My name is Jenny Fitzwater and I am the Lead 4-5s teacher! I worked part time at Ahwatukee Preschool from 2013-2015. I then took a full time job as a Parent Educator and Early Literacy Instructor, worked as an Infant-Toddler Mental Health Clinician, and finally as a Kinship Services Coordinator working with grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. I returned to Ahwatukee Preschool in 2019 and have been here ever since! 

My name is Mercedes Rodriguez, and I am the Two’s Lead Teacher! I have worked at Ahwatukee Preschool since 2017, first as a Teacher Assistant and then as a Lead Teacher in 2020. I grew up in Orange County, Ca and made Arizona our home in 2014. I live in Ahwatukee with my husband, Juan, and our two children, Zachary and Alexis. I was a Stay At Home Mom for 13 years, which I absolutely loved! During that time, I started up a MOPS group at my church and was very involved in the local Mom’s Group.

Ahwatukee Preschool is very special to me, as my daughter went here from 2015 to 2017. I was a very involved member of APAC while my daughter attended. My daughter had a great experience here, and my goal is to make every child’s experience at Ahwatukee Preschool just as great.

Working with young children ensures each day will be an adventure because kids are exciting and unpredictable. Nothing matches the energy of a child’s enthusiasm for life and their eagerness to learn. I love incorporating learning into everyday activities. “Play is the work of childhood.” It is such a blessing to be a part of Ahwatukee Preschool!

My name is Kimberly Cary and I am the Three’s Lead Teacher! I have been teaching Preschool/Pre-K level for 10 years. I started at a Montessori school and continue to use a bit of that in my teachings now. I went to ASU and started in the early childhood education program. I originally wanted to teach secondary education, but a professor told me my personality is best for the little kids and I do agree. 

I am originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I have two amazing daughters, Harper who is 14 and Everly who is 6 and a Guinea Pig named Heeky who is 4 1/2. We are a Disney family who go to the parks at least once a year. I live just a few minutes from the school, so I am a part of the Ahwatukee community, and I have been since I moved here in 1993. I am grateful that my kids get to grow up here. 

I love teaching because I love making a change in children’s lives. I also like seeing how excited they are to come every day and getting warm hugs and happy smiles from them. It makes this job so rewarding. I love seeing them learn something new and when they accomplish that task, how excited they are that they did it. 

I feel honored to be a part of this close family of teachers, students and parents. This is the best environment for children and reminding them that God is with them every day is so special. 

Assistant for 4’s/Pre-k

My name is Lindsay Mills, and I am the Two's Teacher Assistant! Although I am the newest Assistant Teacher at the Ahwatukee Preschool, I am certainly no stranger here. I actually attended the preschool myself thirty-two years ago. My daughter and Godchild also attended the preschool as well. The Ahwatukee Preschool holds a special place in my heart, and it is amazing to be back here as a teacher!