Meet the Teachers

Mrs. Carolyn Sweeton

Hello! I have the joy of teaching the Terrific Two’s class! I graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and history. In my teaching career, I have worked with children in preschools, day care centers, and public and private schools. Most recently I have been working with preschool children at a summer camp.

My husband and I have lived in Exeter for over 20 years. We have three grown children and two cats. I love spending time with my family, taking walks, reading, and going to the beach.

I am excited to be partnering with you and your child as they have fun learning and growing this year!

Mrs. Tracy Duff

Hello! I am very excited to be starting my fifth year in the Three Year-Old classroom! I am a graduate of Exeter Senior High School and The Wilma Boyd School of Business and Travel.

I live in Exeter with my husband, Christopher, our children, Justin & Angela, and our Golden Retriever, Dakota! Both of my kids are juniors this year; my son at the University of Pittsburgh, and my daughter at Exeter High School. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family & friends, relaxing with my dog, reading, and watching movies.

After working in the travel industry for 27 years, becoming a parent changed my priorities and focus. Watching my children grow and being involved in their education has led me to opportunities to be a cub scout den leader with Pack 333, substitute assistant preschool teacher, an instructional aide for Exeter Township School District at Owatin Creek, and a cafeteria aide at Lorane, the assistant teacher here for the 3’s 2022-2023 class, and now the teacher since 2023!

I can't wait to work with your kids, as we learn, grow and have fun at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool together!

Mrs. Donna Crossland

Hello! I am very excited to be the Assistant Teacher in 3 day (Mon/Wed/Fri) Three-Year-Old classroom! I am a graduate of Reading Senior High School and attended Penn State Berks. I have many years of experience working with children in various roles, which is where my true passion lies. I currently work for Weaver’s Orchard as a School Tour Guide and previously worked in Sales; Marketing for several senior living communities.  I live in Exeter with my husband, Jay. I also have two grown sons, Evan and Sean. Evan attended Schwarzwald UCC Preschool. 

In my free time I enjoy hiking, biking, spending time with my family, and vacationing at the Jersey Shore.  I am looking forward to becoming part of your children’s preschool experience and partnering in their successful development and education.

Mrs. Kelsey Gift

Hello! I am very excited to be joining the 3-year-old classroom as the 2 day (Tue/Thurs) Assistant Teacher.  I am a graduate of Muhlenberg High School and Millersville University with a degree in elementary education. I spent a few years as a substitute in school districts before working at the Children's Alliance Center and eventually becoming a stay at home mom.

My two children both graduated from Schwarzwald UCC Preschool.  My son, Jacob as well as my daughter, Addison both loved their time here.  My loving and supportive husband has always been there for me and helped allow me to be at home with our children during their early years. Our family also includes our dog, Luna.

I've always loved teaching and working with children, which is part of the reason I have been the baton twirling coach for the Muhlenberg High School marching band since 2009. In my free time I love reading, crocheting and being generally crafty and creative.  I'm so glad to have the opportunity to be part of your child's preschool experience.  

Mrs. Danielle Cole

I am super excited for another year of teaching Pre-K at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool! I am a Wilson High School graduate. I have prior experience assisting in elementary classrooms, working in childcare centers, as well as being a caregiver for infants up to school age children. 

I have been fortunate enough to have a supportive husband who has provided me the opportunity to be home with my daughter, McKenna, and my son, Lincoln. Prior to being at home, I worked as a Supervisor at a high volume Ophthalmology practice in Wyomissing. In addition to my husband and kids, we have 2 dogs, (Gunner and Major) an Axolotl, (Rosie) and a bearded dragon (Spike).   Spike spends a lot of time with us in the classroom as well!  In my spare time, I enjoy making memories with my family, cooking, baking, and experiencing new things. 

I am really eager to not only get to know your children, but also be creative with them while getting them prepared for Kindergarten. 

