Meet our Staff

Administrative Staff

Director Shona Ellis (Mon am, Tues/Wed/Thurs all day, Fri am)

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon-Thurs)

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon-Thurs)

I started as director in June 2019 at United Church Nursery School. I had been a teacher at the school for 6 years before accepting the director position. I was a substitute teacher before that as all three of my girls have attended UCNS. I served on the

Nursery School Board before becoming a teacher. I truly love Chapel on the Hill an

I started as director in June 2019 at United Church Nursery School. I had been a teacher at the school for 6 years before accepting the director position. I was a substitute teacher before that as all three of my girls have attended UCNS. I served on the

Nursery School Board before becoming a teacher. I truly love Chapel on the Hill and

want to maintain the rich heritage associated with the school.

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon-Thurs)

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon-Thurs)

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon-Thurs)

I first became acquainted with the Nursery School when my daughter attended the oldest class in 2007. I worked here as a teacher in the youngest class for 7 yrs and have 35 years total teaching experience. I started working as Ms. Shona's assistant in Fall of 2020. When I'm not at the Nursery School, I like to kayak, work in the garden, c

I first became acquainted with the Nursery School when my daughter attended the oldest class in 2007. I worked here as a teacher in the youngest class for 7 yrs and have 35 years total teaching experience. I started working as Ms. Shona's assistant in Fall of 2020. When I'm not at the Nursery School, I like to kayak, work in the garden, cook with my daughter, go on long drives with my husband, learn about woodworking, and play with my dogs and cats.

Squirrel Class Teachers (Room 107)

Ms. Bailey Peterson (Tues/Thurs)

Ms. Bailey Peterson (Tues/Thurs)

Ms. Bailey Peterson (Tues/Thurs)

Hello! I’m so excited to join UCNS this year as a Squirrel Class teacher! My family recently relocated to Oak Ridge from Blythewood, South Carolina. I am a proud alumna of the University of South Carolina, where I also worked for over five years in student services, communications, and academic support. As both a teacher and a UCNS paren

Hello! I’m so excited to join UCNS this year as a Squirrel Class teacher! My family recently relocated to Oak Ridge from Blythewood, South Carolina. I am a proud alumna of the University of South Carolina, where I also worked for over five years in student services, communications, and academic support. As both a teacher and a UCNS parent to Knox and Brynne, I’m passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where little ones learn through play, curiosity, and meaningful relationships. I can’t wait for a wonderful year with our sweet Squirrels!

Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)

Ms. Bailey Peterson (Tues/Thurs)

Ms. Bailey Peterson (Tues/Thurs)

Hi, my name is Shannon Cowper and this is my second year at the Nursery School. I've been married to my husband for 15 years and we have three boys who are 12, 10 and 7 years old. I moved here to Oak Ridge from Southern California a year and 8 months ago, and we love it here! I earned my Bachelor's degree in Child development in 2008 and

Hi, my name is Shannon Cowper and this is my second year at the Nursery School. I've been married to my husband for 15 years and we have three boys who are 12, 10 and 7 years old. I moved here to Oak Ridge from Southern California a year and 8 months ago, and we love it here! I earned my Bachelor's degree in Child development in 2008 and worked as a preschool teaching assistant from 2008 to 2012. I have been a stay at home Mom ever since staying very busy with three boys. I am so excited to be working in a preschool again, children are my passion. I am very honored to be able to teach and take care of these precious children.

Mrs. Liz (Mon/Wed)

Ms. Bailey Peterson (Tues/Thurs)

Mrs. Liz (Mon/Wed)

Hello. I'm Ms. Liz, I recently moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee from Amarillo, Texas. I have four children, all boys, ages 16 through 9. My husband and I are about to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development, I've spent many years working with children, mostly in volunteer positions at church.

Hello. I'm Ms. Liz, I recently moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee from Amarillo, Texas. I have four children, all boys, ages 16 through 9. My husband and I are about to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development, I've spent many years working with children, mostly in volunteer positions at church. Prior to being primarily a stay at home mom, I taught preschool and worked as a children's day camp counselor. In my free time I enjoy walking, hiking, creating delicious food, listening to audiobooks and I love playing games with my family.

Hedgehog Class Teachers (Room 106)

Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)

Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)

Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)

My name is Ms. Shannon and this will be my 7th year at the Nursery School. Working with children has always been my passion in life. The last 10 years I've been a child care worker at a local gym and I've been a part time nanny to 2 girls for the past 9 years. My daughter attended here for 4 years so I'm very passionate about this school.

My name is Ms. Shannon and this will be my 7th year at the Nursery School. Working with children has always been my passion in life. The last 10 years I've been a child care worker at a local gym and I've been a part time nanny to 2 girls for the past 9 years. My daughter attended here for 4 years so I'm very passionate about this school. I'm currently pursuing my Child Development Associates Degree i'm very excited for that. In my spare time I love to do anything that involves my kiddos (21 year old son and 10

year old daughter) and photography. I'm looking forward to spending this school year with your children and watching them grow!

