Our Teachers
UCNS Admin Team
Amy Duffy
Children & Families Pastor (UCNS Director)
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Amy grew up in Walnut Creek, California and discovered her passion for working with children as she played with her younger brother, cousins, neighbors and the children she babysat. After five years as a summer camp counselor and lifeguard, Amy knew she wanted to teach and support families during their children’s early years.
Education and teaching experience
Amy earned a B.S. in Human Development and a Bilingual Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an emphasis in Spanish from UC Davis. She also holds a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. Amy taught kindergarten and first grade from 1997–2002 before founding First Friends Nursery School in 2002. Amy helped found UCNS in 2004 and has served as director since its opening. In addition to directing, she taught our UCNS Pre-K and TK programs and served as a Sunday morning preschool teacher at UCC for over 15 years. She became a licensed Covenant pastor in 2025 and is currently pursuing ordination while serving as our Pastor of Children & Families.
What do you love most about working with young children and families?
Amy is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive preschool community where children feel known, supported, and free to grow. She cherishes the opportunity to welcome, connect with and support families.
A little about your family
Amy and her husband are active members of University Covenant Church and have three children, all UCNS alumni, including a daughter in college and two young adults. They look forward to welcoming a son-in-law this summer!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
While much of her free time is currently spent taking Covenant seminary classes, Amy also enjoys evening walks, gardening, visits and phone calls with her grown children, and any opportunity to be near water.
Christy Caldwell
Ministry Support Director
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with children and families?
Christy was born in Paradise, California. She started working at UCNS when her eldest child attended and has been on staff ever since. In addition to working at UCNS she is also on the Children’s Ministry Team and the Breakaway Core Team.
Education and professional experience
Christy attended Westmont College and earned her Ph.D. in Biology from UC Davis. She has served in numerous church ministries, including the small group ministry team, Sunday morning KidZone, and as a MoPS leader. She served for many years as Chair of the UCNS Board and now serves as an Emeritus Advisor. Christy joined the UCNS staff team in 2015 and serves as Ministry Support Director.
What do you love most about working with young children and families?
Christy enjoys supporting families behind the scenes and helping ensure that the preschool community runs smoothly and feels welcoming and well cared for.
A little about your family
Christy and her husband are active members of University Covenant Church and have three children, all UCNS alumni, from middle through high school.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Christy enjoys cheering on her children at sporting events, reading, crafting, and taking walks, both solo and with friends.
Lisa Brizee
Staffing and Inclusion Director
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with children and families?
Lisa grew up in Benicia, California, in a large family where she first discovered her love for working with children. From babysitting and volunteering to early childhood programs, she has always felt called to support young learners and their families.
Education and teaching Experience
Lisa earned her B.S. in Human Development with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Sonoma State University. She later received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential for Children with Moderate to Severe Disabilities from San Jose State University and taught special education in grades 2–5 for nine years. Lisa joined the UCNS team in 2015 as a long-term substitute in the 3’s program and now serves as our Staffing and Inclusion Director.
What do you love most about working with young children and families?
Lisa finds great joy in watching children grow in confidence and independence. She values strong partnerships with families and is passionate about creating an inclusive preschool environment where every child feels seen, understood, and celebrated.
A little about your family
Lisa and her husband have one young adult daughter and a son in high school.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Lisa enjoys exploring new places, spending time outdoors, tending her garden, and sharing meaningful moments with family and friends.
Outstanding Otters 4/5’s (TK) Team
Kristen Boughton
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Kristen was born and raised in San Jose, California. Inspired by her elementary school teachers, she knew from an early age that she wanted to become a teacher. As a child she played school, and as a teen she spent many hours babysitting.
Education and teaching experience
Kristen earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Human Development from UC Davis and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Sacramento State. She taught elementary school for five years, at UCNS for one year and then she taught English in Turkey for two years. Kristen re-joined the UCNS staff team in 2015 and serves as a head teacher in the Outstanding Otters and Friday Frog classes, as well as a UCNS mentor teacher.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Kristen loves reading aloud, sharing Bible stories, talking about prayer, and hearing children pray. She delights in watching friendships form and seeing children grow over the year.
