Our Staff

We welcome you to learn a little more about our staff!

Ms. Christina, Founder and Director

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30-3:30

Summer Office Hours by Appointment

My name is Christina Miller and I am the Founder and Director of A Great Start Preschool.  My husband and I live in Centerville.  I have two children, both graduates of Centerville High School. Liz, who lives with her family in Bellbrook, and Kyle who teaches Math at Centerville High School and lives in Kettering with his wife, Hannah.  I also have a grandson, Carter, that will be in our Kindergarten program this school year, and a one year old granddaughter named Callie!  I have over 30 years of experience working with children, an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration, and a Master's of Education Degree in Educational Leadership. Throughout my educational career, I have become dedicated to educating the community about the long-term benefits of participation in a quality preschool program prior to entering kindergarten. My favorite color is purple, and I enjoy camping, country music, and Mexican food.

Ms. Beth, Floater

Floater: Tuesday and Thursday AM & PM

I have had the pleasure of working with Beth Bentley since 1998, and she has been with AGSP since we opened in 2004. Beth has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UD, and a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 36 years experience working with all ages of children! Beth has “retired” from being a Lead Teacher and is excited to be a Floater on Tues/Thurs mornings in addition to afternoons this school year. Beth loves cheez-its and twizzlers, and eating at Archer’s and Doubledays. She has four children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 grand-pups.

Ms. Sharon, Private Kindergarten Teacher

Room 106: Monday through Friday PM

Ms. Sharon Steele has been with AGSP since 2006. Sharon is a certified Level 2 Orton-Gillingham tutor from an IMSLEC (International Multi-sensory Structured Language Education Council) accredited program, and tutors dyslexic children at the Children's Dyslexia Center, Valley of Dayton. Sharon has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and began her teaching career in 1990. In her free time, she enjoys dining out, especially Italian, and going to the movies with her husband, two children and their spouses. Her favorite flowers are Hydrangeas and she loves reds, purples, and blues!

Ms. Chris, Smart Start Teacher

Room 124:  Tuesday/Thursday AM & PM

Ms. Chris Barhorst has been a Lead Teacher at AGSP since 2015, when she was hired to be one of our Little Learners Teachers. In 2016, Chris became one of our Preschool Plus Lead Teachers, a position she held for 7 school years. Chris is excited to teach one of our Smart Start classes on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings again this year! Chris has a degree in Early Childhood Education, and has been teaching preschool for 35 years! Chris and her husband live in Centerville, and have two children and a dog named Layla. In her spare time, she enjoys playing cards and attending concerts and sporting events!

Ms. Katie, KinderStart Teacher

Room 106: Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM

Many of you know Ms. Katie, as she has been teaching our Extra-Curricular Spanish Class since 2016, and she was an active volunteer when both of her children attended AGSP. We are so excited to have a morning only position available for her this school year! Katie and her husband live in Centerville with their two boys.

Ms. Tracey, Smart Start Teacher

Room 122:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM and PM

Tuesday, Thursday AM & PM

Ms. Tracey Gregory has been working at A Great Start Preschool since 2015, and her youngest of 3 sons is an AGSP graduate.   Tracey attended Sinclair and Wright State majoring in Elementary Education. Tracey loves working with children, and is excited to be teaching in our Smart Start program again this year! She lives in Centerville with her husband, 3 boys, and dog Tracker. Tracey’s favorite animals are dogs and horses, and she loves listening to Journey and P!nk.

Ms. Ginny, Preschool Plus Teacher

Room 121: Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM& PM and Tuesday/Thursday AM & PM

Ginny Goerz began her career at AGSP in 2017, and was a preschool parent here for 5 years prior to that. She is super excited to be teaching Preschool Plus MWF AM&PM and Tues/Thurs AM&PM this school year! She studied Psychology and Child Development in College before staying at home with her children. Ginny has a passion for working with children and is always willing to help wherever needed.  Ginny lives in Centerville with her husband and 2 daughters.

