Emily Soeffing ~ Director

Emily joined SSCH as director in 2019. She holds a BA in English and Economics from Boston College, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Teachers College, Colombia University in English for grades 7-12. Prior to coming to SSCH, Emily worked as a language arts teacher, market researcher, and instructional designer on adult learning curriculums for various government contractors here in the Washington, DC region. Emily loves spending her days with the amazing families, talented staff, and adorable children of SSCH Preschool!.

Meghan Murray – 4s

Meghan has taught at SSCH for many years, enriching the school with her extensive teaching and social media experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a focus in Psychology and a master’s degree in Education from Kent State University. She loves to learn and can’t wait to discover and create with the children!

Megan Pappafotis – 4s

Megan has been teaching and aiding here at the preschool for the past four years. Megan also served as Assistant Director in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland, University College. Currently she is studying to earn her Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. You will never see Megan without a smile on her face!

Carolyn Younkin - 3s

Carolyn holds an associate’s degree from Seminole Community College in Florida and has been working with children for most of her adult life. Most recently, Carolyn worked at Saint Martin’s Episcopal School as a lead teacher in their 3s program. Carolyn tells us that she is most at home with preschoolers, and we are so happy she has made her new home here at SSCH!

Iliana Papanicoloau - 2s

Iliana originally came to us from The Greek School of St. George preschool in Bethesda. She holds a Bachelors Degree from University of Maryland College Park in Government and Politics, with a minor in Greek Language and Culture. She has a love of plays and the theater which kindles the imagination of all the children.

Kerstin Dillahay – 2s

Kerstin is a wonderful addition to our preschool! Kerstin earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University. She has experience teaching the 2’s and 3’s classes at Magic Years Learning Center in New Jersey, as well as locally at The Goddard School. Susan also taught first grade for 5 years. Her passion has always included working with children, and she enjoys helping to create a caring and loving environment in which the children can flourish.

Christy Thalassinidis – 2s and Greek Language

Christy is a member of the SSCH parish, and is originally from Greece where she attended the Economic University of Athens. Christy earned her 90 Hour Preservice Certification in Preschool from the TEACH Institute of AACC. Christy will bring her caring and energetic personality along with her fluency in the Greek language to our preschool.

Vickie Glod – Music & Greek Language

Our music and language teacher, Vickie, has taught in elementary schools for the past 25 years in both California public schools and Maryland private schools. The children will learn how to count in Greek as well as to identify body parts and other songs to music. Ms. Vickie’s class is the highlight of the week!

Susan Hagopian

In addition to her warm smile and loving nature, Susan brings to our preschool her experience as a nurse and mother. Susan earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University and has lived in the Annapolis area with her husband and three children for over 20 years. She is an active parishioner in Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and has served on the board of the church’s philanthropic organization, Philoptochos.

Beth Metrenas-Watts

The children love Ms. Beth! Beth is an active member of Saints Constantine & Helen Church and sent her son through our preschool. Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Maryland in College Park. Besides being a full-time mother, she’s involved in her family’s automotive business. Her hobbies include horseback riding and horse racing. Here is a fun fact: her father grew up with Father Kosmas!

Arlene Morgan

Arlene Morgan joined the preschool staff in 2022 as an aide in the 2's and 4's classes. She is an experienced teacher assistant, serving in this role for 15 years at Central Special. There, Arlene worked with children at all grade levels, both in core curriculum classes and specials such as music and art. She also volunteered at Anne Arundel Medical Center for 8 years. Arlene's willingness and desire to help and her love of children is a wonderful asset to the preschool!

Jessica Roberts

Jessica studied business at Central Piedmont in North Carolina, but in 2015 she found her calling to early childhood education! Jessica ran the nursery at her church’s preschool in NC, and she has experience as an aide for preschool up through kindergarten. Jessica and her husband have children aged 20, 9, and 5 – her son Reed is in our 4s program. Jessica is also the daughter of one of SSCH’s board members, Jim Theologus. We rely on Jessica’s positive attitude and commitment to our school!

Jennifer Ross

Jen brings her smiling and happy disposition to SSCH each day! She earned her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Towson University and has spent many years as a lead teacher, aide, and substitute at the preschool and early elementary school levels. Additionally, she has experience with special education at the kindergarten and first grade levels.

Kelly O’Laughlin

Kelly comes to SSCH with extensive and varied experiences in education, including tutoring and mentoring children at the elementary level. Kelly graduated with a BA in Human Service and Rehabilitation Services from Assumption College in Massachusetts, and she is currently working towards her masters of social work from Louisianna State. Welcome, Kelly!