Regina Early Childhood Center
Meet Our Staff
Regina Preschool Teachers Information
Barbara Meyer
Director
Hello! I am Mrs. Meyer, the new Regina Early Childhood Director.
Mrs. Pechous has established a fabulous program that I am very excited to continue and grow!
Most Regina families would know me best as Ms. Barbara Wilson, I have taught Kindergarten
here at Regina since 2017. Prior to teaching here at Regina, I taught Kindergarten for 2 years
and Special Education for one year. I am beyond excited about the ways God is growing me! I
am fulfilling my life purpose learning and working alongside such incredible individuals both
grown and small! The summer of 2020 has brought about the exciting changes of transitioning
from Kindergarten teacher to Preschool Director, and my name change following my wedding
July 11th. My husband Andrew and I live in Lone Tree, IA.
buddy room
Renata Bitoy
Buddy Room
Hello parents, I am Renata Bitoy. I am originally from Illinois but moved to Iowa City, Iowa, in 2006. I am the lead Pre-K Buddy Room teacher. Before working for Regina, I have worked in a daycare center for eleven years and during that time, I have earned a BA degree in Early Childhood Education and currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Early Childhood Education at Northwestern College. I have two amazing daughters (ages 13 and 17) and a dog named Bailey. I am in this career field because I love watching children develop, grow and have fun.
When I have free time, I enjoy reading books, binging on Netflix, and spending quality time with my family.
Emily Beltz
Buddy Room
Hello all! My name is Emily Beltz and I am thrilled to be included in Regina’s Early Childhood team. If the warm welcome that I have received so far is any hint as to what the Buddy Room is like, then I cannot wait to get to class and meet your wonderful students.
I found my way to the Iowa City community in 2013 after completing high school in my hometown of Indianola, Iowa. Soon after, I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in psychology and a minor in human services. During that time, your community and its charm captured my heart and I found myself unable to leave after graduation.
Since finishing college, I have focused my attention on working with youth in various educational environments, from an afterschool program to residential settings. I find building relationships with children to be highly rewarding and an enjoyable line of work.
When I am not working, I spend time at home with my two goldendoodle pups, affectionately known as “The Doods”. Sunny and Cooper keep me active in my down time, when I’m not cooking or enjoying a new Netflix series.
I am hopeful that I will get to meet each of you and your students soon.
Bear Room
Anna Zirtzman
Bear Room
My name is Anna Zirtzman and I am so excited to become part of the Regina Early Childhood Center teaching team. I am the lead Pre-K Bear Room teacher. I grew up in Iowa city and graduated from Regina in 2014. I attended the University of Iowa and graduated with an Elementary Education teaching license in December of 2019.
While attending college, I spent 5 years working at Regina Early Childhood Center as a daycare associate. Through this opportunity, I was able to discover my love of working with little learners and seeing a child grow while knowing you had something to do with that change. In my free time I love to create calligraphy pieces, read and spend time with family and friends.
I can't wait to meet all of our new little friends and learn what makes each child special!
Kendalyn Pierson
Bear Room
Hello,
My name is Kendalyn Pierson and I am thrilled to be starting my first year at Regina Early Childhood Center. I graduated high school from Lone Tree Community School and then spent the last few years studying theatre at Harding University in Searcy, AR.
Most recently I have completed a semester at the Disney College Program in Orlando, FL. During my time in Arkansas and Florida I enjoyed getting to create magical moments for families from all over the world through children's theatre!
When I am not at school I enjoy spending time going to the lake with my family and taking walks with my dog, Duke!
I am so excited for what this school year will hold!
Bunny Room
Karisa Mullen
Bunny Room
Hello! My name is Karisa Mullen. I grew up in Ogden Iowa. I went to the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a degree in education and endorsement in reading/language arts. My husband and I moved to Cedar Rapids almost five years ago when we started our careers. I have taught preschool for five years and I love it! I enjoy watching children become the wonderful people they are. I have two very spoiled puppies that I treat like they are my children, Jessie and Charley. My husband and I have a little girl named Maddy who is 18 months old!I love to watch movies, bake cookies and go for walks. I look forward to learn and grow with the students. I am so excited for this next year at Regina!
Ana Ruth Bedell
Bunny Room
Hi, I’m Ana Ruth. I was born in El Salvador, the smallest country of Central America. My husband and I came to the US 23 years ago with our three little children. This is my third year teaching at Regina Preschool. I have enjoyed teaching Spanish by singing and playing games with the students. I'm excited for this new year to meet new "Bunnies" and their families.
PM STaff
Macy Dillon
Hi my name is Macy Dillon. I grew up in Iowa City and attended Regina Catholic Education Center, preschool through high school. I am majoring in Elementary Education. I currently go to school at Kirkwood Community College and plan to attend Iowa State University in the fall of 2021. If I am not working I’m hanging out with friends and family and taking care of my little puppy Oscar at home. He’s a handful. I’m so excited to be with so many little friends this year!
Enoka Mihm
My name is Enoka Mihm. I'm originally from the southeast Asian island country of Sri Lanka. Formerly known as Ceylon, it is also called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." I have one sister and one brother, and they are married and I have two beautiful nieces back in my country. I moved to Iowa in 2008 and got married to my beloved husband John. We were blessed with our son Helio in 2010, who is now a 5th Grader here at Regina Elementary.
I graduated in Sri Lanka and worked for the garment buying offices industry for 17 years as a merchandising manager. I also was Assistant Principal for Sunday School for many years.
When Helio became school-aged, I was offered employment here at Regina in 2015, and that enabled our son to attend kindergarten at Regina.
My positions as both a cashier in the cafeteria and as Director of the AM/PM Program give me the chance to get to know all the students and staff, as well as many parents. I enjoy seeing the daily routines as kids progress and grow through the entire school year.
This school year, with the shuffling of staffing needs, I am now working at the pre-school day care. These kids are such a bundle of joy and I am enjoying very much taking care of them. As a parent, I hope to be able to send the little ones home to their parents with smiling faces at the end of the day.
My hobbies are singing, dancing, cooking, traveling and helping others.