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These missionaries are supported by our congregation and by other congregations through the General Board of Global Ministries. The salaries of these missionaries are paid through your annual pledge to our church operating budget. Our Partners in Mission fund then provides support for the missionaries’ projects.

Will and Ella Faircloth are missionaries working with the Evangelical Methodist Church of Costa Rica. For more information or to contact Will and Ella, go to fairclothcostarica.com.



Jinnia Siironen is a US-2 Missionary serving at the NOAH Project. She comes from North Carolina. Jinnia went to Guilford Technical Community College where she majored in Culinary Arts. At The NOAH Project, Jinnia serves as the Lead Caseworker. She is responsible for being a reference point for interns in answering questions about casework as well as meeting with clients and hearing their stories and helping them with services.

Grace E. Okerson is a US-2 Missionary serving at the NOAH Project. Grace was born in Haiti, but is a local of Miramar, Florida, where she is a member of the Miramar United Methodist Church in the Florida Annual Conference. She began her studies at Broward College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Lynda Sylvain is a US-2 Missionary serving at Motown Mission. She was born in Haiti and came to Florida at the age of 12. She went on to attend Miami-Dade College, where she majored in Psychology. At Motown Mission, Lynda serves as the Volunteer and Hospitality Coordinator. She is responsible for coordinating the work of the teams that come to volunteer their time in the city of Detroit.

Chelsea-Rose Jabboori

My name is Chelsea-Rose and I am excited to be teaching in the Turquoise Room.  This is my first year teaching at First Kids.  I have many years of experience in child care and as a nanny.  I started my education with OCC and finished my CDA with TeachStone.

I come from a large family.  I am the oldest of six siblings.  We had many wonderful adventures over the years, traveling to most of the United States and some of Canada.  I have a love for nature and adventure.  I really enjoy long road trips, outdoor activities and camping.  I am an artist who enjoys painting, poetry and doing crafts.  I love to study children’s psychology and herbology.  With gentle guidance and compassion, I encourage children to explore and learn.  Children have always been my passion in life.

I am an active member of Berkley First and am happy to now be connected with Birmingham First.

I am looking forward to learning and growing with your children this school year.

Brooke Lynch

My name is Brooke Lynch, and I am excited to be your child’s classroom teacher!  This is my fourth year as a parent at First Kids Preschool and I look forward to joining the teaching staff this year.  I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Miami University.  I taught first grade for seven years in Chicago.  I then worked for five years as Director of Operations for a charter school management company here in Michigan.  I decided to take some time off from work once my husband Joe and I welcomed our third baby.  After two years at home with Kyle (6), Grace (4), and Griffin (2) I am thrilled to return to the classroom.  First Kids is such a special place and I feel so honored to now be part of the community as both a teacher and parent.  I can’t wait to partner with you to provide a wonderful year of fun and learning for your child!

Jillian McDonald

My name is Jillian McDonald and I am thrilled to be teaching in the Green/Orange Room.  This will be my first year teaching at First Kids Preschool.  Previously, I taught three and four-year-old preschool in the Birmingham Public Schools for six years.  Before that, I was a first grade teacher in Detroit.  Between teaching positions, I took time off to raise my three children, Madelynn, Riley and Delaney.  Madelynn and Riley are twins and will be starting their first year of college in the fall.  My daughter, Delaney will be a senior at Groves High School.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and going to my cottage in Northern Michigan.  I am so excited to be working with the four-year-olds.  As an early childhood educator, I love to make my students’ first experiences with school very memorable.  I enjoy helping them build their independence and self-confidence.  I like to encourage the building of a classroom community to promote social skills and conflict resolution.  I am so happy to begin this journey of learning with you and your child!

Gloria Fulton

My name is Gloria Fulton, and I am very excited to be teaching at First Kids Preschool.  I also work in childcare for Children and Family Ministries at Birmingham First United Methodist Church.  I am a member of the Garden of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I currently teach Sunday school and assist with the youth choir.  For two years, I was co-leader of the Brownie troop at Upton Elementary, where my daughter attended school.  I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University and am currently working towards my Child Development Associate.  I  enjoy miniature golf, walking, traveling, and spending time with my family.