About Eastminster Preschool

Eastminster Preschool has provided quality preschool education to the Grand Rapids area children since 1973. Our curriculum is based on skills for kindergarten readiness. Our preschool curriculum has a play-based and child-centered focus.

The enriched and exciting learning environment offers unparalleled space for children to move and learn. It inspires a child’s natural curiosity, promotes self-discovered knowledge, encourages independence, and builds self-esteem.

Small Student to Teacher Ratios

Eastminster Preschool classes have low student/teacher ratios and are taught by teams of licensed and bachelor-degreed teachers. Our preschool teachers possess the highest level of education and experience available in the Grand Rapids area. Highly-qualified and enthusiastic, our teachers provide an curriculum which is developmentally-appropriate. Classes help to foster social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

Our goal is for each child to leave preschool with enhanced knowledge, independence, self-confidence, creativity, self-control and a love for learning. They will attain the foundational skills for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Degreed & Licensed Teaching Staff

Wendy Zwiers

Wendy Zwiers

Director

  • M.Ed. Western Michigan University; K-8 License with early childhood endorsement; B.A. Calvin College.
  • Special Interests: music, children’s literature, story telling.
  • 25 years experience.
Amy Karel

Amy Karel

Director / Teacher

  • K-6 License; B.A. Calvin College, Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
  • Special Interests: music & movement, language arts.
  • 22 years experience.

Allison Kress

Allison Kress

Teacher

  • K-5 License; B.A. Ferris State University.
  • Special Interests: art, sensory play, children’s literature.
  • 20 years experience.

Kathy Wiegers

Kathy Wiegers

Teacher

  • B.A in sociology, social work minor, Calvin College.
  • Lead teacher, Daycare Center, Michigan licensed home daycare provider.
  • Special Interests: art, children’s literature, social development.
  • 24 years experience.

Melissa Marsh

Melissa Marsh

Teacher

  • M.Ed. Grand Valley State University; K-8 License, B.A. Michigan State University.
  • Special interests: differentiated instruction, children’s literature, reading readi-ness.
  • 20 years experience.

Anne VandenBerg

Anne VandenBerg

Teacher

  • Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
  • Special Interests: creative movement, social-emotional development.
  • 25 years experience.

Becky van der Woerd

Becky van der Woerd

Teacher

  • K-6 License; B.A. Calvin College.
  • Special Interests: art, social development, and reading.
  • 16 years experience.

Jessica Gragg

Teacher

  • B.A. Calvin College.
  • 7 years experience as a preschool aide.