A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Stephanie DeMoss

When Stephanie DeMoss and Pastor Rich Doering of Real Life Community Church began discussing a vision both shared to create a preschool associated with the church, it was the start of a truly meaningful and impactful addition to the community.

“We wanted to establish a school that would teach children values as well as traditional classroom learning and curriculum,” said DeMoss.

After about a year and a half of discussion, Doering asked DeMoss to conduct research on the feasibility of their idea.

“I saw that the cost of preschools were all over the place, and I figured that if we could have something on the lower end of the spectrum and be available to our community, then it would work,” DeMoss said.

The vision came to fruition, and today, DeMoss is the director of Real Beginnings Preschool.

“My plan for the preschool is to work with the elementary schools and make sure that the kids are well-equipped and have the foundation that they will need in kindergarten and beyond,” said DeMoss.

DeMoss and her husband have two children – one biological and one that they are currently fostering.

DeMoss has a background in human resources. When her career shifted to working with preschoolers, it fit perfectly with her love for children.

“I love children. My favorite aspect of my job is watching them grow,” she said. “The progression is amazing and so fulfilling.”

DeMoss and her family also raise chickens – three chickens to be exact. This family activity and hobby that started off as a way to save money on the family grocery bill actually acts as a learning opportunity for the DeMoss children, which she finds very valuable.

“Anytime you care for an animal, it’s always a learning opportunity,” DeMoss said. “The neighborhood children come by, and I let them feed the chickens. All of the kids show up at my door and they all like to chase the chickens around and learn about them. We’re all learning, myself included.”

DeMoss and her family also have a 13-year-old Yorkie.

“He’s our grandpa dog,” she said. “We love him.”

As the director of Real Beginnings, DeMoss helps to drive the school’s mission and vision of comprehensive learning.

“As a Christian school, we want to make sure we are showing the love of Jesus to everyone and are focused on relationships,” she said. “We instill this in the children. They learn the fundamentals and how to build a relationship with Jesus and others.”

DeMoss finds it important to the mission and vision to also create relationships with the parents.

“We want to make sure that families feel like they’re being heard and that kids are learning what they need to learn,” she said. “We ensure that there is a two-way communication between us.”

DeMoss’ good work and talents are forming many children. Not only is she impacting her own two children in a positive way, she’s also helping those in her neighborhood and at Real Beginnings.

To learn more about Real Beginnings Preschool, contact DeMoss at info@realbeginnings.org or call (219) 350-9781.