Culpeper Baptist Team

Kayleigh holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development and brings a deep passion for nurturing children’s natural curiosity. She was inspired to enter early childhood education by the joy of witnessing children’s openness, wonder, and growth. Helping young learners build the foundations for their social, emotional, and academic development is what motivates her every day.

At Brynmor, Kayleigh strives to create an environment where all children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. She aims to build strong connections with her students while giving them the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes guiding rather than directing, offering rich, hands-on experiences and observing children as they take the lead in their learning. She values open-ended materials, exploration, and the beautiful, meaningful messiness that accompanies discovery and problem-solving.

Kelsey Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on early childhood development. Her passion for the field grew after learning how much the brain develops during the first five years of life and how important those early experiences are for shaping a child’s future.

Kelsey’s goal is to create a safe, warm, and home-like environment where children feel loved and supported. She believes all children are capable of growth and success, though their journeys may look different. By honoring each child’s strengths and individuality, she strives to help every preschooler flourish.

Life outside the classroom is busy with her own preschooler and four dogs. Kelsey enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, especially in the fall, and loves cooking and listening to music.

Katherine has completed child development coursework and brings both classroom experience and a nurturing spirit to her role. She discovered her passion for early childhood education while exploring different career paths in college, ultimately finding that nothing compared to helping children grow and thrive.

Her approach focuses on building strong, meaningful connections with children and creating learning opportunities that support their growth now and in the future.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys reading, listening to music, making art, and spending time with her children and family.

Kaileigh has always loved working with children and dreams of one day having a large family of her own. Her passion for caregiving led her to Brynmor, where she hopes to support children’s well-being by contributing to a healthy, balanced lifestyle through nutritious meals and positive daily interactions.

Her approach centers on letting kids be kids, guiding them gently through redirection rather than demands, and creating a space where children feel safe, capable, and free to express themselves. She also uses trauma-informed care to ensure every child is supported with understanding and empathy.

India entered the field of early childhood education with a strong sense of purpose, inspired by how foundational the early years are to a child’s lifelong development. She brings warmth, attentiveness, and a passion for helping children grow in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Her teaching philosophy focuses on creating hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity. She supports every child’s individual growth by encouraging creativity, building social skills, and celebrating each child’s unique path.

In her free time, India enjoys shopping, discovering new activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Maria has a background in tourism administration and holds certifications in CPR, first aid, medication administration, and early childhood care. She brings her love for helping little minds grow into every interaction and is committed to supporting children in ways that meet their individual needs.

She believes each child is unique and should have the opportunity to learn in their own way. Her classroom is a safe and welcoming place where children are encouraged to explore, build confidence, and express themselves freely.

Maria enjoys cooking, baking, and crafts. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and loves spending time with her family.

Jenna Cropp is a Pre-K Educator with an Associate’s Degree in Education and five years of childcare experience. She has always been passionate about working with children and enjoys being part of their educational journey, especially seeing how quickly they learn and the different ways they approach learning.

Jenna hopes to make a positive impact by encouraging confidence in each child while continuing to grow as an educator herself. She believes in getting to know each child individually so she can support their unique learning style and educational needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, baking, drawing, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Megan brings more than eight years of experience in special education and a lifetime of dedication to early childhood development. Her passion began early, babysitting at just 14 years old, and it has continued to grow through her professional and personal journey. Megan holds CDA credentials in both infant/toddlers and preschool, as well as being CPR/First Aid and medication administration certified. She is also a notary public.

At Brynmor, Megan’s goal is to lead with integrity while creating a warm and inclusive environment for all children and families. She believes in meeting each child where they are and working alongside families to support emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. Megan is committed to helping every child feel valued and supported as they grow into compassionate and capable individuals.

When she isn’t at work, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, reading, camping, swimming, and finding time to relax amidst a busy family schedule.

Kimberly has held a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential since 2012 and was first inspired to pursue early childhood education through a high school child development course. That class led to a volunteer opportunity at a preschool, where she discovered her love for nurturing young learners.

She believes children thrive when they feel happy and comfortable at school. Her focus is on helping children develop strong social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives as confident, capable learners.

In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys reading, watching movies and TV, and spending time with her family and her cat.

Yvonne has been working with children for many years and has a special passion for supporting children with special needs. She believes in creating a classroom that feels like one big family, where children can feel love, trust, and belonging.

Her teaching philosophy centers on patience, compassion, and encouragement. Whether singing and dancing with her students or reading Bible verses, Yvonne finds joy in connecting with children in meaningful ways.

Yvonne treasures her time with her family, including her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She enjoys going to church, attending events, and visiting loved ones. Her warm personality and caring spirit make her a favorite among students and families alike

Janis brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role at Brynmor. After retiring in 2020 from Culpeper Schools as a paraeducator, she found her way back to early childhood education through caring for her granddaughter and rediscovered her love for working with children.

She believes in providing a nurturing environment where every child can grow and reach their full potential. Her presence in the classroom is both supportive and inspiring.

In her free time, Janis enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, crafting during the holidays, and spending time with her granddaughter, family, and friends.