Ms. Christine (Mon-Fri)

Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)

Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)

Hello my name is Ms. Christine. I'm 41yrs old and I have 4 children ages 3-18. I have a love for art, nature and the outdoors. I have over 7 years of experience working in education with an emphasis on special education. My teaching philosophy is to focus on self confidence building, social skills, emotional intelligence and regulati

Hello my name is Ms. Christine. I'm 41yrs old and I have 4 children ages 3-18. I have a love for art, nature and the outdoors. I have over 7 years of experience working in education with an emphasis on special education. My teaching philosophy is to focus on self confidence building, social skills, emotional intelligence and regulation through art, music, and socializing. I love to do messy art projects, sing, dance, and explore nature to show your little one what an amazing world we live in.

Bunny Class Teachers (Room108)

Ms. Jasmine (Mon-Fri) (Tues/Wed/Thurs early drop off) (Mon-Fri afternoons)

Ms. Jasmine (Mon-Fri) (Tues/Wed/Thurs early drop off) (Mon-Fri afternoons)

Ms. Jasmine (Mon-Fri) (Tues/Wed/Thurs early drop off) (Mon-Fri afternoons)

Mr. Jacob (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)

Ms. Jasmine (Mon-Fri) (Tues/Wed/Thurs early drop off) (Mon-Fri afternoons)

Ms. Jasmine (Mon-Fri) (Tues/Wed/Thurs early drop off) (Mon-Fri afternoons)

I am a 4th generation Oak Ridger, born and raised, my great- grandfather moved here during WWII and worked as a drafter at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. I grew up here, playing football and singing in chorus at Oak Ridge High School and I graduated in 2009 and attended Tennessee Tech University. In 2014 I moved to Atlanta, GA and after

I am a 4th generation Oak Ridger, born and raised, my great- grandfather moved here during WWII and worked as a drafter at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. I grew up here, playing football and singing in chorus at Oak Ridge High School and I graduated in 2009 and attended Tennessee Tech University. In 2014 I moved to Atlanta, GA and after a brief stint living there and working as a Business Banker, my wife and I returned back to our home in East TN to begin our family. In 2020 we welcomed our son, who attended UCNS and now goes to Willow Brook Elementary. During his time at UCNS I began to volunteer as a substitute teacher in several of the classrooms and now the Bear Cubs have welcomed me as an assistant full time. I also work as an instructor teaching 2nd-12th grade students introductory programming, computer science, and various STEAM related curriculums with a private tutoring academy. I hold an Associate of Science, Java programming and I graduate in May of 2027 with a Bachelor of Science, Computer Game Design & Development with a concentration in Computer Science and minor in Software Engineering from Kennesaw State University. I love to spend my free time creating and playing video games, fishing, boating and playing TTRPG’s with my family and friends. My philosophy in the classroom is centered around one concept, educate and lead with compassion, patience, and by being the example.

Bear Cub Class Teachers (Room109)

Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Wed afternoon) (Fri early Drop Off)

Hi there! I’m Kimberly Cardall, and I’ve been lucky to teach in the Bear Cub classroom for the past 12 years. I love building connections with the children and their families. My teaching philosophy is to discover and nurture the potential in each child, promote emotional intelligence, guide behavior with love and gentle persuasion, enc

Hi there! I’m Kimberly Cardall, and I’ve been lucky to teach in the Bear Cub classroom for the past 12 years. I love building connections with the children and their families. My teaching philosophy is to discover and nurture the potential in each child, promote emotional intelligence, guide behavior with love and gentle persuasion, encourage creativity, and teach foundational skills that will support children through a lifetime of learning.

I have an associate's degree in early childhood development, and I’m currently working toward my degree in Early Care and Education, with a minor in Emergent Learning, at East Tennessee State University. I’ll be graduating in the spring of 2026!

I’m originally from Arizona, but I’ve called East Tennessee home for the past 25 years. My husband, Christian, and I have raised four wonderful daughters here, plus one very spunky cat named Penelope. In my free time, I love traveling to visit family, singing, exercising, reading, and cooking healthy meals.

Mrs. Mary (Mon-Fri)

I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but have lived in Oak Ridge for 33 years with my husband, three grown daughters, and 5 cats! I have taught at UCNS for 19 years. During school breaks, I work as an instructor at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. I have also worked at Kern United Methodist Church and Oak Ridge Schools. I graduated t

I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but have lived in Oak Ridge for 33 years with my husband, three grown daughters, and 5 cats! I have taught at UCNS for 19 years. During school breaks, I work as an instructor at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. I have also worked at Kern United Methodist Church and Oak Ridge Schools. I graduated this Spring from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s of science in early childhood development and a minor in emergent inquiry. My teaching philosophy is that children learn through play, intentional interactions with adults, and socialization with peers. I enjoy nature, art, music, and reading which I like to incorporate into classroom learning!

