Lorton Team

Although she is beginning her career in the early childhood education field, Sehar has been around and taken care of children for practically her whole life. She is pursuing her degree in psychology at NOVA and plans to continue at George Mason. She has also worked as an ABA therapist with children from toddler age to young adults. One of her core beliefs is that a solid foundation in childhood helps children achieve the best quality of life possible.

For most of her life, Sehar has lived in London and she only recently moved to Woodbridge. She has a full household with her parents, siblings, and cousins. She is the youngest of four and the only girl in her family. Her cat Pochita is dearly loved. Sehar likes to hang out with her friends and listen to music.

Sehar hopes to create a classroom environment where children grow and improve in their learning. She enjoys being someone that her children and team members rely on for support and she has an ultimate goal of helping children build strong bonds at Brynmor.

Sana is pursuing her degree in early childhood education from NOVA and has worked as a teacher in our field for 13 years.  She is drawn to childcare as a career to help children learn and grow in a loving environment.

She grew up in Afghanistan and Pakistan and moved to Virginia in 2002.  Sana loves children and has four of her own who are young adults and teenagers.  The family has a pet bunny named Nini. Sewing and customizing dresses is her favorite hobby.

At Brynmor, Sana is excited to interact with children and families and build strong bonds.  She looks forward to seeing how the children in her classroom develop as learners and how she can help them achieve educational milestones.

Ariel grew up spending time with children and loved taking care of them.  The joy she experiences knowing that she is making a difference in a child’s life is really touching for her.  Ariel has worked in childcare since 2010.

Growing up in Woodbridge, Ariel has been in the area for most of her life.  Her mother is from North Carolina and her father is from Georgia.  She spends most of her weekends with her boyfriend and her dog Bella.  In Ariel’s free time, she loves to cook and paint.

At Brynmor, Ariel values seeing the way children grow and develop in different ways.  She is excited to expand her career in early childhood education and wants to work on obtaining her CDA.

Diana has over eight years of experience working in early childhood
education centers and earned her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood
Education from NOVA in 2023. She is excited to be a part of the Toddler
Team at Brynmor and to continue to learn about this age group.

Diana was born in El Salvador and moved to the States when she was five
years old. Hiking with her husband and their two dogs Nayla and Rocky is
a favorite pastime. She also enjoys cooking new recipes and having family
over for dinners. Another love is travel to new places and watching the
sunrises and sunsets.

Watching children in her classroom achieve every milestone, no matter how
small, is a highlight for Diana. She is the oldest of three children in her
family and has had the eagerness to teach and nurture from an early age.
Diana is excited to be starting this new chapter in her professional life with
Brynmor and looks forward to getting to know our children and families.

Anjali started in childcare by helping at a Montessori school that was near her home in Nepal.  She was inspired by her time with young children and loves seeing how curious and eager they are to learn.  Watching their faces light up when they try something new or accomplish something is incredibly rewarding.

Moving with her family from Nepal to the US a couple of years ago brought Anjali to Virginia. Her family is very important to her.  She has a strong bond with her sister and helps to take care of her twin nephews.  When not at work, you can find Anjali hiking, enjoying photography, and spending time with her dog who is a Shih tzu.

Anjali loves to see children happy and excited to learn.  At Brynmor, she hopes to contribute her warmth, patience, and creativity in the classroom.  She would like to support each child’s growth and make learning a joyful experience for them while growing herself as an educator alongside her team.

Ashley has been in the wonderful world of early childhood education for seven years, and she can truly say that no two days are ever the same.  Whether it is a spontaneous dance party or a deep discussion about dinosaurs, this field keeps her on her toes (sometimes literally).  Ashley has always been fascinated by the way young children think and grow, and she is rewarded by those lightbulb moments.  

Born and raised in Virginia, Ashley comes from a close-knit family that believes in big hugs.  When not in the classroom, you will find her sipping iced coffee, browsing through new authentic restaurants, or exploring nature trails.  She also has a dog named Oreo who thinks he runs the whole house.

