Meet the Staff
Preschool Director
Lea Ann McGlothin has been a part of Trinity for 21 years. Seventeen of those years have been on staff at Trinity Preschool. She taught 4K for five years. She also taught music & movement, art on the cart, and enrichment for five years. Lea Ann is now entering her seventh year as the preschool Director. Lea Ann and her husband, Joey, have been married for 23 years and have 3 children who all attended Trinity Preschool. They also have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a horse. Years ago she received a sign from a student that says “Love What You Do,” and that is exactly what she does. Trinity is “home” to Lea Ann and she can’t imagine doing anything or being anywhere else. She loves getting to lead and learn alongside the staff and getting to see all of the children’s “light bulb” moments. Her mission is that each child that enters the preschool will feel loved and accepted, will know what it means to be a child of God, and will leave with a profound love of learning. Her favorite part of the job is all of the hugs and getting to hear the sweet laughter that fills the preschool each day. Lea Ann’s biggest prayer each year is that God not only fills our hallways with children, but with those that he feels we need the most. If your child attends Trinity, it is not by accident. They were prayed for long before they enrolled. We consider it a huge honor that you have chosen Trinity Preschool for your child’s first school experience. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious blessings. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ” Matthew 19:14
Trinity in Motion/Financial Secretary
Laura Aucott has been a part of Trinity Preschool for 7 years, first as a parent, then as our first ever Preschool Assistant. Today she wears several hats teaching our Trinity in Motion class, being the preschool Financial Secretary, and helping the Director if needed. She and her husband have 2 girls, 2 horses, 2 cats, a guinea pig, a crested gecko, and chickens. She owns a small horse farm called Almost to Whiskey and has a degree in Equine Business Management. She spent many years as a pastry chef as well. In her spare time Laura enjoys camping with her family and reading. She has a big heart for children with special needs and those who just learn differently. Her favorite part of being at Trinity is getting to use her creativity to help plan special hands-on activities for the children. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer” – Romans 12:12
Music & Movement
Alexa Havens is looking forward to another year at Trinity as the Music and Movement teacher. She’s most excited to give the students a space where they can express themselves freely and find their gifts through music. Alexa found her love of singing very young. She has 2 years of professional vocal training, was a part of recording a “Dove Award” winning choir album, and was given the amazing opportunity to try out for “The Voice.” For the past 8 years, she’s been on the worship team at her church and found her relationship with God through worship music. Alexa and her husband, Nick, have been together for 6 years. They have two kids, Carter & Raelynn, who keep their hearts full and the house loud. They love going to the park and traveling. She’s praying for a great year with the kids and developing relationships with them. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
4K Teachers
Kacie Sholty is beginning her eighth year teaching at Trinity Preschool (previously 1 year in 2K, 6 years in 4K). Before that, she was a substitute for 4 years. She received the Aiken Standard’s Teacher of the Month for March 2022! Kacie has been married to her husband, Jared, for 18 years. They have two wonderful children, Alexis and Mayson, who are both in middle school. They have 2 dogs (Cookie & Brownie), 2 leopard geckos (Rex & Rocco), 2 cats (Simba & Nala), and a box turtle (TT). When Kacie isn’t teaching, you can find her drinking coffee and reading a book. She enjoys visiting Beaufort and camping. She also volunteers in the preschool at Kidz Creek at her church, Cedar Creek. Kacie’s favorite part of teaching is getting to interact with and encourage the kids to love learning. She looks forward to seeing the growth the students make each year and the excitement they have when they accomplish their goals. Her favorite quote is, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” She says that it describes exactly how she feels about teaching. She lives for seeing the kids happy and learning both socially and intellectually.
This is Leigh Winkler’s fourth year here at Trinity Preschool. Before Trinity, she worked for 13 years in the Aiken County School District for the Special Education Department doing Applied Behavioral Therapy in the Autism program. Leigh is married to her best friend of 21 years, Andrew, and together they have 5 amazing kids and a wonderful son-in-law! She has two pups, Duke and Luna. Leigh most enjoys being with her family, traveling and playing pickleball! She’s looking forward to building relationships with her students and watching them learn and grow. “The best part of working with kids is knowing you had an impact on their growth & future.” Leigh’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can endure all these things through the power of the One who gives me strength.”
Karen Gerard is embarking on her sixth year of teaching at Trinity Preschool, building on her experience as a substitute teacher. She spent 4 years nurturing 3K students and is now entering her second year of teaching 4K, guided by her passion for helping others. Karen and her husband Chris have two children, a dog, and a cat, and she was captivated by Trinity’s warm atmosphere when she toured it for her daughter. Karen is deeply committed to Trinity’s motto, “Love First, Teach Second,” and strives to create a supportive learning environment. Her dedication earned her Aiken Standard’s Teacher of the Month for December 2020, and she finds inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13. Outside the classroom, Karen enjoys watching her kids play sports or exploring nature. She’s excited to meet her new students and discover their unique strengths, knowing that together, they’ll achieve great things.
