Dede Bunker
Preschool Director

Welcome (or welcome back) to our preschool! We have a great year ahead and are so glad that your family is a part of our preschool family!
This is Dede's first year at First Presbyterian Preschool, and she is thrilled to be here. Her journey of working with children began 31 years ago when her daughter began her school experience as a 2-year-old. Dede progressed from volunteering to substituting to working part time. She eventually ended up working full time as lead lottery funded PreK teacher. For the last two years she has worked with IDD adults, teaching life and employment skills.
She grew up outside of St. Louis, Missouri and moved here over 40 years ago at the invitation of a college friend. Her friend said the beach was nice and it didn't snow, so that was enough of an enticement to make the move. She lives in Parkside with her husband, Craig and their dog. They are empty nesters as their daughter moved to NYC after college. Her hobbies include gardening, trying new recipes and various crafts.
She looks forward to getting to know you and your family better this school year as we share this Preschool adventure together!

MAGGIE MCMANUS

3's Class Teacher

Maggie has two children, ages 3 and 6. She is happily married to her husband Eric for almost 10 years. She has been a preschool teacher for 15 years and has taught in almost all styles of teaching. She also is a woman of many trades. Maggie is a member of First Presbyterian Church and was this years Summer Camp and VBS Director. She is also involved in the handbell choir, choir, children’s ministry, and a youth group advisor. She loves spending time with her family and friends, being outside, playing sports and baking or cooking. She can’t wait to spend time with  your children. This is going to be a great and fun year!

DANA BOYLE

4's Teacher

Dana Boyle has been teaching Pre-K for 21 years. She is originally from Atlanta, but has lived in Savannah for the last 24 years. She has a daughter named Sarah as well as two dogs named Alex and Riley. In her spare time, she reads, does yoga, and relaxes at the beach. 
This is her first year teaching at First Presbyterian Preschool. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with your children!

SUSIE GARRITY

1's Teacher

Susie has always loved working with children and anticipates this school year with utmost joy! This will be her first time teaching, and she is proud to start her journey at First Presbyterian.
She has lived in Savannah for most of her life, and it is her favorite place to be. In her free time, she collects stickers, explores downtown, and plays the ukulele. When she was young, Mrs. Dede and Ms. Karen were her teachers. She has so many excellent memories from their care, and she feels honored to teach alongside them almost fourteen years later. She is excited to provide your children what was offered to her, and nurture their urge to play, explore, and learn!

BRIANA RIVERS

1's Teacher

Briana has over 22 years experience in the early childhood industry. While
she has an associate's degree, currently, she is working on achieving her bachelor's degree. Her goal is to not only care for your child but also to promote developmentally appropriate practices which will encourage the young child to thrive while learning new information. Children have always been her passion. She finds purpose in captivating their young minds, and watching them develop over the course of their time together.

LAURA HADEL

2's Teacher

Laura grew up in Garden City. She has three children ages 27, 23, and 16. She has been working with children since she was 14 years old. She has babysat
for friends and family and worked in her church’s nursery since she was 18 years old. Since being married she has been a stay-at-home mom for 20 years. Teaching children makes her happy! Needless to say, God has given her a heart for working with children. A fun fact about Ms. Laura is that she loves spending time with her own children and going to Disney world!

KAREN WHITE

2's Teacher

Karen is 37 years old, married to Matthew Dillard and has a seven-year-old son, Major. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, taking trips and having massages.
She has a diploma in Early Childhood Education and 14 years’ experience as a
preschool teacher. For the past two years she has been a stay-at-home mom. She is looking forward to jumping back into the swing of things. She loves working with children and is looking forward to having a great school year with you all.