Hello, my name is Debbie Babelay. This year I have the wonderful opportunity of teaching the 2-3 year olds in our Sunday School program. They are all precious to me. We have fun learning about God’s love and how each of us is a special child of God. I look forward to their smiling faces each Sunday morning. This is my 3rd year teaching in the Sunday School program. I have also worked with vacation bible school.
My husband, Ed, and I were both born and raised in Knoxville, and graduated from UT (Go Big Orange). We have raised two girls, Rachel and Sarah. Rachel is married, living in Corryton, and has 2 young children ages 3 and 6 that I have spoiled with no guilt attached. Sarah is single and lives here in Knoxville. I am a retired Knox County elementary teacher. I taught mostly Kindergarten, with several years of 1st and 2nd mixed in as well. I began teaching in 1972 and had to resign in ‘86 when our second child was born. She had congenital deafness and some respiratory issues that required our full attention. I returned back to work in ‘96 as the director of Second Presbyterian Preschool where we were members. I went back to teaching with Knox County in 1999.
I spend a lot of my time taking care of the needs of my 86 year old mother who lives here. I volunteer time at Lonsdale elementary where our oldest daughter, Rachel, teaches. I miss teaching and working with children, but not the hassles of the educational system. I like to read, especially James Patterson books. I am a member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society, and attend Tai Chi classes at the O’Connor Senior Citizens Center and other classes around town. I spend a lot of time with our grandchildren; taking care of them when they are sick, and providing “taxi” service as needed due to parent’s working schedules.
This is an exciting time at Westminster with so many new families joining. I look forward to interacting with you as parents and with working with your children.
Peace and Grace to you,
Debbie Babelay