Our Staff
The Child Care & Learning Center is led by an experienced team of educators and administrators committed to excellence in early childhood education. Our staff bring diverse professional backgrounds, specialized certifications, and a deep dedication to children and families in Rappahannock County.
Infant Team
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Elvira Yanez Chavez
Lead Teacher
Elvira holds an Associate degree in Education from Lord Fairfax Community College and is a proud CCLC alumna. Elvira has been part of the CCLC community for 15 years and is committed to creating a nurturing, responsive environment where young children feel secure and supported as they begin their learning journey.
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Mackensie Hernandez
Assistant Teacher
Mackensie is an Assistant Teacher in the Infant classroom, where she brings strong attention to detail and a nurturing, attentive approach to caring for young children. As a CCLC parent herself, she values building strong relationships and supporting a positive experience for children and families.
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Aubrie Kelly
Substitute Teacher
Aubrie holds a GED from Career Link in Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Laurel Ridge Community College. As a substitute teacher, she supports engaging, hands-on learning experiences and builds positive relationships with children across classrooms.
Tots Team
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![A woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a nose ring, wearing a light pink shirt with a white animal print pattern, standing outdoors with a blurred background of green and yellow bokeh.]()
Katie Lapinskas
Lead Teacher
Katie holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Society. She supports developmentally appropriate learning and collaborative classroom engagement in the Tots program. She is currently studying to become a pharmacist.
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Kaitlynn Hitt
Lead Teacher
Kaitlynn is a proud CCLC alumna who brings both personal connection and dedication to her role in the Tots program. She supports young learners through hands-on exploration and consistent classroom routines.
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Katelyn Cole
Lead Teacher
Katelyn is the Lead Teacher in the Tots 1 program and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She supports young learners through singing, storytelling, and play, helping build strong early language skills in a warm and engaging classroom environment.
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Taryn Williams
Substitute
Taryn is a substitute teacher in the Tots program and a consistent daily presence in the classroom. A Rappahannock native, she brings a strong belief in structure and routines that help young children feel secure, supported, and ready to learn.
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![A woman with long dark hair and blue eyes wearing a pink shirt, smiling, standing outdoors with a blurred background of green and white bokeh from sunlight through trees.]()
Stephanie Cornish
Substitute
Stephanie is a substitute teacher in the Tots program and previously served as a Lead Teacher in the Infant classroom. She holds a CDA and brings a strong commitment to child development. We are thrilled to welcome her back to CCLC, where her experience and relationships make an immediate impact.
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Margaret Elliott
Substitute
Margaret grew up in Culpeper and has lived in Rappahannock County since 2012. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from George Mason University and a Virginia teaching license, and previously taught first grade in Prince William County. After her daughter began attending CCLC, Margaret and her family fell in love with the program.
Twos Team
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![A smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a cream-colored, crochet cardigan over a green top, standing outdoors with blurred green and yellow foliage in the background.]()
Megan Jones
Lead Teacher
Megan holds a Career Certificate in Early Childhood Development and is completing her Associate degree. She is certified in CPR, MAT, and Auvi-Q administration and has completed Conscious Discipline training. Megan fosters independence and positive classroom culture in the Twos program
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![A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair and blue eyes smiling, wearing a dark blue sweater with a textured pattern, standing outdoors with a blurred background of green and white bokeh lights.]()
Connie Baldwin
Assistant Teacher
Connie has been a dedicated member of the CCLC community for more than 30 years. Over the course of her tenure, she has supported generations of children and families, becoming a familiar and trusted presence at the Center. Connie holds an Associate degree in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and is certified in CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration (MAT).
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![A young woman with long red hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile, wearing a white top, burgundy cardigan, and a silver necklace with a dog tag pendant, standing outdoors with bokeh trees and sunlight in the background.]()
Dakota Stringfellow
Assistant Teacher
Dakota holds a Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Education and is completing her Associate degree. She supports structured routines and hands-on learning experiences that help young children thrive.
Preschool Team
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![A woman with short brown hair and glasses, smiling, wearing a black and white patterned blouse, standing outdoors with a blurred green and yellow bokeh background.]()
Amy Ruble
Lead Teacher
Amy has been part of the CCLC community for more than 20 years and is one of the most beloved educators in Rappahannock. Families frequently return to visit her long after their children have graduated, a testament to the lasting relationships she builds.
Amy holds an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and brings deep experience in school readiness, structured learning, and social-emotional development.
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![A woman with long dark hair, wearing a mustard yellow top, standing outdoors with a blurred background of green and white bokeh from trees and sunlight.]()
Cassie Woodard
Lead Teacher
Cassie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix and has earned her CDA in Infant, Toddler, and Twos. She is CPR/First Aid/AED and MAT certified. Cassie is known for her strong relationships with children and families and her deep commitment to early childhood development.
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![A woman with light brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a purple top with eyelet sleeves, smiling with an outdoor bokeh background of green and yellow foliage.]()
Cindi Summerfield
Lead Teacher
Cindi holds degrees in Nursing and Business Administration and is completing an Associate degree in Education. She also holds a Virginia Early Childhood Administrator Professional Credential. Cindi has been part of CCLC for over 7 years.
