ELC Staff Members
Administration
Ashley Drechsler started at St James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center in 2020, as the Assistant Director. She became the director, in the spring of 2023. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Walden University in 2016 in Child Development with a concentration in Infant and Toddler development. She also received her PA Director Credential in 2018. Prior to her start Ashley was an Assistant Director at St. Paul Children’s Center in Chambersburg, Pa. Before taking on her administrative role Ashley was a talented Older Toddler teacher at the Gettysburg Growing Place for 17 years.
Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, taking care of her animals, and sewing. Ashley and her husband Joshua have 4 children; Jeremy, Isabella (Izzy), Chase, and Alexis.
Kimberly Shultz started working at SJELC in May 2013 after completing 2 years of Child Development with the Adams County Tech Prep program. She is a 2013 GASD Alumna & graduated from HACC in August 2018 with an Associate’s Degree in Early Care & Education. Ms. Kim has also had training in The Incredible Years; this social-emotional curriculum promotes social interactions between students. Ms. Kim stepped into the administrative role in 2024.
Her mom & twin sisters make up her small immediate family, among other half-siblings & many nieces & nephews. She lives in Fairfield, with her husband, Brad, her son Bryer & 4 dogs, SJ, Nitto, Abi & Zara. Kimberly enjoys reading, spending time with friends/family, going to car/truck events, & spontaneous getaways.
Infants Teachers
Amanda Reed started at the Early Learning Center in early 2000 and left for a few years before realizing her heart was with children and returning in 2019. Amanda has many years of experience working with a variety of age groups.
She is a mother of two children Brian and Maggie. In her spare time, she loves to bake, decorate cakes, and spend time with her family at their cabin. Ms. Amanda is also an Osborn Book consultant.
Angela PungLung started working at St. James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center in 2008, after leaving Burma where she worked as a midwife. Ms. Angela also known as NuNu spends her day in the infant classroom. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Rendar, and four sons: David, Jeremiah, Thomas, and Hudson. Angela likes to go for walks and watch her boys play soccer.
Ms. Cianna has worked with children most of her life. Growing up she always helped take care of her young relatives and siblings, which sparked her interest in child care. As a child, she went to childcare and met many amazing teachers and role models. It is one of her goals to be a positive role model and make a difference in a child’s life like her teachers did for her.
She is currently working on her infant /toddler CDA. Outside of work, she enjoys playing video games and collecting small things like Funko pops and Pokemon cards. She enjoys spending time with her younger brother and sister.
Young Toddlers (1 year olds)Teachers
Megan Marks started with St. James in 2023. I Graduated from Carroll Community College with my Associate in Early Childhood Education. Teaching little ones has always been my passion! I’ve been working in early education since 2012.
I have a daughter McKenna, who keeps life entertaining! I enjoy being outside, reading books, and love the beach!
Megan Bello started working at St. James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center in February 2017. She is a graduate of Gettysburg Area High School where she took one year of the Child Development program with Adams County Tech Prep. Megan enjoys spending time with her family, her daughter Kinslee, friends, and their children. Megan works full-time in our Young Toddler classroom.
Two Teachers (Older Toddler)
Erica Hartlaub started working at St. James in January 2021. I have been working with children for 18 years and have worked in many different settings with various age groups. I attended Lock Haven University where I majored in Elementary Education and I graduated, with honors, from Harrisburg Area Community College receiving an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
I am originally from Lewistown, PA, and moved to the area when I got married in 2012. I currently live in Littlestown with my husband, Toby, our son, Cullen, our 3 cats, Bella, Dash, and Meeko, and our 2 dogs, Lily& Gunner. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, camping, boating, traveling (especially to the beach), gardening, taking pictures/scrapbooking, and singing karaoke. I also love football…Go Steelers…and dirt track racing.
Dominique Frazer is a graduate of the Early Learning program at the Adams County Technical Institute and has more than 15 years of experience working with young children. Dominque has her Infant Toddler CDA.
In her spare time, she enjoys working out at the gym and spending time with her friends and family.
Preschool Teachers
Kylsea Goodling started at St. James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center on September 11, 2017, as a Morning Floater and afternoon Preschool Teacher Assistant. She is a graduate of New Oxford High School and Harrisburg Area Community College with an Associate’s Degree in ECE. She volunteered in the Kindergarten classroom at New Oxford Elementary School. This is her first job directly in early childhood education.
