Hello, my name is Geri Garl. I am the Preschool Coordinator at Living Hope Preschool (formally Cross and Crown Preschool) I started here in 1997 when my eldest daughter was attending preschool. I was a regular substitute teacher for all the classes. In March of 2001 an opening for a part-time teacher became available. I was thrilled to be asked to join the best preschool team and school! I have taught the 2-day, 3-day and 5-day classes along with many June summer sessions. Teaching pre-k is a passion that I have had for as long as I can remember. I have an Early Childhood Education Certificate and have continued taking educational classes to stay up to date in the preschool world. When I am not at the preschool, I love spending time with my wonderful husband, three daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter and grandson. I have been part of the Renton community since 1978, have been involved in PTA and Boosters at Renton Park Elementary, Nelsen Middle and Lindbergh High Schools, and have taught Sunday School for many years. I am truly blessed to be able to have a job I love and to work with the best preschool team!

Pastor Heidi Calhoun has served Nativity since 2019 and Cross and Crown since 2022. The two communities came together in January 2025 as Living Hope Lutheran Church, and Pastor Heidi is thrilled to be called as Pastor to Living Hope.

She has been in ordained ministry since 1997 serving several congregations in Western Washington and working for a time with Associated Ministries in Tacoma as the Chief Mission officer.  She has a grown son and she and her partner John (also an ELCA pastor) live in Tacoma.  Together they enjoy time with family, travel and hiking.

Hello, my name is Kim Steiner and I am currently the 5-day Pre-K teacher. 

I have had the privilege of being a part of Living hope Preschool (formally Cross and Crown Preschool) since 2016. I love teaching because I feel I can make an impact on children’s lives and enjoy watching them grow and learn. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. I have lived in the Renton area for 20 years, where I met my husband and raise our two beautiful children, Anna and Joe. I fell in love with Living Hope Preschool (formally Cross and Crown Preschool) when my two children attended school here. I feel lucky to be a part of such a special place and a wonderful preschool family. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my daughter dance and my son play baseball. I also love the outdoors, traveling, hiking and running.

Melanie began working as the Church office manager in 2017.  

Her two boys also attended the Living Hope Preschool (formally Cross and Crown Preschool). In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her family, doing simple things and exploring the outdoors, especially during summer. They enjoy going to state parks to walk and hike. She also loves to bake.

My name is Lisa Shoemaker. 

I was born and raised in Renton and am married to my husband, Mark. We have 4 kids. Three of my children attended Living Hope Preschool (formally Cross and Crown Preschool). It was a pleasure to substitute teach last year and get to know so many of the students! I am honored and excited to have my own class this year and be a part of the Living Hope team. When I’m not teaching, I like playing soccer, camping, art, doing house renovation projects as well as volunteering at my kid’s school.