3K Teachers
Jessica Buckholtz is excited to begin her second year as a 3K teacher at Trinity Preschool! Trinity is where she discovered her passion for teaching. She loves getting to watch the world through the children’s eyes as they discover and try new things. Jessica has been married to her best friend Benjamin for 8 years. They have 2 wonderful children, 3 dogs, and 4 fish. Their oldest attended Trinity for 3K and 4K. He is now going into 1st grade! Their youngest is enrolled in 3K at Trinity. Jessica loves to read, go to the beach, anything Disney, skiing (she used to teach ski lessons to children), traveling, and exploring new things with her family! One of Jessica’s favorite Bible verses is “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
Barbi Stewart is honored to join Trinity Preschool as a new 3K teacher. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the United States in her early twenties to pursue a college education. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree, and soon after began a career in the financial and insurance industries, eventually transitioning into marketing — a field she worked in for over a decade. She has been happily married to her husband, Mike, for 15 years, and they are blessed with their son, Michael, and their sweet Labrador, Barley. Their family is rooted in love, faith, and community. Ms. Barbi is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and she believes that communication is a beautiful bridge that connects hearts and cultures. Although her professional journey began in corporate spaces, her passion for early childhood development led her to Trinity, where she has had the joy of serving as a substitute teacher. Many of the children already know her, and she is so excited to step into a more permanent role where she can support their growth, curiosity, creativity, and understanding of Christian values. Her goal for this year is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every child in her care feels seen, heard, valued, and safe. She is committed to creating a joyful classroom where learning is fun, discovery is encouraged, and kindness is practiced daily. She understands the trust it takes to place a child in someone else’s care, and she wants every parent to know that she holds that responsibility with deep respect and love. Her favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Lucy Atkinson is elated to be teaching 3K at Trinity Preschool. Before joining us on staff, she enjoyed substituting for us and helping with the morning carline. She has over 25 years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She is excited to be part of Trinity Preschool where learning is a fun, nurturing, and hands-on experience. Prior to joining Trinity Preschool, she was a medical/clinical assistant for 13.5 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom almost 4 years ago. Mrs. Atkinson has a husband named Justin, 3 daughters, and 2 dogs. Her middle daughter attended Trinity Preschool over 12 years ago and now her youngest attends. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, crafting, and watching movies. Her favorite places to visit are Disney World, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventures. Mrs. Atkinson is a big sci-fi enthusiast. Her favorite quote is from Stan Lee, “That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real life superhero.”
Kaya Trefethren is excited to be a part of the 3K team at Trinity Preschool! She has over 20 years of experience working with kids of all ages as a gymnastics coach. She has also worked as an aide in a library at one of the public schools here in Aiken County. Kaya and her husband Adam have 5 kids ranging from ages 3-16. Family is very important to Kaya. She loves taking family trips and making new memories with her family. She is excited to make new memories in the classroom with her students as well. One of Kaya’s favorite quotes is “Life is too short to be anything but happy.” Seeing kids smile and watching them grow over the years is one of the things that makes her most happy.
2K Teachers
Trinity Preschool is thrilled to welcome families to a joyful year in 2K with Mrs. Courtney Lebednik! This is her 4th year teaching at Trinity and her 3rd wonderful year in the 2K classroom; a space filled with giggles, growing minds, and so much love. From the moment she joined the Trinity community, Mrs. Courtney knew she was exactly where she was meant to be. She finds true joy in the wonder and curiosity of two-year-olds, where every day brings new adventures and moments of growth. She considers it a blessing to witness those first friendships, lightbulb moments, and tiny triumphs that make early childhood so special. Mrs. Courtney is married to her best friend, Daniel, and together, they have two wonderful boys and a sweet, spunky girl. Their home is full of love, laughter, and energy; especially thanks to their little dachshund, Scooter, who is quite certain he runs the show! When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks, and supporting her own kiddos in multiple sports from the sidelines with a big smile, sometimes with loud cheering, and usually with a snack in hand. She feels deeply honored to be part of your child’s preschool journey and looks forward to a school year filled with play, purpose, and precious memories. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
This will be Jenna Towns’s third year teaching 2K at Trinity Preschool. She loves teaching 2K because it’s a year that her students’ personalities start to blossom. She loves watching them discover the world and learn to play together. She first fell in love with Trinity when she enrolled her middle son three years ago and now her youngest attends as well. Jenna met her husband David on an 11-month, 11-country mission trip. They have been married for 10 years and have 3 children: Manning, Azariah, and Elliana. Jenna and her family were living in Africa before Covid, but made the transition back to South Carolina in 2020. Jenna loves children and making everyone feel heard and known. Her favorite thing to do is to be outside with her family. She loves hiking, camping, and beach days. Jenna finds joy and relaxation in crocheting and reading. Jenna is very optimistic and knows her worth and confidence come from the Lord. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 119:114. “You’re my hiding place of quiet retreat. I wait for your word to renew me.”
1K Teachers
Lauren Ehlers is excited to be on staff at Trinity Preschool! She has always had a deep passion for teaching and nurturing young children. Lauren has been married to her husband since 2021, and together they share two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including their dog and two cats. Before pursuing a career in education, Lauren worked with the elderly in kidney dialysis, where she developed an even stronger calling to serve others. Her passion for helping people continues to guide her work in the classroom as she strives to create a caring, supportive, and encouraging environment for every child. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34–35
Michelle Williams is over the moon to be entering her first year teaching 1K at Trinity Preschool! Michelle has previous experience with littles from newborns to adolescents, a background in nursing of 9+ years, and has been a substitute teacher, after school care provider and school nurse. She has an amazing husband of 7 years, Michael, and a daughter Liliana, who is full of little smiles and giggles. She loves her family and making memories. Her hobbies include being outdoors – no matter what season, DIY projects, helping others, and cooking! The littles will love her sweet, quirky and caring personality. Each opportunity to work with and care for small humans is her passion! She is excited to join our team!