Meet the Staff

Meet Our Director

Heather Nghiem

Before becoming our director, Heather has served as the Preschool Board Chair, taught our 2.5-year-olds, and served as an aide for our 5-day 4-year-olds

Has a B.S. in Psychology with a Teaching License Certification (Pre-K – 3) from James Madison University
Taught elementary school for 7 years in Chesterfield County Public Schools
Led training for teachers in technology integration and mentored new teachers and colleagues
Serves in the Children's Ministry program at The Brandermill Church
Serves as on officer in a local chapter of the international education sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa
Both her children are BCPS alumni!
Heather delights in greeting the children each day and being a part of their emerging journey to build connections and friendships. "Learning through play is a world of discovery through the eyes of a child filled with wonder and awe."

Meet Our Teachers

Elizabeth Aldridge

Main Role: Teacher for the 2-day 2.5-year-olds
Received her Bachelor of Science from Radford University
Her child is a BCPS alumni
She began substitute teaching at BCPS once her children were in school full time.

“Watching children grow and learn is a real joy. Each stage is different and exciting in its own unique way. "

Stephanie Barth

Main Role: Teacher for the 2-day 3-year-olds
Received her Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University and holds a Certification in Early Childhood Education

“I love working with children. They love learning and exploring … and they make every day such an adventure! The sense of accomplishment they feel when they figure something out for the very first time and their excitement is contagious.”

Christine Cupp

Main Role: Aide for the 2-day 2.5-year-olds
Graduated from CNU with a Masters in Teaching
Taught middle school
All of her children have attended BCPS

Beth Dabney

Main Role: Teacher for the 2-day 3-year-olds
Graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts
Moved to Midlothian 5 years ago and her children attended Brandermill Church Preschool
She enjoys painting, paper crafts, and crocheting in her free time.
Her favorite part of the day is when she gets to assist her students with creating a new art project.

"I like to explore different methods of creating visual works of art with my students. I enjoy seeing their pride in their creations. It brings me such joy to see them grow and learn."

Lynn Hunter

Main Role: Teacher for the 4-day 4-year-olds
Air Force teaching certificate
She has taught preschoolers and school age children for over 20+ years
Served in the U.S. Air Force
She enjoys camping and outdoor activities in her free time.

Melissa Fitzgerald

Main Role: Teacher for 4-day 4-year-olds
Time at BCPS: 16+ years
Graduated from Wheelock College with a BA in Primary & Special Education K-12
She has taught all grades in special education both as inclusive and pullout programs for close to a decade
Melissa has two children who attended BCPS many years ago and still has great memories from those days! "The best part about being an early education teacher is that each day is brand new and the smallest things or accomplishments bring the most smiles. Each day is magical as children play and learn and make friends and appreciate the wonder of everything. Every moment is a teaching moment big or small."

Kinsey Haynie

Main Role: Teacher for 2-day and 3-day 3-year-olds

Graduate of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols!
Grew up in Southwest Virginia
Blessed with four amazing children and loves cheering them on in all of their extra curricular activities
Before coming to BCPS worked as substitute teacher in Chesterfield County elementary schools and in preschool

Joelle Hawkins

Main Role: Teacher for 2-day 2.5-year-olds and Teacher for Music and Creative Movement
Teaching Experience: 18+ years
Has a Music Education degree from Wright State University

"I love how free and energetic the children are in class. It brings me such joy to watch them learn and grow."

Susie Higbie

Main Role: Substitute
Time at BCPS: 20+ years
Has a degree from University of Akron & Associate Degree in Child Development

“I love teaching because I enjoy seeing children learn through play. The highlight of any day is to see a child figure something out on his/her own. I love to see children grow and become independent. I love to be part of their first school experience.”

Molly Jones

Main Role: Aide for 2-day 2.5-year-olds
Graduate of East Caroline University with B.S. in Science and majored in Rehabilitation Services
She has worked with children for many years in a variety of learning environments in the classrooms and the community
All of her children attended BCPS.
In her free time she loves spending time with her family and enjoys being outdoors.

Eunice Lee

Main Role: Aide for 4-day 4 -year-olds
Graduated from Soongsil University with a Bachelor of Arts degree
Taught elementary aged children at the Korean School for more than 20 years
All her children grew up in Chesterfield County

"To encourage children to explore and progress in their own way and to help them to grow socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually brings me great happiness. Thank you for letting me hold your treasures (Children) here."