Alyssa brings energy, creativity, and a deep sense of care to her work with children. She graduated high school early and has always felt a strong connection to early childhood education. For Alyssa, working with kids isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. She thrives on their curiosity, their stories, and their daily discoveries, finding inspiration in their fresh perspective on the world.

Alyssa’s teaching philosophy is centered around creating a caring and supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and confident to grow. She’s passionate about helping each child discover their unique strengths while building strong relationships with families and fellow educators.

In her free time, Alyssa enjoys painting (always with music playing!), reading outdoors, cooking, and exploring new cultures and places. She considers every day an opportunity to grow alongside the children in her care.

Thelma brings a warm, patient, and encouraging spirit to her role as an Assistant Educator. With a background in office administration and a heart for working with children, she finds great joy in helping young learners grow into their best selves.

She believes that a calm, secure, and loving environment is the key to helping children thrive. In the classroom, she prioritizes safety, cleanliness, and emotional support while gently guiding children through learning moments and milestones.

Outside of Brynmor, Thelma enjoys attending church and spending quality time with her family and children.

Jeanine holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Early Childhood Education from Mary Washington College and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. She has a deep love for helping children grow in both faith and learning, and she finds joy in helping them become lifelong learners who know they are deeply loved.

Jeanine’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child is different and has a unique learning style. She brings creativity and heart into her work, often incorporating music, stories, and crafts into her time with the children. She believes that learning happens everywhere, and that every child should know they are loved by someone, somewhere, every day.

Outside the classroom, Jeanine stays busy with music, cooking, baking, gardening, crafts, and spending time with family. She sees her work at Brynmor as both a calling and a privilege.

Elizabeth King brings more than 27 years of childcare experience to her role at Brynmor. She holds both CDA and MAT certifications, and her passion for working with children began when her first daughter was born.

Elizabeth is committed to creating a safe and loving environment where children feel secure, valued, and free to learn through play. Her teaching philosophy focuses on the whole child and their family, following each child’s lead while supporting their growth and development.

A proud mom of two grown children and two bonus kids, she is also a new grandmother and is excited to continue her journey at Brynmor.

Stephanie Leuterio brings more than 28 years of experience in physical education, health, and special education to her role at Brynmor. After a long career teaching older students, she was inspired to challenge herself by working with young children and making a difference in their early learning experiences.

She believes that each day is a new opportunity to meet children where they are. Stephanie focuses on being consistent, flexible, and caring, creating a classroom that is both structured and fun. Her goal is to provide a positive and nurturing space where every child feels seen and supported.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys staying active and spending time with her grandchildren.

Jennifer brings warmth and care to her role in the kitchen. She loves working with children and understands the importance of good nutrition in their daily routines. As part of the Brynmor team, she values collaboration and teamwork that support the whole child experience.

Outside of work, Jenny enjoys doing diamond art and spending time with her grandson. She also loves camping and being outdoors.

Dayana holds an associate’s degree in business and is CPR certified. She was drawn to early childhood education by the joy of helping children learn and grow during such a critical stage of life. Her goal is to provide a safe, engaging space where children feel valued and empowered to discover their potential.

She believes children thrive in environments built on love, respect, structure, and consistency. Her teaching emphasizes healthy boundaries and social-emotional growth, always delivered with kindness and care.

Dayana enjoys baking, journaling, reading, and spending time outdoors. She also loves relaxing walks, time with loved ones, and learning new things—whether it’s a new recipe or a creative activity.

Leah is a dedicated educator who holds a CDA, as well as CPR and MAT certifications. She is passionate about creating a loving and safe learning environment where every child is encouraged and supported. Her favorite part of working in early childhood education is building relationships and witnessing children grow through every milestone.

Leah believes in meeting children where they are and supporting their development with patience, creativity, and confidence. Her classroom feels like a big happy family, where differences are embraced and every child is celebrated for who they are. Also, Leah is known among her coworkers as the “best potty trainer ever.” In her free time, Leah enjoys traveling, shopping, exercising, reading, coloring, and drinking iced coffee. Her greatest joy is being with her family.

Robert has transitioned from his role as one of Culpeper’s bus driver to being an educator assistant in the before and after school program. He has expereince working with children, and he takes pride in ensuring that every child starts and ends their day in a safe, caring environment. He enjoys the opportunity to make meaningful connections with the children during their time at the Center.

He believes in showing understanding and compassion while creating a space where children feel welcome and heard. His love for music often becomes part of the fun, as he shares his skills as a DJ to brighten the kids’ day.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys DJing, spending time with his pets and friends, and occasionally treating himself to peanut butter cups and a diet caffeine-free Coke.

Becky discovered her love for early childhood education while subbing in her son’s preschool class. Seeing the joy children bring to learning, from counting to building towers, inspired her to stay in the field and be part of those important learning moments every day.

She believes learning happens in all aspects of life and takes time to listen, teach, and grow alongside the children. Her goal is to be part of a team that brings love, care, and fun to every child’s experience.

Becky enjoys cooking, flower gardening, reading, and watching movies with her family.

Cinthia entered the early childhood field with a strong desire to help shape children’s futures by offering encouragement, stability, and creative opportunities to grow. She is passionate about building strong relationships with both children and their families as well as creating a sense of trust and comfort in the classroom.

