Ashlea Wentzel (Director)
I am so excited to start my twelfth year at JCP. I have served in many roles during my tenure at Johnstown Christian Preschool, and I feel blessed to be serving as Director for the fifth year. I am a state certified preschool teacher, and I have my National Director Credential. I am also finishing up my Early Childhood Education degree. I love teaching in a school that fills each child’s mind and their heart with the love of Jesus. My husband, Greg, and I have three children Nadia (15), Violet (13), and Nolan (11). My family and I are members of the Johnstown Presbyterian Church, love spending time playing board games, and have a great love of all things baseball and softball. If I’m not watching my children play sports, I am most likely to be found reading a book. I serve as president of Johnstown Elementary/Intermediate School’s PTO, and I enjoy volunteering my time at my children’s school. I look forward to an amazing school year with your children. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity…” Titus 2:7
Heidi Jones (Assistant DirectoR)
Hi, JCP Families! My name is Heidi Jones! I am blessed to have been a teacher here at JCP for the last nine years and am entering my sixth year as Assistant Director. I am a state certified preschool teacher and have my Child Development Associate Credential for preschool aged children.
I have three children, twins Abbey & Ashton (20) and David (13). We live in Centerburg with my boyfriend, Brody, and his two children Rogue (15) and Corra (13). Depending on the season, you can find us either on a football field, golf course or basketball court cheering on one of the kids.
As a family we love music, to travel, go camping or on any other kind of adventure.
I always tell everyone we are a family at JCP. I am so excited to reunite with our returning families and get to know all of the new faces. I look forward to a wonderful school year filled with lasting memories!
Cinda Thiel
Hello! My name is Cinda Thiel. I am happy to be starting my 6th year teaching at JCP. I am a state certified preschool teacher and I have taught in all age groups at JCP, 3’s - Pre K. I love them all! I am originally from Northeast Ohio and have lived in Johnstown for over 20 years. I met my wonderful husband, Mark, at Ohio University where I earned my Bachelor Degree in Interior Design. I have worked in Preschool, Pediatrics, and Interior Design, but I have always been happiest when teaching children. God generously blessed us with two children, Steven and Olivia. They and Mark are my heart and I am beyond thankful for them. Steven runs his own e-commerce business and loves to travel all over the world. Olivia works at Abercrombie as a promotion strategist. She and her husband, Nick live in Johnstown. Some things Mark and I love to do together are biking, kayaking, and traveling. I also love art, baking, gardening, and reading. I am passionate about the safety and well-being of children, their academic and social development, and their value as children of God. My goal is to help every child feel loved, accepted, and important. Being a part of your child’s first learning experience is a blessing and a privilege that I don’t take lightly. I look forward to welcoming you and your little ones as they begin their learning adventure!
amanda chapman
Hello! My name is Amanda Chapman. I am so excited to be entering my fifth year working at Johnstown Christian Preschool as a three-year-old, four-year-old, and Pre-K teacher. I am a state certified preschool teacher and have my Child Development Associate Credential for preschool aged children. I enjoy continually looking for opportunities to further my education along with making learning fun, adventurous and enjoyable for my tiny students.
My husband Nick and I are alumni of both JCP and Johnstown-Monroe Schools. We have two children, Jackson (6th grade) and Charlotte (4th grade) along with a big goofy dog named Hudson. We love living in and being a part of the Johnstown community! You may see us very often at dance, tumble or the soccer fields! My family and I enjoy staying active and being outdoors. We love going on new adventures every chance we get!
I am blessed to be a part of the amazing Johnstown Christian Preschool staff, and I look forward to meeting all of our students and families this year. I can't wait to help them start their educational journey. Let the adventures begin!
natalie sausman
Hi everyone! My name is Natalie Sausman. This will be my 5th year teaching at the preschool. I am a state certified preschool teacher and recently completed my Child Development Associate (CDA). I will be teaching in the 3, 4, and Pre-K classrooms. I am originally from Louisville, KY and moved to Johnstown about 8 years ago. I attended the University of Louisville where I met my husband, Brian and have two children. My son Grayson is 11 and my daughter Haddie is 9.
My love of the preschool first started as a parent when my own children attended and grew as I became a part of the staff. I have loved being a part of this community and building relationships throughout. I enjoy reading, sports and going on adventures with my family. I can’t wait for this new school year and to aid in the growth of learning for these children!
Rachel furr
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel Furr! I am extremely excited and honored to be joining the wonderful staff here at JCP as a second year PreK teacher. I am a state certified preschool teacher. I am originally from the Cleveland area, but I moved to Columbus in 2007 to attend The Ohio State University, where I received my bachelor's degree in Mathematics (Go Bucks!). I am blessed to live in our wonderful Johnstown community with my husband Nick (who is a Johnstown & JCP Alum) and our 3 kids: Kyleigh (7th), Mackenzie (6th), and Wesley (1st)- all of which attended JCP as well!
My passion has always been working with kids of all ages- helping them to grow and learn and have fun while doing so. For the past 14 years I have been fulfilling that passion by coaching! I am currently the Head Swim Team Coach at Northridge for both their HS and MS teams. This upcoming winter season will be my 12th year as head coach there. About seven years ago I started an age-group, summer swim team for the area- the Johnstown-Northridge Jaguars Swim Team. We are so proud every summer to have over 100 swimmers participate on our team! Coaching has allowed me to meet so many amazing families in the community by working closely with student athletes from both Johnstown and Northridge. I can't wait to continue to reach families here at JCP! Looking forward to meeting you all!
Ciara Phelps
Hello, I am excited to start my Third year at JCP in the 3- and 4-year-old classes. I am Johnstown Johnnie Alumni. My husband Zach and I have been married for twelve years. We have two daughters Lora and Adlee. We also have three dogs along with a few chickens. Our house is never boring. I am a member of the Johnstown Children’s Conservation League (CCL) since 2019. This organization is just one of the many reasons I love Johnstown. Joining JCP has been a huge blessing, and I look forward to helping your little ones grow this year!
Amanda Durant
My name is Amanda Durant. I am extremely excited to be starting my third year teaching at JCP. We moved to the Johnstown area 16 years ago. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and my Teaching Certification from Ferris State University. I am a state certified preschool teacher. I now reside in Alexandria with my husband, Daryl Wernette, and our three boys, Lincoln, Jackson, and Harrison. We attend the Church of the Ascension here in Johnstown where my family and I love taking an active role in serving our church. You can find us cheering on two of our sons while they play soccer and watching our middle son who loves singing in our church's kids choir. I enjoy spending my free time with friends and family, taking Jeep cruises with my husband and taking alone time to play word games or listen to books. I’m looking forward to a great school year at JCP and getting to know the kids and families throughout the year