Our Teachers

My name is Lisa Schmidt and I am the art teacher at Kids Are First Preschool.  I live in Sellersville with my husband, two dogs, one cat, a tortoise, chickens and fishpond.  I have two grown children and four grandchildren. I studied accounting at Lansdale Business School and realized I did not want to sit in an office all day. I decided to go to Bucks County Community College to study childcare. I started teaching preschool in 1996 and love the job!!!  I still love my job, watching children grow makes me smile everyday 🙂

Hello!  My name is Dana Rice and I have the pleasure of teaching the Preschool children.  I have my AA in elementary Education and have been working at Kids Are First Preschool since 2007. I am married and the proud mama of two great kids. I love being a teacher and consider it a true privilege and blessing to be able to do what I love every day. I am looking forward to a wonderful year together!!

My name is Celia Markham and some of you may recognize me as the Art and Crafts teacher at Kids Are First Summer Camp.  I am a longtime teacher and a certified Reading Specialist.  I am excited to be putting on my Kindergarten Teaching hat again.  In my spare time I am a mixed media artist and paintee, writer and musician.  I spend a lot of time creating things with my cats, lollipop and Cleo. We will have many great years learning!!!!

My name is Kathy Boland and I am the Pre-K teacher at Kids Are First, I am also head Camp counselor and life guard during summer camp.  I graduated from Temple University with a Health and Physical Education degree.  I love to golf and playing pickleball.  Roger, Sammi, Lou and Mr. Bob and my fur babies.  Roger and Sammi enjoy weekend trips to my favorite getaway Ocean City New Jersey!!!  I love going to work everyday seeing the children learn, laugh and collaborating with my co-workers. 

OLD TEACHER CONTENT

Ms. Kathleen Boland – Director

I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. I have taught grades K-12 in the Philadelphia School District. I’ve also worked at a local preschool in jobs varying from infant facility, athletic director, lifeguard and preschool teacher. I have been the director of Kids Are First since 2006, I love keeping busy with the kids and I love coming to work everyday!

 Mrs. Vickie Martinelli (Mrs. M) – Preschool Teacher

My name is Vickie Martinelli (Mrs. M) and I am the Gym and Music teacher at Kids Are First. I live in Coopersburg with my husband Dan and my 13 year old son Danny. We have a 19 year old cat named Gump and a new puppy named Buddy. I graduated from Kutztown University in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Education. I have been teaching Preschool and Kindergarten ever since. I have been lucky enough to be at my current position for 10 years, with the exception of the 2012-2013 school year. I needed to take that year off due to an illness in my family. I am so excited to be back and I am looking forward to another wonderful fun filled year. Kids Are First Rocks!

Mrs. Dana Rice – 3 Year Old Teacher

Hi my name is Dana Rice and I am the Math and Science teacher. I have my Associate degree in Elementary Education and have been part of the Kids Are First family since 2006. I live with my husband, two children and two cats. I look forward to a great school year!

Mrs. Lisa Schmidt – Art Teacher

I started teaching preschool in 1996. Before teaching preschool, I provided child care in my home for 6 years. I studied child care at Bucks County Community College as well as Lansdale School of Business. Currently, I am the art teacher at Kids Are First Preschool. My favorite thing about my job is seeing the amazement in your child’s face when we create something new together.

Mrs. Kristen Hass – Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Kristen Hass (Kris) and I am the Kindergarten teacher at Kids Are First. I graduated from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. In my teaching career I have taught in Kindergarten, First and Third grades, and I also have an Administrative background in a private Education setting. I live in Perkasie with my husband Keith and my three children, Rachael (University of Pittsburgh), Ryan & Gracie (both Pennridge School District), and my two cats, Piper and Frank. My three children are all Kids Are First Alumni!! I love the beach, scrapbooking, cheering for my kids at their sporting events and spending time with my family and friends. I am very proud to be a part of the Kids Are First family!