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, Retired Teacher
After 30+ years of teaching (nearly a decade at AGSP), Ms. Chris Barhorst entered retirement this fall. We are so appreciative of Ms. Chris’s hard work and dedication to our school. She will be missed!
Ms. Katie, KinderStart Teacher
Room 106: Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM
Many of you know Ms. Katie Acosta, 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, Tuesday/Thursday AM, & Monday through Friday 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 3 Preschool Plus classes 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. Hannah, Preschool Plus Teacher
Room 124: Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM and Tuesday/Thursday PM
Smart Start Teacher
Room 124: Monday/Wednesday/Friday PM
Hannah is excited to teach at AGSP again this school year! She will be teaching Preschool Plus on MWF AM and Tuesday/Thursday PM Class in room 124, and on MWF PM she will teach a new Smart Start Class. Hannah has 5 years of experience, working with all ages from toddler through middle school, and before joining our team she was a pre-kindergarten teacher at a reputable child care center for 3 years. She is working toward completing her Child Development Associate. Hannah is a Centerville grad, but now lives in Kettering. Hannah loves concerts and spending time with her family.
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. PJ, Preschool Plus Teacher
Room 127: Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM and PM
We are so excited for Ms. PJ Pemberton to be teaching Preschool Plus again this school year. PJ joined our staff last school year and is finishing up her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. She has over 15 years experience working with children. PJ and her husband live in Huber Heights with their two fur babies.
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.
Ms. Amy, Floater
Monday, Wednesday, Friday PM
Please welcome Ms. Amy to AGSP! Amy has been a lead teacher at a reputable center for the past several years, and is excited to join our team as a Floater this school year! Amy’s youngest child will also be attending our KinderStart program. Amy is a mother of two and an active volunteer in Centerville Schools. She has a passion for working with young children and loves planning and organizing special activities and events.
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.