Dedication & Compassion
Meet our Teachers
Kathi Loverin
Lead Teacher | Pre-K
Kathi Loverin has had the privilege of serving on staff with LCOP Preschool in two roles as the Program Coordinator and as Lead Teacher of the Pre-K Class. She was born and raised in Lakewood and attended local schools (Idlewild, Hudtloff, and Clover Park). She and her husband chose to raise their three children (Tim, Aly, and Austin) here, as well.
She attended Western Washington University where she earned a B.A. in Child Development & Family Relationships. It is her joy to use what she has learned and experienced to interact with preschoolers and their families.
Alicia Keppler
Lead Teacher | Junior Class
Alicia Keppler earned a master’s in teaching with an endorsement in elementary education in 2007. She has taught various grades, including kindergarten, and comes from a long line of teachers. She moved to Lakewood as a teenager and graduated from Clover Park H.S. In 2011 she, along with her husband, welcomed the first of their three children. All three of which have had the wonderful opportunity to go through the Little Church preschool program.
Alicia is excited to help children build the foundational social and emotional skills that will set them up for future academic success. She enjoys being in the classroom with young learners to see their curiosity and hear their unique perspective as they grow and experience new things. She feels blessed to be a part of the Little Church on the Prairie preschool team.
Mary Mannering
Program Director
Mary has a degree in Elementary Education from Seattle Pacific University. After graduating from SPU, she taught Kindergarten at Heritage Christian School in University place for five years. In 2001, she and her husband started their family, and have been blessed with two daughters.
Mary discovered Little Church on the Prairie when she was looking for a preschool for her oldest and was thrilled with her experience.
Mary considers it a privilege to work at Little Church Preschool and has worked here since 2007. Her goal is to make each child’s first school experience one of fun and excitement.
Shannon Wilkins
Teaching Assistant
Shannon is the mom of four grown children, the oldest is married and lives in Oregon, and the youngest is just about to start college. Shannon enjoys preschoolers because they are so inquisitive and filled with wonder. Her love for kids, along with her experience in raising a large family, has made Shannon the perfect fit for our program.