First Church of Christ

OUR STAFF

Joan Hines: Nursery School Director and Music Teacher

    Joan received her B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. She began her career teaching in the public schools of Lansing, Michigan and Steger, Illinois. Joan has taught pre-school for the past 34 years. Before joining the staff at First Church, she taught and directed schools in Illinois, North Carolina and Cheshire, Connecticut. She enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and walking. Joan and her husband, Michael, have three grown children: Eric, Sara, and Elizabeth. Eric and his wife, Rachel, have two children.

Vickie Anderson  •  Head Teacher  •  Pre-K

    Vickie received a B.S. degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She has had experience teaching children as a Learning Disabilities Resource Room teacher in Ohio, a Special Education Pre-vocational teacher in Arlington, MI and has 14 years combined experience teaching preschoolers at various ages in Ohio and Michigan. Vickie recently moved from Rochester Hills, MI with her husband, Bob, to Glastonbury. They have 3 children; Ashley (27) lives in El Paso, TX, Brad (24) lives in Washington DC, and Alex (21) is a senior at Western Michigan University. In her spare time, Vickie enjoys walking, cooking, singing and spending time with her husband exploring their new home state of Connecticut.

Larissa Bashura  •  Teacher with Lynn Sunshine  •  Older 3s, Young 4s

    Larissa received a B.S. degree in Psychology and Sociology from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Larissa has prior experience working with children as a Milieu therapist at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, para-educator for Morgan High School in Clinton, Connecticut, caseworker for DCF, and most recently a tutor for grades K-6 at Hahamner Elementary School in Wethersfield. She enjoys reading, drawing, crocheting, photography, camping and spending time with her husband, George and daughter, Emma (5) who is a graduate of First Church Nursery School.

Rebecca Naldi  •  Teacher with Phoebe Ostergren  •  Young 3s, Older 4s

    Rebecca’s love for children is apparent from looking at her past experiences working for the Stork Club, Rocky Hill Day Care, six years as a Nanny and as one of the head teachers at Tri-Town Y. Rebecca loves knitting, bowling, sewing and arts & crafts. She resides in Wethersfield with her husband Jeffrey, son Jacob (10) and daughter Corine (8) who are also First Church Nursery School graduates.

Phoebe Ostergren  •  Head Teacher with Rebecca Naldi  •  Young 3s, Older 4s

    Phoebe received her B.S. Degree in Mathematics from Russell Sage College. She worked at The Travelers Insurance Company and at Playmates Children’s Center before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Phoebe earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in September of 2011. Her volunteer experience includes teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible Camp, leading Pioneer Girls Christian Club and serving on the Parent Teacher Organization at her children's elementary school. Phoebe enjoys jogging, scrapbooking and arts & crafts. She and her husband, Daryl, live in Wethersfield with their two daughters, Leah (12) and Bethany (10), who are both First Church Nursery School graduates.

Claudine Sullivan  • Teacher with Vickie Anderson  •  4s/Pre-K (P.M.)

   Claudine received a B.A. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and her Elementary Education certification and M.A. in Teaching from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. She taught preschool for eight years in Wilton, CT and third grade for three years in San Diego, CA. Claudine and her husband, Tim, live in Glastonbury with their three boys, Timmy (11), Sean (7) and Patrick (6). In her spare time, Claudine enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Lynn Sunshine  •  Head Teacher with Larissa Bashura  •  Older 3s, Younger 4s  •  Extended Session Assistant 

    Lynn loves children and has spent many hours volunteering in our church Nursery Department. She received a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Management from Michigan State University. She has also earned an R.N. degree. In her spare time, Lynn enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and walking her dog. She and her husband, Glenn, reside in Newington with their daughter, Elizabeth (21) and son, Brendan (18).

Jamie Tinker  • Teacher with Vickie Anderson •  Pre-K

    Jamie is the newest member of our teaching staff. She loves the Lord and working with children. Jamie has been the chairman of our school parent committee for many years. For several years she has directed the music program for the First Church Vacation Bible camp and has taught Pre-k church school. Jamie has worked as a hair stylist for the past 15 years and is trained as a Certified Nurse's Assistant. Jamie and her husband, Jeff, currently live in Middletown but will soon be moving to Wethersfield. They have three children: KarLeigh (8),  Kaitlynn (7), and Luke (4). The girls are First Church Nursery School graduates and Luke is currently in our Young 4s class.