Who We Are

The Trinity Weekday School is a preschool outreach program of the Trinity United Methodist Church and is open to all children.

Our purpose is to provide a loving and caring environment where children are given the opportunity to develop and learn at their own pace.

Colorful kindergarten classroom with tables set for activities, a blue rug, decorative ceiling hanging animals, educational posters, and colorful storage bins.
Group of ten teachers wearing matching white T-shirts with pink text that reads 'KINDNESS CREW' standing in front of colorful balloons inside a room with bookshelves and windows.

Our Teachers

Close-up of a smiling blond woman with long hair wearing a black top.

Melissa Halstead

My Name is Melissa Halstead, my husband and I have three children who all attended Trinity Weekday School. My oldest son is in 8th grade and our (2) daughters are in 4th and 5th.  I grew up in and graduated from Peters Township, I received my early childhood education degree from Ohio University and my master's degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Dayton. Upon graduation I taught 2nd / 3rd grade for 8 years in Columbus, OH before moving back to Peters Township.

My responsibility is to assure your children receive the best early education possible! As the director, I will strive to provide an environment that allows your children to feel safe and grow their confidence. We know there are other early educators out there and it’s our mission to make TWS the top place to bring your child/children for their early education. Having fun has a positive effect on motivation levels and how much children retain… we will have fun!  Students will stay curious and continue to take on new challenges while they develop a love of learning… they will grow! I look forward to working with the preschool families in the area! 

Director

Mrs. Nikki Bieranowski

Assistant Teacher: PM 2’s

Nikki has been involved with Trinity Weekday School for the last 5 years, first as a mom

and then as a substitute teacher. She graduated from Robert Morris University in 2009

with a Bachelor Degree in Business. She grew up in Peters Township and now resides

in Canonsburg with her husband and two kids. Nikki is very active in her kid’s schools

and activities and enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family.

“I’ve seen firsthand how TWS can help kids grow academically and socially. It is such a

special program and I’m excited to be apart of it!”

A woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair, smiling outdoors on a sunny day, wearing a black top and beige cardigan.

Mrs. Katelyn Chirdon

Katelyn first joined Trinity Weekday School as a mom and a substitute teacher before becoming an assistant teacher. She graduated from Fairmont State University in 2013 with a Bachelors of science in Psychology and Sociology. Growing up near Baltimore, Maryland, she now resides in Canonsburg with her husband, two daughters, and their dog! She is very active in the community and loves being a board member for North Strabane Parks and Recreation.

Katelyn enjoys watching her girls sporting events, crocheting, cooking, baking, and kayaking with her family.

“I love seeing a child’s face light up when they master something they have been practicing! It is a beautiful celebration for everyone involved and it’s the spark to the love of learning. I am beyond blessed to see this everyday at TWS.”

Assistant Teacher: Pre-K
A young woman with long red hair smiling in front of a bookshelf filled with colorful children's books.

Madalynn Fagan

Assistant Teacher: 3s

Madalynn joined the staff of Trinity Weekday School in 2021 as an assistant teacher in our Three’s classroom. She has volunteered in kids’ day programs in churches all over the South Hills since 2012. Madalynn grew up in Mount Lebanon where she spent time with her siblings and younger cousins. She currently resides in Peters Township, helping her family care for her disabled younger sister.

“I am looking forward to this school year and being a part of the Trinity Weekday school team!”- Madalynn

A woman with brown, wavy hair smiling outdoors, wearing a light pink sleeveless top and floral earrings, with green foliage in the background.

Mrs. Jamie Gang

Teacher: 3s

Jamie Gang is thrilled to join our team as a pre K assistant teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College where she majored in environmental science. She additionally completed her master’s coursework in elementary education at the University of San Francisco. She has experience in outdoor education and curriculum development, through her work at River Quest and the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Residing in Peters Township with her husband and their five children, Jamie has a deep connection to our school, where each of her children has been educated. In the past, she was a substitute at TWS and served the on board for many years.

Jamie is also actively involved in her church and values spending quality time with her extended family. She cherishes family trips to the beach in Florida and enjoys relaxing at Lake Erie.

“I loved the incredible introduction to education that TWS offered all of my children. I am so excited and honored to be a part of that journey for our incoming students.“ – Jamie

A woman with long, curly brown hair smiling and sitting at a wooden table with her hands resting on it. She is wearing a black top with white embroidery and a silver necklace. In the background, colorful children's books are visible on wooden shelves.

Mrs. Hileri Germeyer

Assistant Teacher: 3's and Lunch Bunch/ Adventure Club

Hileri graduated with a degree in Psychology from Westminster College. She has many years’ experience working with special needs children as Therapeutic Support Staff and also as a teaching assistant at The Day School at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Having grown up in Peters Township, Hileri and her husband have 3 daughters and 2 grandsons and currently reside in Canonsburg.

“The innocence and wonder of young children are very precious to me, and I love being a part of their early learning experience. I hope to make a positive difference in the children’s lives at TWS.” – Hileri

Alisha is excited to join Trinity Weekday School as an assistant teacher.

