Our Staff

Kim Bowers
Lions N’ Lambs Director

I have been a part of the Lions N Lambs family since 2015. In 2007, I earned my Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Washington Bible College. In 2008, I began studying Early Childhood Education at MJC & working at a preschool as an Aide. As I continued my education, I transitioned to teacher & then served as Assistant Director for 6 years. When I came to LNL I taught in the Stay N’ Play program for 2 years. For a few years I subbed in many of the classrooms while I continued my education in the fitness world. In 2021, I returned home to Lions N’ Lambs as a teacher in the preschool program and have now taken on the role as Director. I am so excited to continue serving LNL in this new role! I have been married to my husband, Jeremy, since 2009 and we live in Ripon with our dog, Winnie, and our cat, Tay. In our spare time we enjoy watching fun shows, drinking good coffee, and going on as many adventures as we can fit into our schedule. South Lake Tahoe, Disneyland, and Gardnerville, NV are some of our favorite spots to visit. 

Nicole Hood
Lions N’ Lambs Administrative Assistant

I am from Kansas City, MO and moved to Manteca last year with my husband, Samuel! He's the Associate Pastor at a local church and I love serving the Lord alongside him. I also love serving in the office at LNL! I’m beginning my second year here, and I’m excited for another year of fun with our students and families. My favorite thing is when your kids stop by to say hi!

In KC, I graduated from Spurgeon College with a Bachelor's in Christian Ministry and Counseling Psychology. This degree prepared me to serve the Church and care for people. I have a heart for the next generation and want to help students see that Jesus is better than anything this world has to offer!

Sue Anderson
Teacher — Kindergarten

I feel very blessed and excited to be back teaching Kindergarten. This is my fourth year at Lions N’ Lambs. My goal is to instill a joy of learning and to help children feel welcomed, loved, and safe at Lions and Lambs. These attributes lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. I feel that working with children is my passion and calling. I have an AA in Early Child Education along with 30 years working with children in a Christian environment.

My husband and I relocated from Woodland 5 years ago after he was offered a job transfer to this area. Our three children are grown and doing well. We are proud of each one of them.

I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs, hiking, swimming, learning to play my ukelele, and traveling with my husband to his travel league softball games.

Kaitlyn Ehrhardt
Teacher — Transitional Kindergarten

I have lived in Manteca my entire life. My family and I have attended Calvary Community Church for as long as I can remember. I have my AA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education from San Joaquin Delta College. I love helping out in the AWANA program. I am very excited to see what the Lord has planned for the upcoming school year.

Karen Collins

Teacher - Transitional Kindergarten

I am an Early Childhood Education student at MJC. I’ve been married for 8 years, and I am a mother of two, ages 4 and 7. My 4-year-old daughter Maya attends LNL and we love it here! Some of my experience includes working in day cares, working as an ABA therapist with young children on the autism spectrum, and being a court-appointed advocate for foster youth. I love preschool aged children because they get to learn through play and exploration! My philosophy is: get to know each child individually and teach them according to their needs and interests.

Vanessa Johnson

Teacher — Pre-K

This is my fourth year teaching at Lions N’ Lambs. I got married this past March. I encountered Jesus and have been faithfully following him for 3 years. I go to church at Home Church in Lathrop! I love to hear a good story to see God’s glory. My heart is very sweet and tender, stories can move me to tears. Aka you’ll find me crying at any Disney movie.

Renee Souza
Teacher — Pre-K

I grew up in Manteca, California and live here with my husband and three daughters. Working with kids has always been a passion of mine. I have owned and operated a family daycare & I have over twenty years of experience working with young children. I believe that all kids are precious to God and made in His image. I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs, camping, traveling, outdoor activities, and reading. I am very excited to be part of the Lions ‘N Lambs teaching team!

Amanda Stellhorn

Teacher — Preschool

I am originally an East Coast native, but have been a California resident since 2000. I have backgrounds in Marketing & Communications and Religious Studies, and Early Childhood Education. I have an extensive background working with children including summer camp programs, youth leadership programs and volunteering in classroom settings. This will be my third year working at Lions N’ Lambs, and I am excited to see what the year will bring.

Sarah Lopez

Teacher - Preschool

I have been married to my husband for 12 years and we share an amazing 4 year old daughter. I currently attend Modesto Junior College part time where I'm working on an AA in Child Development. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I was blessed to have amazing teachers throughout my school years who helped shape my life long love for learning. My wish is to pass on the love for learning to the future generations. In my free time I love spending time with my family, doing crafts and baking with my daughter, and exercising. I am so excited and blessed to be a part of Lions N’ Lambs and can't wait to see what this year has in store.

