Staff
Karen Knudsen – Director
My name is Karen Knudsen and this is my 15th year as the Director of North City Preschool. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 35 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked as a preschool teacher, parent education teacher and a preschool director. I believe in the developmental approach to early childhood education focusing on the “whole child” as well as creating an environment that is nurturing and loving with opportunities for children to experiment, explore, and discover themselves and the world around them. I also consider it a privilege to be able to share my love for Christ with preschool children and teach them about God’s perfect love. I have been married for 42 years and have three grown children. I also have 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. They are such a joy to me! My husband and I enjoy bike riding, time with family and friends, a good movie, and the outdoors. I also love reading a good book, walking, and coffee!
Belinda Davies – 4-year-old teacher
Hi, I’m Belinda Davies. I have been married 33 years to my husband Bob. We have 3 grown children. We have been part of the Sabre Springs community for over 25 years. I first fell in love with North City Preschool when my son was here. The beautiful playground was perfect for him to creatively and physically explore the outdoors. I was so very excited when a teacher’s aide position opened! I have worked as a teacher’s aide, a substitute, a snack coordinator and chapel coordinator. Currently, I am a 4-year-old teacher. I feel so blessed to be able to work with this gifted and loving staff. Together we have created an excellent learning environment which not only strengthens all areas of a child’s growth and development, but is also a lot of fun! Now after 20 years of working at North City, I am still so excited to be able to serve God and your children!
Kannon Kemp – 4-year-old teacher
Hello, my name is Kannon Kemp. I am so happy to be joining the staff here at North City Preschool. I have been working with children for over 30 years and especially love the preschool years. I have both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have two grown daughters, 6 grandchildren and this year became a great grandmother. I enjoy all sports, music, puzzles, reading and enjoy the great outdoors. It is a blessing to be here and share in God’s word with the children, families and our staff.
Emily Love – 3-year-old teacher
Hi, My name is Emily Love. I have been married for 26 years and have four children ages 23, 20, 18, and 10. I moved here from Boston, MA 26 years ago after getting married and returning to my husband’s hometown of San Diego. My husband and kids love playing soccer, so you can often find me on the soccer field cheering them on. I love being a mom as well as a teacher. This is my fifth year at North City Preschool. I have a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I have been working with pre-school aged children for several years. I enjoy this age so much! They are soaking up the world around them, energetic, and are eager to learn. In my free time I enjoy cycling, running, cooking, and hanging with my family. My vacations are spent near the beach or mountains where our family can hike and be outdoors together. I am looking forward to another year of teaching at North City Preschool!
Rebecca Friesen – 3-year-old teacher
Hi my name is Rebecca Friesen. I have been a 3-year-old teacher at North City Preschool since 1999. I started as an aide in the 3-year-old program and fell in love with teaching. I have also worked with young children at another local preschool as well as various summer programs in Poway. I’m happy to say that I can still wake up each morning and say, “I love what I do!” Preschool children inspire me and challenge me. I love being able to teach children lessons and skills that will carry them through life. I was born and raised in San Diego and still live near my parents and older brother. I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband Brian. We live in San Marcos with our dog Cash and our two beautiful children-Stella and Weston. Stella is entering 1st grade and Weston just started Kindergarten. In my free time I enjoy working out, searching Pinterest and cooking for my family and friends.
Leslie Roach – Office Assistant
Hi, my name is Leslie Roach and I am so excited to be a new teacher here at North City Preschool. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. My husband, Tyler and I have been married 11 years and together we have three boys; Marshall (8), Reid (5) and Griffin (2). I graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a double minor in Sociology and History. I have always had a passion for teaching, especially at the preschool level as I grew up around the classroom with my own mother who was a preschool teacher for several years. Once my first child was born, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do! In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, spending time outdoors, watching football and baseball on the regular, reading, running, making keychains for my Etsy shop and any DIY project I an get my hands on! I feel so blessed to be a part of the amazing North City Preschool staff who together are committed to the growth and development of your child. I am looking forward to a great year ahead! through the years. I have worked for Palomar College Music’s department for a number of years in addition to owning my own piano teaching business and working for another private piano studio. I have taught hundreds of students through my many years of teaching and it always brings me so much joy! There is something about the early years of a child’s life that is incredibly special and I absolutely love teaching preschool age. I look forward to a wonderful year at North City Preschool discovering and learning with your children!
Emily Lindstrom – 3-year-old teacher
Hi, my name is Emily Linstrom and I am thrilled to be a new teacher here at North City Preschool this year! I was born and raised in San Diego and I have been married to my husband Duane for 19 years. We have three sons; Wesley (17), Noah (15), and Daniel (3). I enjoy walking, hiking and off grid backpacking with my family. Some of my favorite outdoor places to explore include the beach, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Redwood Forest. As a family, we have been involved with children’s church as well as local children’s outreaches and missions work in other countries. I have been a homeschooling mom to both my teen boys since they were in kindergarten and I have enjoyed that very much. I have taught many classes at my sons homeschool co-op through the years, including children’s chorale, kindergarten and preschool. I have a music education background that has allowed me to teach music in numerous school settings as well as private lessons through the years. I have worked for Palomar College Music’s department for a number of years in addition to owning my own piano teaching business and working for another private piano studio. I have taught hundreds of students through my many years of teaching and it always brings me so much joy! There is something about the early years of a child’s life that is incredibly special and I absolutely love teaching preschool age. I look forward to a wonderful year at North City Preschool discovering and learning with your children!
Chelsea Johnson – 2-year-old assistant teacher
Hello, my name is Chelsea Johnson. I got married this past February to my husband William and we live in Sabre Springs with our dogs Cocoa and Darla. In March 2023 I joined the staff at North City Preschool as a 2- year-old assistant teacher. I have always enjoyed teaching even as a young girl. I began working with children as a volunteer at local libraries helping young children with art. I then went on to serve in children’s ministry at church working with 2, 3, 4 and 5-year-olds. My passion for children led me to get a child development preschool certificate and work at a daycare center with children infant-5-years-old. Children have a special place in my heart and I’m thankful God has given me a love for them. I am currently a 2-year-old assistant teacher and am very blessed to be part of North City Preschool and work with this staff. In my free time I enjoy crocheting, cooking and learning how to sew. I look forward to seeing your children grow and learn this year.
Roxanne Karshner – Outside/Floating teacher
My name is Roxanne Karshner and this is my 6th year at North City Preschool. I am so blessed to join this wonderful team of teachers. I have been involved with preschool aged children for 20 plus years. I love the interaction with children and all that I learn from them daily. They fill my heart with such joy. I love to watch them discover their surroundings and develop their own unique personalities. I am excited to see how God will use me to help these children grow. My husband Don and I have been married 36 years and have raised two sons which are now married. We have two beautiful granddaughters and two grand “dogs”. We love spoiling all of them. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy being outdoors; hiking or walking our dog, Diego. The adventure of traveling and exploring is one of my favorite things. I am always looking for daily lessons and I am looking forward to learning from your children.
Kk Furlong – Outside/Floating teacher
Hi, my name is Kk Furlong and this is my second year working at North City Preschool. I have always had such a love and passion for being around children, they bring me so much happiness! I have been a nanny since I was 14 and then recently decided to start working with children in preschool. The preschool years are so special, and I feel so blessed to be able to teach young children important life skills as well as have fun! In my free time I love to workout, spend time with friends and family, and be outside. I’m so excited for the year ahead!
