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.

I remember exactly the first time I met Michelle Hays, although “met” is a stretch. We were driving out of the church parking lot and our middle school boys were yelling out the car window at this cute young couple walking hand-in hand. I remember asking, “do you even know them?!” But then the couple smiled and waved back and didn’t seem surprised by our boys’ unencumbered enthusiasm, which meant they definitely knew our boys! You know those faithful couples that lead youth ministry and connect with your teenagers, pouring out the love of Jesus in sacrificial ways? That is Michelle and Rob Hays. Years later, we connected again when I had the privilege of meeting another unencumbered enthusiastic little boy, the one and only Jack Hays! For The Preschool, Michelle is simply a gift. She is peace and comfort and joy and love, patience and kindness, everyday, to everyone. She greets the children with a smile and a hug and they smile and hug her right back! Here is some insight into who Michelle is and why she is such an amazing teacher and a blessing to have on our team!

(P.S. If you haven’t met Jack, he can often be seen front row at church offering “Gig ‘ems” to anyone willing to give him a thumbs up!)

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

My husband and I are both native Houstonians. I grew up in the Braeswood area and my parents still live near there. I have siblings in Waco and Salt Lake City - both places I love to visit!

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

I've always gone by my middle name, Michelle. My first name is Lisa. I'm named after my mom's three best friends - Lisa, Lisa, and Michelle. All three have been important women in my life.

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

Playmobils! We used masking tape to outline houses, roads, and entire cities on the floor of my parent’s bedroom so we could set up Playmobil scenes and play make-believe.

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

I was homeschooled in elementary school. My mom is a piano teacher so I remember a lot of music in our schooldays. One of my earliest memories is singing the Doxology as our prayer before lunch every day, which is something I still like to do with my boys.

How did you meet your husband?

Rob and I both attended Christ the King but I'd say we actually met through a big group of mutual friends who got together at a pub on Monday nights. At first we were just acquaintances but a few years later he asked me out. I went, but afterwards told him I wasn't interested and that we had nothing in common. Thankfully I was wrong and he was pretty determined to win me over... and eventually he did!

What are your children’s names and ages?

Jack (4) and Tucker (18 months).

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

Jack is in the 3-year-old class at The Preschool at Christ the King and seems unimpressed with my teaching next door. After school, he always asks me what my class did that day and then declares that his class activities were MUCH more fun than mine. I try not to take it too hard since I know Mrs. Bakht and Mrs. Russell truly are amazing teachers. :)

What is your favorite meal to cook at your house?

Thankfully Rob is the chef at our house and my favorite meals are the ones he cooks for the two of us after we put the boys to bed. The Cacio e Pepe he makes is heavenly.

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

I love being outside with my boys. We play a lot of baseball on the driveway and enjoy visiting the zoo or exploring a new park.

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

When Jack started preschool two years ago we suddenly had other adults who knew him, loved him, were reinforcing things we were working on at home, and were watching his development. His teachers' reassurance and encouragement was huge for me as a new mom. Jack thrived in their classroom because it was such a warm and FUN place; his little heart came home so fulfilled by the exploration and friendships there. When I heard about the start of The Preschool at Christ the King, I knew I would love the opportunity to try and provide this setting for other kids and their moms, especially in the context of the church. I quickly fell in love with Katie's clear vision for The Preschool, the team of amazing women, and the outdoor playground!

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

Usually people describe me as a redhead or as the wife of Rob Hays. :)

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

I pray that the Lord will use The Preschool to draw families closer to his church and to himself; that parents will feel refreshed and encouraged by partnering with The Preschool; that even at a young age the children will find great joy in a relationship with Christ, in friendships with peers, and in the love of their teachers.