Teachers and Staff

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Mitch Rush, Director

Mitch Rush has been involved with Great Beginnings Preschool, both as a board member and volunteer, since 1991. In addition to Great Beginnings Preschool, he served for many years on the board of directors of Christian Family Services; an agency whose primary mission is serving children through adoption and counseling. He is currently serving on the CFS board of trustees. He has been a member of the East Independence Church of Christ since 1961 and an Elder since February 1998. Much of his life has been spent in children’s ministries and he is a friend to children of all ages.

Briana Dawson, Teacher

My name is Briana Dawson. I have been a stay at home mom and am excited to be teaching young children again! I am mother to 3 wonderful children, have a wonderful husband whom I adore and many pets. My teaching journey began while I was in college. I was in school to become a nurse, but was working at a daycare when I realized nursing would not fulfill my heart’s need for daily contact with the children I met. So, I decided to change my major to Early Childhood Education. After earning my bachelors degree, I began teaching at the Sunshine Center; working with children with special needs. I am so happy for my change of heart. I love watching children learn. The look in their faces as they accomplish new things is amazing! I look forward to seeing their eyes light up with excitement as they learn and grow during the school year.

Elizabeth Rush, Teacher

Elizabeth Rush has been in the teaching field, whether as an assistant or a teacher, for the past 9 years. She worked as a team leader for special needs adults for several years and then became Site Coordinator over the entire facility for two years. She received her Associate of Arts degree from the Metropolitan Community College and her Bachelor’s of Science in Social Psychology from Park University. She is actively involved in her church, and is Co-Director of the children’s Wednesday evening program FW Friends. She has certifications/trainings in the following: MANDT, First Aid, Child/Infant CPR, Adult CPR, Certified Medication Aide, Sign Language, behavior modification, and is a Certified Kindermusik instructor.

Jamie Ethington, Teacher

My name is Jamie Ethington. My husband, Jeremy and I just celebrated our 14th year of marriage and have been blessed with four children ages four to twelve. I have received many blessings during the last twelve years of raising my kiddos. One of the largest of those blessings was having six years of being a homeschooling teacher to my children, teaching some of them as high as the fifth grade. My favorite part of being a homeschooler was being able to create an environment that suited each child's personality and strengths, while also empowering them to overcome their weaknesses. I look forward to bringing that creativity into the preschool environment. I also have a passion for science and nature and love to witness the wonder when children discover the beauty and awesomeness of God's creation. I am delighted to have this opportunity to share my love of learning and passion for discovery with the wonderful kids here at Great Beginnings Preschool!