Meet Michelle Hykin – Interim Director, Lead Teacher

Hello! I was born and raised in Latham, NY where I lived through high school. I attended SUNY Geneseo where I majored in Childhood Education and Spanish. From there I went to SUNY Stony Brook to get my Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. After graduation, I moved to Syracuse where I taught K-5 English as a Second Language for over 7 years. After 14 years living away, my husband Sam and I moved back to Latham and enrolled our son, Jackson, at Calvary Methodist Preschool. During that time I served on the Preschool Board, and volunteered in the school. Since then our daughter, Kelsey, has also attended Calvary Methodist Preschool – with her mama as teacher!

These days when I’m not at school you can find me at the North Colonie Youth Baseball Fields – where my son plays travel baseball, and my daughter just started her t-ball journey. If I’m not there, I’m at one of the many ice rinks in the area chauffeuring both kids around to hockey practices and games. I am also a member of the Calvary Methodist Church, and am active with the Family Ministries Team.

In my free time, I like to craft and read. I love ice cream, animals, and wearing pajamas.

Meet Stacey Hartman – Lead Teacher

Hi! My name is Stacey Hartman and I am so excited to be back at the preschool. I am from and currently live in Colonie with my family. I have a son Ayden who is 12 and is in the 7th grade at CBA and I have a 5 year-old Ellie who also attended here and is now headed to kindergarten at St. Pius X. I have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood and a Bachelors’s degree in Elementary Education. While at home I love to do DIY projects around the house and you can always find me in the kitchen cooking for my family which I enjoy. I am looking forward to the year ahead with your children and getting to know them.

Calvary Methodist Preschool - Hunter Benson

Meet Hunter Benson – Assistant Teacher

My name is Hunter Benson and I am originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia and moved to Albany 10 years ago with my husband Mark, and my four children Vandy Grace, Lydon, Hannum Leigh, and MJ. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Flagler College in Florida and an Associate’s degree in Advertising and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. I formerly worked in Development and Alumni Relations at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. My children are my true passion in life and now I can’t wait to learn, play and grow with your children too!

My oldest daughter, Vandy sings and acts with King’s Kids, Park Playhouse, and in the Shaker High School Music Department. She also plays field hockey at Shaker High School. Lydon runs track at Shaker Middle School and she and Hannum both enjoy competitive dance with Premier Dance Performance Performing Arts Center in Clifton Park. Hannum also performs right here at Calvary in King’s Kids and MJ looks forward to joining his sisters next year in the kid’s show. MJ also participates in Latham Circle Soccer and Shaker Lacrosse.

When not attending their community activities we can be found at many University at Albany Great Dane sporting events.

This is my third year teaching with Calvary United Methodist Preschool. Lydon, Hannum, and MJ all attended Calvary and we love the community that feels extended family here.

Meet Tori Galvin – Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Tori Galvin and I am so happy to be a part of Calvary Methodist Preschool. I grew up in Troy and currently live there with my family. My husband, Tim, and I have two daughters. Ada, who attended here last year, is 5 and will be starting kindergarten. Quincy is 2 and will be beginning the 2 year old program here this year. I attended SUNY New Paltz, majoring in Childhood Education and went on to the University at Albany to get my Master’s degree in Special Education. I taught multiple grade levels before taking a few years off to stay home with my family. I have also taught dance for the past 6 years to children ages 18 months through elementary level. In my free time, I love to read, bake, and watch scary movies. I look forward to getting to know you all this year!