Classroom Aides

Mrs. Tomoko (Tues/Thurs Floater)

Our family has been associated with Chapel on Hill for more than twenty years; both of my sons are prior students. I am originally from Japan and other than my husband, don’t have any relatives close by. Prior to my own two sons, I had very little experience with children and parenting was something new to me. Chapel on the Hill staf

Our family has been associated with Chapel on Hill for more than twenty years; both of my sons are prior students. I am originally from Japan and other than my husband, don’t have any relatives close by. Prior to my own two sons, I had very little experience with children and parenting was something new to me. Chapel on the Hill staff and management were a great help in learning how to raise children and were very supportive. I fell in love with this school and am so lucky to work here.

Mrs. Mary (Tues/Thurs in Bear Cubs)

Hello families! I am a born and raised Oak Ridger, graduate of ORHS, and have an Associate Degree in Social Science. I attended UCNS "Chapel on the Hill" as a child, and my son has now attended as well. While he was here, I served as a member on the UCNS Board, became a substitute, and eventually an aide for our wonderful teachers as we

Hello families! I am a born and raised Oak Ridger, graduate of ORHS, and have an Associate Degree in Social Science. I attended UCNS "Chapel on the Hill" as a child, and my son has now attended as well. While he was here, I served as a member on the UCNS Board, became a substitute, and eventually an aide for our wonderful teachers as well. I am currently a board member for Emory Valley Community Pool and Vice President of the Woodland Elementary PTO. I love going for walks, reading, gardening, cooking, singing in my church's Praise Team, and snuggling my kid and supporting all the sports and activities he is involved in!

Thank you for the opportunity to share in the lives of your children. They are precious, important, and worthy of all our love and attention!

Mrs. Lauren (Mon/Wed/Fri Floater)

Mrs. Lauren (Mon/Wed/Fri Floater)

Hello! My name is Ms. Lauren. This will be my 5th year @UCNS. On Halloween of 2024 I became a grandmother to the sweetest little boy and I spend every moment I can with him!

Ms. Sa'Rhi (Mon-Fri in Robins)

Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)

Mrs. Lauren (Mon/Wed/Fri Floater)

Ms. Kim

Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)

Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)

Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)

My name is Ms. Kim, I have been working in childcare for 16 yrs now, I have found this job to be the most enjoyable and most satisfying job I have ever done!, I enjoy the fact of coming to a place where I can be greeted with smiles and laughter and know, at the end of the day, I have made a difference in a child’s life! Making a child smi

My name is Ms. Kim, I have been working in childcare for 16 yrs now, I have found this job to be the most enjoyable and most satisfying job I have ever done!, I enjoy the fact of coming to a place where I can be greeted with smiles and laughter and know, at the end of the day, I have made a difference in a child’s life! Making a child smile, brings me happiness in my life and makes for a better and brighter day for us all!! I myself have 4 beautiful children of my own, ages as old as 33,27, 15 and my youngest is 9! I am also a grandmother of 1 little 3 year old!, I have been married for 20yrs now, and living in TN for 17yrs! Originally born and raised in California, also lived in Arizona for 4... I have just recently joined the UCNS as a Teachers Aide, and look forward to meeting each an everyone of you!

Mrs. Alex (Tues/Thurs in Hedgehogs)

Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)

Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)

Ms. Net (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri in Bunnies)

Ms. Claudia (Mon/Wed/Fri - in Bear Cubs)

Ms. Claudia (Mon/Wed/Fri - in Bear Cubs)

Ms. Claudia (Mon/Wed/Fri - in Bear Cubs)

Ms. Claudia (Mon/Wed/Fri - in Bear Cubs)

Ms. Claudia (Mon/Wed/Fri - in Bear Cubs)

Hello! I’m Claudia Trabalka. I am excited to be joining the preschool this year. I was born and raised in Oak Ridge. I have been coaching and teaching swimming lessons to kids for the past seven years. I love being outdoors, swimming, any arts and crafts, and being with friends and family. I am excited to help the kids experience new thin

Hello! I’m Claudia Trabalka. I am excited to be joining the preschool this year. I was born and raised in Oak Ridge. I have been coaching and teaching swimming lessons to kids for the past seven years. I love being outdoors, swimming, any arts and crafts, and being with friends and family. I am excited to help the kids experience new things, grow their creativity, become better learners, and be a helping hand.

Special Area Teachers

Mrs. Darcy

My name is Darcy Schrider. I am a Music Therapist, with a degree from Tennessee Tech University. I have been working as a self-employed, contract therapist in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area since 1998. I have been the Music Director at United Church Nursery School since September 2013. I also teach piano, flute and guitar in my home. Matt a

My name is Darcy Schrider. I am a Music Therapist, with a degree from Tennessee Tech University. I have been working as a self-employed, contract therapist in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area since 1998. I have been the Music Director at United Church Nursery School since September 2013. I also teach piano, flute and guitar in my home. Matt and I have two daughters and our favorite hobby is to travel. It is my passion to teach and share my musical talents to all ages.