Get to Know Lieschen McKeever – Vine & Branches Childcare Director

Hi! I’m Lieschen McKeever, the Childcare Director here at Vine and Branches Lutheran Church and Childcare. I have been in Early Childhood Education for the past 9 years, working with children and families ranging from birth to 14-year-olds.

I was born and raised in a small town called Randfontein, in the Gauteng Province of South Africa! I completed my higher education at the North-West University of Potchefstroom and acquired a BA degree in Consumer Sciences with a minor in Business Management. I moved to America after completing my higher education.

Before joining the Vine and Branches family, I served as the Interim Director at Heights Academy Preschool here in South Riding for two years. My career in Early Childhood Education began when I joined Optimal Beginnings as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), supporting skill development and implementing behavior plans for children with Autism between the ages of two and seven. This role, which I began after maternity leave for my first daughter, truly ignited my passion for the field.

When we decided to grow our family, I transitioned to a teaching role at BeanTree Learning in their Preschool Program. The impact of COVID led me into the PreK program, where I remained until the end of 2020, just before welcoming my second daughter. I taught in various classrooms, gaining valuable insights into the stages of early childhood development, and eventually led the PreK team.

Later, I joined Heights Academy Preschool as their Assistant and Interim Director. In that role, I focused on creating and implementing foundational policies and training staff in their respective roles over a two-year period.

My experience spans both special needs and general education, including:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• One-on-one play therapy
• Early childhood behavior intervention
• Social skills group instruction
• Summer camp and after-school programs
• Classroom teaching (Infants through Kindergarten)
• Leadership and administrative roles

I am passionate about nurturing children and families within a faith-centered, supportive community.

More About Me

I am a creative soul at heart. My favorite pastimes include spending time with family and friends, serving at church, baking, and exploring the outdoors with my husband and two daughters.

Faith is the foundation of my life. I lean heavily on the Lord each day and cherish time spent in His presence. Music is where I feel closest to the Holy Spirit—I’m always tuned in to Air1 or WGTS 91.9. I love reading the Bible as one would a novel to take in the overarching story of God’s word. My grandmother sends me a daily verse, and it never fails to arrive just when I need it most.

I’m truly excited to meet your family and be a small part of your school journey here at Vine and Branches!