By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

Born in Montgomery in 1970, Sandi Lovett moved to Pelham at the age of 4 where she lived her childhood life. In 1988 Lovett graduated from Pelham High School and was already dating husband-to-be Brook Lovett, a Thompson High School graduate.

They both worked at Foodmax in Alabaster during high school and were married in 1991. A big basis for the success of their young marriage is that they put God in the center of their relationship and vowed not to let the world change that.

The Lovetts have been blessed with five children: Chase (21), Colton (18), Casi (13), Casen (10) and Caden (7).

Lovett began subbing at First Baptist of Alabaster in 1996 when son Chase was 3. By 2010, she was teaching K3, and this year she teaches K4 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

It is important for K4 students to learn their letters, write their name and improve their fine motor skills such as sorting, organizing and cutting.

“My introduction to learning is to show the children love and compassion,” Lovett said. “My view is if they do not feel comfortable, they are not going to learn as well. I strive for the children, as well as the parents, to know that I am there for them and they can come to me at any time. It is important to praise the children in the classroom.

“This gives them a level of confidence that is important for them to have as they enter into kindergarten. Whether or not they are able to do the task the first time they try is not what is important,” she added. “What is important is that they try. Children cannot feel like they have failed before they even begin.”

A real “people person,” Lovett enjoys spending time with her family. Tent camping and family vacations, her childrens involvement in many activities, church commitments (husband Brook is now associate pastor of children and evangelism at Concord Baptist Church in Calera) and meeting new people fill the life of this busy mother and teacher.