About Us

History

Established in 1974 as a mission of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, St. Mark’s Early Childhood Center has been serving the northwest Tucson community for 50 years. Our center started with 24 students and has grown to over 100 students all while maintaining small class sizes and high-quality programs for young children.

Purpose and Philosophy

St. Mark’s Early Childhood Center provides developmentally appropriate, play-based year-round and school year programs for children ages one – Kindergarten. We believe that children can flourish in a kind, nurturing, and joyful environment. Together we work to ensure every child has an opportunity to grow in all areas of their development-cognitive, social, emotional, physical, language, and spiritual.

A young child’s brain grows and develops at an incredibly fast rate. The best early learning provides opportunities for children to explore through hands-on activities that are play-based, intentional, and meet the needs of each individual learner. Our programs align with the Arizona Infant/Toddler Guidelines and the Arizona Early Learning Standards.

Come Grow With Us!

Meet Our Staff

Laurie Walsh, Director

Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education with a teaching endorsement in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Laurie has taught preschool through sixth grade as well as special education. In 2007, Laurie began teaching Kindergarten at St. Mark’s Early Childhood Center and after nine years in the classroom, she became the center director in 2016. Laurie is a Tucson native and enjoys hiking, exercising, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Laurie is passionate about providing a joyful, supportive, safe environment at St. Mark’s where children learn and grow at their own pace.

Amy Boynton, Assistant Director

Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a post-baccalaureate certification in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona. She worked in kindergarten-3rd grade classrooms before taking a break to raise her own two kids who attended St. Mark’s. When Amy returned to the classroom, she taught 3’s preschool classes at St. Mark’s and then moved into the office in 2021. She has been the Assistant Director since April 2022. Amy is a Tucson native and enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, sports, and supporting her kids in their extra-curricular activities. Amy truly enjoys the relationships and connections she makes with the St. Mark’s students and their families.

Steve Merritt, Co-Assistant Director

Steve has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the UofA. He taught K-3rd grades, then stepped away to be a stay-at-home dad. Once his own children entered preschool, Steve stepped back into the classroom and became a 4’s preschool teacher. After several enjoyable years of being in the classroom, Steve once again departed to become an Assistant Director. In May 2025 the opportunity to become a Co-Assistant Director at St Mark’s ECC presented itself and Steve happily accepted the challenge. He is eager to provide a safe, nurturing, and academic environment for the students attending St. Mark’s. He is looking forward to many successful years working at the ECC.