Sharon Mahoney

Main Role: Aide for 2-day 3-year-olds and Aide for 3-day 3-year-olds
Grew up in Chesterfield County
Graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree
Both of her children attended BCPS
More than a decade of experience working with preschoolers at her church"I love to watch the children's faces light up when they laugh. It is wonderful to get to know each little unique personality."

Yoshie Motai

Main Role: Aide for 4-day 4-year-olds
Graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. in Education specializing in Mental Health Counseling
Has worked with children of all ages and their families for 3.5 years as a mental health counselor before moving to Virginia
Taught math and language to 7th-9th graders at Saturday Japanese School for 8 years

"I love working with children! It is such a joy to watch them explore and learn new things each and every day."

Monique Novak

Main Role: Aide for 5-day 4-year-olds
Time at BCPS: 15 years
Graduated from Old Dominion University with secondary education degree in marketing education
Born & raised in Charlottesville
Upon graduation from ODU moved to Indianapolis, IN with her husband and worked for 7 years for a non-profit agency called Noble of Indiana helping children & adults with developmental disabilities.
Later moved to North Carolina and worked at her church preschool, Main Street Methodist Preschool for 4 yrs.
Has 3 kids: 2 girls and a son. One graduated from Cornell, ODU, and one that attends Virginia Tech.
Loves to play Pickleball & golf!

“I love to see the kids eyes light up when we tell them it’s time to go outside or we have popsicles for snack. They get so excited about the little things.”

Cathy Ray

Main Role: Teacher for 5-day 4-year-olds
Time at BCPS: 32+ years
Earned a B.S. in Child Development from Virginia Tech

“Jesus said, " Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

Sue Nigriny

Main Role: Aide for 3-day 3-year-olds
A graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science
Human resources manager for over a decade prior to being a stay at home parent
Volunteered in Kindergarten and STEAM classes in her children's school
Her son is a BCPS alumni.

“Brandermill Church Preschool is a special place. Seeing my own child's enthusiasm for attending school here made me want to be a part of it. Working with the children is the highlight of my morning."

Sherry Smith

Main Role: Aide for the 5-day 5-year olds
Time at BCPS: 15+ years
Attended The Braxton School of Business
Sherry's children are BCPS alumni “

"Each day brings something fun and different. I love making the children smile and seeing their excitement to learn new things at school."

Chelsea Stewart

Main Role: Teacher for 3-day 3-year-olds
Graduate of California University of PA with a Bachelor of Science and early childhood teaching certificate
She taught preschool and preK-4th grade learning before moving to Virginia and staying home with her 3 children
All of her children attended BCPS and she loves the tight knit community. “I love being able to help instill a love of learning at a young age and having fun while doing it!” “For children, play is serious learning.”-Mr. Rogers

Abby Sykes

Main Role: Teacher Support Coordinator
Graduate of California Lutheran University with a B.A. in Communications
Worked as a substitute teacher for Chesterfield County Public Schools
Prepared lessons and activities and provided care for children from preschool - elementary age during MOPS and church events at a local church
Volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program as a Big Sister

Cynthia Vandermeys

Main Role: Teacher for 5 - day 5 -year-olds
Has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Buffalo where she is originally from
Worked as a substitute teacher for Chesterfield County Public Schools

“I love working with your children. Teaching them. Seeing their eyes light up when they do well. It's truly magical."

Molly Walker

Main Role: Aide for 3 - day 4 -year-olds
Graduated from Longwood University with a BA in Communication Studies
Previously worked in a school environment leading alumnae and development events
Prior to BCPS, owned a calligraphy business and is excited to help children explore their creativity while in class
Both daughters have attended BCPS and she and her family love being a part of this community

Jessica Wise

Main Role: Teacher for 3 - day 4 -year-olds
Graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Education
Previously owned and operated her own business creating and teaching science and engineering enrichment programs with the use of Legos.
Has three children: One at Virginia Tech, another is a senior in high school and the third one is a sophomore in high school.

We can't wait to welcome YOU into our Preschool Family!

Meet Our Staff