My name is Sierra Gwaltney, and I am the three’s teacher! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool for 2 years, with those first two years being an aide. I live in Irvine with my family and have been attending Light of Christ Church since I was two years old! I graduated from Irvine Valley College with an Associates Degree in American Sign Language and completed my early childhood education there as well. I will be attending Cal State Long Beach in the fall studying ASL Linguistics and Deaf Culture.
Becoming an early childhood teacher is my perfect example of how God’s plan always prevails. Sharing the love of Jesus with the children and seeing them grow into who He wants them to be is my greatest joy. I’m so proud to be a part of the L.O.C. family and can’t wait for a great year together!
My name is Brenda Ruehs, and I am the two's teacher!
I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 2012, first as a teacher’s aide, then as a teacher. I live in Irvine with my husband Jonathan, who serves as the assistant pastor at Light of Christ Church and teaches theology at Concordia University Irvine. We have three children: my daughter Taylor, my son Noah, and my son Sam.
I earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Concordia University Irvine and completed my early childhood education at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. I love to teach and express myself through music! Whether math or writing, you’ll often hear me singing a happy tune that helps teach our lesson. What a blessing to be part of the L.O.C. family!
My name is Kathy Vick, and I am the four's teacher! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 1983. I graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, with a Bachelor of Science in Education and an Early Childhood Major. My husband Michael also began his teaching career in 1983 at Abiding Savior Lutheran School in Lake Forest. He teaches 8th-grade homeroom, 7th and 8th-grade history, boys PE, coaches various sports, and is the Athletic Director for the school. Our oldest son, Christopher, is the IT Director at Abiding Savior. Our son, Andrew, is a Recreation Specialist for the City of San Clemente Recreation Department.
I love to do a variety of crafts, go camping with friends at Newport Dunes every summer, go to the beach, and shop (I love a good bargain!). I love teaching the children about Jesus and how much He loves them. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Light of Christ family.
My name is Cindy Johnson, and I am the Transitional Kindergarten teacher! I grew up in a wonderful Christian family in Ft. Wayne, IN. I have had a passion for teaching for as long as I can remember – just ask my stuffed animals and dolls way back then! So, it was a natural step to obtain a BA degree from Concordia Teachers College, Chicago. I have enjoyed teaching many grade levels throughout my career, but when my husband and my 3 children entered their preschool years, I fell in love with early childhood education and have remained with the little ones ever since. What a blessing to be able to observe their enthusiasm and love of learning on a daily basis!
My classroom frog, Lilypad, is equally excited about being with children. Her natural lifespan of 5 years has turned into 15! As well as putting children at ease as soon as they enter my classroom, she serves as the mascot for our classroom motto- Fully Rely On God! The Lord has been faithful to that promise as He led our family to Irvine in 2007. I am extremely grateful to be a part of His plan and this amazing Light of Christ family all these years! May you feel that love and experience the specialness of this place when you visit us here at L.O.C.!
My name is Sheryl Grobelch, and I am the preschool director! I have worked at Light of Christ Preschool since 1988, first as a teacher’s aide, then as a teacher, and in 2010, I was asked to become the director of the preschool. During my years working as an aide, I made the decision to go back to school, where I earned my BA from Concordia University Irvine.
I live in Irvine with my husband Michael, who serves as a pastor of two churches as well as the owner of his IT business. We have two daughters, Melanie and Natalie. Both are married, and we have three grandchildren: Isabelle, Jackson, and Jenson. God has blessed my family in many ways, and being here at Light of Christ Preschool is just one of them.
Andria Butz - This is my 2nd year at LOC. I am the M/T morning 4’s aide and T/Th afternoon aide. I like to sew and crochet.
Laurie Felts - This is my 33rd year at LOC. I am the M/W/F morning 2/3’s aide. I love dogs, and I have 12 grandchildren…6 of whom have gone to LOC!
Hannah Seikmann - This is my 3rd year at LOC. I am the T/TH morning 2/3’s aide and the T/F afternoon aide. I love going to the beach and spending time with my family.
Katia Guittard - This is my 3rd year at LOC. I am the Monday morning 2/3’s aide and the Wednesday morning 4’s aide. I love music, and you can often hear me humming a tune.
Katie Gwaltney - This is my first year at LOC. I am the Friday morning 4’s aide and the M-TH afternoon aide. I love anything film-related.
Kelsey Vanhorn - This is my 5th year at LOC. I am the M/W/F morning TK aide. I love reading, writing, and watching musicals.
Barbara Robison - This is my 14th year at LOC. I am the Wednesday morning 2/3’s aide, the Thursday morning 4’s aide, and the Thursday afternoon aide. Our daughter attended Light of Christ back in 1997! I love riding my bike from home to the school.
Talene Stone - This is my 22nd year at LOC. I am the T/TH morning TK aide. I like to read and do puzzles.
Tina Bliss - This is my 15th year at LOC. I am the M/W/F 2/3’s afternoon aide. I love God and my family. I have a puppy, a turtle, and two daughters.