Building relationships and trust with children and families while creating a safe and joyful space for learning is magical for Ashley.  Children’s curiosity. resilience, and endless energy makes this work incredibly meaningful.  At Brynmor, Ashley is excited to collaborate with fellow educators, support families, and contribute to a program where every child feels seen, celebrated, and encouraged to shine.

Katie has been in the early childhood education field since 2019 working with children ages six weeks through five years old. She has also been a nanny and has done a lot of babysitting. Katie is currently enrolled at NOVA pursuing her Associate’s degree in ECE and hopes to make a positive impact on children and families.

In her free time, Katie enjoys being outdoors for walks and exploring new terrain. She likes to experiment with make up and use her skills doing makeovers for friends and family. She is a proud first generation Salvadorian and loves Latin music. Living just outside of Ft. Belvoir, she shares her home with her family and many animal pets.

Seeing children accomplish milestones is rewarding for Katie. She is patient and loving and has a genuine passion for building strong partnerships with the families in her classroom. At Brynmor, Katie looks forward to learning from and fostering strong relationships with her peers.

Jordan Boore is a Early Childhood Educator with a Child Development Associate degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She was inspired to work in early childhood education because of her passion for helping young children learn and grow during such an important stage of development.

Jordan is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where children feel valued, encouraged, and excited to learn. She believes children learn best through hands-on activities, play, exploration, and meaningful interactions with teachers and peers. At Brynmor, she hopes to build strong relationships with children, families, and staff while helping each child develop the skills they need for school and life. Outside of work, she enjoys fishing and spending time with her family.

Being a part of the early childhood field for over 20 years, Linnea was drawn to childcare because she genuinely enjoys working with children and adolescents of all ages.  She aims to be a mentor or simply someone who can provide a warm hug or listening ear to lend support as children achieve their milestones, big or small.

Linnea is working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a focus on Child and Family Services.  She lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons and enjoys baking, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Coming to work every day and seeing the children in her classroom laugh and smile is what Linnea loves most about her role.  Her goals at Brynmor are to be a supportive team member, share new ideas, and foster an environment where children can learn and grow.

Adiba began her teaching career as a computer instructor at the Afghan Institute of Learning in Afghanistan.  She later taught Math to students from 4th to 9th grade.  After moving to the United States, Adiba began working with preschool aged children where she lived in Albany, New York.  In her role, she assisted with lesson planning, classroom organization, and daily schedules.  She is passionate about helping children develop as learners in a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.  

Now residing in Woodbridge, VA, Adiba is originally from Herat, Afghanistan.  She is married and enjoys spending time with her family.  In her free time, she likes reading, exploring new educational strategies, and being involved in community activities.  True to her own education, she still has a strong interest in technology and enjoys learning about digital tools that can enhance education.

Adiba brings her passion for early childhood education, her experience for fostering positive learning environments, and her background in teaching diverse subjects to the team at Brynmor. She is eager to contribute to the growth and development of young learners and to collaborate with her colleagues to create an enriching educational experience for all children.

Genet comes to Brynmor with an 18-year career in our field, including over 15 years at the Fort Myer Child Development Center where she worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She wants to care for children because it is her calling to be a part of a child’s development and answer their every day questions with love.

Born in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, she grew up with one sister and one brother. Genet attended the University of Addis Ababa and graduated with a degree in accounting. She was an accountant for more than ten years. In 2002, she came to the United States in the diversity visa lottery and soon after that pursued her Child Development Associate credential while at Fort Myers. She is married and has two sons. Creative pursuits like drama, music, dance, and arts and crafts occupy her free time.

Genet is committed to the goals and ideals of Brynmor and is proud to contribute her abilities and knowledge to helping our young children learn and grow.

Kaniz Fatama is an Apprentice Educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting who was inspired to work in education to make a positive difference during an important stage of a child’s life. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and feel supported each day.

