Board of Directors
Charmayne Kilcup PhD
Charmayne Kilcup PhD, is an Albuquerque native with a passion for education. Having attended A Child’s Garden as a preschooler, kindergartner, and then working as a staff member, Charmayne knows firsthand the value of compassionate and holistic play-based education.
She holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and a PhD in Research Psychology. In her private practice as a coach, she sees the importance of early childhood years on adolescent and adult well-being.
Charmayne has a thriving private practice and is author of Heal Your Heart. She married her husband, Walter, in 2018 and together they have a son and dog. Weekends you will find them enjoying outdoor adventures, camping, gardening, and enjoying chia seed pancakes.
Beverly Garrett
Beverly received her BA in Environmental Studies and Fine arts; and her Master of Science (MS) degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Wright State University in Ohio. She has extensive experience in the community mental health arena, and began training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in 2009 and became part of an award-winning community mental health team which developed a DBT oriented program called “Wise Mind”. Beverly taught at the college level for six years; and received consistent recognition for being a client centered, team player. Her clients know her as a gentle yet encouraging presence. She moved to New Mexico in 2013 “for the mountains and blue sky” and worked at New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas NM before moving to Albuquerque to work in private practice. She has been an active member of SOTV since 2016.
Julianna Strong
Julianna Strong is the new director of Shepherd of the Valley Preschool. She received her Bachelor of Science at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. Julianna is native to the north valley. She has worked as a childcare giver and advanced her way into a center specialist, and now a director. She intends to continue her education and obtain her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and obtain a directors certification. She is involved in the North Valley Community and is part of the NV Little League Committee.
Outside of the preschool, Julianna loves spending time with her husband and kids, 2 month old and 5 year old. Julianna enjoys watching a good baseball game, camping, and taking her family out to discover nature. She is passionate about working with children reach their potential through play and discovery. She is excited to take on the new journey in developing your children with the creativity and imagination they need to succeed.
Amy Schmidt
My name is Amy Schmidt. I am a member of Shepherd of the Valley and have been on the board of the pre-school since fall 2021.
I grew up in the Omaha area, am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My high school class in fact just celebrated our 50th reunion. My undergraduate degree is in Social Welfare and for several years I worked in Lincoln as a social worker in foster care before moving to New Mexico in 1977. I decided once here to pursue a career in medicine and in 1985 graduated from UNM-SOM then did residency in Family Medicine at UNM.
I was the physician for Albuquerque Healthcare of the Homeless for several years before going into private practice. June 2021 I retired after 32 years in practice! I am adjusting well to this lifestyle with much less stress!
I have 2 adult sons both of whom live out of state. My older son Evan has been an investment banker with Goldman Sachs, now making a big change to live with his family in Austin. My younger son, Tyler works in tech, is based out of Denver. Evan and his wife have a new addition this year, Wally, my first grandchild has been such a joy! Wally's arrival was a big incentive for my retirement as I wanted to be available whenever to visit!
I am an avid gardener, tango dancer, international traveler (hoping to add new journeys again soon when restrictions are lifted). Having sons who love adventure has encouraged me to be a sport--try the moguls, jump out of an airplane, scuba dive in open waters (including an open water, night dive for certification) as well as several "shark dives" (the real truth is they should be much more afraid of us than we should be of them). I enjoy attending the lectures with the Albuquerque International Association which has increased my understanding of the world.
Fr. Richard Rohr has offered me great spiritual mentoring starting more than 30 years ago when I studied his book on the ancient Sufi wisdom of the enneagram. His more recent writing, "The Universal Christ" has greatly aided my faith journey. SOTV adult ed class on Centering Prayer is proving a challenge for a quiet , disciplined endeavor.
I first joined SOTV years ago when Phil Butin was the pastor but I was brought up as a Methodist and am still getting used to all the committees for committees in the Presbyterian tradition! I was a SOTV deacon but had too little time then to devote to it and must say I am not fond of meetings, however, the zoom format has helped my participation!
