About Us
OUR Philosophy
We believe a child is a complete person, designed by God, growing and maturing in every dimension. To enhance the development of well-rounded individuals, our goals are for each child to:
- Succeed and enjoy his/her preschool experience
- Learn to play and work cooperatively in a group
- Grow to understand and express his/her own feelings and to respect the feelings of others
- Begin to understand God’s love for each of us in His world.
We strive to provide a flexible program with learning experiences designed to meet the needs of each child. The program seeks to enrich and expand the child’s emerging speech and language skills, small and large muscle control, social and emotional development, creative expression and spiritual and intellectual growth.
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” (Mark 9:37)
Guided by Compassion, Care, and THe Love of Jesus in Everything We Do
Meet the Crew
Cathy Peifer
Administrative Director
Cathy Peifer started as part of the Noah’s Ark crew in 2002 as an Administrative Assistant and has been the Administrative Director since 2014. Although Cathy had no formal training in the education field; she answered God’s call to be the administrative support to the school. Having 10 years of administrative experience from SMH, Inc. parent company to Hamilton Watch and SWATCH Watch; Cathy coordinated the repairs department for SWATCH. Leaving there to raise her children, Victoria and Rebekah, she was introduced to Noah’s Ark Nursery School. The rest is history!
Cathy’s Favorite Bible verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite name for Jesus: Redeemer – “Because Jesus has redeemed me”
Cathy says, “I truly believe that God has placed me on the Noah’s Ark staff and I plan on being here until He tells me it’s time to leave. It is an honor and a privilege to serve the families and staff of Noah’s Ark”.
Patti Chase
Director of Education
Patti Chase is currently our Director of Education; she is also known as “Mrs. Noah”. Patti is the creator of our program and ran the school for the first 32 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and has completed Graduate Courses in Early Childhood Education.
Patti’s Favorite Bible verse: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord…. – Jeremiah 29:11-14
Favorite name for Jesus: Emmanuel – God with us!
Patti says, “I count it a privilege and a blessing to work in the ministry of Noah’s Ark Nursery School.”
Bonnie Mellina
3-day Pre-K Teacher
Bonnie Mellina has been part of the Noah’s Ark crew since 2021. She teaches in our 3-day Pre-K program on Monday-Wednesday-Friday. Bonnie holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Millersville University. Bonnie loves working with children and teaching them using fun activities and games.
Bonnie’s Favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 and “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:19
Favorite name for Jesus: Emmanuel- God is With Us
Bonnie says, “Noah’s Ark has given me the opportunity to do what I love; teach. I am able to teach children in a fun and hands on way about the love of Jesus while making them into little disciples.”
Annie Hammel
2-day Pre-K Teacher
Annie Hammel is a teacher in our 2-day Pre-K program on Tuesday-Thursday. She has been part of our crew since 2021. Annie earned her teaching degree from Millersville University and continued her education at Marygrove College completing her Masters of Education. Annie also received her degree in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction.
Annie’s Favorite Bible verse: “…He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” – Psalms 23:2-3
Favorite characteristic of God: Love – unconditional love
Annie says, “I am thankful to be part of a team that models Christ’s love though loving children well and guiding them through their important developmental years. It’s neat to get to serve at Noah’s Ark, a school that has been such a special place for so many people in the community.”
Diana Grinestaff
3-day Pre-K Teacher
Diana Grinestaff started teaching in our Playgroup room in 2019. She has been working with our 3-day Pre-K children on Monday-Wednesday-Friday since 2023. Diana has a Certificate in Preschool from Liberty University and her love for teaching children is evident within her classroom.
Diana’s Favorite Bible verse: When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” – John 8:12 and Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”- Matthew 19:14
Favorite name for Jesus: Alpha and Omega – Because Jesus is the start and end of all things.
Diana says, “The Lord gave me a heart for children. With His help I view each child through the eyes of Christ. Each child is perfect and made in His image. It’s a blessing and honor to teach at Noah’s Ark, where I can share God’s unconditional love and plant the seeds of encouragement, the knowledge of Christ and the love of learning.”