Ms. Emily is starting with us in our preschool classroom in the fall of 2023. Ms. Emily has worked in childcare as a preschool teacher for over 5 years. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, focusing on child development. She also has her CDA in Preschool.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, and her blind cat, reading, and the outdoors as much as possible. Ever since she was 13 she has been a babysitter/ nanny for multiple families. Her passion for working with children has stemmed from working for these families throughout the years.
PreK Teachers
Jessica Reindollar started working at St. James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center in 2017. She has been working with children since 2009. She was a volunteer at Alloway Creek Intermediate School in Littlestown (2009-2011), enrolled in the Adams County Tech Prep Early Learning program (2011-2013), and worked at Childcare Unlimited in Littlestown (2014-2017). Jess graduated from Bloomsburg University with a bachelor’s in Education (2017) and has her teacher certification. Jessica enjoys photography, and softball, and is a Harry Potter fan!
Ms. Ashley joined our team in 2023. She comes with several years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked with all age groups. Her most recent time was spent with busy toddlers. Ashley has a background in criminal justice but found her love working with children. She has three boys of her own that keep her very busy outside of work. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing with her boys, having family game nights, and watching movies.
Kids Club Teachers & Center Floater
Thalia Garcia-Amaya started at St. James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center in February 2016 as a part-time employee while she was finishing school in the Adams County Tech Prep program, and has been employed here since. She is currently in the Toddler classroom. Thalia enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends. She is also studying to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Ms. Samanta, but I go by Sam. I am a 2024 Gettysburg Area High School graduate, where I completed the Early Learning Program at the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI). In the fall I plan on attending HACC for Early Childhood Education.
In my free time, I like to play softball, and watch my older brother race. I enjoy spending time with my two nieces, friends and family.
Ms. Morgan started with us in the summer of 2024. She grew up in New Oxford. She graduated from New Oxford High School in 2020 and recently graduated from Messiah University this spring with a degree in PrK-4 elementary education. At Messiah, she was on the women’s basketball team. Sports has been a huge part of her life and personality for as long as she can remember. She has played softball and volleyball. Besides sports she enjoys being outdoors, going on adventures with her friends, fishing, hunting, and swimming. She has a passion for teaching children and making an impact on their lives.
Floating Staff
Floating staff cover in all of our classrooms. They allow classroom teachers time away from the classroom to plan and prepare lesson plans to meet the children’s interests and needs.
Ms. Erika returned to us in 2023. She was with us previously in our young toddler classroom for two years. Ms. Erika graduated in 2019 from Gettysburg Area High School. While in attendance she took classes with the Adams County Technical Institute, Early Learning Program.
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. One of her favorite things to do is go on adventures with her boyfriend Isaiah and her dog Koda. She enjoys the beach, camping, and exploring new places.
Ms. Jessica return to St. James in 2024. She graduated from Shippensburg University in 2011 with her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2019 with her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has experience over 10 years of experience in Early Learning and primary education levels.
She is a mom of two, 4 bonus kids, and a wild & loving dog. We love the outdoors and exploring whenever possible. A few things she loves to do: running, hiking, anything creative, reading, baseball, dirt track racing.
Ms. Franziska started at St James Early Learning Center in 2024. She was born and raised in Germany. She relocated with her family to Fairfield in July of 2022. She has extensive experience working with children of all age groups.
She is an avid traveler having explored 4 countries so far. She enjoys sewing, crafting, and spending quality time with family and friends. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to creating wonderful experiences.
Kathy Tosten started working at St. James Lutheran Church Early Learning Center in 2019 as the Kitchen Cook. Kathy and her husband, John, have 4 children. Kathy started working in restaurants at the age of 14, and her love of cooking has been with her since. In her free time, Kathy enjoys coffee & lunch with friends, cooking, baking, gardening, and doing puzzles.
ELC Email Addresses
Infants
Ms. Amanda, & Ms. Angela & Ms. Cianna
[email protected]
Young Toddlers
Ms. Megan M, & Ms. Megan (Megs)
[email protected]
Older Toddlers (2’s)
Ms. Erica & Ms. Dominique
[email protected]
Pre-School
Ms. Emily & Ms. Kylsea
[email protected]
Pre-Kindergarten
Ms. Jessica & Ms. Ashley B
[email protected]
Kids Club
Ms. Thalia & Ms. Samantha & Ms. Morgan
[email protected]
Director
Ashley Drechsler
[email protected]
Assistant Director
Kimberly Ellis
[email protected]
St. James Church Administrator (Child Care Tuition)
Katy Clowney
[email protected]
Early Learning Center Governance Chair
Barbara Vossler
[email protected]