Staff
Teacher Chery Lewelling
School Director
Teacher Chery, inspired and directed by God, opened Circle of Friends in 1980. It met in her home until the school simply needed more room and found its new and permanent home here at First Presbyterian.
After 35 years of teaching, she retired in 2015 but was happy to return when asked to take over the position of director. She finds daily joy spending time with the children, sharing smiles, hugs, her endless supply of energy and her love of Jesus.
In her time away from school, she loves to read and walk. And walk. And walk!!
Teacher Linda Rouse
Co-Lead Teacher Starlight Kindergarten/Lead Rainbow 4s PM
The 2023-24 school year is Teacher Linda's tenth year at First Circle f Friends. She taught in Maryland for fourteen years before moving back to Oregon. She loves being close to her children and grandchildren. She feels privileged to teach children about the love of Jesus and seeing them grow in their knowledge and understanding. In her free time she gardens or makes beautiful quilts.
Teacher Kelsey Kaufman
Co-Lead Teacher Starlight Kindergarten
Co-Lead Teacher Starlight Kindergarten
Teacher Kelsey has been a preschool teacher for a total of nine years. This school year, 2023-24, is her seventh year at First Circle of Friends. She studied Early Childhood Education and Family Studies at CCC and uses her knowledge to shape young minds. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking and cuddling with her cat and dog.
Teacher Kenzie Sullivan
Lead Teacher Rainbow 4s AM
This 2023-24 school year is Teacher Kenzie's nineth year teacher at First Circle of Friends. She studied psycology at OSU and loves applying those principles to her work as a teacher. In her free time she enjoys gardening, interior design, and cuddling with her adorable dogs.
Teacher Ginny Michaels
Assistant Teacher Rainbow 4s AM/PM
Teacher Ginny has been a preschool teacher for over twenty years, this 2023-24 school year being her ninth at First Circle of Friends. Her passion is seeing preschoolers learn and grow and be excited about school. She feel privileged to share the love of Jesus with them. When she is not at work, she loves to spend time with her family and her grandchildren, and also quilting or camping.
Teacher Brenda DeVault
Assistant Teacher Rainbow 4s AM/PM
This is Teacher Brenda's first year working at First Circle of Friends. She has previous experience working at other preschools. She is excited to work with and join our wonderful group of teachers and we are blessed to have her. She brings quiet joy and gentleness to the classroom. When she is not working she loves spending time with her family.
Teacher Lou Rouse
Lead Teacher Sunshine 3s
This 2023-24 school year is Teacher Lou's fifth year teacher at First Circle of Friends. She has been married to her husband for 46 years and they have seven grandsons. She homeschooled her children, along with other children, for a total of sixteen years. It's a delight of her heart to teach and share the love of Jesus.
Teacher Sam Harris
Assistant Teacher Sunshine 3s
This is Teacher Sam's Second year at First Circle of Friends. Divine intervention brought her to us and she loves sharing creativity in the classroom. She is an artist and self-published author. She is always smiling, always joyful, always possitive! Before joining FCOF she was a retail manager for many years and uses that experience to help manage the classroom.
Teacher Brandi Cannon
Assistant Teacher Sunshine 3s
Teacher Brandi has been here for nearly two years now. She always looks forward to working with the children. when shes not working she loves to cook and scrapbook.