Kaniz strives to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can explore, build confidence, and develop a love for learning through play, creativity, and meaningful interactions. She enjoys incorporating arts and crafts, storytelling, music, and interactive activities into her work with children. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors.

Kirsten joins Brynmor with ten years of experience in education – six years in an early childhood setting and four years in an elementary setting. She has had the opportunity to work with children ranging in age from toddlers to kindergarten. Her previous school was inclusive, so that provided her with a deep understanding of meeting children where they are and recognizing that each child learns differently.

Born and raised in the Fairfax, Virginia area, Kirsten is the youngest of three children. She is a loving aunt to two amazing nieces and one fur kitty. In her free time, she likes to spend time with friends, go on trips, and have intense family game nights.

Since she was a young girl, Kirsten has known that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. This feeling never changed for her, and she loves seeing children accomplish milestones and seeing their pure joy when they reach these goals. At Brynmor, she hopes to help create a fun and loving environment where children feel safe to explore and learn. Being a center director is a future goal for Kirsten as well.

Michelle has been in the early childhood education field for over eight years and is drawn to this work because she wants to be a voice for children to ensure that their words are heard. The most satisfying part of her job is being able to play and connect with these marvelous children, and she feels so fortunate to learn more from them every single day.

Michelle was born in Falls Church, Virginia but her father is from El Salvador and her mother is from Bolivia. She currently resides in Dumfries, Virginia. Michelle is the oldest of her siblings and has a younger brother named Christopher and a younger sister named Lizeth. She has a one year old puppy named Toby Benito. In her free time, she loves to binge watch shows on Netflix and spend time with her family.

For the past two years, Maya has been in the early childhood education field. Her mother was also a preschool teacher, so Maya has seen firsthand the impact that teachers have on their students. She loves helping children express themselves and helping them learn how to navigate their world.

Maya recently moved to Virginia from Dallas, TX with her partner. Her entire family still lives in Texas which includes her mom, dad, sister, and brother. She enjoys going out and exploring the DMV area since it is new for her. Maya also likes to dance and work out. If you catch her at home, she may very well be watching Netflix and eating some good food.

The most satisfying part of being an early childhood educator is watching children accomplish developmental milestones. With the right supports, children can grow and learn at rapid speeds and Maya wants to positively impact their social, emotional, and academic development. At Brynmor, Maya hopes to be a friendly and trusting presence for all of the students while helping them set and achieve their goals.

With more than three decades in early childhood education, Kimberly has found joy and purpose in her career.  She holds CDA credentials in both Infant/Toddler and Preschool and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in ECE.  Kimberly was drawn to this field when she became a mother and wanted to be with her son during his early learning years.  This experience opened her eyes to the powerful impact that caregivers and educators have.

Kimberly has called Northern Virginia home since 1989, but is originally from the Eastern Shore of VA.  She is the youngest of seven much loved siblings.  Her son is her only child and her whole heart in human form.  Outside of work, Kimberly likes to visit museums and relax at the beach.

Witnessing the growth and development of each child, socially, emotionally, and academically while knowing that she played a meaningful role in that journey is extremely motivating to her.  Kimberly’s goal is to support each child’s unique developmental journey with intention and care in a loving and nurturing environment.  Collaborating with her colleagues, sharing experiences, and learning from each other are also hallmarks of Kimberly’s career.

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.

Alisha has been in the field of early childhood education for the last 25 years and was drawn to this work to elevate the level of early childhood educators. She derives great satisfaction from seeing the growth and development of children through their early years. Alisha is committed to providing high quality education for every child and family at Brynmor. She hopes to help families understand what their children need and deserve in these critical developmental years.

Alisha is from Washington, D.C. and is happily married to her husband of 18 years. They have 4 children and 4 (almost 5) grandchildren. Alisha has a turtle name Tyrone, and during her free time, you’ll find her with her family, enjoying time outdoors, going to the movies, and creating DIY projects.