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Ploy Urairat Goodnight
Assistant Teacher
Ploy holds a Master’s degree and supports early childhood learning in Nini’s House, contributing to a nurturing and engaging classroom environment.
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![A young woman with long, wavy auburn hair, wearing a white T-shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred background of green and white bokeh, smiling gently.]()
Carly Seabolt
Assistant Teacher
Carly earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and fosters a developmentally rich environment that supports independence, peer relationships, and foundational early learning skills.
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![A middle-aged woman with brown hair, glasses, and pearl earrings, smiling and wearing a denim shirt, stands outdoors with a blurred background of green and yellow foliage.]()
Stephanie Jewell
Assistant Teacher
Stephanie holds an Associate degree in Education (K–8) and is First Aid and CPR certified. She supports classroom engagement and foundational skill development in Hope House. She is a proud CCLC parent.
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![A young woman with long dark hair and a bright smile standing outdoors with a background of blurred green and white bokeh from sunlight and leaves.]()
Madison Cadle
Assistant Teacher
Madison holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Education from Laurel Ridge Community College. Madison excels at supporting daily routines and creating a warm, engaging environment where young children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
School Age Club & Children in Nature
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Christina Loock
Children in Nature Program Director
Christina leads CCLC’s Children in Nature program, integrating environmental education and outdoor learning into early childhood development. She holds degrees in Biology and Environmental Management, as well as a Master of Education focused on Nature-Based Early Childhood Education.
Christina is certified through the Association for Nature-Based Education and is deeply committed to fostering children’s connection to the natural world through meaningful outdoor experiences.
Contact: cloock@rappcclc.org
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Mike Weaver
School Age Club Lead Teacher & Children in Nature Teacher
Michael is a Certified Nature-Based Educator through the Association for Nature-Based Education and holds a CDA and Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. WildMed certified, he brings a strong foundation in outdoor safety and experiential learning.
Contact: mweaver@rappcclc.org
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![Young man with glasses, beard, and a smile, wearing a sports T-shirt and cap, standing outdoors with blurred trees and sunlight in the background.]()
Evan Jenkins
Assistant Pre-K Teacher & School Age Club
Evan is a Rappahannock native, and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security and supports the Hope House and School Age Club programs. He brings strong organization and engagement to school-age learning environments.
Support Team
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Emily McGraw
Executive Director
Emily serves as Executive Director of The Child Care & Learning Center, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction. A lifelong educator and school leader, Emily brings experience as a teacher, K-8 principal, and consultant.
Throughout her career, she has worked to strengthen schools through strong instructional systems, thoughtful leadership development, and a deep belief in the potential of both children and the adults who serve them. At CCLC, she is committed to expanding access to high-quality early childhood education, supporting working families, and ensuring the Center remains a trusted and thriving institution in Rappahannock County.
Emily holds a Master of Public Health from Cornell University and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration & Leadership from Johns Hopkins University.
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Lisa Pendleton
Program Director
Lisa oversees curriculum implementation, licensing compliance, health and safety practices, and professional development across all CCLC programs. She holds a B.S. in Communication from Old Dominion University and an A.A. in Arts and Science Education from Lord Fairfax Community College.
Lisa is a certified Child Health Care Consultant through the Virginia Department of Health and holds multiple credentials including Medication Administration Trainer, ServSafe Certification, and Certified Teachstone CLASS Observer. She brings deep expertise in early childhood quality standards and a strong commitment to staff development and child safety.
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![Young man with glasses, beard, and a smile, wearing a sports T-shirt and cap, standing outdoors with blurred trees and sunlight in the background.]()
Amy Nash
Operations Director
Amy oversees CCLC’s administrative operations, including family billing, enrollment systems, and financial management platforms such as Neon One, QuickBooks, and Brightwheel. She holds a Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance from NESCOT in Surrey, UK, and brings extensive experience in organizational systems and operational management.
Amy is a certified bookkeeper and a CLASS observer, and is also MAT and Wilderness First Aid certified. She plays a key role in ensuring that CCLC’s internal systems run efficiently in support of families, staff, and long-term sustainability.
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Megan Roberson
Kitchen Manager
Megan Roberson is the Kitchen Manager at CCLC, where she is passionate about providing safe, nutritious, and delicious meals for children. Holding a Serv-Safe certification, she oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, and food safety while ensuring every meal meets high quality and CACFP standards. Beyond the kitchen, Megan is always willing to lend a helping hand and enjoys assisting wherever she is needed to support her team and the children in their care. -
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Michelle Almond
Project Manager
Michelle has been part of the CCLC community for over a decade, serving in a wide range of roles across the program. Over the years, she has worked with children of all ages, including supporting summer camp programming and contributing to our Children in Nature initiative. Her deep knowledge of CCLC and long-standing relationships make her a familiar and trusted presence for families, alumni, and staff alike.
Michelle plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Center and helping move important initiatives forward. Outside of CCLC, Michelle works on large-scale events across the country and brings that experience back to her work at the Center. She is also a proud parent of a CCLC alum.
