Bright preschool Mind STAFF

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MS. Cookie Balcha - school director

Ms. Balcha brings a Bachelor of Business Administration, an MBA from John Hopkins University, and a Child Development Associate (CDA) to Bright Mind Preschool. An advocate for early education, Ms. Cookie is committed to educating all children in a safe and loving environment. Her goal is to enrich the students' lives and create a desire for learning. She is the proud mother of two girls and is a strong advocate for giving back to the community, and can usually be found helping others in need.

"Early childhood education became my passion after becoming a mom. BMPS is a place that feels like the extended family and community that I miss being away from my home country."

                                    -Ms. Cookie

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MS. Sarah Jennings - PROGRAM COORDINATOR

 

 

Ms. Sarah’s teaching philosophy includes accepting children where they are, supporting their talents and interests to develop upon their skills, and nudging them towards success in all areas through encouragement and repeated exposure to new concepts and materials.

 

Ms. Sarah loves to read, explore Alexandria, travel, and watch her grandchildren grow.

 

"My favorite part of each day is when a child or co-worker makes a breakthrough – whether social, creative, or academic. I enjoy being part of a small school where we can support all the children, their families and one another"

-Ms. Sarah 

 

MS. Judy Mabon - office administrator

Ms. Judy brings to Bright Mind Preschool both an Associate and Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Prior to joining Bright Mind Preschool, she served as the Assistant Director of the Merchandise Operations at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

"I have been with Bright Mind Preschool from the very beginning and have learned so much about Early Childhood Education and building a love of learning for the children to carry with them throughout their lives.  Plus, I learn a lot from the children everyday with their unbridled affection for school, their teachers, and their fellow students!"

-Ms. Judy

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MS. SAmantha hardtmayer - lead teacher 

(adventure academy - 4 to 5 year olds)

The first time Ms. Samantha saw a school bus as a young girl she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Ms. Sam received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Framingham State University in Massachusetts in May 2020. For over a decade, Ms. Sam has worked with children ages preschool to second grade. Her previous teaching experiences include day care settings, Montessori and play-based preschool programs. 

 

Her personal teaching philosophy is ever-changing as she is always learning alongside children. It is important to her that each individual child's needs are met, that each child feels supported and loved, and every child's first learning environment (outside of the home) develops his/her lifelong love of learning.

Ms. Sam relocated to the DC area in 2021 to be with her husband, Doug, and dog, Hattie. They currently reside in Old Town, Alexandria, love bike riding along the Potomac River and trying new restaurants.

 

"Bright Mind Preschool is such a happy place. 

Everyone, including families and staff, treat you kindly and all of the children have a twinkle in their eyes.”

-Ms. Sam

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MS. SARAH-Michelle sherrill - lead teacher 

(space rangers - 4 to 5 year olds)

 

 

Prior to teaching at Bright Mind Preschool, Ms. Sarah taught at Little Hawks Preschool. Ms. Sarah values making every friend at Bright Mind feel safe and loved in their learning environment.

 

In her free time, Ms. Sarah participates in theatre productions at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.

 

"I love working at Bright Mind because I feel like everyone is family.”

-Ms. Sarah

 

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MS. Kait Mitchell - ASSISTANT TEACHER

(ADVENTURE ACADEMY & SPACE RANGERS - 4 to 5 year olds)

Ms. Kait graduated Florida Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology with a Minor in Sustainability. 

Ms. Kait past experience at Beach Kids Academy in Panama City Beach, FL.,where she delivered creative and interactive activities for 15 students between 3-4 years of age.  She created early education curriculum for literacy and arithmetic competence.  Plus she established a strong partnership with her student's parents toward progress in her student's behavior and developmental progress.

Ms. Lauren's hobbies are spending time with her family and exploring the oceans of the world.

"Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible.  No one can do more."

-Loris Malaguzzi

MS. ALLISON SCHMEHL - ASSISTANT TEACHER

 

(ADVENTURE ACADEMY & SPACE RANGERS - 4 TO 5 YEAR OLDS)

 Ms. Allison graduated from University of Rochester with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Cognitive Science with a focus in child development.  