Shyann has spent the last two years of her career in the field of early childhood education. She strives to ensure that children have the best care and are in a loving environment by making sure that they know how valuable they are to her.

When she was a small child, she would ask her parents to give her dolls so she could pretend to run her own childcare center. Growing up in Woodbridge, VA, she has two sisters and one brother plus two nieces and one nephew.

Shyann is the proud mom of a one-year-old daughter. Some of her hobbies are cheerleading, softball, shopping with her mom and watching movies with her family. Shyann plans to get a degree in early childhood education and eventually move to the social services field to help families that may be in need. At Brynmor, she hopes to contribute her patience, experiences and love towards making this the best environment for children to grow and learn.

Ola joins Brynmor with three years in the early childhood education field. She has her Child Development Associate credential and is seeking a bachelor’s degree in ECE. Always having a passion for supporting children’s growth and development, she is grateful that her role allows her to make a positive impact during the most important stage of a child’s life.

Originally from Egypt, Ola now calls the Springfield, VA area home. She is the proud mom of three daughters and enjoys quality time with her family as well as watching television.

The most satisfying part of Ola’s role is watching children grow, meeting their milestones, and being supported and loved in a nurturing environment. At Brynmor, she hopes to bring her experience and ongoing education to our classrooms with creative lesson plans that meet each child’s unique needs and abilities.

While pursuing her Associate’s degree in early childhood education, Bianca worked at a Center and loved being a resource for children. She had a time in her career as a private pediatric nurse after completing her licensed practice nurse training and board certification. She then pivoted her career and worked as an ABA therapist. Now at Brynmor, Bianca is excited to be a part of helping children learn each day in a child centered environment.

Bianca was born and raised in Germany and has lived in seven different states. She has three children and her oldest goes to college in DC. Bianca and her spouse love to be outdoors and she can also be found crocheting and crafting.

Working with children in any capacity has always been a goal of hers. Being able to observe children reaching their millstones and being a part of their journey is very rewarding for her. At Brynmor, Bianca hopes to provide a loving and nurturing environment that allows children to grow and reach their full potential.

Eglena has been in education for the past nine years. As part of her experience, she taught the Italian language to elementary aged students. She also worked in schools in her community with infants and preschoolers. One of her beliefs is that seeing the pure nature of children helps to bring out the best in ourselves.

Eglena is from Albania, which is located between Greece and Montenegro and across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. In addition to her husband, her family includes her two daughters and her son. Eglena is devoted to her family and enjoys walks outside in nature. In her free time, she also enjoys music, dancing, her pets, and flowers.

Building strong bonds with the children in her classroom is rewarding for her and she enjoys how loving they are. She admires how children are not afraid to express their feelings. At Brynmor, Eglena is committed to our Vision and Misson to bring high quality childcare to the families we serve.

Ashwin brings care, consistency, and a strong sense of community to his role in the Lorton kitchen. He was inspired to give back to the community that supported his own early development and values showing kindness, reliability, and respect in everything he does.

At Brynmor, Ashwin strives to be a dependable presence and a source of comfort for those around him. He believes every child deserves a safe and supportive environment where they feel valued.

Outside of work, Ashwin enjoys hiking and taking nature walks.

After working in her first summer camp program with Fairfax County in 2017, Azaliah kicked off a seven-year journey in the field of early childhood education. She has since begun pursuing her degree in Social Science in Teacher Education at NOVA while simultaneously working on her CDA. Azaliah grew up in a big family and would always look after her three
younger siblings which started her passion to pursue working with children.

Springfield, VA has always been home for Azaliah. She was raised alongside her two sisters and six brothers. Her father is from DC and her mother from the small town of Louisa, VA. Together they created a strong family dynamic by always putting their children first. In her free time, Azaliah enjoys trying out new recipes to bake – anything from cookies to cakes to pastries. Being out in nature is her favorite way to relax, especially on nice days. She has a beautiful baby boy named Kyrie, a cat named Syx, and a red-eyed slider turtle.

