Thrasher Preschool has been voted “Favorite Preschool” in the 2025 Readers Choice Award by
Salem Times Register, Vinton Messenger, New Castle Record, and Fincastle Herald readers.
Director Erin Edmondson credits her “phenomenal” staff of nine who “show a love of Jesus
every day,” a supportive church staff and family, and an amazing preschool board for the award.
Thrasher Preschool is housed at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church in Vinton. It is
both a year-round and school-year program, with half-day and full-day enrollment of 40
students. It also offers a separate summer program.
Edmondson said, “The staff has established a loving environment to teach who Jesus is and how
to have a relationship with Him. I am so glad that the Lord brought me to Thrasher. I give all
glory to Him to have this opportunity to lead such a precious program.”
She was a public school teacher for many years, including several spent at W.E. Cundiff
Elementary.

She and her staff have developed a play-based, hands-on academic curriculum which they
believe leads to children developing into lifelong learners.
Edmondson says Thrasher has kept the best of the “old school” concept of preschool: it’s
wholesome, held in a church, with toys like wooden blocks remaining from the past in addition
to those more modern, Chapel with “Mrs. Ed” once a week, and story time with Pastor John
Hemming. Children don’t spend their time on “screens,” they learn through play.
Each classroom has one teacher and one assistant, capped at an enrollment of 14 – based on state
and church guidelines. Activities alternate between “sit” and “move.” There is a great deal of
tactile learning with toys and sensory bins in addition to books, and there are learning stations.
Edmondson says that the greatest joy in her job is “the family and community at Thrasher
Preschool who allow my staff and me to walk alongside these preschool families and each other
to do life together.”


Her staff includes Administrative Assistant Meghann Aremia, Lead Teacher of the 3’s Class
Chanda Ingram, full-time Teacher’s Assistant with all ages Michelle Ayers, Lead Teacher of Full
Day 4’s Rhonda Wells, Teacher’s Assistant of Full Day 4’s Greta Walls, Lead Teacher of Half
Day 4’s Autumn Coffey, Teacher’s Assistant Half Day 4’s Crystal Albertson, and Afternoon
Teacher’s Assistant with all ages Eden Huffman.
Church staff members Gene and Jennifer Rawling and Chase Kendall are not officially preschool
staff, but they are vital to the success of the program.
Jes Curtin, parent of two students who have attended Thrasher, can explain why the preschool
was voted as the “Favorite” by local families.
“As an anxious mom, I really struggled with feeling comfortable with leaving my child with
anyone after a failed daycare experience,” Curtin says. “Mrs. Edmondson helped ease so many
of my worries by walking me through, step-by-step, the school’s safety procedures and policies.
I truly believe with every fiber of my being that every member of the school’s staff loves my
child as much as their own and would risk life and limb to keep her safe.
“The communication between the school and parents/guardians of their students is top notch.
Thrasher Preschool always has some sort of fun enrichment happening – whether that’s music
class, a field trip, guest speakers, or activities.
“Somehow, the school does so much for the students and has high quality teachers while
maintaining a competitive and fair tuition rate. We certainly want our children to have a great
education and safe experience, but the low cost of the tuition was a huge factor in our decision to
enroll. We are so thankful for everything we have found at Thrasher Preschool, because it’s not
just a place for the children to learn – it’s an entire community that supports the whole family.
“We chose Thrasher because of the school’s legacy of academic excellence and kindergarten
readiness, and we are absolutely seeing both of those manifest beautifully in our child.”
Anyone interested in enrolling a child at Thrasher Preschool should call or text Edmondson at
540-632-2182 or email her at preschool@thrasherumc.org. She will provide a tour of the facility
and meet with parents to talk about their child’s needs.
Preschool hours are from 9 a.m. to noon for half-day classes; 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for full-day
students.
Another thing to keep in mind in making a decision – Edmondson says that there is a big
difference between a “preschool” and a “day care.” Day care generally is more focused on
supervision and care; preschool, on early education and skill development through play. Day
care provides a safe environment; preschool prepares children for kindergarten and future
learning. Day care generally serves infants, toddlers, and up. Preschool children are usually ages
3-5 like those at Thrasher Preschool.
Preschool scholarships are available at Thrasher. Since 2022, 49 have been awarded totaling over
$60,000. Fall scholarships will be awarded on July 23.