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


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 
  • 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.
Amanda Dunlap
  • Main Role: Teacher for 3-day 3-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 2 -day - 3 year olds and Music and Creative Movement Teacher
  • 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." 
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
Kristen Mathews
  • Main Role: Aide for 5-day 5-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.”
Chris McKee
  • Main Role: Teacher for 4-day 4-year-olds
  • ​Time at BCPS: 20+ years
  • Has a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education (Certified N-6)
  • Her love of books is the reason why she spends so much time ordering and distributing the preschool’s Scholastic Book Orders 

“I love the children’s enthusiasm for learning. My favorite activities are reading to the children and class discussions during circle time.”
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 2-day 3-year-olds + 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.’”
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."
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
Cynthia Vandermeys
  • Main Role: Aide 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 when they do well. It's truly magical. "
We can't wait to welcome YOU into our Preschool Family!