Wesleyan Faculty
Gina Munkers
Director
Gina joined Wesleyan Preschool and Kindergarten program 17 years ago as a classroom teacher and was promoted to director for the 2022-23 school year. She has 21 years of teaching experience in education and early childhood development. Past experiences include teaching at an art-based charter school, a private elementary school, and developing an in-home childcare program. Her son is also a past Wesleyan graduate. Gina has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in reading and has a K-8 Idaho State Teaching Credential.
Patti Valenzuela
Assistant Director
Patti joined the administrative team in 2019 after 14 years as a classroom lead teacher at Wesleyan. She has 18 years of teaching experience in private preschool and kindergarten education programs and has been a leader at Wesleyan and KASP for many years. Patti has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling and Elementary Education, and a K-8 Idaho State Teaching Credential. Patti is also the assistant director for Kids Are Special People (KASP).
Dawn Wood
3/4's Classroom Teacher
Dawn is in her 12th year with Wesleyan and is the lead co-teacher in the Beetle classroom. She has over 23 years of teaching experience in education and early childhood development. Past experiences include teaching in both public and private high-quality infant, toddler and preschool programs in Hawaii, California and Washington. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development, Specializing in Early Childhood Education/Infants and Toddlers.
Jen Carlile
3/4's Classroom Teacher
Jen Carlile is in her third year at Wesleyan as the 2-day teacher in the Beetle Classroom, as well as a school-wide substitute teacher. She has two children that graduated from Wesleyan and have been a part of the Wesleyan community for over 7 years. Jen received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Western Washington University and previously worked in the accounting and financial planning sectors.
Joslyn Bernhardt
3/4's Classroom Teacher
Joslyn returns to Wesleyan for her fourth year as a co-teacher in the Beetle 3-day classroom. Joslyn has ten years of teaching experience in elementary education. Her past experiences include teaching third grade at a school of the arts and teaching small group intervention for mathematics. She has three children who formerly graduated from Wesleyan. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona and holds a K-8 Idaho teaching credential, with a K-8 mathematics endorsement.
Courtney Bolton
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Courtney Bolton is entering her second year as the lead teacher for the Transitional Kindergarten class. Courtney recently graduated from Boise State University with a degree in elementary education and has a wealth of experience teaching preschool and working in Montessori. Courtney enjoys spending time with her family and their energetic rescue dog when she's not in the classroom. On sunny days, she can be found on the golf course or relaxing with a good book at the neighborhood pool. Her love of sports is evident in her dedication to catching every BSU football game.
Seth Hurtado
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Seth returns to Wesleyan for his third year and continues to teach at KASP, our sister program. He was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho, and studied Elementary Education at the College of Western Idaho. Seth brings teaching experiences of an age range from 4 years up to 10 years old; his background includes after-school care, co-teaching Kindergarten classrooms, and serving as a lead Computer paraprofessional for the Nampa School District. Seth’s hobbies include traveling, playing music, and spending time with his huskies.
Colleen McDonald
Extended Day Classroom Teacher
Colleen is back at Wesleyan for her fourth year as the Extended Day teacher for the 4/5's and Transitional Kindergarten class. She has over a decade of experience teaching elementary and special education. She has previously taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, as well as served as an Extended Resource Room teacher in public elementary schools. Both her son and daughter graduated from Wesleyan. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with minors in mathematics and science, a Master of Science in Special Education, and a K-8 Idaho State Teaching Credential.
Beth Sanders
4/5's Classroom Teacher
Beth's journey at Wesleyan began many years ago when her daughters, Libby and Sarah, joined our classrooms. Beth started as a substitute and later transitioned into teaching in the 3/4 and 4/5 looping classes. Beth was an integral part of our teaching staff for seven years, gaining valuable experience and eventually becoming the lead teacher in the 4/5 morning and afternoon classes.
Beth was also one of the volunteer art teachers at Whittier Elementary for 15 years and volunteered time at Highlands Elementary School for 8 years (her daughter's school.) She has a bachelor's of art in mathematics, which includes multiple semesters of art and French classes.
Traci Wilson
4/5's Classroom Teacher
Traci joins our team as the co-teacher in the 4/5's classroom. She has ten years of experience in elementary education. Most recently, she taught 1st grade at a public school in Seattle, Washington. She has her bachelor's in psychology from Gonzaga University, Masters in Teaching from Antioch Seattle, and National Board Certified in Early Childhood Education. Traci’s oldest son is a Wesleyan graduate, and her youngest son will be attending Wesleyan for his second year.
Madaline Anderson
Parent and Tot Teacher & Yoga Teacher
Madaline returns to Wesleyan for her 3rd year to offer the Parent and Tot class again! Madaline is a past Wesleyan parent with a degree in psychology, early childhood education, and special education. She is also a certified Children's Yoga Instructor. Past teaching experiences have been at BSU Children's Center and The Children's School 2/3's creative movement class.