2024-2025 Team
Anne Grotefend (Marquardt),
Director/Lead 3K Teacher
Welcome to Victory Preschool! My goal is to create an environment that, first and foremost, introduces students to the love of their Savior, Jesus; secondly, meets students at their level and builds a foundation for success in all areas of development; finally, creates a close-knit family of students, parents, and staff in Christ!
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was 4 years old and am thankful to be fulfilling that calling in my life! I received my B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in 2005, and in 2015 completed my Masters in Education – Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction through Concordia University. I enjoy interacting with diverse groups of learners and gained experience with a variety of cultures while serving Christ the Lord Lutheran Preschool in Houston, Texas (2005-2010), teaching PreK and Kindergarten at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Belmont, California (2010-2020), and now in Jacksonville (2020-present).
In August 2023, I married my husband Steven and we are settling into the Mandarin area of town. Our hobbies include camping, puzzles, baking, 3-D printing, and more.
I am blessed to serve this community and look forward to partnering with your family!
Director Anne’s contact info:
Office: (904) 642-8900
Preschool Cell: (904) 955-1926
Email: director@victorypreschool.org
Katie Seelman,
Assistant Director/Lead 3K Teacher
Hi! My name is Mrs. Katie! I strive to create a loving, nurturing, and educational environment built on the foundation that Jesus died for all! My biggest passion in education is building relationships with families and teaching them the love of Jesus.
I received my B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in 2016 and my Master’s in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2020. I have experience working with children of all ages! I taught at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI from 2016 to 2022. Over the course of those years, I taught 3rd grade and 5th through 8th grade. I also served as Lead 3s Teacher and Assistant Director at a child care center in Virginia from 2022-2024 before moving to Jacksonville.
My husband, Jake, and I moved to Jacksonville in May of 2024 with our two cats, Luna and Patches. We enjoy going to the beach, the zoo, and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy playing piano and reading books in my spare time.
It is a blessing to be able to serve as assistant director and a lead teacher here at Victory!
Sharon Sutherland,
Lead VPK Teacher
Sharon joined the Victory family in 2013 when her youngest daughter, Anna, attended the VPK. She was then blessed to join the teaching staff in 2014.
Sharon received her education in Criminal Justice, graduating Valedictorian of her class in 2007. Recently she returned to school to receive her lead teacher qualifications and resume her education in science and early learning.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Sharon is a Mom, a twin, and 7th of 9 children. In 2004 Sharon adopted her oldest daughter, Tabi, who is profoundly disabled. Becoming her Mom changed the trajectory of Sharon’s life and lit a fire in her to serve, educate, and be a voice for those without one. Her life purpose is to serve Jesus, raise her 2 special needs children in Christ, and share the wonders of Gods universe with others.
Sharon’s *favorite things* are teaching, being an advocate, Science, music, exploring, baking, training her service dog, Frankly, and learning to play the ukulele. She is grateful for the honor and privilege of serving your child and family’s needs!
Heather Krull,
Lead VPK Teacher
Mrs. Heather joined Victory’s staff in the spring of 2017 as an aide after sending both her son and daughter to Victory preschool in 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years respectively. She worked both as an aide and substitute teacher for Duval for the 2017-2018 school year. She was offered her first classroom of 10 students as a lead for the 2018-2019 school year.
Even though teaching was not her original path in education (BS in Marine Biology), at a young age, Mrs. Heather loved to teach, even if it was to her stuffed animals or her cousins a dance routines she made up.
In her spare time Mr. Heather loves to read, dance, and spend time with her family. After her husband Ken’s recent return from his 5th deployment, they are working on doing some home improvements and planning on taking their 2 teenagers and golden retriever on some much needed family camping trips. Mrs. Heather also enjoys sharing her love and gift of music by playing during special service on her flute and oboe (thanks for all the lessons, Mom!).
