Word of Life Staff
Here at Word of Life Christian Preschool we pride ourselves on hiring the most qualified and caring teachers and staff. We invite all of our parents to get to know our team through the many family events and daily activities.
Mrs. Ericca Stoetzel
Director
"I am excited to be the director of WOL Christian Preschool and have been building the preschool program since 2016. I have been in Christian early education for 30+ years. I established and helped to build two Christian schools during my career in Arizona and in my home state of Iowa. I have held the National Administrator Credential since 2000.
I attend Word of Life Church and sing on the worship team. I am also the event coordinator for all the monthly family events that take place in our preschool and church.
I have three grown children. They have encouraged me through many years of teaching and directing schools. My husband, Mr. Ed, and I love getting together with friends & family, grilling out, movies, and oldies music. We enjoy being Nana and Grandpa to our grandchildren!
I love teaching preschool and mentoring teachers who share that same passion. I believe in a partnership with parents to help their children learn, laugh, and care for others. I love our motto at WOL Christian Preschool: FAITH FAMILY FUTURE
Favorite Bible Verse: Phil. 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Ms. Brittany Cheeks
My name is Brittany and I joined the WOL Team in 2019. I teach in the four year old classroom and I am also the Assistant Director to Mrs. Stoetzel here at Word of Life. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Arizona in 2006. I have been teaching in preschool for 12 years. I love being at Word of Life where I can teach my students about God and His Word. It is an environment where students truly learn the skills they will need for Kindergarten and true teaching takes place!
My husband and I enjoy spending time with my niece who attended the preschool. She has grown so much in her learning and social skills. We love to go hiking, watching movies together, and spending time with our family and friends.
My favorite Bible Verse: Live a life filled with love.
Ephesians 5:2
Assistant Director &
Pre-K II Teacher
Ms. Megan Welch
Toddlers &
Two's Teacher
My name is Megan and I started at WOL in July 2026 in the Toddlers/Two's Classroom. My husband and I run a small farm with chickens, turkeys, a pig, and our dog Molly. We grow a lot of our own food. I've spent most of my life working with children both is school settings and in the workplace. Children have always held a special place in my heart. My Christian faith is an important part of who I am and I let God guide me in my personal and professional relationships. I am excited to be at WOL Christian Preschool and to step into this new chapter in early education.
Favorite Bible Verse: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Ms. Amanda Weaghington
Pre-K I Teacher
My name is Amanda and I am so thankful to be a part of the Word of Life teaching team since 2019. I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and am married with four boys. My husband is retired from the Air Force and so we have traveled to many states and overseas throughout his career. We now enjoy being back in Arizona and stay busy with sports, outdoor activities, and church.
I have been teaching in early childhood for 14 years. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development and a Masters in Human Development and Family Studies. I LOVE teaching children and sharing God's love with them!
Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corth. 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Ms. Mikayla McIntosh
Summer Camp
Teacher
My name is Mikayla and I have greatly loved teaching at Word of Life Christian Preschool since 2018. Word of Life is my home church and I serve as the Children's Ministry Director.
I was born in New York and my family moved to Arizona in 2012. I graduated from Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise and attended GCC and Ottawa University to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Music Studies. I currently teach music for grades K-8th grade in the Surprise community and teach the Elementary Summer Camp for WOL.
I love teaching at WOL because it is such a fun learning environment for the children! They are engaged in great activities every day and it is a blessing to get to tell them about God's love. I enjoy speaking with parents about their child's day and all they have learned. Our school truly reflects our FAITH FAMILY FUTURE motto.
Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 1:37
For with God, nothing is impossible.
Ms. Jacquelyn White
Kinder Prep
Teacher
My name is Ms. Jacquelyn and I am very excited to be teaching Kinder Prep at Word of Life! I started teaching preschool in 2023 and am so thankful for this great opportunity to be a part of the Word of Life teaching team.
I was born and raised in Arizona and am the second oldest of 8 children. After graduating high school, I began my classes and credits with GCU towards a teaching degree. When I'm not teaching littles, I love volunteering at the animal rescue society, performing in music, and spending time with my big family and our pets.
Favorite Bible Verse: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8
Ms. Gabby Vargas
Kinder Prep
Teacher
I discovered my love for teaching when I was 14 years old. I started volunteering in my community school of Brawley CA where I grew up. Throughout high school and college I studied early education and have more than 30 years experience teaching preschoolers. I came to Word of Life Christian Preschool in 2017. I speak fluent Spanish and love teaching my students many words, songs, stories, and Bible verses in Spanish as a second language.
I enjoy spending time with my four children and eight grandchildren. We love to get together and cook, eat, and play!! Going to church together as a family is very important to me.
I love teaching at Word of Life because I get to share the Word of God every day with my students. Teaching in a Christian School is such a blessing! It gives me the opportunity to reach the whole child.
Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31
They they wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Mr. Ed Stoetzel
Classroom Assistant &
School Maintenance
I have enjoyed working at WOL Christian Preschool since 2021 and look forward to many more years to come! I enjoy helping the teachers in the classrooms with all of their activities and assisting the children. I service all the maintenance projects in and around the preschool and church. Word of Life is my home church where I serve in ministry with my wife, Mrs. Stoetzel, the director of the preschool. Together we coordinate the monthly family events for the school and church.
I have two grown sons and nine grandchildren within our big family. I love being Grandpa Ed! Mrs. Stoetzel and I love to travel to see our grandkids, play cards, watch movies, and spend time with our family.
Favorite Verse: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Ms. Janet Disotell
Pre-K I Teacher
Coming Soon to Word of Life