Jo Anna – Director
Jo Anna is in her eighth year as Director of the NLC. She grew up in Alabama and received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a minor in Business from the University of South Alabama and a Masters of Divinity (MDIV) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jo Anna started and taught her first after school program and preschool class over 35 years ago and has been involved in Children’s Ministry and Early Childhood Education ever since.
Ally – Business Manager for NLC & St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Ally graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from The College of William and Mary and earned her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business. Ally worked five years as the Director of Marketing at a logistics software company, spent several years as an executive recruiter, and has lots of experience as a mom. She is a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church where she has served as Elder, Sunday School Coordinator, Ministry Team Member, Security Task Force member, as well as two terms on the Nominating Committee. She currently serves as a member of the Property and Communications Committees. Ally sees her work at the NLC as an extension of her love and service to the St. Andrew congregation. Ally has worked for the NLC for over 13 years.
Alexis – Preschool Assistant Teacher – Hummingbird Nest
Alexis has worked in the childcare field for four years, two of those at the NLC. When she was younger, she helped to raise her siblings and cousins, and babysat throughout middle and high school. This love of children grew into becoming a camp counselor at an equestrian camp throughout high school. Alexis is Medication Administration Trained (MAT), and maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid. She says, “Being a safe and supportive person for each child I interact with brings me joy. I love teaching them through play and being silly and creative with them.”
Amethyst – School Age Teacher
Amethyst’s childcare career path started with babysitting at age 14, and then working in a Head Start classroom for 2 years. While studying at Shenandoah University, Amethyst was able to student teach at Harmony Middle School as an 8th Grade English teacher. While working at a childcare center, Amethyst was been a Lead Teacher for three years and was an Aftercare Supervisor. Amethyst’s favorite thing about working with children is showing compassion to the kids who need the extra time to thrive and meet their goals. She is Medication Administration Trained (MAT), and maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid. Amethyst is in her third year at the NLC.
Britney – Pre-K Teacher – Wolf Den
Early Childhood Education classes at Old Dominion University paired well with Brit’s experience taking care of young children. Her experience started with caring for her brother, and grew into caring for children in childcare settings. One of her favorite things about working with children is seeing how excited they get when they see her! In her first year at the NLC, Brit is Medication Administration Training (MAT) certified, and maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR &First Aid.
Caitlin – Preschool Teacher – Hummingbird Nest
Caitlin has earned her Associates in Early Childhood Education and is always seeking to further her education by taking additional training courses. She has worked in childcare centers for eight years, and in childcare in general for over ten years. Caitlin is in her sixth year as a member of the NLC family.
Danyelle – Toddler Teacher – Frog Hollow
Caring for a younger sibling and niece began Danyelle’s love for children. Now, Danyelle is in her third year at the NLC and loves watching the children in her care learn and grow every day. She says, “It’s so rewarding to see their personalities develop, celebrate their milestones, and know that I can play a small part in helping them build confidence. I love creating a safe, nurturing environment.” Danyelle maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.
Dorothy – Preschool Teacher – Busy Bees
Dorothy is in her sixth year at the NLC. She has worked with children since she graduated high school, with 14 years of that being with 2-year olds and 2 years with 3-year olds. She has earned and maintains her CDA (Child Development Associate) and is certified in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid. Dorothy says her favorite thing about working with children is, “Seeing them smile and get excited when they learn how to go potty, and teaching them about Jesus.”
Karen C. – Resource Specialist
Karen been teaching preschool for over 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education and is active in a small United Methodist church where she teaches Sunday School, is her church Treasurer, and is a lay leader. She is CPR/First Aid certified, as well as MAT (Medication Administration Training) certified.
Karen G. – Kitchen Manager
Karen has over 20 years’ experience working in a childcare setting. She has attended many training courses and earned numerous childcare/child development related certificates during her years working in this field. Karen maintains current Medication Administration Training (MAT), as well as current CPR/First Aid certification. She has been with the NLC for over ten years.
Karen H. – Afternoon Float
Karen holds Associates Degrees in both Business Administration and Paraprofessional Education. She is CPR/First Aid certified and has Mandt Training. Karen is in her 16th year with LCPS where she works in the Special Education field for children with IEPs, most of her experience with autism, down syndrome, and cross cat. In addition to experience in the public school system, Karen has worked in the childcare industry for over 10 years. Karen loves getting to see the children grow and mature. She also enjoys developing lasting friendships with her co-workers and relationships with the children and their families.
Kat – Pre-K Teacher – Lions Den
Kat started working with children at the age of 16 in her church’s child ministry with children ages 8 to 12. She is still actively involved and also helps in her church’s youth ministry. Kat feels very passionate about caregiving and decided to pursue it as a career. She is attending Lord Fairfax Community College to earn her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Kat had the great opportunity to work as an assistant in her first learning center, then as a toddler assistant teacher. She finished her Career Studies Certificate while working as a toddler teacher and is also First Aid and CPR certified.
Kenia – Toddler Teacher – Duck Pond
After graduating high school, Kenia earned her Child Development Certificate (CDA). In addition to the experience she has gained as a mother to two young children, Kenia has spent four years working with 2-year olds, two years with toddlers, and over a year with infants. Kenia is Medication Administration Trained (MAT) and maintains her CPR/First Aid certification. She is entering her third year at the NLC and finds joy in watching the children grow, play, and in archiving their milestones. Kenia plans on earning her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Larkin – Aide
Larkin earned her Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College. She has volunteered extensively with St. Andrew’s children and youth through the years, including teaching Sunday School and assisting with Vacation Bible School. For several years she worked with Loudoun County Parks and Recreation in their Preschool, Toddler, and After Kindergarten programs. Larkin is in her sixth year here at the NLC.
Maddie – Preschool Assistant Teacher – Busy Bees
Since she was a teen, Maddie babysat for children of all ages from as young as 2 months through 11 years old. Now in her second year at the NLC, Maddie says her favorite thing about working with children is seeing their faces light up when they get so excited about everything. She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.
Sonia – Pre-K Teacher –Fox Den
Sonia’s studies include a BA in Elementary Education from Shepherd University. In addition to maintaining CPR and First Aid certification, Sonia is also Medication Administration Trained (MAT), and MAT Diabetes certified. She has worked the past eleven years as an Early Childhood Education teacher here at the NLC. Sonia enjoys working with children, watching their dreams grow, and seeing them reach their full potential.
Wilma – Infant Teacher
Wilma has worked in childcare for 26 years, more than 8 of them at the NLC. She earned her Associate Degree in Secretarial Science in the Philippines, and continuously expands her educational knowledge by taking online classes in early childhood education. Wilma says, “I love the hugs I get from the children everyday. I love to watch them learn and grow. I just love to be around them!” She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.