Azaliah feels fortunate to be an addition to an amazing school and will work on continuing the Brynmor vision and mission. She plans to create a positive impact on the children and staff she serves with and hopes to be a
great reflection of what Brynmor represents.

Yumi has been in the early childhood education field for 18 plus years and finds it so rewarding. She believes that all successful careers are the product of great early learning. The most satisfying part of her work is building relationships with students and families. Yumi looks forward to strong partnerships with her team as well.

Yumi is from Pohnpei State in Micronesia. She moved to Virginia to help take care of her granddaughter, Ilana. Yumi has three children, Ginette, Ginero and Graven. In her free time, she likes to visit with friends and family.

Liz has been in early childhood education for 16 years, most recently helping children as a family support specialist. She has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. Liz values being a trusted caregiver to support children’s developmental journeys. Accessibility is very important to her, and she is committed to allowing families to experience early childhood development at Brynmor. 

After her time as a Family Support Worker for DC families and children, Liz
transitioned to a role as a Child Find outreach specialist for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in DC. She worked with families throughout the District by assessing child development and providing developmental and inclusivity training to childcare centers. Liz established strong partnerships with community-based organizations and medical facilities in DC that support families with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.

As a Director, Liz is committed to supporting her fellow educators to achieve the goal of providing high quality care to early learners. Liz’s son Adrian is a toddler and brings constant joy to her life. During her free time, she enjoys spas, reading, and writing.

Estephani has been in the early childhood education field for over seven years and has worked with many ages. She feels she has learned the most from infants and toddlers so far. Nurturing children and building bonds with them and their families is the most rewarding aspect of her work.

With a goal of creating a classroom environment where children can explore, grow, learn, and be themselves, Estephani loves to celebrate the little success that happen each day. The children in her care help bring out her creativity to approach learning in multiple ways for each child.

Originally from Mexico, Estephani moved to VA when she was seven years old. She lives with her husband and two fur babies, Jacob and Arlo. In her free time, she likes to go hiking and play video games.

Nika has been in the early childhood education field for more than 16 years. She started her professional life in retail management and initially joined the ECE profession for a change. Soon after, Nika realized that she had found her passion in a career that allowed her to watch children learn and grow. She has experience helping centers with the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation process.

The most satisfying part of her job is to watch children be their authentic selves. At school, they can be bold, quiet, adventurous, shy, messy, artistic, and so may other combinations. Nika likes getting to know children and catering her teaching to meet their specific needs. She thrives on meeting each child where they are and watching them blossom.

Nika is originally from North Carolina, though she was raised in Northern Virginia. Her daughter Samia is 21 and in her senior year at Howard University, where she works with special needs children. Her son Sam is 13 and goes to Lake Braddock. He plays AAU basketball. The family has a bulldog Rayne. In their free time, they love to hike, watch movies, visit new places and enjoy time with their loved ones.

Josephine “Josie” Springer is an Associate Educator who is currently pursuing her Associate’s degree at Northern Virginia Community College. With several years of childcare experience, she is passionate about building meaningful relationships with children and watching them grow, learn, and gain confidence.

Josie believes the best teaching begins with listening, observing, and meeting each child where they are. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment where children are excited to learn something new every day. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys cooking, going to the gym, singing, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Lindaaura brings warmth, patience, and a genuine love for children to her role as an Apprentice Educator. She was inspired to work in early childhood education by seeing how much a child’s early years shape who they become. She values children’s honesty, creativity, and excitement for learning.

At Brynmor, Lindaaura hopes to help create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel confident, supported, and free to be themselves. She focuses on building positive relationships and continuing to learn and grow as an educator.

Outside of work, Lindaaura enjoys baking, especially making tres leches Oreo cake, and cake pops. She also loves spending time with her three children, whether that means going for walks on nature trails or visiting indoor and outdoor playgrounds.