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 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, hiking, and camping. We enjoy being Nana and Grandpa to our two precious grandsons and granddaughter!

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 more than 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. Sarah Vargas

Toddlers &
Two's Teacher

My name is Sarah and I teach the Toddlers & Two's program here at Word of Life. I am originally from California but moved to AZ when I was 10. Growing up, my mother taught in early education and from a young age and I knew I loved working with children. This is my 10th year teaching in preschool and I joined the WOL Team in 2021. I love this experience at Word of Life!

I am a mom now with three beautiful children. They keep me busy and we love to visit family, watch movies, play games, and hang out with Grandma.

I love teaching kids about Jesus and His love for us and watching them learn and grow.

My favorite Bible passage is from Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.

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 more than 12 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.
This is my home church where I teach each Sunday in the preschool and in the nursery with the littles.

I was born in New York and have lived in Arizona for six years. I graduated from Shadow Ridge High School and I have 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. Jennifer Boas

Pre-K III Teacher

My name is Ms. Jennifer and I am very excited to be teaching Kinder Prep at Word of Life! I joined the WOL teaching staff in 2022. I am the proud mother of 3 beautiful daughters and have been married 31 years. In 2021 my family moved from Washington where I taught at Bethlehem Lutheran Christian School. I have been in teaching for more than 20 years.

I truly love being a part of a child's early learning development and sharing Jesus at Word of Life. I teach an interactive curriculum in my classroom. I want my students to be engaged and enjoy school so it makes a lasting impact on them. Your student will know how very unique and special they are to God and me!

Favorite Bible Verse: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:3

Ms. Gabby Vargas

Pre-K IV 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 five 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 like helping the teachers in the classrooms with all of their activities and assisting the children with their work. I also take care of the maintenance projects in and around the preschool and church.

During the summer, I drive the school van for the summer camp field trips and work in the school-age classroom.

I have one grown son, a beautiful granddaughter, and two grandsons. They keep me very busy. My wife, Mrs. Stoetzel, and I love camping, playing cards, and spending time with our family and neighbors.

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. Lorraine Duarte

Teacher Assistant 3's & 4's

I am Ms. Lorraine and I was born and raised in Whittier California. My husband and I have been married 19 years. We have six children, including four girls and two boys. They keep us very busy and we love spending time together as a family.

I have been in early education for 10 years now. Teaching children of all ages is in my heart! I serve in the children's ministry department at our church and teach Sunday School as well as coordinate the Vacation Bible School program. I consider myself very blessed to be part of the amazing Word of Life teaching team since 2022.

Favorite Bible Verse: I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14