Kevin Duecker >>> director of children's ministries

Kevin Duecker is a proud Ohio-native who has made Indiana his home since 2005, when he started attending Indiana Wesleyan University and graduating in 2010 with an education degree. He began serving as Director of Children's Ministries at Pierce Church in 2012 and oversees various programs and ministries at the church, in addition to Kiddie Kampus. He is married to his wonderful wife, Kate, and they have 4 children: Kendall, Keira, Kassidy, and Kyle. He enjoys playing guitar, working on a number of house projects and yard work, and catching the latest podcasts.

Dana Alford >>> teacher

Ms. Dana Alford lives in Upland and is mother to Kenny and Kristopher. Growing up in Springfield, MO in a minister’s family and later attending Central Bible College, “Miss Dana” also spent time in Michigan before coming to Indiana. Before coming to Kiddie Kampus, Dana worked several years for Carey Services and used sign language to offer developmental support for a variety of clients. Dana is passionate about education and demonstrates a clear gift for the art of teacher and engaging students. Her favorite animal is penguins and she loves listening to K-LOVE radio.

Nicole Embry >>> teacher

Ms. Nicole Embry hails from Huntington, IN but currently resides in Upland, IN with her husband of 25 years, Mike. She and Mike are the proud parents to two sons, Dillon and Ethan. “Miss Nikki” overflows with love and tender compassion for preschoolers! She has many years of experience, serving in preschool education through Little Panther (Van Buren), a previous years-long tenure at Kiddie Kampus, and Eastbrook—before rejoining Kiddie Kampus again in Fall 2020 (woohoo!). In her free time, Nikki loves all things Smoky Mountains…and is probably already planning her next hiking trip!

Rachel Aupperle >>> teacher

Ms. Rachel Aupperle grew up in Middlebury, IN. After graduating from Bethel College, she and her husband, Jeff, spent time in Georgia and Michigan before settling in Upland in 2012. Together they have 3 children: Reid, Jaelynn, and Jonas. Miss Rachel specializes in teaching the students through music and imaginative play. In her free time, Rachel enjoys serving on the Praise Team at Pierce Church, listening to podcasts, and keeping up with her family and dog, Otis.

Advisory Committee

Kiddie Kampus is guided by an Advisory Committee of local professionals and community influencers. This committee meets bi-monthly, year-round to guide the program through major decisions, fundraising, support, and accountability to the highest expectations. These advisory members include:

• Sarah Sparks, Kindergarten teacher at Eastbrook South Elementary
• Julie White, 1st grade teacher at Eastbrook South Elementary
• Chelsee Jones, 3rd grade teacher at Eastbrook South Elementary
• Nate Chu, Assistant Director of Admissions at Taylor University

Click here to view the staff members of Pierce: Upland United Methodist Church.