Lisa Jarabak
2-day Pre-K Teacher
Lisa Jarabak is joining us in the 2-day Tuesday-Thursday Pre-K program after completing a long-term substitute position in the Spring of 2024. Lisa is no stranger to the Noah’s Ark crew as she previously taught our Nursery classes from 2011-2016. She has a love for teaching young children and holds a degree in Elementary Education.
Lisa’s Favorite Bible verse: “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you…” – Numbers 6:24-25
Favorite name for Jesus: Lamb of God
Lisa says, “I enjoy having the opportunity to be part of the lives of the children at Noah’s Ark even for the brief time they are with us. Seeing them grow and develop through the year is so special.”
Jerelyn Tice
Nursery Teacher
Jerelyn Tice began her career at Noah’s Ark in 1989. Jerelyn has lived her entire life in and around the Quarryville area. She has years of experience teaching both Pre-school and Sunday School. Jerelyn is a valued part of our team teaching the 3-year-olds in our Nursery classes.
Jerelyn’s Favorite Bible verses: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and healthy to the body.” – Proverbs 16:24 and “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Favorite name for Jesus: Savior, because He walks with me through all my trials and SAVES me!
Jerelyn says, “It is a blessing to me to have the trust of the Noah’s Ark parents as I care for their children. What could be better than getting to share the love of Jesus with children?”
Meghan Cross
Nursery Teacher
Meghan Cross initially shared her gifts as a Parent Representative, Two by Two instructor and substitute teacher for Noah’s Ark. She started teaching classes in 2016, first in the Playgroup class and then moving to our Nursery classes. Meghan has a Bachelor’s Degree from Millersville University in both Secondary Social Studies and Applied Geography with minors in History and Emergency Management.
Meghan’s Favorite Bible verse: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”. – I Corinthians 13:13
Favorite Name for Jesus: Wonderful Counselor – “He served people during His time on earth and still guides his followers today.”
Meghan says, “I have always enjoyed teaching children of all ages. Noah’s Ark has given me the opportunity to teach children at some of their earliest social interactions and experiences. It is awesome to be a part of giving them the love, encouragement and hope to believe in themselves and to provide a happy and safe environment for them to learn and play.”
Sue Nikolaus
Playgroup teacher
Sue Nikolaus previously worked with our Playgroup for fourteen years. She took a ten-year hiatus and then returned in 2019 to share her wisdom and love with our two-year-olds’. Sue is teaching in our T/Th class this year.
Sue’s Favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Favorite name for Jesus: Savior – Because Jesus died for me and forgives me of my sins.
Sue says, “I am so blessed to be back working at Noah’s Ark. It is a joy to be able to teach God’s beautiful children and a gift to work with a great staff.”
Stephanie Pfeiffer
Playgroup Teacher
Stephanie Pfeiffer has been a part of the Noah’s Ark staff since 2023, having been a graduate of Noah’s Ark herself, she felt led to return when she had children of her own. Being a classroom helper and seeing first-hand how the students learn and grow, it became clear that she wanted to teach a class of her own. When the opportunity came, she was excited to start a new adventure teaching Playgroup.
Stephanie’s Favorite Bible verse: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” – Matthew 17:20
Name for Jesus: Light of the world, because of His light, there is no darkness, even when times may seem dark.
Stephanie says, “What started as a volunteer opportunity at Noah’s Ark has blossomed into a wonderful career, that I hope I am able to do for many years to come!”
Linda Kelly
Playgroup teacher
Linda Kelly is starting as a Playgroup teacher this Fall. Linda has a Master’s degree in Organizational and Strategic Leadership from Neumann University. She worked for over 20 years in finance and left her career to stay at home with her children. After recently moving to Quarryville Linda found her way to Noah’s Ark. She was previously a classroom helper and found she loved helping children learn and watching their minds grow.
Linda’s Favorite Bible verse: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Favorite name for Jesus: Beloved Son
Linda says, “I enjoy watching children play and grow. Children are our future, and it’s rewarding to know I can give them a great start in their educational journey. God pointed me toward a path of education at Noah’s Ark and I am loving every second of it.”
