Experienced Preschool & Kindergarten TEACHERS

Julie Wright

Three-Year-Olds

Hello, my name is Julie Wright, and I am a graduate of Miami University in Oxford. I will be teaching a three-year-old class this year. I love watching the kids learn and grow throughout the year. Each class is a new adventure, and I’m thrilled to be here.

My three children and husband also attended First School. So we are a 100% First School Family! My oldest son just turned 25 and lived in Orlando, FL. My middle son is 22 and works in the Centerville area, and my daughter is 17 and a senior at Dayton Christian. We love to travel and especially enjoy going out west. I love to read and also enjoy scrapbooking when I get the time. I enjoy a good cup of coffee, playing with my four labs, and spending time with my family. Thank you for letting me be a part of this special time in your child’s life. I’m looking forward to a great year.

Tracey Kershner

Four-Year-Olds/Kindergarten

Hi, I’m Tracey Kershner, and I will be teaching 4-year-olds and kindergarten. I have loved working with children since high school. I decided to make my career in teaching and received my teaching degree from Ohio University. Before coming to First School, I taught at Miami University Middletown’s preschool and also for Head Start in Dayton.

I live in Miamisburg, and I’m married to Jeff, who works for AES (formerly DP&L). We have two children – Jake, who lives with his wife Becca in Toledo, and Erin, who is married to Matt and made us grandparents to Lucy back in the spring! We share our home with Tuxedo, our 80-lb lapdog. In my spare time, I read voraciously, garden, hike, and do a little crafting.

I’m looking forward to a great year!

Stacey Yarger

Director of Operations / Admissions

Hi, my name is Stacey Yarger, and I am the Director of Operations and Admissions at First School. I have a B.A. from Northwestern University and am originally from the Chicago area.

I have lived in Dayton for 40 years with my native Daytonian husband of 40 years. We have three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and two grandsons. My oldest daughter is 36 and lives in Northern California with one of my grandsons and is an organic farmer, fashion designer, astrologer, and a grad student in clinical psychology. My middle daughter is 32 and lives in Chicago with her husband and my other grandson. She works for McKinsey and Company, and my son-in-law works for Slalom. My youngest daughter is 27 and is a grad student at Indiana University studying Information Science.

I have been a member of the First School team for 12 ½ years, and it has been so rewarding for me professionally and personally. In my free time, I like to renovate houses and re-sell them. I also enjoy cooking and reading, and discovering new restaurants in the area.

Erin Lehrian

T/TH AM 3’s

Hello! My name is Erin Lehrian, and this is my first year teaching at First School. I have my Bachelor’s in early childhood education from Miami University and a background in special education. Although this is my first time working as the lead teacher, I have been involved at First School for over a decade as a volunteer, substitute teacher, and working the summer camps!

I am very excited to be teaching three-year-olds on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and I look forward to getting to know you! I live at home with my husband, our 7-month-old daughter, and our two dogs. I love reading stories with my daughter, watching movies with my husband, and getting together with my family. I hope we have a great year!

Megan Lucente

MWF Assistant

Hi, my name is Megan Lucente, and I am a first-year Teacher's Assistant. You may recognize me from last school year when I volunteered during AM drop-off. This is my daughter's fourth year at First School. I was born and raised in Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky as an undergrad. I moved to Ohio when my husband, Dominic, graduated from UC and accepted a position in Springboro as a Civil Engineer. We now live in Centerville with our Daughter, Lucy, and various wild animals that love our wooded backyard. If I'm not at school, you can find me at several different dance practices, bluegrass/folk concerts, and watching the Bengals, UK, and against my will, Buckeye games. I also love to restore random furniture I find to keep or sell. Antiquing is another favorite past-time of mine.

JEAN LARSON

Assistant

Hi, I’m Jean Larson, and this is my 14th year as an assistant at First School. It is my 4th year doing Lunch bunch. My husband, Michael, and I have three sons and a sweet daughter-in-law. I love kids and people and always find them interesting. To relax, I love to read, scrapbook, exercise, and watch the Cubs!

Ann Merrill

Teacher's Aide / Dance Teacher

My name is Ann Merrill, and I am officially retired after 24 years of teaching 4-year-olds at First School. Bur First School is a hard place to leave, so I happily returned as the dance teacher and later as a teacher assistant. Being able to spend the day with your children is a highlight of each week.

I graduated from Wright State University with a B.S. in Sociology and later from Indiana University with an M.S. in Education. My professional career included working at several universities in varied capacities, six years at WPAFB, 12 years as a scientific proofreader, teaching several forms of dance, and operating my own small landscape company. But by far, the most joy came from teaching children. For many years, I have been a volunteer in the community and served on several local boards, including 22 years with The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. During that time, my attention was focused on SunWatch's archaeological park. As a certified master naturalist and a recently nationally certified interpretive guide, I have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with 5RiversMetropark, leading public programs, school and Scout groups, and conservation kids programs. My love of nature is nourished regularly with these activities and additionally by living in our home in the woods.

My husband of almost 45 years is retired from his position with Montgomery County but works part-time. We are parents of two children, both of whom graduated from First School. Our son, Griffin, is currently serving as a Major in the United States Army. He and his wife, Melissa, have three children: Ryan (14), Leah (10), and Hattie Mae (4). Hannah, our daughter, and her husband, David, live in Columbus. She is a Human Resources manager for Abercrombie & Fitch. They are the parents of 4-year-old Cooper and one-month-old Poppy Jane. My favorite things are Starbucks tea, pizza, the color orange, spending time with family, hiking, ballet and tap, squash soup from Panera, boots, hats, being outdoors, and, of course, First School.

Michelle Meadows

M-F AM 4’s

Hello! My name is Michelle Meadows, and this is my 6th year teaching at First School, and I love it! I am teaching four-year-olds Monday through Friday. I’m very excited to get to know you this year.

My husband and I have two daughters, and we live in Bellbrook. We are involved in many things, including lacrosse, volleyball, theater, and running. My family and I love to play board games. We have two dogs that we love to spoil.

I have a Bachelor of Science in childhood education from the University of Houston. I enjoy cooking, doing crafts, working in my yard, and running.

Kate Beck

Teacher/ Four-Year-Olds

Hello, my name is Kate Beck, and I am thrilled to be teaching Pre-K 4’s at First School this year. I graduated from the University of Dayton (Go Flyers!) with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and have several years experience in elementary education. I’m also a familiar face as my oldest son Henry, now 8 years old, attended First School and my youngest son, Cooper, is a current student.

I love being able to experience a child’s joy of discovery firsthand, as each day brings something new. I also love the support from the FS parents as we collectively work as a team for our students success.

My husband and our two boys live in Centerville and are involved in many sport activities as well as our school and church community. When I’m not at school, you can find me reading a good book, traveling, or cheering on my Dayton Flyers!