Staff

Teacher Chery Lewelling

School Creator

Teacher Chery, inspired and directed by God, opened Circle of Friends in 1980. Meeting in her home until the school simply needed more room and found its new and permanent home here at First Presbyterian.

After 35 years of teaching, she retired in 2015 but was happy to return when asked to take over the position of director once again in fall of 2024. She finds daily joy spending time with the children, sharing smiles, hugs, her endless supply of energy and her love of Jesus.

In her time away from school, she loves to read and walk. And walk, and walk!!

Teacher Sam Aldrich

Lead Teacher Sunshine 3s & Director

Teacher Sam joined our team in the spring of 2023.

The fall of '24 she moved into lead teaching the 3s classroom and by summer of '25 she took on directorship as well. With Teacher Chery's reduction in hours and Teacher Sam's unending joy, positivity and energy, she fell into the role peacefully.

In her free time she loves going to the movies or being outdoors. Walking- although not as fast as Teacher Chery- hiking, swimming and kayaking are some favorite actives. She married her best friend the summer of '22 and has two sweet cats.

Teacher Meagan Perales

Assistant Teacher Sunshine 3s

Teacher Meagan joined us in the spring of 2024.

She has two amazing boys, one graduated our Kindergarten in 2025. Meagan is always open for new things and willing to grow and learn and She loves sharing Gods love with children. She loves the beach, outdoors, and coffee!

Teacher Sarah Graf

Assistant Teacher Sunshine 3s

Teacher Sarah joined us in the spring of 2025.

She is coming from another preschool and is apart of large family. Sarah is excited to help your kids grown and learn, working with kids and telling them about God is a passion she has had for a very long time.

Teacher Stephanie Michaels

Lead Teacher Rainbow 4s

Teacher Brenda DeVault

Assistant Teacher Rainbow 4s

Teacher Brenda started teaching at First Circle of Friends in fall 2023.

She has previous experience working at other preschools. She is excited to work with and join our wonderful group of teachers and we are blessed to have her. She brings quiet joy and gentleness to the classroom. When she is not working she loves spending time with her family.

Teacher Tara Riggins

Assistant Teacher Rainbow 4s

Teacher Tara started teaching at First Circle of Friends in 2024. She is the mom of two children who both have attended FCOF preschool. She loves school dress up days and helping children learn through fun and play! When she is not at school she loves baking, reading, running and spending time with her family.

Teacher Monique

Lead Teacher Starlight Kindergarten

Teacher Linda Rouse

Assistant Teacher Starlight Kindergarten

Teacher Linda started teaching at First Circle of Friends in the fall of 2015.

She taught in Maryland for fourteen years before moving back to Oregon. She loves being close to her children and grandchildren. She feels privileged to teach children about the love of Jesus and seeing them grow in their knowledge and understanding. In her free time she gardens or makes beautiful quilts.

Teacher Abby

Assistant Teacher Starlight Kindergarten

Teacher Abby started teaching at First Circle of Friends in the winter of 2025.

After leaving the fire service she decided that she wanted to work with kids. She has always had a passion teaching children about Gods love. During her free time she loves spending time with her husband and dog, along with going on longs walks and baking sweet treats.

Additional Staff

Subsitutes

Teacher Sarah Graff

Assistant Teacher

Teacher Lou Rouse

Teacher Lou started teaching at First Circle of Friends in in the fall on 2019.

She has been married to her husband for 46 years and they have seven grandsons. She homeschooled her children, along with other children, for a total of sixteen years. It's a delight of her heart to teach and share the love of Jesus.

Teacher Ginny Michaels

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