About Us

Lil’ Lighthouse Preschool is licensed by the State of California Department of Social Services and abides by all state health and safety regulations. Supervision of the preschool is managed by the Preschool Director and the church Board of Elders.

Our Director

Marge Menashe

It is my privilege and great honor to be the Director of Lil’ Lighthouse preschool for the past 18 years. Prior to Lil’ Lighthouse, I founded and directed three state-licensed Christian preschools. I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential from California State University at Long Beach.

You will find that I am highly passionate and dedicated to Christian education. My desire is to help nurture students and families so they can enjoy a close relationship with God. I love meeting families and getting them excited about our program which is rich in developing skills for future success. I work closely alongside our excellent teaching staff who are trained and qualified in the field of Early Childhood Education.

My husband and I have a daughter who keeps us busy and young. In my free time, I am an avid football fan (mostly Wisconsin teams) since I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin! Daily exercise and long walks energize me and keep me motivated for a healthy lifestyle.

Assistant Director

Kim Choi

I have a degree in Sociology with a minor in psychology and an early childhood certificate. I have 29 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, both as a teacher and administrator.

I have been married for 41 years, have two adult children and three grandchildren. It brings me great joy to partner with the parents in helping their children grow in maturity and love of the Lord.

Our Teachers

Rachel Houle

Hello! My name is Rachel Houle. When I was about nine years old, I loved playing school and teaching my younger brother how to read and do math equations. It was during this time, I discovered my passion of teaching others and sharing in the joy of learning. This early inspiration set the foundation for my future endeavors in education. I pursued my academic goals, culminating in a Master’s degree in Education.

I am currently in my fifth year at Lil’ Lighthouse, where I have found my niche in teaching TK for the past two years. My previous experience includes teaching 10th and 12th grade World Religions and 6th grade History. Additionally, I served as an aide in a moderate to severe Special Education elementary classroom, which enriched my understanding of diverse learning needs and approaches.

Beyond the classroom, I participated in several mission trips to Prespa, Albania, where I taught English in the small villages to the children living there. During these trips, I not only shared language skills, but also spread the love of Jesus. These diverse experiences have shaped my teaching. I strive to create a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters a love for learning as well as teaching them the love of Jesus.

Outside the classroom, I’m a dedicated wife and mother to two active boys. My evenings and weekends are filled with practices, carpools, and cheering from the sidelines! During my free time, I enjoy traveling, watching the Kansas City Chiefs play (in person or on T.V.), and reading!

Nani Stewart

My name is Mrs. Stewart and I am a lead teacher here at Lil Lighthouse Preschool. I have been teaching here for 13 years. I have taught preschool for over 20 years. I am a wife and mom of 3 amazing children. I have been blessed to grow up in this amazing community and raise my children here.

I knew I wanted to work with kids in some form as long as I can remember. The Lord has given me a heart for littles. I am so thankful I get to do what I love which is to nurture, educate, love and share God’s love to all my students. In my classroom we find the balance of learning through play, music, lots of art, academics, lots and lots of stickers 😂 being silly, being “awesome sauce”, sensory toys and imagination!!

I value the personal relationships I have formed with many of families over the years, the friendships and bonds I have created with my parents. My heart and passion has always been to make sure every child knows that they are valued, unconditionally loved, unique, beautiful and purposefully and wonderfully made!!

Lauren Nagel

With a strong enthusiasm for nurturing young minds, I am truly honored to be part of this faith-filled environment where I can combine my love for teaching and my passion for helping children learn. I grew up in Southern California, and some of my hobbies include baking, cooking, anything artistic or creative, and spending time outdoors.

As a preschool teacher, I find so much fulfillment in helping children grow, be creative, and explore their world. My goal is to create a joyful, supportive space where every child feels valued, loved, and inspired to reach their full potential both academically and spiritually. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of this preschool and community!