Preschool Staff

Sunday

Service 10:00 am

Tara hartman - Preschool Director

Tara has been with the preschool since 2012, first as an associate, then 2's lead teacher and assistant director, and currently, as of fall 2019, the preschool director. She lives in Johnston with her husband Michael and their three children Noah, Isaac, and Emily. She grew up in Des Moines and, like her children, attended Meredith Drive Preschool. Tara has a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa. Tara and her family are active members of The Bridge Church. She enjoys reading, volunteering, taking walks with her family, including her dog Dewey, and baking. One of her favorite children's books is Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin.

Michelle Applegate - Associate Teacher

Michelle has been an associate teacher for Pre-K since 2008. Michelle lives in Johnston with her husband Doug. They have three grown children. She is a graduate of Johnston High School and Iowa State University where she earned a degree in fine arts. Michelle and her husband are members at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny. Some of her favorite things to do are junking, watching movies and hanging out with her family. Michelle’s favorite children’s books are Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell and I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont.

Jill Boom - Lead Teacher

Jill is the lead teacher for 2's and has been teaching at The Bridge since 2013. Jill lives in Johnston with her husband Chris and daughter Sienna (who attended Meredith Drive Preschool!) She grew up in Urbandale and has a degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University.  In her free time, Jill enjoys spending time with family and friends, going for walks, traveling, practicing yoga, and cuddling with her two kitties, Steve and Sketch. One of her favorite children’s books is A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood.

Meggan Boyle - Lead Teacher

Meggan is the lead 4's/Pre-k teacher and assistant director. She has been teaching at The Bridge since 2019. Having served as the lead teacher for both the 2's and 3's classes, she brings a rich understanding of child development to the Pre-k position.  She lives in Johnston with her husband, Brad and their three wonderful girls, Mara, Paige, and Ellery. She first fell in love with The Bridge Preschool when her daughter, Ellery, attended the 2-year-old program. She has a degree in education from Drake University. Meggan grew up in McHenry, Illinois and tries to travel home as much as possible to visit her family and friends. Meggan and her family attend Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.  In her free time, Meggan enjoys walking, reading, volunteering, and spending time with her husband and active girls. The LLama LLama and Pete the Cat series have been her most favorite books to read to her children.

Morgan Mescher - Lead Teacher

Morgan has been part of The Bridge Preschool program since 2019 and is entering her 2nd year leading the 3's classes. She lives in Johnston with her husband, Justin and their two children, Katelyn and Ethan. Her family is active in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church community, where she volunteers for the Faith Formation program.  She holds a degree from Iowa State University in Hospitality Management and a Child Development Associate Credential. Morgan first discovered her love for working with children as a camp counselor in her younger years, and that passion was reignited after becoming a mother. She especially enjoys helping preschoolers discover a love of learning through play, exploration, and kindness.  In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading, biking, kayaking, crafting, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her favorite children’s book is I'm Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber.

Sarah Schall - Associate Teacher

Sarah has been with our preschool program since 2017 and is currently the 2 year old associate teacher. Sarah lives in Grimes with her husband, Mike, and their kids, Isabel and William. She has an elementary education degree from Central College with an endorsement in Early Childhood. Sarah and her family worship at The Bridge. Her hobbies include morning walks with her dog, cheering on the DC-G Mustangs and the Iowa Hawkeyes, attending Broadway shows, and spending lots of time with her family. Sarah has always enjoyed reading and is eager to share the love of books with the students. Some of her favorite children’s books are But No Elephants by Jerry Smath and the Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems.

lisa neppel - associate Teacher

Lisa has been with the preschool since 2023 and is the associate teacher for the 3's classes.  Lisa lives in Johnston with her husband, Jon and their two children, Jace and Audrey who attended The Bridge Preschool. They are members of St. Pius X Catholic Church. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE. Lisa grew up on a farm near Breda, Iowa and enjoys visiting family there. Her favorite things include nature walks, attending her children’s activities and sporting events, playing card games, and spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite children’s books are The Monster at The End of This Book by Jon Stone and many books written by Todd Parr.

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