A little about your family
Kristen and her husband worship at The Bridge Church in Davis. They have two young adult children, both UCNS alumni.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Kristen enjoys walking in nature and catching up with friends.
Steve Haffly
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Steve grew up in Sacramento, California and moved to Davis in 1999. His interest in working with children began during a UC Davis internship.
Education and teaching experience
Steve has a B.A. in English from UC Davis and recently completed his site-supervisor certification. Steve has served as a youth group leader and DJUSD para-educator and joined the UCNS staff team in 2017. He serves as a head teacher in the Outstanding Otters and Friday Frog classes and as a UCNS Mentor Teacher.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Steve loves asking open-ended questions and listening carefully to children’s thoughtful responses. He also enjoys watching them challenge themselves and grow in confidence.
A little about your family
Steve and his wife have three teenage sons; all UCNS alumni. Steve is part of a church community that meets throughout Davis at various times.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Steve enjoys hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, art, gardening, reading, and playing Rocket League.
Kate Ramsey
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Kate was born in this area and has loved working with children from an early age. After demonstrating strong artistic talent as a child and attending a private art school in the Bay Area, she discovered her passion for sharing developmental art with young learners.
Education and teaching experience
Kate brings many years of preschool teaching experience and holds a State of California Child Development Teacher Permit. She has completed over 30 Early Childhood Education units, six administrative ECE units, and earned an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Science from Butte Community College. She joined the UCNS staff team in 2017 and serves as a head teacher in our Outstanding Otters class.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Kate loves encouraging creativity in the classroom and guiding children as they explore and express themselves through art.
A little about your family
Kate and her husband were college sweethearts who now have a daughter in high school and a UCNS alumni son in middle school. Their family worships at St. James Catholic Church in Davis.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Kate enjoys attending her children’s sporting events, gardening, fishing, and spending time in the mountains.
Gabbie Ortega
Inclusion Aide
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Gabbie was born in Bakersfield, California and has had a heart for serving from a young age. In middle school, she participated as an altar server and helped teach catechism, where her love for sharing Bible stories with young children first began.
Education and teaching experience
Before joining the UCNS staff team in 2025, Gabbie worked as a substitute preschool teacher in Davis, Dixon, and Woodland, gaining experience across a variety of classrooms. She currently serves as the inclusion aide in our Outstanding Otters class and is training to join the Sacramento Fire Academy in pursuit of becoming a wildland firefighter.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Gabbie enjoys supporting children as they grow in confidence and understanding. She especially loves sharing stories of faith and encouraging kindness and belonging in the classroom.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Gabbie enjoys playing pickleball. Since moving to Davis, Gabbie has been active at St. James Catholic Church and participates in the young adult Bible study, helping with retreats throughout the year.
Playful Puppies 3’s Team
Marlo Owiecki
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Marlo was born in Memphis, Tennessee and grew up in a military family, living in several places including Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Her love for working with children began early as she helped in her mother’s home daycare and later became the favorite aunt who hosted her nieces and nephews each summer. After becoming a parent, she volunteered in her children’s preschool classrooms and Vacation Bible School programs.
Education and teaching experience
Marlo has completed college coursework in Broadcasting and Mass Communication, Speech Language Pathology, and Early Childhood Education. She spent 12 years at home raising her children while actively volunteering at UCNS and UCC’s Breakaway summer camp. Marlo joined the UCNS staff team in 2015 and now serves as the head teacher in our Playful Puppies and Stay & Play classes.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Marlo loves watching children grow in independence and friendships. She is passionate about helping every child discover the joy of learning, connection, and belonging. Marlo also values building strong relationships with both children and parents.
A little about your family
Marlo and her husband have a young adult son and a daughter in high school; both proud UCNS alumni. Their family worships at First Baptist Church in Vacaville.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Marlo enjoys attending her children’s games and performances, traveling, going to concerts and Broadway productions, and soul line dancing.
Adriana Alvarez
Assistant Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Adriana was born in Los Angeles, California where she first gained experience working with elementary and junior high students in inner-city schools. Her heart for children and youth grew through those early experiences and continues to shape her ministry today.
