! I love to be outside walking or hiking. I like being on the water canoeing. In my free time, I play tennis, paddle tennis, swim and downhill ski.
Caleigh Koss (Monday-Friday)
My name is Caleigh Slenk. I have a BA in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement as well as a MA in Reading Specialty from DePaul University. I have worked with a wide variety of ages in the Chicago area. I especially love working with young children as they are developing that eagerness to read and learn! I am originally from Mequon and moved to Chicago in 2015 before recently moving back. I got married this summer and made the move to Fox Point from Chicago with my husband, Ryan. I am so excited to watch your children grow, develop new skills, and get into a strong routine throughout the school year!
