Preschool Assistants
Preschool Assistants at HBCPK must meet requirements set by our accrediting body, Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as well as the Department of Social Services, Virginia. For state requirements, each assistant must have a physical, pass background checks, submit to fingerprinting, complete Daily Health Observation Course, Child Abuse/Neglect course, Bloodborne Pathogens course, and complete 16 hours of continuing education in the field of Early Childhood annually. For ACSI, Assistants must not only meet state requirements, but also take a course called Principles and Practices of Early Childhood Education, attend 4 hours of Bible study, and have a minimum of 1 college-level class in Early Childhood if they carry a degree in another field, or they must attain a credential in Early Childhood if they do not have a degree. All staff must be professing Christians,growing in their faith, and attend church on a regular basis.
Rebecca Abel
Ms. Rebecca Abel will be assists in Pre-K with Mrs. Bonner in the Popcorn Class! She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked at several local daycares. What she likes most about working with children is seeing them reach important milestones in their life. Ms. Abel is an avid learner about the American Civil War, and is a member of the American Battlefield Trust Association. She enjoys baking, watching movies/documentaries, singing and painting. Ms. Abel loves animals and currently owns 2 guinea pigs; Paisley and Moon! You might also meet Ms Abel at lunch bunch or after school cub club! She attends church at Grace Church of Gainesville with her parents. Her favorite Bible verse is: 2 Corinthians 7:9. "As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting...". For Ms. Abel, this verse serves as a reminder that hard times are sometimes necessary to move us away from one path and lead us to God’s path instead.
TISHA BROWN
Mrs. Brown begins her 13th year at HBCPK. Tisha has been an active volunteer at HBCPK as well as the music assistant, Lego Club instructor, Engineering for Kids instructor and spent many years assisting in Pre K. She is a graduate of Texas Bible Institute and has worked in children's ministry since she was a teenager. She has completed the Preschool Endorsement Credential with the state of Virginia and completed her Early Childhood AA at NOVA. Tisha is married with 2 children (both alumni at HBCPK) ands attends Park Valley Church. She enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Brown is a lead teacher in the 2’s and this year adds assisting Mrs. Adams on Tues/Thurs afternoon, as well as lead teaching the MWF afternoon 4’s- this is one busy gal who also makes time to help with all our tech issues, round sound for programs and able to fix anything! You are sure to see her around!
AShley Edwards
Mrs. Ashley Edwards is assists Mrs. Brown in the 2's class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is married and has 4 children, all alumni or attending HBCPK! She attends Park Valley Church and her favorite Bible verse is Phil 4:13- knowing that God gives her the strength she needs to see her through all the highs and lows in life. Mrs. Edwards is a graduate of WVU and is also a registered nurse! How great to have a nurse on board with our littlest ones! She enjoys music and working out, and being a part of her children's sports activities! She is fluent in sign language and she loves the innocence and zest for life that comes with preschoolers!
Danielle Dixon
Mrs. Danielle Dixon assists Mrs. Rodgers with the MWF young 4’s in the morning and assists Mrs. Adams in the afternoon 3’s. She is married and has 3 children- her youngest attends Kindergarten this year with us. They also have a dachshund, a bunny and a hamster! Mrs. Dixon graduated from Valdosta State University in Georgia where she earned her BA in Business Administration. The Dixons attend Centreville Presbyterian Church. She has served in Children’s ministry for over 12 years. Danielle enjoys long walks and hikes, drinking coffee and cleaning!! Her favorite verse is Philippians 1:9-11, she says this verse is very special to her because she prays these words over her children each night- it encompasses the greatest commandment we are given! . She is excited to work at HBCPK because she feels that God has gifted her with patience and love for His little children.
