Administrative Staff
Director Shona Ellis (Mon- Fri all day)
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 I have been teaching at the Nursery School since 2023. I am married and we have three boys. I have my Bachelor's degree in Child development. I was a stay at home mom before starting here at the Nursery School. I am so blessed to be teaching the Squirrel class!! Children are my passion and I am very hon
Hi, my name is Shannon Cowper and I have been teaching at the Nursery School since 2023. I am married and we have three boys. I have my Bachelor's degree in Child development. I was a stay at home mom before starting here at the Nursery School. I am so blessed to be teaching the Squirrel class!! Children are my passion and 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)
I'm Ms. Liz, I have four sons and had the privilege to be a stay at home Mom for many years. I'm so grateful to my husband and Heavenly Father for that blessing. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development. I've been at the Chapel on the Hill Nursery School since 2024 and love working with the youngest children. In my free time I enj
I'm Ms. Liz, I have four sons and had the privilege to be a stay at home Mom for many years. I'm so grateful to my husband and Heavenly Father for that blessing. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development. I've been at the Chapel on the Hill Nursery School since 2024 and love working with the youngest children. In my free time I enjoy walking, listening to audiobooks, and playing board games with my family.
Hedgehog Class Teachers (Room 106)
Ms. Shannon O (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Ms. Christine (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Ms. Christine (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/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 2 years I've worked at the Boys and Girls' Club as an afterschool staff member, 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 pas
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 2 years I've worked at the Boys and Girls' Club as an afterschool staff member, 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) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Ms. Christine (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri afternoons)
Ms. Christine (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Thurs/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 all day)
Mr. Jacob (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)
Mr. Jacob (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)
Hello, I'm Ms. Jasmine. I started in 2023 here at Chapel. My first two years here, I was a teacher's aide. Now I am a teacher in the bunny classroom.
Mr. Jacob (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)
Mr. Jacob (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri afternoons)
Mr. Jacob (Mon-Fri) (Mon/Tues/Wed/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.
Robin Class Teacher (Room101)
Mrs. Cat Gorman (Mon-Fri)
Hi! My name is Catherine and I have been working with children for over 10 years, including four years of teaching kindergarten. Children are the joy of this world.
Bear Cub Class Teachers (Room109)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Tues - Thurs afternoons) (Fri early Drop Off)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Tues - Thurs afternoons) (Fri early Drop Off)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Tues - Thurs afternoons) (Fri early Drop Off)
Hello! I’m Kimberly Cardall, and I’ve been a teacher in the Bear Cub class since 2013. In May 2026, I graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in early childhood development and a minor in emergent learning, which goes to show that people can learn and achieve their dreams at any age! I believe in a constructivist c
Hello! I’m Kimberly Cardall, and I’ve been a teacher in the Bear Cub class since 2013. In May 2026, I graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in early childhood development and a minor in emergent learning, which goes to show that people can learn and achieve their dreams at any age! I believe in a constructivist curriculum, where children are considered competent and active researchers who build their own knowledge through hands-on experiences mixed with lots of collaboration and interactions with their peers and teachers. Together, we learn based on the interests of the children while also following state standards in a way that is creative, fun, and purposeful. I’m originally from Arizona, but I’ve called East Tennessee home for the past 26 years, where my husband, Christian, and I have raised four wonderful daughters, plus one very spunky cat named Penelope. In my free time, I love traveling to visit family, singing, exercising, listening to audiobooks, serving in my church, and cooking healthy meals. I look forward to getting to know you and your child!
Mrs. Mary (Mon-Fri)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Tues - Thurs afternoons) (Fri early Drop Off)
Mrs. Kimberly (Mon-Fri)(Tues - Thurs afternoons) (Fri early Drop Off)
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)
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.