Mimi Miller, Preschool Director
I am thrilled to be Director of Timberlake Christian Preschool (TCP) and I am very excited about all we have to offer the children and their families. The mission of TCP is to provide an enriching, educational experience where each child will develop an enjoyment of learning and respect for God, others and self. This is a preschool where we truly care about the well-being of each and every student and I appreciate you, the parents, entrusting us with the care of your children. My door is open and I welcome you to visit anytime.
Education and Experience:
- Mimi earned her BS in Early Childhood Education and graduated with honors from The University of Georgia.
- She taught fifth grade at The Schenck School in Atlanta, a private school for children with dyslexia.
- Mimi spent one year in an Orton-Gillingham training program and one year in seminary at Mars Hill Graduate School.
- Group leader for PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) for two years.
- Three years as a preschool volunteer, including President of the Parent Association, and as a Sunday School teacher.
- Mimi continues to receive ongoing childhood education training through STARS (Washington State Training & Registration System).
- Married and a mother of 2 children: Alexis (9) and Bridget (7).
Elizabeth Scott-Winkler - Program Supervisor
Elizabeth taught kindergarten and first grade for eight years in the Renton School District. Before that, she taught a year of preschool at First Lutheran in Richmond Beach and was a girls' soccer coach for three years. Her undergraduate degree is from Central Washington University. She also has a Master's Degree in Teaching from City University and has completed several reading and English Language Learner (ELL) trainings.
Elizabeth is married and has three children, Landen (5), Lucca (2) and Langston (2 months). She has attended Timberlake Church for the last six years. She enjoys hanging out with family and friends, the outdoors, cooking, and traveling. Elizabeth's passion is working with kids and fostering a love of learning. She is excited to be part of the Timberlake Preschool team and feels blessed to be able to do what she loves.
Erika Borden - Pre-K Lead Teacher
Erika is a graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught for five years in the Lake Washington School District and spent two years as a preschool co-op parent/teacher. Erika has a gift for working with children. She brings energy, enthusiasm, warmth anda great sense of humor to her work in the classroom.
Erika is married with two young children and she loves to spend time with her family and friends when she is away from the preschool. She also finds time to tutor older students! We are very happy to have Erika on staff as a Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher.
Trish Cornwall - Preschool Lead Teacher and Chapel Lead
I am so excited to be part of the team at Timberlake Christian Preschool. As one of the Preschool Teachers, one of my greatest desires is to see my preschoolers learning about their world and growing in their love for Jesus. I have a BA in Interior Design in Home Economics from Western Washington University and I am currently working toward completing my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.
I have been a teacher here at TCP since their doors opened and over the last eleven years I have been raising my three children Alex (11), Emma (9) and Nathan (7) with my husband Russ and have been extensively involved in Children's Ministry teaching classes from preschool through second grade at our church. I have been a board member of a Christian Preschool and Elementary School and a Volunteer Preschool Children Ministry Teacher for 7 years teaching Preschoolers at Community Bible Study.
One of my favorite Bible verses is from Psalm 8:2. Children are a blessing for "Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger."
Amy Olthouse- Preschool Lead Teacher
Amy considers herself blessed to be a part of TCP! She is a graduate of Washington State University, with a degree in Communications. She has had a passion for Children’s Ministry ever since assisting in Sunday school 20 years ago.
Amy’s experience spans from leading children’s Sunday school classes, serving as a Children’s Ministry Director, teaching Kindergarten at a Christian school, helping with various VBS programs, and homeschooling her four children.
God has given Amy a love for children and a passion for sharing His Word with them. She desires to create a classroom where the atmosphere is warm, joyful and each child knows they are a gift from God. When she is not teaching, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, dates with her husband Steve, walking, gardening, reading, and studying God’s Word.
Linda Thelin – Pre-K Lead Teacher
Originally from the UK, Linda and her family moved to the U.S. in 2003. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Psychology in Scotland and worked for many years with disabled and disadvantaged people. After starting her own family, Linda transitioned to working with younger children. She spent years managing a toddler group, teaching Sunday school, organizing the VBS equivalent in her home church and being a MOPS mentor. Just prior to joining our teaching staff, Linda spent 5 years teaching preschoolers with autism in the Lake WA School District.
Linda is married with two boys aged 17 and 13. She is an Assistant Scout master and works in the 1st/2nd grade room at Timberlake Church on Sundays. Linda enjoys reading and making jewelry in her spare time. She is a creative, attentive teacher and we are very happy to have her on TCP staff!
Katy Shaheen – Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Katy graduated from WSU with an Elementary Education degree. She is a hard-worker with great attention to detail. Katy was born and raised in Alaska and met her husband at WSU. She enjoys the outdoors, traveling, reading and quilting. Katy feels blessed that God has led her to Timberlake Christian Preschool!
Carolyn McEliece - Assistant Teacher
Miss Carolyn and her family have been involved with Timberlake Church for over 20 years. She is the mother of 3 grown children and one grandaughter. She worked as Children’s Ministry Coordinator and in Youth Ministries while her children were growing up. Carolyn is a beloved member of our staff. She has an exceptionally calm nature, an easygoing personality and a loving spirit. Carolyn is someone who truly sees the best in every person. She adores the children and we are very grateful for her presence here at TCP.
Andrea Ponder - Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Andrea always has a smile and a positive attitude. She loves her work and she is excited to be a part of Timberlake Christian Preschool! Andrea attended Washington State University and is currently taking classes to obtain her teaching certificate. She is a mom of two great children, Jackson (7) and Addison (5) and she enjoys sharing her love of teaching with the Pre-K students.
Amanda Kazmi - Lead Teacher, Early Preschool
I am very happy to be a part of the TCP team. I graduated with honors from Washington State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and an extensive background in Disability Studies. Currently I am working toward my Masters in Early Childhood Education/Development. I have a passion for working with young children, especially the birth to three age range. I love coming to school and spending time with the students at TCP! For the past eight years I have volunteered as an intern in a variety of classroom settings with children with disabilities. I believe that there is nothing better than walking into a classroom each morning and seeing the smiling children. Knowing that I can help bring a smile to the face of a child is very satisfying. When I am not working, I enjoy showing horses with my dad and running.
Tara Woodell - Floater and Substitute Teacher
Tara has been with TCP since January 2011. She loves working with all the children! Tara is currently working on earning her AA at Bellevue College in Early Learning and Teacher Education. She was born and raised in WA and loves it here! Her passions are running competitive races, long distance bike rides, weight training, gardening and spending time with her 7 year old son and their 2 beagles. Tara enjoys reading, camping and any outdoor activity when the sun permits!
Kendra Andersen – Early Preschool, Assistant Teacher
After living in Denmark for over 3 years, Kendra and her husband returned to the U.S., and she now feels exceptionally blessed to be a part of Timberlake Christian Preschool (TCP) & Timberlake After School. Kendra attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville,TN studying Social Work, giving her experience with underprivileged and behaviorally challenged children. Kendra’s enthusiasm and passion for children has led her to opportunities to share her love through adoption services, VBS programs, church ministries and international children’s programs. Kendra is thrilled to embrace the children and their families at TCP & TAS!
