Jo Anna – Director
Jo Anna is in her ninth year as Director of the NLC, and has worked with children for 42 years. 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. Jo Anna maintains current Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid, and is Medication Administration Trained (MAT). Her favorite thing about working with children is, “their imagination, their wonder, their smiles, laughter, and energy.”
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.
Alecia – Preschool Assistant Teacher – Bird Nest
While she is in her first year at the NLC, Alecia has worked with children professionally for three years. She says her favorite things about working with children is getting to know them and making great connections with them. She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.
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.”
Alyssa – Floater
Alyssa holds a Bachelor’s Degree from West Virginia University, and graduated from Purcellville’s Loudoun Valley High School before that. She is preparing for a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Her favorite thing about working with children is making a difference in their lives, and has enjoyed working with children for five years, this past year and a half at the NLC. Alyssa maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.
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.
Anne – Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Anne has worked with children for 28 years, 4 of them at the NLC. She holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Bachelors Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Child Development from Northern Illinois University. She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid. She loves seeing children grow, learn, and explore new things every day.
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 earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lord Fairfax. She has worked in childcare for over ten years and has been with the NLC for seven of those. She says her favorite things about working with children is, “helping them learn and grow, [and] being a safe and fun figure for the kids.” In addition to maintaining current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid, Caitlin is also Medication Administration Trained (MAT), Diabetic Management Trained, and certified in ServSafe.
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.”
Harmony – Floater
Harmony has worked with children for three years, with past jobs in service and care taking. She maintains current certification in CPR and First Aid, and has taken college level courses in both art and sculpture. Her favorite thing about working with children is, “Watching them gain skills in something they have been struggling with.”
Jaliah – Assistant Teacher – Frog Hollow
After graduating high school, Jaliah started taking Criminal Justice classes. She has worked with children throughout her teens and is in her first year at the NLC. She enjoys seeing children grow over time. Jaliah maintains current Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid Certification.
Joni – Preschool Teacher – Bird Nest
Joni has worked in childcare for 8 years and is in her first year at the NLC. She loves seeing children happy and building relationships with them, as well as helping them build relationships with their peers. She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid, and is Medication Administration Trained (MAT).
Justice – Preschool Teacher – Bird House
In addition to working for 8 years in the childcare industry, Justice also worked as a nanny. She is in her first year at the NLC after several years hiatus while having children of her own. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing how their minds grow so quickly in short periods of time. Justice maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.
Karen C. – Resource Specialist
Karen been teaching preschool for over 30 years, in addition to being the mother of two and grandmother of three. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education from Walden University, and holds two Associates Degrees from Northern Virginia Community College in Horticulture and Floriculture. Karen is active in her small United Methodist church where she teaches Sunday School, is her church Treasurer, and is a lay leader. She maintains current Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR/First Aid certification, is ServSafe certified, and is MAT (Medication Administration Training) certified. Karen has been at the NLC for 9 years and says her favorite thing about working with children is their laughter.
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), ServSafe certification, as well as certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR/First Aid. She has been with the NLC for 12 years and says her favorite part of working with children is the love and affection she receives from them.
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 has been working with children for 14 years, 7 of which have been at the NLC. She holds an Early Childhood Education Certificate (ECC) from Lord Fairfax. Kat started working with children at the age of 16 in her church’s child ministry, and during college worked at another childcare center full-time. Kat had the great opportunity to work as an assistant in her first learning center, then as a toddler assistant teacher before moving into the Pre-K age group. Kat says her favorite part of working with children is, “watching them achieve new accomplishments, how curious [they are], and what they teach me. [I also enjoy] their love and eagerness to not give up.”
Kaylea – Toddler Teacher – Duck Pond
Prior to joining the NLC 8 years ago, Kaylea worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid. Her favorite part of working with children is their hugs.
Kenia – Toddler Teacher – Duck Pond
After graduating high school, Kenia earned her Toddler Child Development Certificate (CDA). In addition to the experience she has gained as a mother to two children of her own, Kenia has spent 11 years working with children. Kenia maintains her Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid certification. She in in her 5th year at the NLC. She says, “I love helping little ones build confidence, explore new skills, and celebrate every milestone. I believe every child deserves patience, kindness, and encouragement, and I strive to make each day full of learning, laughter, and love.”
Larkin – Aide
Larkin earned her Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College after graduating from Loudoun Valley High School. 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. Her favorite thing about working with children is seeing them learn something new and when they are sweet to her. Larkin is in her eighth year at the NLC.
Leeah – Preschool Assistant Teacher – Hummingbirds
Leeah is in her first year at the NLC, but has worked with children for 6 years. She enjoys watching children develop, and she maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid.
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.
Michelle – Infant Teacher – Cub House
Michelle started babysitting when she was 12 years old and has now been working with children for 39 years. She maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid, and is certified in Medication Administration Training (MAT). She has worked at the NLC for 4 years and her favorite thing about working which children are their smiles, the snuggles, and watching them grow.
Sonia – Pre-K Teacher – Fox Den
Sonia’s studies include Elementary Education at Shepherd University, and certification in Massage Therapy. Prior to joining the childcare industry, Sonia worked in military intelligence. In addition to maintaining current Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid certification, Sonia is also Medication Administration Trained (MAT). She has worked the past 13 years as an Early Childhood Education teacher here at the NLC. Sonia’s favorite thing about working with children is, “the passion and creativity [of] being a teacher in a loving and fun environment.”
Tracy – Infant Assistant Teacher – Cub House
In addition to taking college nursing classes, Tracy holds multiple hair styling degrees. She holds a CDA, and maintains current certification in Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR & First Aid. Tracy’s childcare experience started as being one of five children and helping to care for her younger siblings. She worked in her sister’s childcare business for over 12 years, owned a hair care business for 11 years, and managed a retail store for 11 years. In her first year at the NLC, Tracy says her favorite things about working at the NLC are, “watching them discover and learn new things, [and] helping them each grow at their own pace.”
Wendy – Floater
Wendy brings 28 years of experience in child care settings, having worked with them for her entire career. A graduate of our local Loudoun Valley High School, Wendy also attended Penn Foster Career School, holds MAT (Medication Administration Training) certification, maintains current CPR & First Aid certification, and also maintains current ServSafe certification. Wendy’s favorite thing about working with children is, “watching and helping them learn and grow, and…[doing art with the kids]. This is Wendy’s first year at the NLC.
Wilma – Infant Teacher – Bunny Meadow
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.