jennifer hartzell
Director, 2022
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Arizona where she received her B.S. in Microbiology. She has served as a teacher with Shining Stars for many years and substitutes with Sunday school at Fount of Life.
She joined the Shining Stars staff because she loves sharing God’s word with young children and helping them with skills and lessons that will last a lifetime. She feels the school has been an immense blessing to her family as her three sons are all Shining Stars graduates.
Jennifer has served as a substitute teacher at a local charter school the past two years and is working on her preschool director certificate at Pikes Peak Community College, where she previously earned her early childhood teacher certificate.
She feels the Shining Stars staff sets themselves apart with their warm and inviting sense of community. Shining Stars is a place where little learners can come and get to know their Savior, as well as grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Jennifer grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and moved to Colorado Springs in 2000 when her husband, Tad, was stationed at Fort Carson Army Post. She and Tad have three sons: Trystan (18), Riley (13), and Garrett (11).
Sarah Vanasse
Teacher, 2021
Sarah is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College where she received her B.A. in Communications. She also served as a preschool aide at Risen Savior Christian Academy in Pooler, Georgia.
She joined the Shining Stars staff because she loves serving Christ and sharing his message of salvation with children of all ages. Sarah loves making connections with young children. She says children are each unique and eager to share their every thought and they inspire her to help and watch them grow. Sarah is CPR certified.
Prior to working in preschools, Sarah worked with Medco/Express Scripts for 10 years. She stopped to spend more time with her children.
Sarah and her husband, Billy, met in Wisconsin and have traveled the country with the Army for the last 12 years. Together, they have two daughters, Lilliana (11) and Madelyn (9).