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've worked here as a teacher in the youngest class for 7 yrs and have 34 years total teaching experience. 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)
Mrs. Sarah (Mon/Thurs)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
Hi, My same is Sarah Ogle. I have been working with kids for over 9 years. It's so rewarding to see them grow and learn. I enjoy being a part of their growing up journey.
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-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 (Tues/Wed)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
Mrs. Liz (Tues/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) (T/W/Th/F afternoons)
Mrs. Jessica Southern (Mon/Wed/Fri) (Mon afternoon)
Mrs. Jessica Southern (Mon/Wed/Fri) (Mon afternoon)
My name is Ms. Shannon and this will be my 4th 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 4th 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 (18 year old son and 7 year old daughter) and photography. I'm looking forward to spending this school year with your children and watching them grow!
Mrs. Jessica Southern (Mon/Wed/Fri) (Mon afternoon)
Mrs. Jessica Southern (Mon/Wed/Fri) (Mon afternoon)
Mrs. Jessica Southern (Mon/Wed/Fri) (Mon afternoon)
Mrs. Tristain Hutchison (Tues/Thurs)
Mrs. Jessica Southern (Mon/Wed/Fri) (Mon afternoon)
Mrs. Tristain Hutchison (Tues/Thurs)
Bunny Class Teachers (Room108)
Ms. Jasmine (Mon-Fri)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
I have been married for 34 years to my husband, Mike, and we have two amazing daughters, Lauren and Jenna who all are teachers. Upon graduation from the University of Tennessee I worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and quit upon the birth of Lauren. I have worked with young children ever since and have been an employee of this school
I have been married for 34 years to my husband, Mike, and we have two amazing daughters, Lauren and Jenna who all are teachers. Upon graduation from the University of Tennessee I worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and quit upon the birth of Lauren. I have worked with young children ever since and have been an employee of this school for 16 years. I absolutely love children and provide them with a loving, fun and educational environment in which to learn.
Robin Class Teacher (Room101)
Ms. Autumn Rose (Mon-Fri mornings and afternoons) (Mon-Thurs early drop off)
Hello! My name is Autumn Rose, or AR for short. I am currently in school for Child and Families study, with a minor in Child Psychology. I love anything that has to do with outdoors, climbing, or water activates. Even though I am fairly new to teaching, I have been working with children my entire life. I am the third of 11 children in my
Hello! My name is Autumn Rose, or AR for short. I am currently in school for Child and Families study, with a minor in Child Psychology. I love anything that has to do with outdoors, climbing, or water activates. Even though I am fairly new to teaching, I have been working with children my entire life. I am the third of 11 children in my family, so I have a lot of experience with caring for children.
I strive for making connections with the children in my class everyday, and to be a good example for them.
I am excited to be here at Chapel on the Hill, and I plan to stay for quite awhile :)
Bear Cub Class Teachers (Room109)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Wed afternoon) (Fri early Drop Off)
Hello! I’m Mrs. Kimberly Cardall. I have taught in the Bear Cub classroom for the past 12 years and have enjoyed getting to know 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 creativ
Hello! I’m Mrs. Kimberly Cardall. I have taught in the Bear Cub classroom for the past 12 years and have enjoyed getting to know 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 am majoring in early care and education with a minor in emergent learning at East Tennessee State University. I am originally from Arizona and have lived in East TN for 25 years where my husband Christian and I have raised our four grown daughters and one spunky cat named Penelope.
Mrs. Mary (Mon-Fri) (Fri afternoon)
I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but have lived in Oak Ridge for 32 years with my husband, three grown daughters, and 5 cats! I have taught at UCNS for 18 years. For the last 8 years during school breaks, I have worked as an instructor at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. I have also worked at Kern United Methodist Church and O
I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but have lived in Oak Ridge for 32 years with my husband, three grown daughters, and 5 cats! I have taught at UCNS for 18 years. For the last 8 years during school breaks, I have worked 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 have an associate degree in early childhood education and plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in early care and education with a minor in emergent inquiry at ETSU in the spring. 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)
Mr. Jacob (Mon/Wed/Fri in Bear Cubs class) (Mon/Wed afternoons)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Thurs in Bear Cubs class)
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 class)
Mr. Jacob (Mon/Wed/Fri in Bear Cubs class) (Mon/Wed afternoons)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Thurs in Bear Cubs class)
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 recently attended as well. While he was here, I served as a member on the UCNS parent board, became a substitute, and eventually an aide for our wonderful teachers
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 recently attended as well. While he was here, I served as a member on the UCNS parent board, became a substitute, and eventually an aide for our wonderful teachers as well. I am currently a board member for AYSO Region 390 and Woodland Elementary PTO. I love going for walks, reading, gardening, cooking, singing in my church's Praise Team, and snuggling my kid!
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.
Mr. Jacob (Mon/Wed/Fri in Bear Cubs class) (Mon/Wed afternoons)
Mr. Jacob (Mon/Wed/Fri in Bear Cubs class) (Mon/Wed afternoons)
Mr. Jacob (Mon/Wed/Fri in Bear Cubs class) (Mon/Wed 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.
Mrs. Lauren (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)
Mr. Jacob (Mon/Wed/Fri in Bear Cubs class) (Mon/Wed afternoons)
Hi! My name is Lauren and this is my fourth year at the nursery school. I attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where I majored in Human Ecology. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two girls who both attended United Church Nursery School (now a college freshman and college junior). I worked at Emory Valley Earl
Hi! My name is Lauren and this is my fourth year at the nursery school. I attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where I majored in Human Ecology. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two girls who both attended United Church Nursery School (now a college freshman and college junior). I worked at Emory Valley Early Learning Center for almost 7 years, and also spent a few months at Oak Ridge Early Head Start. I enjoy writing, playing the piano, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Ali (Mon-Thurs in Robin Class)
Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)
Mrs. Kim (Mon-Fri Snack Co-ordinator)
Hi my name is Ms. Ali! I've worked in child care for 9 years. Both of my children attended Chapel on the Hill and we loved it. I'm so excited for the opportunity to join this amazing team of educators. I truly believe it takes a village and I'm honored to start on a wonderful and fun journey with your family. When I'm not working, I'm us
Hi my name is Ms. Ali! I've worked in child care for 9 years. Both of my children attended Chapel on the Hill and we loved it. I'm so excited for the opportunity to join this amazing team of educators. I truly believe it takes a village and I'm honored to start on a wonderful and fun journey with your family. When I'm not working, I'm usually hiking at the Arboretum, spending time at Dollywood, or planning our next Disney World adventure!
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. Shannon (Fri) in Robin Class
Mrs. Shannon (Fri) in Robin Class
Mrs. Shannon (Fri) in Robin Class
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.
Ms. Mary (Mon-Fri in Bunnies)
Mrs. Shannon (Fri) in Robin Class
Mrs. Shannon (Fri) in Robin Class
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.