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.
Infant A Class
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I am thrilled to join the team at Forest Hill Nature Childcare. I am a married mom of two wonderful girls; 1 FHNP alum, and 1 currently in the 4s class. After almost 20 years working in human services and medical case management with individuals with disabilities, I took a year off and then decided to return to my first love, working with children.
I have a degree in psychology from Towson University and am currently enrolled at HCC to pursue further education in Infants and Toddlers. I am CPR/First Aide certified. When I’m not working, I can be found by the water, either on our boat or on the Jersey shore with family. 
My name is Alexis Truelove. My nickname is Nikki. I am currently working in the infant room! I’ve been working with children for over 10 years but only in a childcare setting for a year. I am CPR certified and First Aid trained. I also have my Breastfeeding class as well as my 90 hour certificate. I enjoy every aspect of working with children and I’ve learned in my experience that not only am I teaching them, they’re teaching me!
My name is Connie Sullivan. I have been working in child care for 30 years. I have achieved my 90 hours of child care certificates, and also my ADA and breastfeeding certification. I have lived in Bel Air for most of my life. I have two grown children. I am a animal lover as I have 5 dogs and 2 cats. In my spare time I enjoy walking, word searches, and vacations in OC.
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2A Class
Miss Valerie & Miss Shawnee
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. |
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!
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2B Class
Miss Brooke & Miss Emma
Hi, my name is Brooke Fleming and I graduated from North Harford High School, class of 2019. I studied in Early Childhood learning. I am going to college to be a dental hygienist. I enjoy hanging out with friends and snowboarding. I played volleyball in high school. I love to travel and plan to keep traveling. I am a very chill person and I love to try new things. I love spending time with the children at FHNC and I'm glad to be on the staff.
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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!
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2C Class
Miss Emily & Miss Elaina
Miss Emily has been working at the preschool since we opened in 2013. Her favorite part of being a teacher is helping her students learn to regulate their emotions & form loving friendships. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and traveling.
Additional Staff: PM Support
My name is Miss Halaina and I am very excited to work at FHNC! I am currently enrolled as a senior at Fallston High School and plan to attend HCC next year. I have been working with children for a few years. I taught at a preschool program in Fallston, and have been a camp counselor at Beachmont Christian Camp. I am very excited to continue working with the kids and watch them grow! |
Hello! My name is Miss Elaina, and I am so excited to be a part of the fantastic team at FHNC, nurturing for and adventuring with sweet kids everyday! I have completed an abundance of trainings and coursework on early childhood development and special education, including the 90-hour certificate in Preschool Training. I have also worked with young children in a variety of settings, including public schools, Early Headstart programs, private Christian centers, and churches, but this is my first year (2019-20) working with kiddos full time. I firmly believe that these young years are one of the most critical periods in a person’s life, and I am passionate about providing a caring relationship and sensory experiences for every child I work with. In my free time, I enjoy playing gigs with my husband in our band, The Octobers, as well as studying the Bible, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I feel so honored to have the privilege of helping children grow happy and healthy lives at FHNC!
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