Dawn Exner
Mrs. Dawn Exner returns for her 9th year as an assistant, assisting Mrs. Hackler with the MWF morning 3's class. Dawn has subbed for us, while her children attended HBCPK, then spent several years with the MWF 4’s. Your children might also meet Mrs. Exner at Lunch Bunch, too. Dawn is married, has four children and a dog named Mocha. She attends Park Valley Church where she has been active in the church nursery- 4th grade, and attending Bible Study or teaching Sunday School. Mrs. Exner graduated from Kent State with a degree in Fine Arts, and enjoys golfing, swimming, cooking, and baking! She loves knowing that everything is new and exciting to preschoolers- something we forget as adults- and she gets to be a part of that excitement at our school.
Nikki Garcia
Mrs. Nikki Garcia begins her 4th year at HBCPK. She assists in the Pre K afternoons with Mrs. McNeil. Nikki is married with 3 children (alumni student) and 2 pups! She grew up in Allen, Texas, and attended Collin College. The Garcias worship at Grace Life Community Church. She enjoys reading, hiking, crafting and playing board games with her children. You might meet Nikki at lunch bunch or subbing in many classrooms- she’s a helper everywhere! She previously has been an active volunteer at church, teaching Sunday School and Children's Church for 4 years, as well as 8 years volunteering in the local elementary school. She’s currently working on her teaching degree at Liberty University. Her favorite verse is John 3:16. She looks forward to working with your children this year, helping them discover the joy of learning!
Shannon Gaioni
Bio Coming Soon!
Kelly JohANNEsen
Mrs. Johannesen has been an assistant or lead teacher in our Pre-K program for the past 8 years- you will find her assisting Mrs. Parker in the young 5’s Pre K class. Kelly is married and has 3 daughters- all very active in a variety of sports which she enjoys supporting and cheering for. Mrs. Johannesen graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Animal Science. The Johannesens attend Broad Run Baptist Church. She has been an avid volunteer and go-to substitute in Fauquier County for many years and ran her own in-home daycare for 5 years. She is well-versed in food allergies, asthma, administering epi-pens and CPR/1st aide. Kelly enjoys gardening, hiking and watching her girls sports! Her favorite vers is Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
Katya Mandeville
Mrs. Katya Mandeville begins her 7th year at HBCPK as a classroom assistant, and previously did part-time floating and subbing in many classrooms. She will be assisting Mrs Adams in the T/TH morning 3’s class! The Mandevilles have two children, both HBCPK graduates. Katya is originally from Quito, Ecuador, and has her degree from American College/Ecuador in Marketing Technology. Katya is currently taking Early Education classes at NOVA. She attends both Holy Trinity Church and Park Valley Church. In her free time, Katya loves cooking and working out, but her number one priority is taking care of her family. You might also see Mrs. Mandeville at lunch bunch, or subbing in classrooms. She says that children are full of innocence and love, and she believes that every day they have something to teach us!
Cheryl Mateer
Mrs. Cheryl Mateer returns for her 15th year as an assistant teacher. She is married with three sons who were all graduates of HBCPK. Cheryl attends St. Katherine Drexel Church. She has completed classes at NOVA in Early Childhood Education. Her hobbies include gardening, anything that involves the outdoors, and being a mom to soccer-playing boys! She enjoys being with preschoolers, loves giving out hugs and kisses, helping children adjust to preschool, and encouraging each child to have a great day while in her care. Mrs. Mateer assists Mrs. Peverill in Pre-K morning - the Farm Friends class!
Michelle Shaddrix
Mrs. Michelle Shaddrix assists Mrs. Brown in the W/F 2's class for her 2nd year. She has also helped with Pee Wee Fitness and subbing in the past. Michelle is married, has an alumni daughter, and a dog named Charley. She worships at Park Valley Church. Mrs. Shaddrix is a graduate of Radford University and she enjoys going to the beach, reading, doing crafts with her daughter and taking her dog for long walks. Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9- it is empowering and a wonderful reminder that God is always with us. Michelle looks forward to working with your children, enjoying their uniqueness and individual creativity- she loves their sense of humor and how they see the joy and beauty in everything!