Introducing Your Teachers

Jennifer Gottlieb

LLP Director
Jennifer has a BS in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Addition.  She previously taught 4 years in elementary schools before her 14 years of teaching at LLP. Jen volunteers at her church as VBS teacher and worship helper.  Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, reading and playing with her dog Lucy. This is her twentieth year at LLP.  Jen has been married to Dave for 32 years, and mother of two daughters (both LLP graduates).

Mary Comstock

Lead Teacher in the Pre-K AM & PM Classes
Mary has a BS degree in Elementary Education and MS in Physical Education. She stays very busy supporting her sons’ many activities. Mary enjoys playing and watching sports with volleyball being the sport she likes to play the most. She also enjoys traveling and seeing the world. Mary has been married to Jared for 27 years. They are the proud parents of two teenage sons (both LLP graduates). This is Mary’s eleventh year as LLP staff, as well as having substituted for us for several years. Mary is also part of our Summer Camp Staff.

Sharon Castellanos

Lead teacher for Pre-K AM, Beginner AM and Extended Day Classes
Sharon holds a MS in Education, with a Kindergarten Endorsement. Sharon has worked in the elementary schools for 12 years and early childhood for seven. Sharon volunteers at her son’s school with the PTO. Her interests include being with her family, reading, and playing with her dog. Sharon has been married to her husband Dave for 17 years. They are the proud parents of two sons, both LLP graduates. This is her eighth year at LLP.

Teri Coplan

Young 5’s Teacher
Teri has worked as an instructional aide and long-term sub in the Valparaiso Community School for nine years. It was during this time she found her love of teaching and pursued her teaching certificate in Elementary Education. She has been married to her husband Geoff for 28 years and has three beautiful children. She loves reading, gardening and walking her Golden Retriever Finn. This is Teri’s fifth year at LLP.

Ashley Kimmel

Lead Teacher for Beginner 3-session Classes
Ashley graduated from Purdue Northwest in 2017 with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Ashley worked as an ABA Therapist with children on the autism spectrum for 3 and a half years, before leaving to be a stay-at-home mom for the past year and a half. Prior to ABA, she was an assistant teacher at a child development center for 3 years, where she worked with children ages 2-12 years old. Ashley has been married to her husband, Brady for 5 years. They have a 3-year-old son and a 7-year-old dog, who is just as much a part of the family. Ashley's hobbies include party planning, crafting, home decorating, and spending lots of time with her family. This will be Ashley's third year at LLP

Susan Shingler

Lead Teacher for an AM Beginner Class and Assistant for the Beginner 3 -session classes
Susan has a BS in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialty. She previously taught elementary students for 9 years and worked with young children at the YMCA and in VBS programs. She teaches yoga classes twice weekly and enjoys teaching her preschool students’ yoga in the classroom. Susan’s other interests include meditation, interior design, and reading. She has been married to Ray for 31 years. They are the proud parents of a daughter and 2 sons. This is Susan’s sixth year teaching at LLP.

Laura Venstrom

Lead Teacher for an AM Beginners Class
Laura holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has six years’ experience at the elementary level, plus one year subbing here at LLP. She volunteers in various capacities at her church, including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and is kept busy with her three kids' activities. Her other interests include reading, photography, and travel. Laura has been married to her husband Luke for 13 years and they are the parents of three children, two LLP graduates and one current LLP student! This is her first year at Little Lamb.

Dani Dziedzinksi

Assistant for the Young 5 Classes
Dani has taken classes toward an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood and loves working with children. She has volunteered and substituted for the Valparaiso School system, provided childcare, and worked as a peer tutor. Her interests include being with her family, gardening, and sports, especially playing volleyball. Dani has been married 14 years to her husband Brian, and they are the proud parents of an eighth-grade son (LLP graduate). This is Dani’s 9th year with us as well as having substituted for our school. Dani is also part of our Summer Camp Staff.                                             

Cheryl Mulder

Assistant for AM & PM Pre K and AM Beginners
Cheryl  has an MS from Valparaiso University. She enjoys crafting, photography, writing, bargain hunting, and being with family. Cheryl has been married to Mike for 13 years and they have 2 boys (one LLP graduate). She has fun volunteering with her oldest son's sports and various other activities. Cheryl was a sub at LLP for 3 years prior to becoming an assistant. This is her sixth year as an assistant in the Beginners class.                                          

Mallory Raab

Assistant for AM Beginners and 
AM Pre K
Mallory has volunteered for Christ Lutheran Church's VBS program for many years. Mallory enjoys working with children and has substituted / volunteered on numerous occasions. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and being outside. She has been married to Luke for 13 years. Together they have four children, all LLP graduates. This is Mallory’s 6th year at LLP.

Colleen Vatthauer

Assistant Teacher in the 2-day Beginner Class
Colleen has a BS in Elementary Education, with a Kindergarten Endorsement. She taught for 12 years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. Colleen enjoys baking, volunteering, and spending time with her family. She has been married to Brian for 17 years and they are the proud parents of 3 girls, all LLP graduates. This is her third year at LLP, apart from substituting at LLP.