Mary Liz Youtz, Preschool Director
Mrs. Youtz has served in Christian education for over 42 years. She graduated from Millersville University with her Masters of Early Childhood/Elementary Education/Reading Specialist and Penn State for Elementary Principal. Mrs. Youtz enjoys seeing the excitement in children’s faces as they begin to explore and learn. Mary Liz enjoys scrapbooking, travel, reading, and serving others on mission trips with her husband, Steve. Mrs. Youtz and her husband attend and serve at Victory Church.
David Hegedus, Director of Development
I am deeply honored to serve as the Development Director for Kids Express Preschool (KEP). I am originally from the Philadelphia area where I met my wife Heather. Today, we call Manheim home, and where we enjoy the blessings of living in Lancaster County. Prior to stepping into this role, I served for 17 years as the Associate Director of the Northeast Region for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) before retiring in 2020. Entering this new calling with KEP brings tremendous excitement. I am passionate about coming alongside KEP families and leading the charge for scholarship funding, mainly through the PA PreK EITC program. On a personal note, Heather and I celebrated a major milestone in January 2026—our 50th wedding anniversary (though I like to think I look far too young for that!). God has blessed us abundantly with three adult married children and seven wonderful grandchildren. We are truly living the dream. When I’m not working, you can usually find me enjoying a good cup of Starbucks coffee and getting lost in a great historical fiction novel. Soli Deo Gloria!
Maribeth Bandzi, Two Year Old Teacher
Mrs. Bandzi feels blessed to be a part of the KEP team since 2020. She started her journey with KEP working as an assistant in Pre K and has earned her CDA (Child Development Associate). Mrs. Bandzi, or as the kids call her, Mrs. B. says “I believe that children are a gift from the Lord and are created in his image.” Mrs. Bandzi attends Faith Fellowship church along with her husband Shaun and 2 children, Maddison and Logan.
Wendy McFarland, Three-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. McFarland is honored to be a part of each student’s learning experience and enjoys seeing the awestruck wonder in children’s eyes when they learn something new. She has been working with children in some capacity for the last 31 years and has earned her CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential. God has gifted Mrs. McFarland with patience and tender nurturing. She feels blessed to be able to use her talents here at Kids Express. Mrs. McFarland attends Living Hope Church and lives with her husband and three boys.
Lizzy Heyworth, Three-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. Heyworth graduated from Lancaster Bible College with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working as a pre-K lead teacher and floating educator. Her family, along with husband, Elijah, attend Grace Church at Willow Valley with their 9-month-old daughter, Lucy, and we are excited to have a baby on the way! Having grown up as a missionary in Haiti and living on a camp property, she has loved children for as long as she can remember and feels called to help them learn more about Christ. She is eager to help students navigate the world around them and discover their purpose in it. Her goal is to create a classroom environment filled with curiosity and a growing love for the Lord, and she is greatly looking forward to working with all the little learners here at KEP!
Dottie Klase, Pre-K Teacher
Mrs. Klase graduated from Millersville University. She has been with KEP for over 31 years. She says it has been a privilege to share in the lives of children over so many years. “Watching children grow, explore, and discover the world around them is exciting and helps keep me young.” She enjoys sharing her creativity with her students and encourages them to use their imaginations. She also likes music, cooking, and scrapbooking. Her favorite Bible passage is Psalm 139. Verse 14 says “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well.” Mrs. Klase attends Grace Church at Willow Valley. Mrs. Klase lives with her husband and has three grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Lisa Myers, Pre-K Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Teacher Assistants:
Cathleen Long- 2-year-old and Pre-K Class
Sue Westhoff- 3-year-old Class
Julie Book – 3-year-old Class
Linda McGaw – Pre-K Class
Jan Pickel – Pre-K Class
Michele Farmer – Administrative Assistant
Sue Thomas – Librarian