Meet our Teachers

Amanda Webber

Lion Class

I’m excited to begin another wonderful school year and to get to know a new group of students! This will be my 20th year teaching preschool, and it continues to be such a joy. I actually have the pleasure now of teaching children of former students — a true full-circle moment in my career!

Though I hold a degree in Elementary Education, I quickly discovered that preschool is where my heart truly belongs. Watching the incredible growth in young children over the course of a school year is my favorite part of the job.

Outside of school, I’m married to my husband, Mark, and we’re proud parents of two adult children, Matt and Lauren. We’re now empty nesters, but we still gather as a family once a month for dinner — something I always look forward to.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s early learning journey!

jill Leedy

Raccoon Class

I live in the Columbia City area with my husband and our two boys. As a family, we enjoy cheering on our sons in baseball and cross country, and we love spending time together in the barn working with our show pigs.

This is my fifth year teaching Preschool, and I’m so excited for another wonderful year of building relationships with my students and their families.

I especially love singing songs with the kids, teaching Zoo Phonics, and diving into all the hands-on activities that make learning so much fun — because I truly believe that playing is learning!

I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside such an experienced, passionate team here at City Kids Preschool. They love kids, bring amazing ideas to the table, and help me grow as a teacher every single day.

Katie Smith

Owl Class

Hi! My name is Katie Smith. I’m the wife of Justin and mom to Marshall and Paisley. As a family, we love spending time outdoors — whether it’s attending baseball games, visiting the zoo, or swimming together, we’re always looking for ways to make memories outside.

I graduated from Bethel College and spent seven years teaching, mostly in first grade. I stepped away in my eighth year to stay home with our two young children. Last year, I returned to education as an assistant in the Owl classroom, and I’m honored to now step into the lead teacher role following a beloved colleague’s retirement.

I’m so excited to have a classroom of my own again and can’t wait to pour into this new group of little learners. Helping young minds grow and develop is one of my greatest joys, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love.