Ms. Erika, Little Learners Teacher

Room 107: Monday, Wednesday, AM & PM and Friday AM & PM

Tuesday, Thursday AM & PM

You may have seen Ms. Erika Mullins in our hallways since 2011, first as a parent and then as a home daycare provider transporting some of our students to/from preschool. She has been a Lead Teacher in our Little Learners program since 2019. Erika has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has been working with children for over 22 years. Erika and her husband live in Centerville with their two daughters. She is a Girl Scout Leader and in her spare time, enjoys cross-stitch, audio books, cooking/baking, and is learning to knit!

Ms. Jenny, Teacher’s Aide

Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM & PM  

Tuesday, Thursday AM & PM

Ms. Jenny Smith began her employment with AGSP in 2019, and has filled several roles including Little Learners Teacher, Preschool Plus Teacher, Substitute, and Floater. Again this year, she will be our Teacher’s Aide Monday through Friday, morning and afternoon. Jenny studied Early Childhood Education at Cincinnati Christian University, and has been the Preschool Coordinator at her Church. She and her husband live in Beavercreek with their four children.

Ms. Erica, Smart Start Teacher

Room 127: Tuesday, Thursday AM & PM

Ms. Erica McCormick has been working for AGSP since January 2007! She studied Education at The University of Toledo, and she is an active volunteer in the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools. Erica is a mom of 3, two of which are AGSP graduates. She loves lilies and tulips, and going on vacation to Vegas and Disney!

Ms. Mandy, KinderStart Teacher

Room 103: Monday through Friday, AM and PM

Although this is Mandy’s third year on staff, she has been a parent and volunteer at AGSP since 2017! She is looking forward to teaching KinderStart this school year. Mandy has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mandy has been actively involved in the PTO at a local school and you may also recognize her from Strollers in Motion. Mandy and her husband live in Centerville with their two boys.

Ms. Peggy, Floater

Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM

Ms. Peggy has been employed at AGSP since 2008. After being a Lead Teacher here for 12 years, she semi-retired and spent one year subbing for us before returning as a Floater. This year, she looks forward to floating between all classes on Mon/Wed/Fri morning, helping wherever she is needed. Peggy has a degree in Early Childhood Education, and over 30 years working with children. Peggy and her husband live in Beavercreek, and have two children and one grandchild. In her spare time, she enjoys biking, traveling, and visiting with her Grandson.

Substitute Teaching Staff

From time to time, our teachers may need a session off. To continue to provide your children with quality education, we have a qualified team of substitutes to ensure a routine day. Sometimes our permanent staff members who work on an alternate schedule may substitute as well. 

A Great Start Preschool is hiring SUBS for the 24-25 School Year! Contact Christina to apply!

Ms. Amy Fisher has been employed at AGSP since 2008. She began in our Smart Start program and taught our KinderStart program for several years. In 2023, Amy has retired to a Subbing Position. Although we miss seeing her on a regular schedule, we are glad she has stayed on staff! Amy has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She is a mother of 6 and Nana to 3!

Ms. Raeleen Grzybowski joined our team as a sub in 2020, but we knew her for a few years prior to that as a Mom of students in our Preschool and Kindergarten programs and as an active volunteer. Raeleen has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and taught high school in Arizona before moving back to Ohio. She has also been actively involved in our monthly Parent Group Meetings!

You may recognize Ms. Lauren Moorman as one of our awesome Soccer Coaches since 2016! She joined our staff as a Substitute Teacher in 2020. Lauren has a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University, and over 12 years of experience working with children.

Ms. Lauren Burtscher is on maternity leave, but says we will still see her on occasion as a Sub! Lauren and her husband welcomed baby boy #4 to their family last fall. Lauren has been on our staff since 2021, and began her time here as a preschool mom in 2017. She has a Bachelor’s degree and has been working with children for over 20 years.

Ms. Grace Kirk joined our team in 2022. Grace happens to be Ms. Mandy’s sister! She is a UC graduate and is currently working toward her Master’s of Education in School Psychology. In addition to subbing for AGSP, Grace is also a Registered Behavior Technician.

Ms. Pam Alderman, Little Learners Teacher from 2004-2015.  With love laughter and lots of hugs, Ms. Pam gave us “a great start” and now is looking down from above. In fond remembrance of one of our founding teachers.