Leanne Rimnac
Saline FUMC
Director of Children’s Ministry
I was born and raised in Livonia, Michigan and moved to Saline in 1994 after marrying my husband. I attended Central Michigan University and obtained a B.S in Community Development and went on to the University of Phoenix to receive a Masters degree in Organizational Management. While attending college I worked my way up from a Preschool Lead Teacher into a Center Director position within a chain of child care centers in Livonia. With 12 years of child care experience and training, I am excited to be a part of the Lil’ SAINTS Ministry at Saline First United Methodist Church. On the Saline FUMC staff since 2004, my faith journey keeps on growing and growing as I watch God orchestrate His mighty works within this church. Lil’ SAINTS Preschool being one of them. My personal interests and activities include golfing, waterskiing, exercising and watching old movies. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of my favorites!
Kathleen Kirkland
Director
Hi, my name is Kathy Kirkland. I have been an active member of Saline First United Methodist Church for 15 years. I became the director at Lil’ SAINTS Preschool in February of 2007. Before working at LIl’ SAINTS, I was a lead teacher at the Early Learning Center in Ann Arbor for ten years. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Michigan. I believe that preschool should provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for children where they can explore and learn about their world. Lil’ SAINTS Preschool is a play based Christian preschool that supports what I believe and more. I welcome you to stop by for a visit to see what we are all about.
Bonnie Bender
Assistant Teacher
I have lived in Saline and have been a member of Saline First United Methodist Church, along with my husband, Charlie and teenagers, Sam and Hannah since 1999. Before living in Saline, my family lived in Canton, Connecticut where I operated a licensed home daycare for 5 years. While in Connecticut, I worked with a group of child care providers whose goal was to raise the standard of childcare and provide further education of childcare providers. Inspired by this group, I successfully completed a course on providing quality childcare. I received my undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Arts in German, from Radford University in Virginia. I have a genuine love and concern for children and youth to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I began my faith journey with Jesus in 1973, and I am delighted to share my experiences with the little folks who will be attending Lil’ SAINTS Preschool.
Nancy McCune
Lead Teacher
I have been a member of Saline First United Methodist Church in 1997. I have been active in children’s ministry as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, and an active participant in the Wednesday Rock in Logos program. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. My husband, Andrew, and I have three wonderful sons, Evan (16), Colin (14), and Riley (12) who keep us very busy. I was teaching preschool when Evan was born, but truly felt called to stay home and raise my children myself. I enjoyed every minute I spent as a stay at home mom. I believe my purpose in life is to teach children, my own and others, about God’s great grace and love for them. I thank God every day the children who attend Lil’ SAINTS, I pray that through my words and actions they will come to understand how important they are to God, and that He loves each and every one of them, exactly as they were created.