 

Prior to assistant teaching at Bright Mind Preschool, Ms. Allison worked as a home-based ABA instructor with special needs children. She also worked as a clinical research assistant, administering assessments to children with rare genetic disorders. 

 

Ms. Allison looks forward to going back to school in the future to obtain a Master’s in School Psychology. She is very excited to be working with children in the school setting as an assistant teacher. She values creating a safe and supportive space for young children of all abilities to learn and develop academically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. 

 

In her free time, Ms. Allison likes to play music, write songs, travel and explore new places in the world, and spend time with her husband and their dachshund puppy. 

 

"I love teaching children because it is so rewarding to see them progress in their learning journeys.” 

 

-Ms. Allison

 

 

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MS. Kaitlyn christian - LEAD TEACHER 

(Trail Blazers - 3 TO 4 YEAR OLDS)

 

 

Prior to teaching at Bright Mind Preschool, Ms. Kaitlyn taught at both Goddard and Kindercare Schools. Ms. Kaitlyn values making every student feel safe, loved and supported in their learning journey. 

 

In her free time, Ms. Kaitlyn likes to read and spend time with her family.  

 

"I love working at Bright Mind because it feels like one big family.”

-Ms. Kaitlyn

 

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MS. KARLA penate-bonilla - assistant teacher

 (Trail Blazers - 3 to 4 year olds)

Ms. Karla is from El Salvador and has been teaching for 6 years at Bright Mind and counting. 

 

Ms. Karla’s teaching philosophy is that children learn through play. She loves to play and pretend with all of the children.

 

Ms. Karla’s hobbies are watching movies and curling up with a good book.

 

"I love working here at Bright Mind Preschool because I feel this is my home. 

I have been here since the school opened and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

-Ms. Karla

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Ms. Agnes Gonsalves - lead teacher 

(busy bees - 2 1/2 - 3 year olds)

Ms. Agnes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University. She is currently focused on completing her Masters degree in the same field at George Mason. She is recently married and settling down with the marriage life.

 

Ms. Agnes’s one-year teaching philosophy says that children learn the best when its play-based. She says through play, children are able to build confidence, socialize and express their emotions.

 

In the meantime, Ms. Agnes’s hobbies are dancing, shopping and cooking.

 

"I have been part of the Bright Mind family for about a year. It’s a great place where you get to help shape young minds. The Bright Mind Preschool welcomes young ones with open heart, full of love, care and fun. We have an excellent team who works together to create a family-like environment.”

-Ms. Agnes

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MS. jala gurbanova - assistant teacher 

(busy bees - 2 1/2 - 3 year olds)

 

 

Ms. Jala’s teaching philosophy includes supporting all children and tuning in to children’s emotional needs by reading their body language and supporting them by giving lots of affection and hugs!

 

For hobbies, Ms. Jala is involved in helping and supporting sick kids and poor families in her country. She and her friends have a community called "My hope is you.” 

 

"For me, it is important in any work area to have management support and a good team. At Bright Mind, I found good management and a good team. It is very important for me as I spend 9 hours of my life on a daily basis at work!”

-Ms. Jala

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MS. Sean cullen - floater

Ms. Sean has lived in Alexandria, VA since she was a young child and alongside her husband is now raising two children of her own here. She has a large family including her parents, in-laws, siblings, and ten nieces and nephews, all of whom reside in Alexandria as well.

She’s worked on and off as a nanny over the last fifteen years and has a deep love for children and teaching. In addition to Bright Mind Preschool, she currently works in the nursery at a local church on Sundays. Outside of work, you can find her doing family-oriented activities, or volunteering with a regional animal rescue group.

 

Her philosophy is that children learn best when they are in a joyful setting, and believes it is the duty of teachers to bring warmth and patience with them to the classroom every day.

 "It takes a big heart to help shape little minds." -Author unknown 

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