Preschool Staff:

Director: Traci Waugh-Rinehart

I joined St. Matthew Preschool in the 2020-2021 school year. I have two sons (Cetan who is 31 and James who is 14), two daughters (Loralie who is 15 and Madeline Renee is a heaven baby), and several foster children. I assist coach baseball for a competitive high school team. My youngest son, James, plays baseball and basketball almost year-round. My daughter, Loralie, is very much into art, music, and writing. I enjoy nature walks, reading, and painting. Warm weather is my favorite time of the year especially if it involves a beach. I am a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. I am grateful to be able to guide children, families, and staff to know Jesus. I am blessed to work with such wonderful staff members who share their passion for teaching and love of Jesus. 

Administrative Assistant: Katie Smith

I'm excited to be back at St. Matthews Preschool this year in a different role. This will be my third year after taking a little time off to have our youngest last year. My husband David and I have been married for 11 years and have three kids. Cooper is 9, Kaylynne is 6, and Adalynne is 1. We are also members here at St. Matthews. We love being outside together camping, fishing, and watching our kids play soccer. 

 PreK+ (M to F) Stable Room

Lead Teacher/Assistant to Director: Karin Dillabough 

This is my 7th year at St. Matthew Preschool. I am a St. Matthew church member with my husband of 25 years, Jason.  We have four wonderful children.  Our oldest daughter, Jordan, is currently a senior at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, studying dance and psychology.  My only son, Kannon, is 19 and a freshman at UMKC this fall.  We have twin 16-year-old daughters, Jenna and Kenedie, sophomores at LSW, who entertain us with theatre and dance performances.  We love to travel to Disney World as a family as often as possible. I enjoy crafting and reading in my spare time.  I absolutely LOVE the staff at St. Matthew and truly enjoy coming to work every day to play with all my sweet friends.

Assistant Teacher: Lisa Koenig

Hi, my name is Lisa Koenig. I previously taught Pre-Kindergarten at Messiah Lutheran in Independence, MO for the last 15 years. I started subbing at St. Matthews in February and have felt welcomed right away. I am excited to become part of their teaching staff this year. My husband, Corey, and I have been married for 32 years, and we have two sons. Jackson is a golf pro in Florida and Ethan recently graduated from Missouri State and will be starting a master’s program at UMKC soon. We try to stay active by walking our two dogs and playing pickleball.

 PreK+ (M to F) Children’s Room

Lead Teacher: Sheri Clark

This will be my 18th year of teaching at St. Matthew Preschool. I have been a church member for 29 years. I am married to my husband Doug (32 years) and have two grown daughters. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, biking, playing pickleball, baking/cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I love teaching children and the strong connections being made at St. Matthew. 

Assistant Teacher: Rachel Falke

Hi, my name is Rachel. This is my first year teaching at St. Matthews Preschool.  I subbed a bit last year and enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t pass up teaching this year. I worked in childcare for 10 years prior to staying home with my youngest child. My husband Cody and I have been married for 12 years. We have two boys. Zach is 11 and Tommy is 5. We enjoy spending time with family, disc golfing, hiking, and fishing. I am so excited to teach with this great group of teachers. 

Preschool/PreK Combo (M to F) Noah Room

Lead Teacher: Mindy Pollo

This is my 7th year teaching at St. Matthew Preschool.  I have been married to my husband, Brian, for 22 years.  We have 2 amazing kids - Jordy who is 19, will be a sophomore at Avila University where she is playing softball.  Caden who is 17, he will be a junior at Lee's Summit West High School and is super busy playing baseball and tinkering with his car.  If we have any downtime, we love to travel to the beach and relax.   I LOVE working at St Matthew.  Helping kids learn to love school and watching them grow is truly amazing. 

Assistant Teacher: Sandy White

My name is Sandy, this is my 2 and 1/2 school years teaching at St. Matthew Preschool.  My husband Abe and I have 3 children, all of whom attended St. Matthew Preschool.  Some of my favorite things to do include DIY house projects and maintaining the landscaping at home.  Our family also enjoys traveling and learning about history.

Preschool (M to F) Ocean Room

Lead Teacher: Michelle Jeffries

Hello! I am Michelle Jeffries. This is my 2nd year teaching at St. Matthew Preschool. My Husband Mitchell and I have 2 beautiful daughters Peyton (5th grade) and Hailey (1st grade). We love being on the lake and spending time outside with our 3 ducks and dogs. I love working with the little ones and introducing them to all the fun preschool has to offer.