Her teaching philosophy centers on the idea that every child learns differently. She works to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where children feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and explore new ideas.

In her free time, Cinthia enjoys reading and spending time with her children.

Katherine brings warmth, organization, and a strong connection to early childhood education to her role in Reception and Operations. After graduating high school, she originally planned to pursue a career in early childhood education before spending the last 10 years working in the medical field. Becoming a parentt has also helped reconnect her with her passion for supporting children and families during the early years.

At Brynmor, Katherine hopes to grow personally and professionally while contributing to the continued success of the center. She values creating welcoming, supportive environments where children and families feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in the care they receive.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys time with her children and values the everyday moments that keep their family connected.

Lisa brings over 12 years of childcare experience to her role as aa Associate Educator. She began her journey working with children as a Sunday school teacher and childcare provider, and later raised her own three children. With a strong foundation in hands-on care, Lisa decided to pursue early childhood education more deeply to support young minds during their most important years.

She believes children learn best when they are having fun, while also being encouraged to show respect and kindness. Her classroom is a place where curiosity is nurtured and positive values are woven into everyday experiences.

Outside of the classroom, Lisa enjoys growing flowers, taking nature walks, boating, and spending time near the water. She has been married for 28 years and finds joy in both her home life and her work.

Sydney Shope is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator who holds a CDA credential along with certifications in adult and pediatric CPR, first aid, and AED. With introductory coursework in childcare and years of hands-on experience, she is passionate about nurturing young learners during their most formative years.

Sydney is inspired by the joy and energy children bring to the classroom and finds great meaning in watching them grow and discover their potential. At Brynmor, her goal is to continue providing a safe, loving, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and prepared for their future. She brings a calm and welcoming presence to her teaching, ensuring that each child feels comfortable and cared for throughout their day.

Outside of the classroom, Sydney enjoys self-care activities and visiting local farmers markets.

Ashlyn Ward is a floater/substitute educator with a high school diploma and over 200 hours of professional training, including CPR, mental health, and correctional training. She enjoys working with children and finds it rewarding to watch them grow and develop each day, knowing she is making a positive impact in their lives.

Ashlyn is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, play-based environment where children feel supported and encouraged to learn and grow. She values building strong relationships with both children and their parents and believes communication and trust are important in early childhood education.

Outside of work, Ashlyn enjoys playing pool, line dancing, and barrel racing on the weekends. She also loves spending time on her farm caring for her horses and other animals, as well as spending time with friends.

Alayziah Williams has always had a passion for working with children and finds joy in helping them learn, grow, and discover who they are. She is inspired by watching children develop their own personalities and loves being part of their journey as they reach new milestones.

Her teaching approach is centered on understanding each child as an individual. She believes there is no single way to teach all children, and she takes time to learn their differences in order to support them in the best way possible. At Brynmor, Alayziah hopes to prepare children for elementary school by giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son, baking, reading, going for walks, and watching movies and TV shows with her family.

Kay has worked with children since she was a teenager and has enjoyed her twelve years in the field. She grew up in a big family and always helped take care of her two younger siblings which started her love for this work. Knowing that she has made a positive impact on a child’s development is the most satisfying part of her job.

Having an ethnic background from Sierra Leone and Lebanon, Kay feels pride in her heritage. She has older and younger brothers and a younger step-sister. She also counts a mini Golden Doodle Lucki as a member of her family. Going on hikes, trying different foods, and working out all occupy Kay’s free time.

At Brynmor, Kay would like to further her career and continue to grow as an educator. In addition to being a strong team player, she hopes to contribute
positive energy to her classroom and the school as a whole.

Mitra has experience working with children in a preschool setting and loves this age group. She is originally from Afghanistan and worked in a preschool there and also in Albany, New York. She has her Bachelor’s degree in English literature. Mitra is rewarded by seeing children grow in a safe and loving environment.

The oldest of five children, Mitra has two younger brothers and two younger sisters. She lives in Lorton and likes to go shopping and spend time with friends in her spare time. Mitra practices make up skills as a hobby and also likes fish. Her favorite authors are William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen.

In working with children by helping them develop their creative sides and through singing with them, Mitra finds great enjoyment. She wants to be a positive role model at Brynmor and be a great partner to all of her peers.

Irene has been in the early childhood education field for the past ten years and calls this time period the best of her professional career. In high school, she was an assistant teacher in a kindergarten classroom and that’s when her interest in child development began. When she became the mother of twins, she realized that thier best learning happened through play.

Believing that a hands on, positive and curious mindset is critical in our field, Irene gains satisfaction from knowing that she is a part of a loving, healthy, and safe environment where all children can explore and use their imaginations to learn about the world around them. Her goal as an Educator at Brynmor is to create lifelong relationships with the children and families that she serves. She will encourage curiosity, and self-expression which will allow each child to discover their unique personalities.

Irene is a proud Hispanic and was born in Massachusetts. She’s been married for 29 years. Both of her sons serve in the military and Irene is looking forward to having grandbabies. In 2019, she completed her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College.