Mt Calvary Early Learning Center, a ministry of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, provides a high-quality, Christ-centered early childhood education to our Flagstaff community. Our program fosters growth in faith, academics, social-emotional skills, physical development, and creativity, while our teaching team strives to make a strong connection with every child. We believe that purposeful play creates both learners and leaders!
Meet Our Educators
Our team of dedicated educators believes your child deserves the best we can offer, so we strive to design learning experiences that are engaging and purposeful. We believe that each day your child spends at school should be filled with wonder and joy. We work hard to create a supportive and engaging environment where each child feels valued and encouraged to explore their individual gifts and talents. Above all, we want your child to know they are loved by their Savior!
Sarah Habben (B.Ed)
Director
Preschool Room Teacher
(3’s and 4’s)
I believe learning (and a lifelong love for learning) begins with play! I strive to create a fun and creative learning environment where children can play, move, and experiment. I especially love exploring God’s amazing world with my students through different units of study… and sometimes by bringing nature indoors (tadpoles, salamanders, and fish, oh my!)
Kelly Cary (Administrator)
I’ve been in Flagstaff since 2001 when I attended NAU. I met my husband, Matt, there, and we now have three kids. My family is highly involved in the community, especially in the world of youth sports. When I’m not on the field, I’m touring and registering interested families and helping our early learning center run smoothly!
Hannah Mueller (B. Ed, M. Curriculum)
Pre-K Teacher
(4’s and 5’s)
I’m a passionate and caring teacher who loves inspiring children and creating a warm, engaging classroom. I value building strong relationships with families to support each child's growth. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my horse Mr. Goodbar and my two English cream retrievers Mazie and Zoey.
Daniel Habben (M. Div.)
I’m the pastor at Mt Calvary Learning Center; at school I’m known as Pastor Dan. You’ll find me at the front doors most mornings, greeting the families as they come to school. I love getting to know the children and watching them make connections when I teach the Bible lesson once a week in each classroom. Parents who are curious about what we teach are always welcome to ask me questions or find a time to sit down and learn more about Jesus’ love and his plan for us.
Jasmine Russell (CDA Credential)
Teacher
Toddler Room
(1’s and 2’s)
I focus on cultivating a positive and loving environment through strong relationships with each individual child. I believe in using positive guidance to encourage the children to explore, create, take risks, and learn through their own natural curiosity. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to spread God’s word and love to your most precious little ones!
Joy Bond, Teaching Aide
As a resident of Flagstaff since 1982, I attended Mt Calvary Lutheran School when it was a K-8. My two children also attended the ELC in the early 2000's. The Christ-centered education we received has been an enormous blessing, both academically and spiritually. A true foundation! After 23 years as a home daycare provider, I'm happy to use my experience as an aide in the Toddler Room. Sharing Jesus and watching the children move up through the ELC has been a very rewarding experience. I look forward to each day as an opportunity to build relationships with families in need of our Center's gifts and services.