BY KATIE WHITEHEAD, DIRECTOR, THE PRESCHOOL AT CHRIST THE KING

One of my favorite things about being a part of The Preschool at Christ the King is experiencing first-hand how God brought each and every teacher to be a part of this amazing program.

In the very early planning days of what would become “The Preschool at Christ the King”, I earnestly sought Christina Colquitt to join us to help establish and create our program. If you know Christina, you know exactly why she would be at the top of your list! In addition to her years of teaching experience, Christina brings a unique combination of passion, tenderness and a get-it-done-to-excellence mindset! Her love for the Lord is evident in her every thought, word and deed.  As only God’s perfect plans could allow, Christina is joining us this year to fill a very important role partnering with Laura Heard to build our first new class of young 3’s. Parents and students in the Red Bird class will be forever blessed by their time with Mrs. Colquitt and we are so very thankful to have her at The Preschool (finally!)

Where did you grow up? Where does your family live now?

I grew up in Fort Worth. My sister and her family are here in Houston and my parents are retired in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Are you named after anyone? How did you get your name?

My grandmother’s middle name was Christine, which is where Christina comes from, and one of my mom’s sisters is named Cherise, which was my middle name before I got married.

What was your favorite thing to do or play with as a child?

I loved climbing trees and pretending to be the Boxcar Children. I played outside a lot with neighbors and we created our own pretend world. I also played school a lot with all my stuffed animals and dolls. My grandparents had a huge chalkboard, so it was like heaven for me when I would stay with them.

What do you remember about your first years of Preschool or school?

My most vivid memory of preschool is of a bigger kid named Rob chasing me on the playground and scaring me. We ended up going as a date to a dance in high school. I also remember celebrating my birthday and being extremely disappointed because the cake we used while singing was plastic and I didn’t realize it was inedible until it was my celebration! On a more positive note I remember making butter and tasting it on crackers. I loved that!

How did you meet your husband?

John and I met when our friend Molly introduced us Junior year at The University of Texas. We became friends and started dating senior year.

What are your children’s names and ages?

George is 7, Charlotte is 5, and Emma is 3.

What do your children say about having you be a teacher at The Preschool?

Both Emma and Charlotte want me to be their teacher. Charlotte says she wants to be a teacher like me when she grows up.

What is your favorite meal to cook at your house?

My favorite meal is when John grills steaks. We usually serve roasted potatoes and salad with it. His steaks are better than any restaurant.

What do you love to do when you are not at The Preschool?

I love to exercise and to be outside. We like to go to the zoo and to various parks for play and picnics. I also love girls’ nights!

What led you to answer the call to be a part of building the Preschool at Christ the King?

I have wanted to teach at The Preschool ever since it began. Every summer I would see the teachers at preschool trainings and long to be a part of the team. I kept hoping to move closer to the church, but finally asked Katie if there was anything for me and any space for the girls because I wanted them to experience The Preschool so badly. I love Christ the King and I want to be a part of God’s work through The Preschool.

What is one word that other people would use to describe you?

Calm. It always takes me by surprise because I wouldn’t necessarily pick that word, but it’s the word I get the most.

What is your prayer for this ministry? And how can we pray specifically for you?

I pray that The Preschool would be a place where children learn about, wonder at, and experience God’s great design for them and our world. I pray that children and families would know more deeply God’s love, and that they would be filled up to overflow into others’ lives. I pray that The Preschool would begin the journey of a lifetime love of learning and discovery.

Please pray for my family to have eyes to see and ears to hear God’s direction in our life, and for us to trust in his sovereignty and plan.