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

  • 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.

    eyanez@rappcclc.org

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Brookelyn Atkins

    Substitute Teacher

Tots Team

  • Katherine Lapinskas

    Lead Teacher

    Katherine 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 Toss program. She is currently studying to become a pharmacist. 

    klapinskas@rappcclc.org

  • 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.

    khitt@rappcclc.org

  • 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.

  • 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.

Twos Team

  • 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

    mjones@rappcclc.org

  • 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). 

  • 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

  • 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. 

    aruble@rappcclc.org

  • 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.

    cwoodard@rappcclc.org

  • 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. 

    csummerfield@rappcclc.org

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Maggie Riley

    Assistant Teacher

    Maggie has been part of the CCLC community for many years and brings consistency, warmth, and creativity to the Yurts classroom. She holds a Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Education and an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. 

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

Leadership

Emily McGraw 

Executive Director

Emily serves as Executive Director of The Child Care & Learning Center, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction, operational stewardship, and long-term sustainability. 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.

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.

Kim Goodwin

Payroll Manager

Kim has been part of the CCLC community for more than 30 years. Over her tenure, she has served in multiple classroom roles before transitioning into administrative leadership. Today, she oversees payroll and supports key financial coordination across the organization.

Kim holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and a Virginia Early Childhood Administrator Professional Credential. Her deep institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to children and families make her an invaluable part of CCLC’s leadership team.

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.

Amy Nash

Office Manager

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 MAT certified and Wilderness First Aid certified and plays a key role in ensuring that CCLC’s internal systems run efficiently in support of families, staff, and long-term sustainability.