Director: Lavonne Taylor

Miss Lavonne has 11 years of experience as a preschool director and teacher in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and 6 years as the founder, owner and director of Forest Hill Nature Preschool. She has a B.S in Early Childhood Education from Towson University, and a M.A. in Technology for Educators from Johns Hopkins University. She loves ice cream, but her passion is teaching children in a hands-on, nature-rich environment. She lives in Forest Hill with her family. She attends Bel Air United Methodist Church, where she sings in the choir. She is grateful for the opportunity to follow God's direction in her life, for the beautiful landscape of Harford county, and for daily opportunities to be blessed by children. She is particularly blessed to be a part of a growing school community as we embark on a new journey in our new location!
misslavonne@fhnaturepreschool.com
misslavonne@fhnaturepreschool.com
Assistant Director: Valerie Hillenbrand

This will be my third year working for FHNP. I have enjoyed working with the 2s class. I have over 25+ years working with 2-year-olds. In those years, I have also overseen the daily operations of a center. I am trained in CPR and Medication Adminstration. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking with my family.
www.missval@fhnaturepreschool.com
www.missval@fhnaturepreschool.com
Teaching Staff
The teaching staff at any school is the most critical element for the inspiration and success of the students. In recognition of the importance of attracting and retaining high quality teachers, we offer an attractive compensation package including: competitive salary, health benefits, paid sick and personal leave, wellness incentives with discounted membership to the Arena Club, employer-matched IRA accounts, paid vacation time after first year of employment, paid ongoing professional development, tuition discounts for children of staff members, and the opportunity to join an amazing group of people!
We are proud to have a fantastic staff joining us this year.
We are proud to have a fantastic staff joining us this year.
2A Class
Miss Valerie

Hi, I'm VAL. I'm 24 years old and live in White Hall, MD. I'm excited to be a part of this team of teachers. I have worked with children for over 6 years starting with babysitting for family friends. I have worked as a naturalist at Irvine Nature Center, leading field trips and summer camps, I was a camp counselor at Camp Spencer, and then I was a 2s teacher for almost a year at Bridges Montessori before coming to FHNC.
I love hiking(anything nature really), art, and all kind of animals. One day, I hope to get my falconry license! I also enjoy volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Irvine Nature Center, Susquehannock Wildlife Society, and the Humane Society of Harford County.
I love hiking(anything nature really), art, and all kind of animals. One day, I hope to get my falconry license! I also enjoy volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Irvine Nature Center, Susquehannock Wildlife Society, and the Humane Society of Harford County.
2B Class
Miss Brooke & Miss Emma

Hello, My name is Miss. Emma Elseroad. I was born in Guatemala & was adopted when I was 6 months & lived in the USA. I currently live in Maryland and have for the past 8 years. Before that I lived in a small town in West Virginia. I currently am taking classes at Harford Community for Early Childhood Education. I will be going to Towson University/ TUNE center in fall of 2022. I hope to be a Kindergarten teacher one day in the future. I enjoy going to college to learn more about the field of education. I also enjoy helping my church with feeding the less fortunate. If you do not catch me at school or work, I am most likely reading a book. I love to read & reading to children. I think reading helps build imagination! I have enjoyed my time getting to know the staff, children & parents at Forest Hill & hopefully I get to stay here for awhile!
2C Class
Miss Emily & Miss Elaina

Hello! My name is Shawnee Mahan. I graduated from Havre de Grace high school through the Early Childhood Learning pathway in 2019. I am currently enrolled in Harford Community College and I am an Exercise Science major. I wish to pursue a career in Pediatric Physical Therapy. I am a huge animal lover. I have 3 dogs and 2 cats. My hobbies include playing lacrosse and volleyball, going on hikes with my dogs, and I love to watch movies, especially Disney! I love making an impact on the children's lives and love watching them grow!