Mrs. Becky Speicher 

I am very excited to be joining the Pre-Kindergarten classroom this year as an assistant teacher. I am a graduate of Exeter Township Senior High School and Berks Technical Institute. I previously worked many years as a dental assistant. Once I had my daughters I became a stay at home mom. When they both became school age, I was a substitute assistant teacher for Schwarzwald UCC Preschool in the 3’s and Pre-K Programs and a volunteer in the kindergarten and first grade classrooms at Lorane Elementary School. Most recently, I was an in home childcare provider for the last ten years.

I live in Exeter Township with my husband, Jason, and my daughters, Rachel and Haley. Both of my daughters are graduates of Schwarzwald UCC Preschool and Exeter Township Senior High School. Rachel is also a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University and Haley currently is a senior at Bucknell University.

In my free time I enjoy playing pickle ball, taking bike rides, going to the beach, and watching Haley play Division 1 college softball.

I am very excited to watch your children learn, grow, and have fun at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool! 

Mrs. Allison McElwee

Hello! My name is Allison McElwee (Mackle-wee). This is my fifth year teaching at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool, however, I have several years of experience teaching preschool, as well as directing preschool ministry at several churches.

I earned my associate degree in early childhood teaching from Reading Area Community College in 2017. My husband, Steve, and I have 3 adult sons and two grandchildren.  We moved to Exeter in 2019, after living in Mohnton for 22 years. We love it here!

My favorite things to do besides teaching preschool and being with my family are watching movies, taking photos, being at the beach, and walking at Longwood Gardens. I'm excited to begin another year teaching at Schwarzwald Preschool. 

Mrs. Michelle Kirn

Hello! My name is Michelle Kirn. I am very excited to be back at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool as an assistant teacher in the Pre-K five day class. I am a graduate of Twin Valley High School. I was a stay at home mom before joining Schwarzwald UCC as an assistant teacher. I live here in Exeter Township with my husband, our three children, and our rescue dog.

Things I enjoy in my free time are running, reading, shopping, going on vacation to the beach, and watching my children’s sports activities. I am looking forward to another year at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool and being a part of your child’s preschool experience! 

Mrs. Kim Schafer

Hello! My name is Kim Schafer and this is my third year working at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool as the Lunch Bunch teacher & coordinator. I am a graduate of Muhlenberg High School and Arcadia University. After several years using my chemistry degree working in laboratories, I became a stay at home mom to my daughter, Kayla, and my son, Owen. Once they were both attending elementary school, I started volunteering so much that their principal suggested I get a job there! I worked as a substitute instructional aide at Owatin Creek for the past 5 years. I live here in Exeter, with my husband, Michael, our children, and our two rescue dogs, Loki and Rocket. 

I enjoy walking the dogs, spending time outdoors, reading, spending time with my family, and vacationing at the Jersey Shore. Attending all my kids’ sporting events keeps me busy as well. I look forward to being a part of your children’s preschool experience and part of the Schwarzwald UCC Preschool family! 

Mrs. Lynne Cuesta

Hello!  I am excited for another year as Director at Schwarzwald UCC Preschool, working with an amazing teaching team!  I grew up in Exeter and am a Schwarzwald UCC preschool graduate myself.  I have my Associates Degree from Penn State Schuylkill and many years experience working with children.  I was an active member on the preschool board and parents on board for a few years before my director role. 

My husband, Rene and I have 3 children- Oliviana, Adrian and Emilia.  They all go to school in Exeter SD and are Schwarzwald UCC Preschool graduates as well. 

I enjoy swimming, baking, going on vacations and spending time with my family and friends!  I also volunteer for my children's school APT and stay pretty busy throughout the year with sports and school activities.  

My goal is to provide a happy and safe place for your child, and for them to love to come to school everyday!  We strive to give your children an exceptional early learning experience and prepare them for their academic road ahead!  

I am looking forward to having a fun year, and watching your children grow socially and  academically!