My significant other, Tim Petre, is also a SOTV member, sings in the choir, has been a NM educator for 25 years. I come from a long line of educators but only survived one teacher college class before changing my major. My medical background and experience included pediatrics but I really think motherhood was my best training for understanding pre-schoolers and their parents!
Beth Marshall
I am Beth Marshall and I have lived in Albuquerque for 50 years. I graduated from Eastern New Mexico University and the University of New Mexico in communication disorders. I worked for APS as a speech/language pathologist for 36 years. Within the time I worked at four Title I schools and at an area office as a speech/language evaluator. At one school I was part of the side-by-side program. Most of my years were at Mission Avenue Elementary. During that time, I served kindergarten through fifth grade regular education and special education students. I served as Head Special Education Teacher, Support Team Chair, and the chairperson for the business partnership committee. I also worked on a part time basis at various preschools for Child Find.
In addition to my career, I adopted two daughters as a single parent. I have been a member of Shepherd of the Valley Church for approximately 12 years. Within retirement I have actively participated in the Chile Festival and as a deacon for 6 years. I tutored at Mission Avenue for 5 years, then at La Luz Elementary for 3 years through Project Shine. I helped to establish the book/book bag program through Project Shine. I also enjoy Project Linus and am currently a citywide team member, as well as working with the SOTV group.
Kathryn Westerfield
Hello, I’m Kathryn Westerfield. I feel honored to be invited to stand for election for a position on the Shepherd of the Valley Preschool Board. My husband and I joined Shepherd of the Valley several years ago. Since that time, I have continued to be impressed by the sound and fundamental program it offers to children and the quality and commitment of their staff.
I was an active educator for more than 40 years. Though I have worked with children of all ages, my career primarily found me working with those in the pre-school to the upper elementary age group. I had the privilege of working with children from all different backgrounds. Many of the children faced significant life challenges, and many were in situations beyond their control. These children often lacked the security and stability that a school can provide. Whenever you work with children, you certainly must engage with their families. That home-to-school connection is vital for a child’s educational success. I feel this is also an area of experience that I bring with me.
Since my retirement I have tried to continue this work in part by joining with groups that provide intentional care and support for children. My efforts would include participating in Wings For Life events, making quilts for the Linus Project, and my involvement in Project Shine at La Luz Elementary (where I attended first grade 67 years ago). Because I have seen that it is a vital part of the community here, I have also continued to support the Shepherd of the Valley Preschool. It continues to offer a safe, nurturing, and creative environment for children and their learning.
Mark Nelson
Mark Nelson is a father of two boys, Heath (4.5) and River (nearly 2). Heath has attended SOV Preschool for 2 years, and both boys will be attending in the fall, so he's quite familiar with the staff and general workings of the preschool program. Mark's wife Cyndi is a former teacher and board member of another preschool so there's some familiarity with the processes involved as well, though Mark has not been directly involved himself yet. Mark is the Head of Product and Lead Engineer for Hostfully, an internet startup in the travel industry, and has 20+ years of software and general IT experience to share. Hobbies include gaming, cooking, and competitive weightlifting (though not so much since the kids arrived). Mark has been in Albuquerque for 6 years and is looking for new ways to become more deeply involved in the community.
Susan Hulsey
Hi, I’m Susan Hulsey. My current Shepherd kiddo is my youngest of 3. He’s on his first pony year this year. My other two have both attended and loved the school and are now happy alumni. Our family first got to know the preschool in 2017. Since then we have helped care for the playground (mainly my husband), contributed to many of Shepherd’s family events, and spent countless hours encouraging children who are “walking the wall” outside preschool to come get in the car.
We are not originally from Albuquerque, but the military decided to move us here in 2015. And we’re fortunate that we likely won’t have to move for a few more years. Before kids I worked in government, doing foreign affairs and then family support for the military. However, with 3 elementary age and younger kids being a mom keeps me fully employed.
I believe in Shepherd. Our kids have thrived in the multi age classroom and though all they ever said they did was play at preschool, they were more than ready for kinder when the time came. I believe in the teachers. They build relationships with students and families, facilitate friendships between children and have the patience and talent to create learning out of glitter and play dough.
