Administrative Staff
Director Shona Ellis (Mon am, Tues/Wed/Thurs all day, Fri am)
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon/Wed AM, Tues/Thurs pm) (Early Drop-Off)
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon/Wed AM, Tues/Thurs pm) (Early Drop-Off)
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/Wed AM, Tues/Thurs pm) (Early Drop-Off)
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon/Wed AM, Tues/Thurs pm) (Early Drop-Off)
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia (Mon/Wed AM, Tues/Thurs pm) (Early Drop-Off)
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. Elissa (Mon-Thurs)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
Mrs. Shannon C. (Mon-Thurs)
I have been a teacher at UCNS for five years. I am excited to return to the youngest class next year! I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee. I have a son who attends Glenwood Elementary School, and my daughter attends Jefferson Middle School. I enjoy trail
I have been a teacher at UCNS for five years. I am excited to return to the youngest class next year! I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee. I have a son who attends Glenwood Elementary School, and my daughter attends Jefferson Middle School. I enjoy trail running, hiking, and reading. I try to incorporate my love of literacy and nature in my lessons and activities.
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.
Hedgehog Class Teachers (Room 106)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (M/T/Th/F afternoons)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (M/T/Th/F afternoons)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (M/T/Th/F afternoons)
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. Liz Johnson (Tues/Thurs)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (M/T/Th/F afternoons)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (M/T/Th/F afternoons)
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.
Mrs. Cecily Moss (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (M/T/Th/F afternoons)
Mrs. Cecily Moss (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Hello! My name is Ms. Cecily Moss. I am so happy to be joining the Chapel on the Hill team this year as a Hedgehogs teacher. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and enjoyed working as a para educator for several years prior to the births of my two children. I am excited to be back in the classroom! I am passionate about te
Hello! My name is Ms. Cecily Moss. I am so happy to be joining the Chapel on the Hill team this year as a Hedgehogs teacher. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and enjoyed working as a para educator for several years prior to the births of my two children. I am excited to be back in the classroom! I am passionate about teaching, and enjoy facilitating learning through play. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, doing anything creative, and listening to audiobooks. I’m looking forward to getting to know your precious children…it’s going to be a great year!
Bunny Class Teachers (Room108)
Mrs. Beth (Mon-Fri)(Tues/Thurs afternoons)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Mrs. Teresa (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
I live in Oak Ridge with my husband and two children. I graduated from the University of Tennessee and worked with children and their families in the mental health field for five years. This will be my fourth year working at United Church Nursery School and my second year teaching. My son attended United Church Nursery School, and I am ho
I live in Oak Ridge with my husband and two children. I graduated from the University of Tennessee and worked with children and their families in the mental health field for five years. This will be my fourth year working at United Church Nursery School and my second year teaching. My son attended United Church Nursery School, and I am honored to be able to work with and give back to the teachers and school that gave so much to our family. I enjoy working with all children, but especially have a passion for working with children with special needs and their families.
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)(Mon afternoon)
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)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Wed afternoon) (Fri early Drop Off)
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 11 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 creativi
Hello! I’m Mrs. Kimberly Cardall. I have taught in the Bear Cub classroom for the past 11 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 TN State University. I am originally from Arizona and have lived in East TN for 24 years where my husband Christian and I have raised our four grown daughters and one spunky cat named Penelope. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing the piano, attending classes at the gym, reading, cooking healthy food, and traveling.
Mrs. Mary (Mon-Fri) (Wed afternoon)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Wed afternoon) (Fri early Drop Off)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Wed afternoon) (Fri early Drop Off)
Hi! I am Mrs. Mary Yaun. I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but have lived in Oak Ridge for 30 years with my husband, three grown daughters, and 5 cats! I have taught at UCNS for 17 years. I have worked at the Children’s Museum, Kern UMC, and Oak Ridge Schools. I am currently working on my bachelor’s in early childhood education at E
Hi! I am Mrs. Mary Yaun. I am originally from Vienna, Virginia, but have lived in Oak Ridge for 30 years with my husband, three grown daughters, and 5 cats! I have taught at UCNS for 17 years. I have worked at the Children’s Museum, Kern UMC, and Oak Ridge Schools. I am currently working on my bachelor’s in early childhood education at ETSU. 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)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
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/Wed/Thurs)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Hello families! I am a born and raised Oak Ridger, graduate of ORHS and I have an Asso. Degree in Social Science. I am the current Vice President of the Board here at United Church Nursery School and recently became an aide for our wonderful teachers as well. My son is enrolled at the school and I have throughly enjoyed getting to know th
Hello families! I am a born and raised Oak Ridger, graduate of ORHS and I have an Asso. Degree in Social Science. I am the current Vice President of the Board here at United Church Nursery School and recently became an aide for our wonderful teachers as well. My son is enrolled at the school and I have throughly enjoyed getting to know the staff and now all the sweet kiddos that I share my mornings with each day. I love going for walks, reading, gardening, cooking and snuggling my kid. Thank you for the opportunity to share in the lives of your children.
Mrs. Lauren (Mon-Fri)
Mrs. Mary (Tues/Wed/Thurs)
Ms. Ali (Mon-Thurs in Robin Class)(Early drop off)
Hi! My name is Lauren and this is my third 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
Hi! My name is Lauren and this is my third 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)(Early drop off)
Ms. Ali (Mon-Thurs in Robin Class)(Early drop off)
Ms. Ali (Mon-Thurs in Robin Class)(Early drop off)
Hi my name is Ms. Ali! I've worked in child care for 8 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 8 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)
Ms. Ali (Mon-Thurs in Robin Class)(Early drop off)
Mrs. Shannon (Fri) in Robin Class
My name is Ms. Kim, I have been working in childcare for 15yrs 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 smil
My name is Ms. Kim, I have been working in childcare for 15yrs 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
Ms. Ali (Mon-Thurs in Robin Class)(Early drop off)
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.
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.