Sara Eusebio
Teacher — Preschool

I am married and have 2 children. We enjoy spending time together camping or just doing yard work. I was raised in Manteca and attended Modesto Junior College with a Child Development major.

I have been working at Lions N’ Lambs since September of 2007. I have always loved children and couldn’t have asked for a better job!

Shelby Barron

Teacher - Preschool

This is my first year as a teacher and I couldn’t be more excited! I recently graduated from Modesto Junior College with my A.S Degree in Early Childhood Education. I’m also about to start at Western Governors University to work towards my Bachelors Degree In teaching. I love teaching younger children because I believe it is the most crucial part in their development. They are learning so many new things on a daily basis and I'm so blessed to be able to help them grow. I have the privilege of working at Lions N’ Lambs and know how incredible of a school it is, since I went here as a preschooler! A fun fact about me is that I own my own small business as a florist. I have done multiple weddings and love being able to be creative with flowers.

Nicole Berry

Teacher - Preschool

I have 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and I took classes at Delta College. I love working with preschoolers because they always brighten my day when I see them. Even though I’m teaching them, I always learn from them. They teach me about kindness, patience, and love. I love helping children reach a goal. I love sharing stories and teaching about the Bible. I love coloring, playing, and jumping in bounce houses. I’m a kid at heart! I love getting to know all of the children and their families. I love working at Lions N’ Lambs. The staff has been very kind and helpful to me.

Kelley Higginson

Teacher — Preschool

Hi, my name is Kelley. I was raised in Manteca; CA. I grew up attending Calvary Community Church.  I am very blessed to be working with Lions N’ Lambs. I was originally going to school to enter the medical field. It was not until I started volunteering in the church’s nursery for Sunday services that I decided to change my career field. It was there that I was led to work with children.  

My hobbies include exercising, researching nutrition, decorating, and upcycling furniture. I am currently working in the evenings as a medical transcriptionist and going to college part time. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as volunteering at church.

Jennifer Brown
Teacher — Preschool

I have been married to my husband, John, for 19 years. We have two children, Matthew and Brandon. I love to craft, bake and spend time with my family. My family and I moved to Manteca 10 years ago.

For the past 15+ years, I have had the pleasure of being a teacher for 3 and 4-year-olds. I have had experience in a Transitional Kindergarten as well as served as Head Teacher at Stay N’ Play.

I have an associates degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree from Stanislaus State in Liberal Studies. I love working with children, and I feel God called me to join this wonderful community at Lions N’ Lambs.

Andrea Coomes

Teacher - Preschool

I am married to my husband Aaron of 15 years. We have two beautiful daughters, Avery and Ayden. We have lived in Manteca for the past 5 years. I have been a parent at Lions N’ Lambs for over 3 years. I have substituted in the classroom last school year and I am in the process of getting my AA in Childhood Development. My family attends Calvary Community Church. I love working with children and can’t wait to have an everlasting impact at Lions N’ Lambs.

Kandra Soto

Teacher - Stay N’ Play

I am currently studying early childhood development at Modesto Junior College. This is my very first year with Lions N' Lambs and working with children is a new adventure for me. I am so excited to be starting here in the Stay N' Play program and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I am very blessed to say that I’m mother to a wonderful daughter who is 9 years old. I moved to Manteca in 2019 and around 2021 found Calvary and we have been coming to the church ever since.

Some of my hobbies during my free time include traveling to the beach or lake, and spending time with my family. I have been blessed to have time to focus on my health lately and love working out or doing any outdoor activity like hiking and finding and exploring new places to picnic and paddle board with my daughter. I like eating good food with good company and I love baking and road trips. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned for my future and am looking forward to this next chapter.

Chelsea Charles

Teacher, Stay N’ Play

After graduating from high school in 2008 I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. While going to Delta College I applied to Lions N’ Lambs Preschool on a whim. Once I completed my Early Childhood Education courses, Lions N’ Lambs gave me a Preschool teaching position! During my time here I was an assistant teacher in Kindergarten, Preschool, and the head teacher of Stay N’ Play. After working at Lions N’ Lambs for several years I decided to branch out and start my own at-home daycare. After owning and operating my daycare for 9 years I decided to close down and return to Lions N’ Lambs preschool. The staff here are so supportive and loving and the preschoolers are such an immense joy to be around. I am so glad to be back and I can’t wait to get to know your littles!

My hobbies include arts and crafts, hikes with my husband, reading God’s word, going on fun excursions with my two dogs, and planning fun adventures.