Meet the Team

Abby Troyer's heart for kids' ministry stems from her own story of accepting Christ at a young age, just seven years old! As she grew older and matured in her faith, she found ways to blend her passion for ministering to the next generation and her gift of teaching. She graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. She began working for FBC Tahlequah in 2025 as the Modern Worship Leader, assisting in the Preschool and Children's Ministries. Her job expanded in 2026 as the Inaugural First Steps Program Director.

Kim McCarty was called to kids' ministry during a mission trip in 2010 when she realized nothing brings her more joy than sharing the Gospel with kids. As an Elementary Education graduate from NSU, she taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 10 years and also got a Master's in ELL from Missouri State with an emphasis in Family Engagement. While doing this, she served as a volunteer children’s minister until God called her to FBC Tahlequah in 2021. Kim is excited to offer guidance, administration, and encouragement to the program and support Abby as she leads. Her youngest son, Hudson will be one of the first First Steps students as well!

First Steps Learning Center is open to everyone!
While the program was originally conceptualized for building biblical foundations for preschoolers and families within our church, we are excited to welcome all families in our community, regardless of church membership or religious affiliation! 

Our goal is to help build strong families within our community and foster a safe learning environment with faith-based programming and the development of early childhood skills.  We accept children from 1-year-old walkers to about 4 years old.
Our program meets twice a week starting Fall 2026,
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 A.M. - 3 P.M..

While we are so excited to be a part of your journey in parenting and supporting the spiritual foundation for your kids, we are not a daycare program. We do not have a 5-day-a-week program, nor do we plan to expand into one anytime soon. We want to be a supplemental, faith-based 2-times-a-week alternative to the regular daycares in the community.