Mary Richardson is an extended care teacher in the preschool classroom. Mary grew up the youngest of five children, with two sisters and two brothers. When she was 8 years old, her family moved from Omaha to Lincoln. Mary was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school before she attended Southeast Community College, twice, and earned two Associate Degree’s, one in Art and the other in Early Childhood Education. Mary also has her Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She started working at Westminster Preschool in 2013 and has been with us ever since.
Angie Smith
Angie Smith is a substitute teacher for both the preschool and Pre-K. I was born and raised here in Lincoln. Growing up in the Bethany area, I attended Bethany Elementary School, now known as Bethany Retirement Center, Charles Culler Middle School, in my day known as Junior High, graduated from Lincoln East High School and graduated from a one year program at Southeast Community College as a Surgical Technician receiving my certification as well. I was blessed with two daughters who have also blessed me with 2 son in laws and 6 grandchildren, three each. I have recently retired from Lincoln Public schools working as a Para for 30 years. I worked the first nine of those as a Special Ed Para at Hawthorne Elementary School and the last 21 working in the OT/PT Dept. traveling to various schools working with children helping them to improve their fine and/or gross motor skills. I couldn’t have been more blessed with a fun and fulfilling occupation with the most loving children. It was an incredible learning experience for me as well. Having lost my husband of 24 years, working here at the preschool has been an added highlight to my life!
Judy Nyhof
Hi, Miss Judy here AKA Judy Nyhof. I have been teaching at Westminster since 2001, now a substitute in the preschool and Pre-K classrooms. Before teaching preschool I taught elementary school. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State College in Allendale Michigan. I’ve taken grad classes at UNL and Doane. In June my husband, Ed, and I will celebrate 49 years of wedded bliss. We have 3 children 2 daughters and 1 son. They have blessed us with 11 grandchildren. I have had 10 of them in my preschool classes. The youngest lives in Texas and is not attending preschool. We also have 2 great grandchildren. Ed and I enjoy traveling together. We have visited many thrilling and exciting places, I also enjoy reading. Scrap booking is my stress reliever. I spend a number of weekends at crops. I love watching sports.You can hear me cheering on the University of Michigan Wolverines. GO BLUE! My greatest joy comes from watching our children and grandchildren participate in their many activities. It doesn’t matter if it is a sporting event, instrumental or vocal concert, or school play. We have attended many. I am looking forward to another school year and getting to meet and know your child. May God bless you all.
Allie Heins
My name is Allie Heins and I have been a PreK teacher at Westminster for 7 years (and in early childhood for 20). I have a husband, Justin, who works for FedEx and 3 children Avery (14), Breckin (12), and Harlow (9). Outside of school I love to run and be outside and spend time with family and friends! Spiders and creepy bugs freak me out! The kids keep us busy by playing endless games of soccer, running cross country, and participating in dance class! I absolutely love teaching PreK and being there with the children, along side them… as they learn, grow, and discover! Everyday at PreK puts a smile on my face!
Lindsay Ruger
Lindsay Reger is a teacher in our preschool classroom. Lindsay was born and raised in Lincoln. She married her husband, Jason, in August 2015, and between them they are blessed with four children, Jayden, Brinley, Brenton and Lanae. Lindsay has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement to teach elementary art. Lindsay has worked with children for 19+ years, with approximately 13 years both as a teacher and program director. Lindsay has taught preschoolers since 2008. Lindsay is really excited to have the opportunity to join Westminster, work with your family and teach your child.
Rachel Hinze
Rachel Hinze is the director of Westminster Preschool. Rachel began at Westminster in 2016 as a preschool teacher and assistant director. Rachel holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been active in Early Childhood Education for 15 years as a teacher and director. The love of interacting and building relationships with children and their families makes this career the perfect fit. Rachel and her husband, Trevor, have four children; Jazmine, 23, Maddie, 20, Brady, 1K6 and Lily 8. They also have a bonus daughter, Dina Elisabet, who came to live with them through an exchange student program from Norway. The Hinze family loves doing home improvement projects and spending time with their church family at Messiah Lutheran. When she’s not drinking coffee or spending time outside, Rachel loves teaching Jazzercise!
Christy Brugh
Christy is our Pre-K extended care teacher
Sam Daharsh
Sam is a teacher in our Preschool classroom
Heather Buggeln
Heather is a teacher in our Pre-K classroom
Christy Altman
My name is Christy Altman and I am one of the teachers in the Pre-K classroom. This is my fourth year of teaching at Westminster Preschool. One of my favorite things about being a preschool teacher is that every day is different. I also love to watch the children grow emotionally and academically throughout the year.I have been a Nebraska girl most of my life, growing up in McCook, NE and coming to UNL for college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and the Family. I met my husband, Mike, at UNL. We have been married over 25 years and have 3 college-aged children. When I’m not at preschool I love to travel and see new things. I also like to read, scrapbook and keep up with family events and activities.
Sarah Dankenbring
Sarah Dankenbring is a teacher in the preschool classroom.
Westminster Preschool offers preschool and extended care for children age 3 to 5. We are affiliated with Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Westminster Preschool is a proud participant in Step up to Quality and is rated at a Level 5. Step Up To Quality .
