Our Staff

Traci Mattila
Lions N’ Lambs Director

It is an honor to be the director of Lions N’ Lambs. I have worked in the Education field for the past 25 years. During my career I was a director of a large preschool & school-age center in the Bay Area. Once I moved to Manteca I began working at the local school district in their Special Education Preschool Department. I have my BA degree in Child Development and my Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. I have lived in Manteca for over 20 years and have attended Calvary Community Church for the majority of that time.

When I am not working at Lions N’ Lambs I like to be outdoors, riding my bike, hiking or kayaking.  I am blessed to be married to my husband for 25 years and have two adult children that we share many adventures with. A fun fact is that my son was one of the students in the first graduation class of Lions N’ Lambs. As the director I look forward to sharing my love for Jesus Christ with the staff, parents and children we serve.

I hope you will drop by the Lions N’ Lambs office so I can meet you and answer any questions you have about our programs. 

Kim Bowers
Lions N’ Lambs Assistant Director

I have been a part of the Lions N Lambs family since 2015. In 2007, I earned my Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Washington Bible College. In 2008, I began studying Early Childhood Education at MJC & working at a preschool as an Aide. As I continued my education, I transitioned to teacher & then served as Assistant Director for 6 years. When I came to LNL I taught in the Stay N’ Play program for 2 years. For a few years I subbed in many of the classrooms while I continued my education in the fitness world. In 2021, I returned home to Lions N’ Lambs as a teacher in the preschool program and have now taken on the role as Assistant Director. I am so excited to continue serving LNL in this new role! I have been married to my husband, Jeremy, since 2009 and we live in Ripon with our dog, Winnie, and our cat, Tay. In our spare time we enjoy watching fun shows, drinking good coffee, and going on as many adventures as we can fit into our schedule. South Lake Tahoe, Disneyland, and Gardnerville, NV are some of our favorite spots to visit. 

Lions N’ Lambs Administrative Assistant

I am from Kansas City, MO and recently moved to Manteca with my husband, Samuel! He's the Associate Pastor at a local church and I love serving alongside him. In KC, I graduated from Spurgeon College with a Bachelor's in Christian Ministry and Counseling Psychology. I worked in our campus bookstore for nearly 10 years while Sam and I finished our degrees. I'm excited to bring those admin skills to Lions N' Lambs and serve the staff and families from the front office!

Sue Anderson
Teacher — Preschool & Stay N’ Play

I feel very blessed and excited to begin this new opportunity with Lions & Lambs. My goal for each child is to instill a joy of learning and to help them feel welcomed, loved and safe at Lions and Lambs. I feel that working with young children is my calling and passion. I have an AA in Early Child Education along with many years of experience working with young children in a Christian environment. My husband and I relocated to Manteca from Woodland, CA 18 months ago after he was offered a job transfer to this area. Our children are grown and doing well; I feel very blessed and proud of each one of them.

Jennifer Brown
Teacher — Preschool

I have been married to my husband, John, for 15 years. We have two children, Matthew and Brandon. I love to craft, bake and spend time with my family. My family and I moved to Manteca 5 years ago.

For the past 5 years, I have had the pleasure of being an assistant teacher for 3 and 4-year-olds. I have had experience in a Transitional Kindergarten as well as served as Head Teacher at Stay-and-Play.

I have an associates degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree from Stanislaus State in Liberal Studies. I love working with children, and I feel God called me to join this wonderful community at Lions N’ Lambs.

Kaitlyn Ehrhardt
Teacher — Transitional Kindergarten

I am 28 years old and have lived in Manteca my entire life. My family and I have attended Calvary Community Church for as long as I can remember. I am wrapping up my AA in Early Childhood Education at San Joaquin Delta College. I love helping out in Sunday School and the AWANA program. I am very excited to see what the Lord has planned for the upcoming school year.

Sara Eusebio
Teacher — Preschool

I am married and have 2 children. We enjoy spending time together camping or just doing yard work. I was raised in Manteca and attended Modesto Junior College with a Child Development major.

I have been working at Lions N’ Lambs since September of 2007. I have always loved children and couldn’t have asked for a better job!

Kelley Higginson

Teacher — Preschool

Hi, my name is Kelley. I was raised in Manteca; CA. I grew up attending Calvary Community Church.  I am very blessed to be working with Lions N’ Lambs. I was originally going to school to enter the medical field. It was not until I started volunteering in the church’s nursery for Sunday services that I decided to change my career field. It was there that I was led to work with children.  

My hobbies include exercising, researching nutrition, decorating, and upcycling furniture. I am currently working in the evenings as a medical transcriptionist and going to college part time. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as volunteering at church.

Georgia Hutchison
Teacher — Preschool

Hi my name is Georgia! I am born & raised in Manteca, California. I am a graduate of Manteca high school, where I was lucky enough to be a part of a program that gave me the opportunity to volunteer last year at Lions N’ Lambs. The warm & welcoming atmosphere made me fall in love with the school and the loving community they have built. I am extremely grateful for this chance to become a member of the Lions N’ Lambs team and can’t wait to see what the school year brings!

Vanessa Rodriguez

Teacher — Kindergarten

I am a graduate of Manteca High School and currently attending Delta College. My goals are to become a teacher and a coach. Throughout my high school career, I helped coach both elementary and high school teams. I coach volleyball, basketball, and track. I thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity to work at Lions N Lambs and for starting my career!

Renee Souza
Teacher — Preschool

I grew up in Manteca, California and live here with my husband and three daughters. Working with kids has always been a passion of mine. I have owned and operated a family daycare & I have over twenty years of experience working with young children. I believe that all kids are precious to God and made in His image. I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs, camping, traveling, outdoor activities, and reading. I am very excited to be part of the Lions ‘N Lambs teaching team!

Amanda Stellhorn

Teacher — Transitional Kindergarten

I’m Amanda Stellhorn. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 15 years. We have 2 very energetic boys (4yrs & 9yrs), both who attended Lions N Lambs. I love the outdoors, reading, cooking, crafting, road trips and spending time with my family. I am originally from the East Coast, but have been a California native for the last 22yrs. I have backgrounds in communication and religious studies, and am currently taking Early Childhood Education classes at San Joaquin Delta College. I have an extensive background working with children including summer camp programs, youth leadership programs and volunteering in classroom settings. I am excited to become part of the Lions N’ Lambs family.

Michelle Taylor
Teacher — Kindergarten

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, I enjoyed a wonderful childhood. I moved to the Southwest for college where my major was in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Language Arts. After moving to the West Coast, I taught at a Christian elementary school for twelve years. My husband and I have three children. Two are grown and one is entering high school. Our children are such a joy and blessing to us.

I have been working at Lions N’ Lambs since December of 2016. I love the Lord and it’s my desire that He works through me to touch these little ones. I feel that children learn best in a loving, nurturing environment. My prayer is that each of my students will feel smart, safe, and important. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”