As a board member I hope to support the teachers and director in continuing many of Shepherd’s traditions and meeting the needs of currently enrolled families. This is a time of transition for the school, but hopefully a time in which we can keep many of the beloved pieces while still planning for where the school should be in 3-5 years.
Of course if you have any questions I’d be happy to speak to the board or answer them in whatever way is best.
Dr. Bryan Beck
Perhaps I date myself, but I must admit that I never went to preschool. Actually, I never went to kindergarten, either. So, in some ways I’m an outsider to the Shepherd of the Valley Preschool.
On the other hand, along with my wife Janice I’ve been a member of Shepherd of the Valley church for 37 years, and I’ve spent a fair amount of time at the Preschool, but usually when classes aren’t in session. I enjoy doing maintenance activities at Shepherd, including at the Preschool. I find it challenging working on projects I’ve not previously tackled, like using a stump grinder to remove the tree stump that fractured a water line near the playground.
I am not an accountant, but rather a cardiologist retired from Presbyterian Healthcare Services. However, for several years I’ve served as treasurer for the Presbyterian Church (USA) Cuba Partners Network, and I get an odd pleasure when I see numbers (after correcting entries) reconcile with other records, like bank account statements. In retirement I’ve become an aficionado of Excel spreadsheets.
Mary Sue Hale
I was raised in Las Cruces NM but have lived in Albuquerque for over 50 years. I have been married to my husband, Danny Hale, for 52 years. We have two children and eight grandchildren. We joined SOTV in 1993. Our children Erin and Jesse were raised in this church. I have been active in the life of SOTV. I have served as an Elder and a Deacon and been a member of many committees. However my main focus of involvement over the years has been in the Children’s Christian Education program. I am currently one of the teachers in the Godly Play program. I am also a part of the SOTV Preschool Programs Operations Committee.
I am a retired Early Childhood Educator. I taught at A Child’s Garden at First Presbyterian Church for twenty years. I then became the Director of Cross of Hope Lutheran Preschool. I retired from that position in 2020. I am enjoying my retirement by spending time with my husband and family, traveling, hiking, reading and attending my grandchildren’s many and varied activities.
I consider it an honor and a blessing to be asked to serve on the SOTV Preschool Board as the head of the Programs Operations Committee. SOTV Preschool is an excellent preschool and I look forward to continuing to help and support this ministry.
Virginia (Ginna) VanDelinder
I am raising my two children, who are currently 8 and 11, here in Albuquerque. It has not been so long since my kids were in preschool, so I am familiar with some of considerations that go into preschool decisions. Quality preschool programs are valuable for a community for the benefits they bring to both children and parents.
I grew up in Los Alamos and attended New Mexico Tech to earn degrees in Physics and Mathematics. At Tech, I met my husband, who was born and raised in Albuquerque. We moved to San Diego for graduate school at UCSD, where I earned a PhD in Biophysics. Next we moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where I had a postdoctoral fellowship position at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory. My daughter was born while we lived there. We moved back to Albuquerque when my daughter was a few months old. I stayed home with her for a year before taking a postdoctoral position at Sandia National Laboratories, and my son was born a couple years later. During the pandemic, my children were homeschooled and then zoom-schooled, and I stopped working to manage everything.
Our family enjoys hiking, camping, and music, and my favorite hobbies are horseback riding and reading. I recently joined the Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church, which we had been attending for many years.
Jackie Pamerleau
Thank you for the opportunity to serve on the Board of the Shepherd of the Valley Preschool. I
firmly believe that a quality nursery school provides a foundation for happy kids and is an
important step in their journey to become successful and happy adults. Dr. Schmidt asked me
for a short bio so here goes:
- Transplanted New Yorker, living in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho since 1998.
- Mother of 3 sons, each one attended a COOP nursery school.
- UNM College of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing Administration, 2011
- Registered Nurse with 40 plus years experience, retired from UNMH as a Unit Director in Surgical Specialties Clinic and North East Heights ENT Clinic in 2017.
- Began attending SOTV in 2012, as a “groupie” for my husband, Don Pamerleau, who sings in the choir.
- Avid traveler, able to spend 2 months in Europe with one small suitcase.