Meet Our Preschool Staff!

Traci Waugh-Rinehart

Director of St. Matthew Preschool

I joined St. Matthew Preschool in the 2020-2021 school year. I have two sons, two daughters, and have had several foster children. 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 a recent graduate of the MO-SECA program. 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.

Stable Room - PreK+ (M to F)

Karin Dillabough

Stable Room Lead Teacher and Assistant Director

Hi! My name is Karin Dillabough (pronounced Dill-ah-bow). This will be my 10th year at St. Matthew. Mrs. Lisa and I have been a team for four years. I have been married to my husband for 28 years, and we have 4 adult children.

I was honored to receive the 2023 Excellence in Early Care and Education Award and bring some more attention to our sweet school. In our classroom, we learn a lot of big kid words, do lots of messy science experiments, and practice being great humans to our family and friends.

I am the owner of the preschool’s Disney room and can talk Disney for hours! When I am not at school playing and creating, I am usually planning a trip to Disney.

My family attends St. Matthew to worship, usually on Saturday nights. I am so very passionate about what we do at the preschool and so grateful to be a part of this amazing team. These teachers are truly the best people on the planet!

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Lisa Koenig

Stable Room Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Lisa Koenig. This is my fourth year at St. Matthew. I have been teaching pre-school for over 30 years. I still absolutely love it! I feel so blessed to be at St. Matthew.

My husband Corey and I will be celebrating 35 years of marriage this month. We have two sons. Our oldest is a golf pro in Florida. Our youngest just finished his masters in counseling at MO State and just moved back to Kansas City. We are also proud parents to a new puppy, Finn.

To stay busy my husband and I like to play pickle ball. For fun, we love to go to Kansas City Chiefs games.

Children's Room - PreK+ (M to F)

Sheri Clark

Children’s Room Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Sheri Clark. This will by my 22nd year of teaching at St. Matthew. I have been a church member here for 32 years. My husband Doug and I have been married for 35 years and have two grown daughters. Both my daughters are preschool alumni of St. Matthew. I became a grandma last December. Lydia has been a delight to be around!! In my spare time I enjoy walking, biking, pickle ball, baking/cooking, and spending time with friends and family. I love teaching the children and the strong connections being made at St. Matthew.

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Children’s Room Assistant Teacher

My name is Rachel Falke. This is my fourth year teaching at St. Matthew. I worked in childcare for 10 years prior to staying home with my youngest child. My husband Cody and I have been married for 15 years. We have two busy boys, Zach (14) and Tommy (8). We enjoy spending time together outdoor hiking, fishing, and disc golfing. I can't wait to meet and teach your children.

Noah Room - Preschool and PreK (M to F)

Mindy Pollo

Noah Room Lead Teacher

My name is Mindy Pollo. This is my 10th year teaching at St. Matthew Preschool. I have an amazing husband of 25 years, Brian, and 2 wonderful kids, Jordy and Caden. Jordy just graduated from college and is an elementary teacher in LSR7. Caden is a sophomore at Mid American Nazarene University where he is playing baseball and getting his business degree. I also have a 4 year old husky, Axel. He's always keeping on my toes.

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Sandy White

Noah Room Assistant Teacher

My name is Sandy White. This is my 6th year being an assistant teacher at St. Matthew. I have enjoyed my time here getting to share in the lives of all the little ones in our care. All 3 of my kids, Emily, Liam and Rebekah have gone to school here. I am married to my husband Abe and we enjoy traveling as a family and exploring all things history.

Ocean Room - Preschool (M to F)

Michelle Jeffries

Ocean Room Teacher (MWF)

Hi! I'm Michelle Jeffries! I have been teaching in the Ocean Room for 5 years. I have been married to my husband Mitchell for 17 years, and we have 2 daughters, Peyton (13) and Hailey (10). We love to be out on the lake and cheering our girls at gymnastics.

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Loralie Rinehart

Ocean Room Teacher and Early Bird Teacher

Loralie is a 2025 graduate of Blue Springs High School, and she has been connected to our community for years through both Timothy Lutheran and St. Matthew Lutheran Churches. She has also cared for staff children for the past three years during our annual August training. Loralie enjoys traveling, creating art, and studying ocean life—especially sharks! Loralie is attending Unity Environmental University online for Marine Biology and Aquaculture. She is also working on finishing her Child Development Associate credentials.

Katie Smith

Ocean Room Teacher (TTH)

Hi, I am Katie Smith. I am excited to be back in the Ocean Room teaching this year on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This will be my 6th year at St. Matthew. I have been married for 14 years, and we have five kids. We are members here at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Two of our kids attending preschool here. We love being outside with our family; our kids are active in sports, soccer and football.