Education and teaching experience
Adriana earned her B.S. in Community and Regional Development from University of California, Davis. She serves as the 5th and 6th Grade Minister at University Covenant Church and played a leadership role in the church’s college ministry, Catalyst. Adriana joined the UCNS staff team in 2023 and serves as the assistant teacher in our Playful Puppies and Stay & Play classes.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Adriana enjoys encouraging children as they build confidence, form friendships, and discover that they are valued and capable.
A little about your family
Adriana is the youngest sibling in her family and has two brothers. Her family resides in LA where she visits frequently.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Adriana enjoys catching up with friends, making espresso, going to the movies and playing pickleball.
Bronwyn Murphy
Inclusion Aide
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Bronwyn’s first job in high school was in a kindergarten after-school program, where she loved witnessing children’s joy in art, play, music, and friendships. She later joined the UCNS community as a preschool parent in the Playful Puppies class and quickly fell in love with the school.
Education and teaching experience
Bronwyn earned her B.A. in History from UC Davis and holds an Education Specialist Credential in California. She has completed ECE coursework through UC Davis and UCLA and is currently pursuing her M.Div. at North Park Theological Seminary. After serving six years on the UCNS Board and beginning as a substitute in 2021, she joined the staff in 2024 as an inclusion aide in the Playful Puppies class. She also serves part-time as a Chaplain Resident in a Sacramento-area hospital.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Bronwyn loves the energy, joy, growth, and discovery that fill a preschool classroom. She especially delights in supporting children as they explore new ideas, develop friendships, and gain confidence.
A little about your family
Bronwyn and her husband have three children in elementary and middle school; all UCNS alumni. Bronwyn serves on pastoral staff and her family worships at Common Ground Covenant Church in South Sacramento.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Bronwyn enjoys attending A’s games with her family.
Bouncy Bears 3’s Team
Kim Windall
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Kim grew up in Davis, California and has long had a heart for teaching and serving children. Her love for early education has been expressed both in the classroom and through many years of children’s ministry.
Education and teaching experience
Kim earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Oregon State University and taught first through third grade before returning to Davis. She served for 17 years as a preschool teacher with Bible Study Fellowship and later retired after many years as UCC’s Children’s Ministry Director, serving infants through kindergartners. Kim joined the UCNS staff team in 2006 and serves as the head teacher in our Bouncy Bear class.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Kim delights in nurturing young learners during these foundational years and helping them feel known, loved, and confident as they grow.
A little about your family
Kim and her husband have three grown children and seven beloved grandchildren. They have been active members of University Covenant Church for many years.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Kim enjoys bike rides, watching her grandchildren play sports, and playing board games with family and friends.
Soo Kim
Assistant Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Soo was born in Seoul Korea and has long had a heart for children’s education and ministry. Before moving to Davis, she served as both a preschool teacher and children’s ministry director in San Francisco, combining her love for teaching with her faith.
Education and teaching experience
Soo earned her B.S. in Managerial Economics from University of California, Davis and a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. She worked as a preschool teacher for eight years and helped support the early growth of UCNS, serving as a PreK head teacher from 2005–2007. Soo rejoined our staff team in 2023 and now serves as the assistant teacher in our Bouncy Bear class.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Soo enjoys nurturing children’s growth academically and spiritually and partnering with families to help children feel known, confident, and cared for.
A little about your family
Soo and her husband have two children; a college-aged son and a daughter in high school; both proud UCNS alumni. Their family worships at UCC.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Soo enjoys walks, having coffee with friends and watching Korean dramas.
Bunny 2’s Team
Annabelle Barrett
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Annabelle grew up in Davis and is deeply rooted in the community. She has long enjoyed working with children through Sunday School classes, nannying, and youth ministry. Her love for supporting children’s growth and belonging drew her into preschool education. She loves leading children as they explore their environment.
Education and teaching experience
Annabelle earned her B.S. in Psychology from Oregon State University and has completed 12 ECE units. She served as an UCNS inclusion aide and assistant teacher and is currently a head teacher in our Busy Bunnies class. Annabelle joined the UCNS staff team in 2021.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Annabelle enjoys helping children build confidence, form friendships, and feel secure in a caring classroom community. She enjoys supporting families as they navigate through the toddler years.
