West Lawn UMC Preschool

Elise Coakley has served as the Director of West Lawn UMC Preschool since its inception in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from West Chester University and brings more than 18 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. Her background includes teaching and leadership roles at the United Methodist Children’s Center, as well as teaching nutrition and cooking education for students in pre-K through 12th grade in the Reading and William Penn School Districts through The Food Trust.

A member of West Lawn United Methodist Church, Elise is known for her warmth, patience, and professionalism. She is passionate about creating welcoming classrooms where children feel safe to explore, build friendships, and develop strong foundations for lifelong learning. In her free time, Elise enjoys making music with her family and the church community.

Erica Kairis joined West Lawn UMC Preschool at its opening in 2021 and brings more than 22 years of preschool and classroom experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child, Youth, and Family Services from Penn State University. Before moving to Sinking Spring, Erica served as a preschool program coordinator at a child development center in New Jersey. She has also worked extensively with the Wilson School District, supporting teachers and classrooms over the past decade.

A member of West Lawn United Methodist Church for 25 years, Erica has been active in teaching Sunday school, leading Vacation Bible School, and serving in children’s ministries. In her free time, Erica enjoys traveling with her family.

Beth Tsakonas joined West Lawn UMC Preschool in 2023 and brings 20 years of preschool teaching experience from Coventry Christian Schools in Pottstown. A graduate of Boyertown High School, she has continued her professional growth through numerous courses and trainings in early childhood education.

An active member of NorthStar United Methodist Church, Beth is known for her enthusiastic and caring presence in the classroom. She creates interactive lessons that make learning fun and engaging, while also sharing her faith and God’s love with children. In her free time, Beth enjoys time at the beach with her family.

Joanne Marshall joined West Lawn UMC Preschool in 2022 with 30 years of teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (Mathematics) and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Kutztown University. After a three-decade career teaching mathematics at Governor Mifflin Middle School, Joanne is excited to return to the foundations of learning and share her passion with preschool children.

A member of West Lawn United Methodist Church, Joanne has been active in ministries such as Vacation Bible School, confirmation mentoring, Opportunity House, Relay for Life, and mission work. In her free time, Joanne enjoys puzzles and spending time with her husband and their dog.

Anita Powell joined West Lawn UMC Preschool in 2021 and brings 50 years of preschool teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University. Anita began her career teaching school-aged children before transitioning to preschool education at a child development center in Bellefonte, PA. She later spent the majority of her career at the Reading Hospital Child Care Center, where she served as both a teacher and an administrator.

Known for her nurturing and creative spirit, Anita is passionate about helping young children feel at home in their first school experiences. She creates engaging opportunities for children to explore, learn, and grow—both in the classroom and in nature. With her love for gardening in her free time, she brings a unique perspective to hands-on learning and discovery.

Gabriela Padilla joined West Lawn UMC Preschool in 2022 and holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Reading Area Community College. In addition to teaching, she serves as a peer mentor at RACC, guiding early childhood students and leading professional development seminars.

Bilingual in Spanish, Gabriela incorporates language learning into her classroom and is known for her gentle, caring approach. She helps young children feel comfortable as they adjust to school, build friendships, and discover through hands-on learning. In her free time, Gabriela enjoys family activities with her husband and two daughters.

Betsy Charnoff joined West Lawn UMC Preschool in 2022 and brings more than 30 years of experience in teaching and social work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Albright College and an elementary education certification from Alvernia University. Betsy began her career at Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc. before transitioning to education, spending the past 18 years teaching in the Governor Mifflin School District. Much of her time was spent in the classroom teaching fourth and first grade—work she loved and excelled in.

Betsy is known for her kindness, patience, and ability to connect with children. She is passionate about helping young learners develop a love for school from the very beginning and values the opportunity to provide more individualized attention in a preschool setting. In her free time, Betsy enjoys traveling with her family.