Linda Burrier is the Director of Memorial Lutheran Chapel School in St. Augustine, a ministry of Memorial Lutheran Church.  Linda has been the director of Chapel School for 24 years, leading the preschool to be named “Best in St. Augustine” in the categories of Best Preparatory School (2015, 2016) and Best Day Care (2016).  Chapel School emphasizes “active participatory learning” using the HighScope curriculum, which Linda researched and implemented.  Chapel School is a licensed early childhood center for children age 2-5, offering daily chapel for children and their families along with an afternoon STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art and math) program.

In 2015, Linda was named “National Early Childhood Director of the Year” by ELCA Schools and Learning Centers (formerly called “Evangelical Lutheran Education Association”), a member-based network that provides support, advocacy and connection for ELCA and other faith-based schools and early learning centers.  She provides support and leadership to ELCA centers throughout the country through her involvement in ELCA Schools and Learning Centers, which has included being mentor to new directors, leading workshops, and serving on the regional and national leadership teams.  She is currently serving as the president of the Steering Committee for the First Coast Technical College Early Childhood Department.

“My…journey as the director of Memorial Lutheran Chapel School has been filled with highs and lows, and I have always felt the presence of our Lord beside me,” Linda says, about how her faith intersects with her work.  “In fact, I’m pretty sure there were many times…that [God] has carried me.  Through it all I remain grateful and extremely blessed to share my love of Christ with the children in our community and their families.  I have the best job in the world!”

Linda is a member of Memorial Lutheran Church, where she sings in the choir, volunteers in Confirmation and Sunday School, and serves on various committees.