Meet the First Friends Team
Teachers who help children feel known, loved, and ready to grow.
At First Friends, teachers bring patience, creativity, faith, and structure into each classroom day. These introductions are rebuilt from the teacher graphics as real website content so families can read, search, and access the information easily.
Director
Shannon Kelley
Shannon is excited to serve First Friends families and spend the year with children. She has worked with children for 36 years and has served at FUMC for the past 20 years.
She is a proud mom of three, dog mom to Buster, and the best first contact for questions about tours, class fit, enrollment, and availability.
Teachers & Classroom Team
Caring adults in every classroom rhythm.
Pre-K 4 Teacher
Mary Galloway
Mary is excited to serve Pre-K 4 children and has worked with small children for more than 20 years. She cares deeply about building healthy early education foundations for mind, body, and soul.
Teacher
Mary Williams
Mary loves reading, painting, movies with family, the outdoors, hiking, travel, and adventures.
Teacher / Aide
Rachel Kirby
Rachel has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and six years of childcare experience. She loves reading, baking, football with her family, and helping children learn and grow.
Teacher’s Aide
Sasha Toms
Sasha is a busy mom of three and brings a creative spirit into her work. She enjoys painting, baking, cooking, reading, thrifting, and turning simple things into something special.
Toddler Teacher
Katie Ratzburg
Katie loves teaching toddlers and watching children learn and grow through such an exciting stage. She enjoys genealogy research, caring for plants, and reading.
Pre-K 3 Teacher
Lylah-Paige Powers Raev
Lylah-Paige is excited to join First Friends as one of our Pre-K 3 teachers. She has worked with children for eight years as a nanny, babysitter, and Sunday school teacher, and she loves helping this age group learn and grow.
Preschool 3 Teacher
Linda Doss
Linda loves teaching and has taught preschool for many years at FUMC Bossier City. She enjoys antique shopping, DIY projects, time with her grandchildren, and life with her family.
Assistant Director / Office
Lori Miller
Lori has been with First Friends since 2003, beginning in Mother’s Day Out and now serving as Assistant Director. She loves visiting and subbing in classes and getting to know every child.
Start with the First Friends office.
For teacher communication, classroom questions, tours, enrollment, or wishlists, contact the office or use the classroom communication channels shared by First Friends.