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.
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 29 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.
Christina Yoder
Pre-K Teacher
Mrs. Yoder has worked with children for over 25 years. She loves watching children learn and grow. She has written her own children’s book and enjoys sharing her love of writing, reading and crafting with the class. Mrs. Yoder has 7 children, 6 grandchildren and attends Lancaster County Fellowship along with her husband.
Dana Kallerud
Pre-K Teacher
Mrs. Kallerud graduated from Wagner In 2011 with a degree in elementary and special education. She earned her masters in TESOL from the University of PA in 2013. With 8 years of experience teaching children ages 4-6, she loves watching their eyes light up as they learn, grow, and use their imaginations through fun and engaging lessons. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and teaching swim lessons. she feels truly blesses to be apart of KEP and to work alongside such wonderful people this year.
Dottie Klase
Pre-K Teacher
Mrs. Klase graduated from Millersville University. She has been with KEP for over 29 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.
Teacher Assistants:
Amber Horvath – 2-year-old Class
Elspeth Naramore – 2-year-old Class
Julie Book – 3-year-old Class
Cathy Long – Pre-K Class
Linda McGaw – Pre-K Class
Jan Pickel – Pre-K Class
Michele Farmer – Administrative Assistant
Sue Thomas – Librarian