Banner Elk Presbyterian PreschoolOur Preschool is a ministry of the church under the supervision of the Session. It operates from 9 AM–1 PM Monday through Friday for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The goal of the program is to promote growth in the areas of physical, social, educational, and spiritual development. There is a $50 non-refundable fee to register your child and tuition is $300/month.

Enroll now! Email Jarrett Koski for more information, check details below or call the church office at 828-898-5406.

Teacher Opening: We are looking to hire a Teacher for the 2023-2024 School Year. 8:30 AM-1:30 PM. Please contact Jarrett Koski for info!

Preschool Staff 2023-24

Jarrett W. Koski: Preschool Director & Four-Year-Old Teacher
Mr. K is an alumnus of Lees-McRae College where he obtained his B.F.A. in Musical Theater with an emphasis in Theater Arts Education K-12! Originally from Florida, he came back to Banner Elk after he performed and taught musical theater and dance for 7 years. Mr. K has also been in several Lees-McRae Summer Theatre productions over the years. In his spare time, he enjoys running, reading scripts in addition to singing and dancing almost everything while always working on his craft. His favorite children’s book is “The One and Only Owen” by Nicole Evans Haumesser and his favorite color is green!

Lucy Corning: Three-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. Lucy moved up the mountains with her husband of 41 years after he took a job in the golf industry. They have four wonderful married children and are blessed with five grandchildren. Those grandchildren are their pride and joy! Lucy started teaching preschool in Jacksonville, Florida where she attended school and eventually met and married her Navy husband. Being a military wife she has moved a “few” times which gave her the opportunity to meet many new friends along the way. In addition to teaching preschool Lucy has a passion for water fitness. She has coached many swim teams in her career and taught both the young and old to swim. Lucy loves being a part of the Banner Elk Presbyterian Preschool and is a great addition to the team. She loves to sing and talk in rhymes. Teaching children and loving Jesus all the time! Lucy loves all shades of purple and has many favorite books, but acting out “Pete The Cat I Love My White Shoes” is at the top!

Genevieve Austin: Three-Year-Old Teacher
Ms. Austin is an Alumni of Warren Wilson College (obtaining a B.A. in Intercultural Communications with a Concentration in Anthropology/Sociology) and received K-6 Teacher Certification from Appalachian State University. With family roots, she grew up and resides in Boone. Born in Colorado into a musical family, she has led an unconventional life of “chasing the Hollywood and New York City” worlds of Theatre/Radio/Cabaret. Raised by an Actor and an Elementary Education teacher, her work with children began with assisting with Summer Camp, After School Programs, working as a Preschool Teacher in Boone and in Melbourne, Florida. She’s worked as a Nanny, as a Library Assistant in Youth Services and taught 2nd, 3rd and 5th Grades. She is a mother, a caregiver, an author, a transit bus driver, a singer and an artist. She loves “Go, Dog, Go!” (and dogs, btw;-), all creations by Eric Carle. She published her first book during the pandemic and her favorite color is green!

JoBeth Hilton: Two-Year-Old Teacher 
Ms. JoBeth is originally from Wytheville, Virginia, but has spent the past 4 years in the beautiful mountains of North Caroline. This past spring she graduated from Lees-McRae College with her BFA in Musical Theater along with her Technical Theater minor. JoBeth is grateful for her performing roles at Lees McRae College and Lees McRae Summer Theater some of her favorites being: Doralee Rhodes (9 to 5 the Musical), Mrs. Wormwood (Matilda the Musical), and most recently the Ladybug (James and the Giant Peach). This summer she has enjoyed her time working on the railroad at Tweetsie Amusement Park as a Can-Can Girl, Diamond Lil (swing), and Jenny (swing). A pink enthusiast, JoBeth also enjoys reading, writing, painting and drawing, and the occasional M&M Cappuccino milkshake from Cookout. The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park had a major impact on JoBeth as a child, which speaks heavily to her current personality!

Erin Beretsky: Two-Year-Old Teacher
Mrs. Erin loves living in the mountains. Originally from Concord, NC. Mrs. Erin comes to us with a creative education background with a BA in child development and family relation. And a M.A in marriage and family therapy. She also holds a graduate certificate in expressive arts. She has three beautiful children that currently attend Banner Elk Elementary together. As a family, they love to be together especially at the beach. One of Mrs. Erin’s goals is to continue to be the best teacher that she can be. Her favorite activities include exercising, being outdoors and playing! Her favorite children’s book is “Do Princesses wear hiking boots?” Her favorite color is gray!