Our Learning Leaders
"My favorite part of teaching is the "aha" moments when my little ones experience learning something new. I love seeing the world and everything they are absorbing through their little lives."
— Norma, PDS Teacher
“My favorite part about teaching is helping students learn their way.”
— Adela, P.D.S. Teacher
"I love working with three year olds. At this age, they are so excited about learning and watching them grow throughout the year is so much fun."
— Elizabeth, Substitute & Former P.D.S. Teacher
"I love working with our littlest children and helping them grow through lots of play and discovery. I have the unique opportunity to work with all the kids here and they amaze me every day with how kind, smart, and curious they are. It’s a JOY to work with all of them. ."
— Heather, P.D.S. Teacher
OUR AMAZING LEADERS TEACHERS & AIDES
DIRECTOR
Lori Thompson
I graduated from Texas A&M University in 1993. While my degree was not in education, I have always loved children and it was soon evident that God planned for education to become my career. I have been married for 29 years and have four children who we chose to homeschool. I taught kindergarten at Grace Crossing Academy in Conroe. The experiences of homeschooling my children and teaching at Grace allowed me to fully experience the education process at every stage of development. I realized each child has their learning styles and needs. Through these experiences, I created methods to learn classroom studies while utilizing activities outside of the classroom to solidify lessons and capture a child’s attention as well as imagination.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, grown children, and now grandchildren. I also love taking long walks with my dogs and my friends. It is the simple things in life that speak to my heart such as spending time on our ranch with my family and our animals, seeing beautiful sunsets, and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.
HEATHOR NEWMAN
(TODDLERS, MUSIC & SCIENCE )
I am the Toddler teacher as well as the Music and Science teacher here at P.D.S. This is my first year at Presbyterian Day School and I love the P.D.S. Family. While I spent most of my adult life in another career and owned two businesses, I knew I wanted to eventually get back to my passion for working with children. I’m excited about getting my Child Development Associate Certification and continuing my early child development studies.
“I love working with our littlest children and helping them grow through lots of play and discovery. I have the unique opportunity to work with all the kids here and they amaze me every day with how kind, smart, and curious they are. It’s a JOY to work with all of them.” A quote I live by, not only as a teacher but in my personal life is, “They may forget what you say but they will never forget how you made them feel”. To feel safe and loved is very powerful. I am amazed at how a child can grow when they feel those two things. I strive to make them feel this in my classroom every day. A little about me…. I have an amazing 11-year-old son named Tristan with my late husband and was blessed with the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom for him until this past year. I have two equally awesome bonus sons and was lucky enough to meet my wonderful husband three years ago. We will celebrate our 1st anniversary this spring. When I’m not loving on the kids here at P.D.S, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the movies, learning to grow food in my garden, road trips and going to the family farm in Georgia. Through my life experiences, I have gained a unique perspective and hope that I can inspire others to be thankful for each day that is given and never take for granted the things that bring us joy and the people who make us happy.
NORMA DENNER
(PRE-K )
I am so happy to have joined the PDS team in 2022. I am a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching. I bring 30+ years of experience teaching PK-Third grade and have enjoyed each grade level.
When I am not in the classroom having fun with my littles, you can find me spending time with my family. My husband and I have been married for 30 years and we have been blessed with a son and a daughter that are our greatest joy. I love family game nights, gardening, reading, and being a part of the hospitality team at my church.
ADELA CARPENTER
(TWOS & SPANISH)
I am married and a mother of a daughter and a son. Sixteen years ago I found a passion for working with kids and since then I have worked with Infants to seven-year-olds.
In my time off, I love to spend time with my family, paint and go to church.
ELIZABETH LATELAS
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
As a college student, I worked with children in daycares and mission work. I then worked with college students as a Clinical Psychologist for 10 years. God eventually led me back to work with children and has blessed me with a love of teaching. Both of my children attended preschool at PDS and loved their time there. Children are our future and I am thankful to be even a small part of their lives. "For every lesson prepared, the love of God has been shared."
Kelsey Verdin
( THREE’s)
I have been an aide for P.D.S 3-year-old class for the last two years. I have been married for 7 years and I have a 5 year daughter who also attended PDS. I studied Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona. I love nurturing every child and catering to the special talents and gifts God has given them. I especially enjoy getting to know every family. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be with the children and serve our community. In my free time, I love to go to local events with my family, cooking with my daughter, and volunteering at school and church.
OFFICE MANAGER
Sharon McLauren
Bio coming soon!