A smiling middle-aged woman with wavy gray hair, wearing a white blouse with ruffles, sitting in front of a bookshelf filled with children's books.

Mrs. Beth Lazenga

 Teacher: Pre-K

Beth graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in elementary education. She has been involved with teaching and developing young children for the past 21 years, the last 5 of those years at TWS.

She lives in North Strabane with her husband Tom. Beth enjoys cooking, decorating, gardening, and exercising.. which she gets plenty of when she is chasing after her 7 grandchildren!

“I have a strong belief in developing a child’s independence both socially and academically to prepare them for the future “ Beth Lazenga”

Mrs. Alisha McGowan

A woman with long, curly brown hair smiling, wearing a black top and a pearl necklace, standing in front of a brick wall with colorful flowers.

Mrs. Kristen McCarthy

 Assistant Teacher: 3s and Pre-K

Kirsten graduated from Wittenberg University in 2002 with a double major in Economics and Business Management. After working as an economist in DC for 11 years Kirsten moved to Peters Township in 2016 with her husband Blair, and three daughters, Teagan, Kaya, and Tressa. She has spent the past years being a stay at home mom and has been an active volunteer with the school PTA, as well as a girl scout leader for each of the girl's troops.

In her free time Kirsten enjoys running, crafting, watching her girls' sporting events, and taking care of their pets, a dog, gerbil, turtle, and snake.

"I love working with children and watching their confidence grow as they learn new things. I'm excited to join the Trinity Weekday School." -Kirsten

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a green top, sitting at a wooden table in front of shelves with children's books.

Mrs. Elise McGrath

 Teacher: 3s AM and Lunch Bunch /Adventure Club

Elise began at Trinity Weekday School as a parent, then a sub and was hired full time in August 2022 as an assistant teacher for Pre K. She is currently a teacher for the AM Three’s class and our extended day program fro the 3’s students. Elise graduated in 2007 with a double major in Child and Family Studies and Special Needs. She started her career as a support teacher through the HeadStart program in Pittsburgh for the AIU3. Elise spent a few years being a stay at home mom to her 3 children before returning to the classroom. She currently lives in Peters with her husband and 3 children, all of whom attended TWS. Elise is very active with her children's school and community. In her free time, she enjoys watching her kids' sporting events, spending time with her family and running in marathons.

“It is my goal to help children learn and grow in a fun, positive and loving environment while developing strong foundations for the future. I feel blessed to be a part of their early learning journey.” - Elise

A woman with long brown hair in waves, wearing a sleeveless black top, smiling in front of a gray horizontal siding wall.

Mrs. Chelsey Metzmaier

 Teacher: 2s AM and Lunch Bunch /Bright Beginnings
 Teacher: 3's and PM 2s

Megan Small is excited to join our team as a three year old and two year old teacher. She received her Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. She has been involved in Children's Ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church for 19 years, planning events, Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday School and confirmation classes. She is currently the Youth Director at Trinity UMC.

Megan and her husband live in Peters Township and her three children (and husband!) all attended Trinity Weekday School. Megan has served on the preschool board for many years and has been a substitute at TWS. 

Megan continues to be active in the children's ministries at Trinity UMC. She loves to spend time with her family and friends. Megan loves to read and listen to music and cannot wait to share her love of reading and music with her classes.

"TWS is a special place, laying the foundation of love of learning through play and encouragement. My children were blessed to have TWS as their introduction to education and lifelong learning." - Megan

Chelsey is delighted to be at Trinity Weekday School as a teacher. She graduated from Clarion University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Chelsey has been providing early learning experience and child care for the past 14 years. She is looking forward to helping students develop an excitement for learning as they build their educational foundation.

Chelsey lives in Peters Township with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys outdoor adventures like camping, skiing, and snorkeling with her family. She is eager to start this new adventure at Trinity Weekday School!

“I love working with children to help them build their confidence and independence, and celebrate those accomplishments with them!”

Mrs. Megan Small

A woman with glasses and blonde hair sitting at a wooden table, smiling in a room with books on shelves in the background.

Mrs. Patricia Ziacik

 Teacher: Pre-K

Patricia is a teacher in our Pre-K classroom and has been with TWS since 2019. She also works for TUMC as the Nursery Director.  She graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She lives in the Canon-McMillan School District with her husband and 2 children. She is very involved in Canon Mac youth sports that her children participate in, and sits as the VP of the Canon Mac Horizon Foundation!

“I loved TWS for my children and I’m so happy to be working here. This school feels like a family and I’m blessed to be a part of it!” – Patricia

Our Home

Trinity Weekday School has been a ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1965. The church's commitment to welcoming everyone — regardless of background or faith tradition — is at the heart of how we run our school.

We're located on the church's campus in McMurray, and we're grateful for the community that surrounds us. Families of all faiths — and no faith tradition at all — are warmly welcome here.

To learn more about Trinity United Methodist Church or find out what's happening on campus, visit trinitymcmurrayumc.org.