Meet our Family
Caring, professional, creative, and devoted -- our team is all that and more. They each have a true gift for teaching and a love for children, which makes Ramah seem more like family than staff. Everyone here is committed to providing a well rounded curriculum and a safe learning environment for your children.
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Bernadette Hard
our Director
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Bernadette is currently our Director and TK Teacher. She is originally from Pennsylvania, where she attended Mansfield University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Her professional journey later took her to Southern California, where she spent over a decade furthering her education and gaining extensive experience working in a variety of preschool settings.
While living in California, Ms. Bernie met her husband, Rodney. The two eventually settled in Concord, North Carolina, where she has continued her lifelong commitment to early childhood education. With more than 30 years of experience, she has served in multiple roles ranging from classroom teacher to program director, consistently demonstrating a deep dedication to nurturing young learners.
Bernadette and Rodney have a daughter, Brittany, and a son-in-law, Kevin, both graduates of Western Carolina University. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, traveling with her family, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Maggie and Mary.
She is passionate about creating a fun, engaging environment that inspires children to love learning, love God, and grow in their faith.
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Rebecca Reagan
Assistant Director
Hello! I’m Ms. Rebecca, the Preschool Assistant Director at Ramah. I bring over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, having worked as a Pre-K teacher and in assistant management before taking time to be a stay-at-home mom.
I’ve been married to my husband, Ben, for 16 years, and we have two amazing boys: Pierson (14) and Graylon (8), who keep life busy and fun!
My love for childcare started in high school at La Petite Academy, where I worked as an afternoon Pre-K teacher. I continued growing in the field while earning Early Childhood Development certifications through Catawba Valley Community College.
I truly love my role at Ramah and feel blessed to support children as they grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Watching them learn and thrive each day is the best part of what I do!
Madlen Zeher
Two-year-olds Teacher
Hi, I’m Madlen! I’ve been teaching preschool for five years and have loved being part of the Ramah community for four school years. I believe the best learning happens through play, positive reinforcement, and lots of curiosity. Helping little ones explore, discover new things, and build confidence is my favorite part of the day!
When I’m not in the classroom, I’m usually spending time with my husband and our three energetic boys. You can find us outside jumping on the trampoline, kicking around a soccer ball, or riding bikes together.
In my downtime, I enjoy curling up with a good book, going for walks, shopping, gardening, and getting creative with painting.
Lisa Penegar
Two-year-olds Teacher
Hi! My name is Ms Lisa and I love being a 2’s teacher at Ramah. A little about me, I am married and have two young school-aged boys, along with a puppy and a cat who keep life busy and fun at home. I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s at the beach or in the mountains or just walking around the neighborhood. I also enjoy reading and doing puzzles in my downtime which I don’t get much of with two wild boys! Working with at young children is truly a joy, and I love watching them learn, explore, and grow each day.
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Kim Castles
Three-year-olds Teacher
Ms. Kim is excited to be in her second year at Ramah and loves being part of the school family. She is married and a proud mom of three grown children—one daughter and two sons. Originally from New Jersey, she has happily called this area home for the past 20 years.
After many years as a stay-at-home mom, Ms. Kim followed her heart back to the classroom, where she gets to do what she loves most—helping little ones learn and grow. She adores children and their sweet personalities and enjoys watching their confidence blossom each day. Her goal is to create a warm, loving, and fun classroom where every child feels safe, happy, and excited to learn.
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You’ll often find Ms. Kim reading stories, singing songs, and creating fun crafts with her class. Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting (slowly!), country music, cheering on the NY Giants and NC State, watching cheesy chick flicks, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Kim can’t wait to share a year full of learning, laughter, and love!
Rachel Etter
Four-year-olds Teacher
Hi, I am Ms Rachel. This is my fourth year at Ramah Preschool, and my eighth year working with preschool aged children. It wasn't until I had a child of my own that I realized my passion for learning through play. I love working with preschool kids and adore the natural curiosity of children.
When I'm not busy teaching, you'll find me spending time with my family: my husband, Alex, who is a professor at UNCC, and our very busy son, Ivan, who is a fifth grader at Odell Elementary, a black belt in karate, and a member of MSA swim team! And we are always out walking our fur-baby Husky girl, Claire. My family and I have been living in Concord, in the Moss Creek neighborhood, for five years and we love this region for the beautiful weather and the convenient proximity to so many fun activities. I love to hike and spend time outdoors walking and gardening. Before moving to Concord I have lived in Cary NC, Milford CT, Pullman WA, and Philadelphia, PA. I frequently travel to PA to visit my mom and family in my hometown.
Bernadette Hard
TK Teacher
Please see her BIO under the director position