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

Stephanie Barth
  • Stephanie Barth
  • ​Main Role: Teacher for 2-day 3-year-olds + Aide for 3-day 4-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.”
Laura Bortz
  • Main Role: Teacher for the 3-day 4-year-olds
  • Laura was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa before immigrating with her husband to the U.S.
  • Has been teaching for 21 years beginning in first grade and later as a preschool teacher after raising her two daughters

"I love working in early childhood education, it is truly my favorite age as the children are so inquisitive and full of joy."
Beth Dabney
  • Main Role: Teacher for the 2-day 2.5-year-olds and 3-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
  • Also 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."
Amanda Dunlap
  • Main Role: Teacher for 4-day 4-year-olds
  • Has a B.S. from Longwood University
  • Her children completed 6 years at BCPS
  • She fell so in love with the preschool that she started subbing, and was part of the preschool board before she became a teacher and aide!
Melissa Fitzgerald
  • Main Role: Teacher for 4-day 4-year-olds
  • Time at BCPS: 12+ 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".
Joelle Hawkins
  • Main Role: Teacher for 2-day 2.5-year-olds and Teacher for Music and Creative Movement 
  • Teaching Experience: 14+ 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: Teacher for 3-day 4-year-olds
  • ​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.”
Catherine Hopkins
  • Main Role: Teacher Support Coordinator
  • Time at BCPS: 6+ years
  • Holds a degree in Animal Science/ Veterinary Medicine + is licensed by the VA Board of Veterinary Medicine/ VA Department of Health
  • Also Disney travel agent and Plexus ambassador
  • Involved with her children's sports teams
  • Sits on the board for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Virginia Chapter
Sharon Mahoney
  • Main Role: Aide for 2-day 2.5-year-olds and 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."
Kristen Mathews
  • Main Role: Aide for 2-day 3-year-olds
  • ​Has a Bachelor Degree of Science from Elmira College
  • Has worked with special ed and hearing impaired children.

“I love working with children! It’s amazing watching them learn and grow during the school year. BCPS provides a fun atmosphere for students and myself.”
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 3-day 4-year-olds
  • Time at BCPS: 10+ years
  • Attended Old Dominion University

“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: 25+ years
  • Earned a B.S. in Child Development from Virginia Tech

“The things I love about teaching are the children’s cheerful faces, hugs, and being a part of their early education. I think Erma Bombeck said it best, "Children make your life important.’”
Alicia Smith
  • Main Role: Teacher for 3-day 3-year-olds
  • A graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts teaching preK-5th grade
  • Taught preschool in West Virginia and fourth grade in Texas
  • All three of her children attended BCPS and the whole family fell in love with the preschool so much that Alicia didn't want to leave
  • Children's imaginations, love for life and big hearts are why Alicia chose to work with children. 

"The smallest of things brighten their day which in turn brightens mine. I couldn't be more grateful to work with young children and the amazing staff at Brandermill".   As my grandfather always said, "To merit the love of a child is to taste the Divine."
Sherry Smith
  • Main Role: Aide for the 5-day 4-year olds
  • Time at BCPS: 10+ 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."
Lisa Taylor
  • Main Role: Aide for the 2-day 2-year-olds
  • Has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University
  • She worked as a Hospice Social Worker for 3 years with children and their families
  • Worked with CCPS as a PALS tutor for 4 years at Hening Elementary

"Working with children is such a joy!  Watching them as they try something new for the first time and accomplish it, or share a toy with a friend, or comfort a friend when needed, it's all so fulfilling.  It's the little triumphs that count! These young, developmental years are so important to their social and emotional well-being and I love being an essential part of that!"
Ashley Thompson
  • Main Role: Aide for 4-day 4-year-olds
  • Grew up in Chesterfield County
  • Has a background in childcare and development having worked in local daycare settings
  • After staying home with her children (BCPS alumni!) she began substitute teaching
    ​
"I love watching the children's faces and getting so excited when they learn something new."
Cynthia Vandermeys
  • Main Role: Aide for 3-day 3 -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
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“I love working with your children. Teaching them. Seeing their eyes light up when they when they do well. It's truly magical."
We can't wait to welcome YOU into our Preschool Family!