Director

Kristen has been the Director of FUMP since 2021. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Longwood University. Kristen has taught grades Pre-K through sixth in her years of teaching, including special education. Along with her husband, Dave, they were blessed with two children Luke and Kayleigh who both are passionate about playing lacrosse. Kristen loves spending time with her family, traveling, watching movies and the whole family cheers for Alabama Crimson Tide football...Roll Tide! 

Assistant Director

Erica is the Assistant Director at FUMP and is now in her third year as part of this wonderful community. A Charlottesville native, she has a special connection to FUMP, having attended the program as a child when it was led by its founder, Marilyn Comfort. Erica and her husband, Jason, are proud parents of four children, ranging in age from 6 to 26. Their youngest daughter also attended Pre-K at FUMP, continuing their family tradition. Erica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in Education, with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of Virginia.

Lead Teacher, Pre-K

Chrissy Porco has taught preschool for the last 24 years. She has spent the last 18 years at FUMP teaching the Pre K class. Chrissy has been married to her husband Troy for 31 years. They have a daughter, Caroline, who lives in Richmond with her husband and new baby Hallie. They also have a son, Connor, who lives in Durham, NC. Chrissy’s most favorite thing to do is spending time with her family. She also is an avid pickleball player and lover of flowers.

Lead Teacher, 3 Year Old Class

Nickie is our lead teacher in the 3s class at FUMP. She grew up in Warrenton, Virginia. She has a BA degree from William & Mary and an MA degree from The University of West Florida. Nickie taught at various colleges and schools around the country, and has been at FUMP for 4 years. Nickie and her husband, Carson, have two school-aged sons who both attended FUMP. She enjoys cheering on her boys at their soccer games, hiking, traveling, baking, and reading.

Lead Teacher, 2 Year Old Class

Anika Winterhoff is the lead teacher in the 2s class and assistant teacher in the 3s class at FUMP, and is in her 6th year of teaching at FUMP. Anika and her family have been members of Charlottesville First UMC for 17 years. Prior to FUMP, she worked as an assistant teacher at Agnor Hurt Elementary, served as Director of Discipleship for Children and continued to volunteer with Children’s ministries. She spends most of her spare time supporting her daughters with their activities and interests. She also enjoys sports, reading and volunteering.

Asst. Teacher, 2 Year Old Class

Minju Lee is in her third year as an Assistant Teacher for the two-year-old class at FUMP. Originally from South Korea, she moved to the United States in 2010 and has lived in several places, including Atlanta, Washington D.C., and southern Virginia. Minju studied early childhood education at a university in South Korea and gained six years of experience as a lead teacher in kindergarten and preschool. After relocating to the U.S., she spent many years teaching Sunday school and Korean language classes.

Asst. Teacher, Pre-K Class

Emily Ellis and her family have been part of the FUMP community for eight years, and this is her third year as the assistant teacher in the Pre-K class. With nearly 30 years of experience as a music educator, she finds great joy in teaching children of all ages and abilities. Growing up on a farm just outside of Charlottesville, Emily was raised by parents who were both biologists and preachers, which made every moment an opportunity for learning. She loves to share her passion for music, nature, and a general awe of the world with those around her.

3s Assistant Teacher

My name is Fiona Peters and this is my first year at FUMP! I have been working as a Christian preschool teacher's assistant since 2023, and I am so excited to join this lovely community, work with a smaller class size, and get to know all of your little ones!

I was born and raised in Charlottesville and graduated from CHS in 2021. I love the outdoors, spending time with family, and art. I have loved art for as long as I can remember, painting wherever I go. I also enjoyed being a girl scout from 3rd grade through high school as well as swimming competitively for many years.

My experience working with tiny humans started as an early teen, walking to my neighbor's house to babysit and tutor their children. Every summer since I was eight, I went to a sleep-away camp in the Shenandoah Mountains. After 10 years of attending camp, I became a counselor-in-training, living with children ages 6-8 and teaching art classes.

Now, I spend most of my free time reading, painting, hiking or swimming with my friends. I also enjoy family movie nights, and taking my Boston Terrier, Milo, on adventures. I'm over the moon to be part of the FUMP family and watch your children grow. Being 3 is the best!