A little about your family
Annabelle and her husband attend University Covenant Church and Bayside Davis.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Annabelle enjoys rock climbing, baking and being outside. She also enjoys connecting with teenagers in her role as a UCC youth group small group leader.
Alison Simes
Head Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with children and families?
Alison grew up in San Jose and has long enjoyed working with children. After spending several years at home raising her own children, she felt called to pursue teaching professionally and has loved supporting young learners ever since.
Education and Teaching Experience
Alison earned her BS degree in Agricultural Science and Management from University of California, Davis and later received her teaching credential from California State University, xSacramento. She taught in Sacramento for 23 years, primarily in grades 4–6. In addition, Alison has taught preschoolers in Sunday School for 25 years and treasures her time with young children. She joined the UCNS staff team in 2024 and is a head teacher in our Busy Bunnies class.
What do you love most about working with young children and families?
Alison loves the joy, curiosity, and honesty that young children bring each day. She values partnering with families and helping children feel confident, capable, and cared for.
A little about your family
Alison and her husband attend University Covenant Church and have two adult children.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Alison enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, and spending time playing with her pets.
Karen Sacramento
Assistant Teacher
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Karen is originally from Michigan and has long been drawn to education and supporting students of all ages. Her career has spanned classrooms and counseling offices, always centered on helping children and families grow and thrive.
Education and teaching experience
Karen earned her B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Michigan and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California, along with multiple subject teaching and school counseling credentials. She has taught preschool, elementary, middle school, and adult education, and has served as both a school counselor and administrator. She also spent more than 20 years at the state level managing credential programs. Karen serves as the assistant teacher in our Busy Bunnies class.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Karen loves helping young learners build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for the years ahead.
A little about your family
Karen and her husband attend Davis Community Church and have four grown children, two of whom are proud UCNS alumni.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling.
Preschool Support Specialist Team
Chris Dodson
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Chris grew up in New York and later moved to Tucson, Arizona. Her love for children deepened through time with friends’ children and her own family. After joining UCNS in 2014 as a substitute teacher, Chris quickly discovered her passion for preschoolers.
Education and professional experience
Chris has her A.A. inApplied Science from Pace University. Chris spent 32 years working for Freedom from Hunger, a Davis-based international nonprofit serving women in developing countries. After retiring, she completed her Child Development certification and now serves as UCNS’s Preschool Support Specialist and lead substitute. She also served on the UCNS governing board for seven years.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Chris often describes UCNS as “the most joyful place in Davis!” and she delights in watching children grow in confidence, solve problems, and discover the beauty of God’s world.
A little about your family
Chris and her husband have a grown son, daughter-in-law, and two young grandchildren in Houston, whom she visits often. Chris and her husband have been active members of St. James Catholic Church in Davis for over 30 years.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Chris enjoys reading, volunteering, walking on the North Davis greenbelt, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Margie Mansell
Where are you from and how did you become interested in working with young children?
Margie grew up in the south side suburbs of Chicago and is the 11th of 12 children. From an early age, she was the one her older siblings relied on to help with snow suits, lost mittens, scraped knees, and managing the “kids’ table” at family gatherings. She loved helping her younger nieces and nephews find their place at the table—and in the world—and feels she has been a teacher her whole life.
Education and teaching experience
Margie earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois Chicago and a Montessori Early Childhood Education certificate from Montessori Teachers College in Sacramento. She spent more than 20 years teaching in Montessori preschools before serving as both a head and assistant teacher at UCNS. Margie joined the UCNS staff team in 2015 and now serves as a Preschool Support Specialist and primary substitute.
What do you love most about working with young children?
Margie is passionate about helping children discover the beauty and wonder of God’s world and the joy of connecting with a new friend.
A little about your family
Margie is a member of Davis Community Church and loves calling Davis home.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In her free time, Margie enjoys working in her garden, taking long walks around Davis with her husband, and riding the big red bus to and from school.