Meet Our Teachers
At Ward Parkway preschool, we believe that you, the parents, are the most valuable resource in your child’s development, and we are excited to partner with you in this journey.
Ward Parkway Preschool teachers are caring, qualified, and dedicated to helping foster your child’s love of learning and most have been with our school for over 10 years. Our staff members hold degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field with enough early childhood college-level hours to qualify them through Missouri Accreditation.
Our teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid, and attend 10-12 hours of Early Childhood inservice each year. We look forward to meeting you in person.
Kim Manford
Kim Manford has been a Director at Ward Parkway Preschool for 23 years. Kim attended the University of Kansas where she received her degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Kim was born and raised in the NW suburbs of Chicago where she developed her love for Lake Michigan but settled in the KC area after marrying her husband, Jeff 30 years ago. They have 2 grown children, Jacob (27), Shelby (25) and new son-in-law James. Kim is looking forward to her new role as “Lolli” with the arrival of her first grandson in August 2023. In her spare time, Kim enjoys traveling anywhere coastal and 70°, organizing closets and baking. One of Kim’s favorite things about her role at WPP is walking alongside parents as they love and lead their children.
Amanda Bartel
Amanda Bartel currently serves as a Director at Ward Parkway Preschool. For 7 years, she was a teacher in our Preschool 1 class and during the 2021-2022 school year Amanda transitioned to her new role. She has an Elementary Education Degree from Tabor College. Amanda and her husband, Paul have been married for 21 years. They have 4 children, Micah (17), Silas (15), Salem (12), and Norah (10), all of whom attended WPP. Together they enjoy cooking and discovering new recipes. Amanda also enjoys yoga, walking, and reading. She loves helping children feel safe and loved during their first experiences at school.
Rachel Dold
Rachel Dold is one of our teachers for our Preschool 1 class. She has been at Ward Parkway Preschool for 9 years. Rachel attended Truman State University and received her Health Education degree. Rachel and her husband, Chris have two children, Caroline (19 & heading off to Oberlin College in Ohio), and Henry (16). In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, photography, and spending time at the lake.
Karen York
Karen York has been at Ward Parkway Preschool for 43 years!! She has taught in all age levels, but currently teaches in our Preschool 2 classroom. She attended Tabor College and has also taken several early childhood classes through Johnson County Community College. She has been married to her husband, Bryce for 58 years and has two grown children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, Karen enjoys working out, book club, and laughing with her sisters.
Saushan Kaplowitz
This is Saushan’s third year as a permanent teacher at Ward Parkway Preschool. For several years, she has helped out as a substitute teacher in various classrooms. Saushan studied Early Childhood Education at Northwood University in Texas. She has been married to her husband, Craig for 15 years and they have 3 children…Kendan is 13, Damien is 11 and Pepper is 7. (All of their children attended Ward Parkway Preschool!) In her free time, Saushan enjoys playing board games, card games and yoga.
Karen Lang
Karen Lang has taught in our Preschool 2 classroom for 6 years and this is her fourth year teaching Pre-K. She has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Webster University in St. Louis. Karen has been married to her husband, Jim for 23 years and they have 2 children, Grace (23) and Claire (21). In her spare time, Karen enjoys hiking, cooking and reading.
Katie French
This is Katie’s 5th year working at Ward Parkway Preschool! Katie has taught in both the Gold Room and also Pre-K in the Yellow Room. Katie has her Elementary Education degree from Tulsa University. Katie and her husband Garrett have 4 children, Caroline (15), Zachary (14), Kate (11) and Tyler (8). In her free time, Katie likes to cook, play tennis and watch her kids play sports.
Jennifer Lukens
Jennifer has been an amazing part of our staff for 17 years. She took a short break when she moved to Utah for her husband’s job, but now that they are back in KC, we are thrilled to have her rejoin our staff! Jennifer works in our Preschool 1 class with our littlest friends! She graduated from Indiana University and also took some additional college classes in Early Childhood Education from JCCC. Jennifer has been married to Charles for 29 years and they have twin daughters Allie and Gabbie who are 27. In her spare time, they enjoy time at the lake, spending time with their 3 Cavalier King Charles pups,
Susan Reboulet
Susan has taught at Ward Parkway Preschool for 17 years. She has spent many years teaching Pre-K, but this is her 3rd year teaching Preschool 2 in the Green Room. Susan has her Early Childhood Education degree from The University of Missouri. Susan and her husband, John have been married for 29 years and have 5 children. Emily is 27, Claire is 25, Peter is 23, Will is 21, and Wrigley (the Wheaten Terrier) is 9. In her spare time, Susan enjoys running, walking her dog, reading and organizing.
Molly Salinardi
This is Molly’s 3rd year teaching at Ward Parkway Preschool! She previously taught Pre-K, but this year she is teaching Preschool 2. Molly graduated from University of Missouri with her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. Molly and her husband, Jason have 3 daughters…Anna who is a freshman at St. Theresa’s, and Maria and Sara who attend Cure of Ars. In her spare time, Molly loves to read, cook and play games.
Brooke Harris
This is Brooke’s 6th year teaching PE at Ward Parkway Preschool! Brooke graduated from The University of Missouri with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade for several years before staying home to raise her 3 children. Brooke and her husband, Doug have been married for 16 years and have 3 children, Jackson (13), Amelia (11), and Sammy (9). In her spare time, Brooke loves to plant, read and hang with friends and family. Brooke’s favorite thing about teaching preschool is seeing the children accomplish something new after working so hard to figure it out!
Laura Gromowsky
After studying Elementary Education at the University of Kansas, Laura immediately fell in love with he KC area. Laura and her husband, Mark have lived in Brookside for the past 14 years and have loved raising their 4 children, Maggie (10), Will & Sam (8), and Ben (6) here. All four of her children attended Ward Parkway Preschool and she has enjoyed subbing here over the years. Prior to staying home with her children, Laura worked in the Shawnee Mission School District with Special Education and also spent 8 years working at Children’s Mercy. Laura is excited to teach P.E. with her good friend, Brooke!