WE LOVE KIDS!
We believe kids should have a blast while they love, laugh, and learn about God. Mountaintop Kids is uniquely designed with each child in mind. We want all kids, birth-6th grade, to experience safe, age-appropriate environments where the Bible is taught in a creative and relevant way.
Nursery
(Birth – 24 months)
We show the love of Jesus to every baby and toddler while rocking and playing. These little ones are prayed over and cared for during their time at Mountaintop.
Preschool
(2 – 5 years)
We want every child to know God made them, God loves them and He wants to be their friend forever. We have a lot of fun helping them understand these concepts with large group teaching, small group activities, and worship.Â
Elementary
(K – 4th Grade)
We want kids to know they can trust God no matter what, God can help them make wise choices, and they should treat others the way they want to be treated. We do this through large group teaching and activities done in small group environments.
Mountaintop 56
(5th & 6th Grade)
This is a pivotal age between childhood and adolescence. A time when kids are rapidly changing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our goal is to help them take steps toward owning their faith journey. We do this through large group teaching and small group environments.
FIRST TIME GUESTS
You’ll want to arrive at least 10 minutes early. We make your child’s safety a priority, so we have a detailed check-in process. Guest check-in is located in the Atrium by the right side windows. Plus, we would love for you to take a minute to visit our kids’s area and meet your child’s small group leader.
WE’D LOVE TO GIVE YOU A TOUR
We know some new moms would like to tour our nursery before allowing us the privilege to care for their infant on a Sunday morning. Stop by the kid’s check-in area in the Atrium, and we will arrange a tour.
Partnering with Parents
We have a heart for helping you on your journey to follow Jesus. We believe every kid is made in the image of God and has the potential to do remarkable things. So, we want to partner with you to equip your child to follow Jesus in their everyday life. We’ve discovered that two influences in a child’s life are better than one – the light of the church and the heart of the family.
MEET THE KIDS TEAM
Click The Photos For A Fun Surprise!
Amy Freels
Elementary Director
Staff Team
I am a Texan at heart, but Birmingham and Mountaintop have been my home away from home since 1992. I have been on staff with the Children’s Ministry since it launched. It has been a joy seeing kids grow up at Mountaintop and begin their relationship with Jesus. I love seeing them become adults and bring their own children to Mountaintop Kids ministry. Yes, I am that old, but young at heart! My husband Jeff and I met at a Children’s ministry conference and are now empty nesters after raising two kids, our daughter, Parker, and our son, Tanner. We are also now Grandparents, which is the best title ever!
I love Jesus, music, the outdoors being in God’s creation, reading, coffee and exercise!
I have been a Group Fitness instructor since 2008, teaching LesMills Bodystep and Bodypump classes!
Isabel Bogaert
5th & 6th Grade Director
Staff Team
Hey Hey Hey! I joined the Mountaintop fam in 2022. I grew up in Florida and moved to bham for college! I graduated from Birmingham-Southern in 2021, and I am working on my master’s in Clinical Mental Health!
I love working with 5th and 6th graders because it is such a unique age. They are so fun, and they are starting to make their faith their own, and it is a really cool process to be a part of! I think this is such a pivotal age for these kids, and I am so thankful I get to be a part of it.
Outside of Mountaintop, you can find me hanging with friends and family. I love being outside and am always down for a spontaneous adventure. I love painting, reading, dancing, cooking, and laughing. I love a good cup of coffee and a good TV binge.
I love working with 5th and 6th graders because it is such a unique age. They are so fun, and they are starting to make their faith their own, and it is a really cool process to be a part of! I think this is such a pivotal age for these kids, and I am so thankful I get to be a part of it.
Outside of Mountaintop, you can find me hanging with friends and family. I love being outside and am always down for a spontaneous adventure. I love painting, reading, dancing, cooking, and laughing. I love a good cup of coffee and a good TV binge.
Karen Hoar
Nursery & Preschool Director
Staff Team
I thrive on community! I believe Jesus is all about relationships, and so am I! I have a heart for young women seeking their identity in Jesus and moms just starting the parenting journey.
My husband, Mike, and I have been married for over 20 years and have four wonderful kids. We have lots of stories and experiences to share! We aim to be intentional in connecting with our children and friends by doing lunch dates, playing games, and exploring Alabama. I love adventures near and far, walking with my girlfriends, and my daily Yeti filled with caffeine (a mix of diet and regular Coke- it’s crazy, I know!).
Kelli Johnson
Kids Large Group Director
Staff Team
My background is in storytelling through theatre. I am passionate about sharing God’s big, amazing story with the next generation through our Large Groups and special programs. (It is the greatest story ever written, after all!)
I daydream at least once a week about planning my next trip to Disney World, and I love Birmingham’s wonderful food scene and dinner dates with my husband, Michael. Most Saturday mornings, you can find my little family at the farmer’s market. I’m always at the ready for chips and salsa! Raw vegetables all blended together? It’s a healthy food if you ask me!
Kelly Gray
Kids Operations Director
Staff Team
It’s all in the details & logistics! I’m very task-oriented and enjoy thinking through all the details to help Children’s ministry events run smoothly. You will usually find me happily neck-deep in registration forms, class lists, and design work.
My favorite place to be is wrapped up in a cozy blanket on the couch hanging with my family or any of my 4 cats. I love planning vacations (especially Disney!) and traveling with my husband, Ryan, and our three daughters, Cameron, Linley & Emery. I’m quite competitive and always up for a good card game or really any type of game!
Melissa Sanderson
Kids Pastor
Strategic Leadership Team
Mountaintop is a special place for my family and me. I started attending as a high school student and quickly grew to love the church. Because of the impact made in my life in those crucial high school years, I love getting to be a part of influencing the next generation’s faith.
Mountaintop is also where I met my husband, Sean, while we served together in the middle school ministry. Sean and I have been married for almost 20 years and have 3 amazing kids, Allie, Kyle, and Brooke. We enjoy traveling when we have free time. Some of our favorite places are the beach and anywhere we can ski.
Upcoming Events
