Faculty

  Our faculty is composed of kind, caring individuals who are passionate about kids and teaching. 

  Day Beck 

My name is Day Beck, I am the Director of Green Pastures. I have 3 sons; Lincoln, Theo, and Travis. My husband is an accounting professor at KU and we have moved around a lot (each of my boys was born in a different state)! We have lived in Kansas since 2018, and my youngest son graduated from Green Pastures. I graduated from high school in the Netherlands and then got my degree from The University of Richmond in Virginia. I am so excited that even though my kids are getting too big, I still get to be with my favorite age group every day! I love art projects, I was an art minor, and am so excited to have a group of kiddos ready to create masterpieces with me. The preschool years are short, and I want to make them as special as possible. It’s my goal to create a warm and supportive environment for both your child and your entire family!

 Emily Garven 

Hi there! My name is Emily Garven, and I am over the moon excited to be the lead preschool teacher for the beginner preschool class! I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. My family and I live here in Lawrence. I’m a KU kid who never left! My husband, Mike, and I are high school sweethearts, and together have two awesome kiddos, Luke and Landrey. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me on the sidelines of soccer games, dance and gymnastics classes cheering on my kiddos. I love gardening, solo trips to Target with a Starbucks stop(😀), and finding something to organize! I can’t wait to meet your very special little one and get to know your family. I am super excited to support your child as they grow academically and socially. My door is always open as a teacher and a mom. Here’s to a fantastic school year! 

 Laura Haggerty 

My name is Ms Laura and this is my second year with Green Pastures Preschool! I have lived in Lawrence with my husband since 2013.  I am a busy mom of 5, Tegan, Ryker, Strider, Steel, Jet. I have 2 sons who have graduated from Green Pastures and 2 kids currently at the school. Like the other teachers here I love the preschool years! Before coming to Green Pastures I was a social worker and worked with kids from many different walks of life.  I got my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Washburn University. I love to cook and bake and am so excited to teach cooking classes and help introduce new foods and skills to the kiddos. In my free time, you can find me cooking, reading, working out, or just spending time with my family. I’m looking forward to the school year!  

 Fernanda Raney

My name is Ms Fernanda and I am the teacher of our Butterfly students. I've been at Green Pastures since 2014, and my two oldest children graduated from here. I graduated from the University of Alabama and got my Masters degree from Fort Hayes in 2009. My family has lived in Lawrence since 2014. I previously worked with kids in the public school system but have now found my home working with preschoolers! My husband and I have 3 kids; Jackson, Gabriela, and our sweet baby Natalia! My kids are very involved in sports so when I’m not at school I’m often on a court or sideline. I love games, projects, and creating ways to make learning fun for your children. I want them to always feel loved and supported when they are at school. Our preschool family is a fun place to grow and make new friends, and I’m thankful to spend my day with them!