Director:  Lavonne Taylor

Miss Lavonne has 11 years of experience as a preschool director and teacher  in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and 8 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.  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!
misslavonne@fhnaturepreschool.com

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Assistant Director Preschool Program:  Melissa Ayers

​Miss Melissa has  been working with children for over 10 years and as an administrator since 2019.   She is  preschool and infant- toddler certified and has her AA degree in Teaching.  In  her spare time  she enjoys crafting and spending  time with  her family.  She loves animals and nature!
missmelissa@fhnaturepreschool.com

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Administrative Assistant Preschool Program:  Brittany Hamlin

I am Miss Brittany and am excited to join the team at Forest Hill Nature Preschool as the administrative assistant! My family just moved here from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where I was a church secretary for 5 years. My husband and I will have been married for seven years in October and have a two-year-old son who likes to keep us on our toes. I am looking forward to a great year with wonderful people!

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Assistant Director Infant/Toddler Program:  Valerie Hillenbrand

My name is Valerie.  I have been in early childhood for over 30 years. I have worked as an administrator for several years at different centers along with being a twos teacher. Here at Forest Hill Nature Preschool I oversee the  Infant and Toddler program making sure our littlest ones are well taken care of.  In my spare time I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking anything outdoors in the summer.

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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, paid community service, 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.  

Kindergarten Class
Miss Carrie 

Miss Carrie has been working with preschoolers at FHNP since we opened in 2013. She is very excited to be back in the classroom at FHNP teaching in the new Kindergarten program.  Miss Carrie was a teacher in our 4-year-old program for many years. Miss Carrie is a graduate from Towson University were she received her Bachelors Degree in Early  Childhood Education. 
misscarrie@fhnaturepreschool.com

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4A Class
Miss Melanie & Miss Stef

My name is Melanie Shelly and I am excited to be working here at Forest Hill Nature Preschool.  I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as 24 years of experience working with children.  I have worked with ages infants through school age.  I was a para educator in the school system.  I have been a director of several preschools.  I also have had the privilege of owning my own Day Care Center for the last seven years, which I recently sold to move to York, PA to be closer to family.  I love working with children and watching their sense of wonder, and encouraging them as they learn new things.  I want to be a positive impact in the lives of children I get to work with.  In my spare time you will catch me hanging out with my family ( I have 6 kids), paddle boarding or just exploring the world around us.

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​Hi, I am Miss Stef with an F and I adore working with children and teaching them about education, nature, sharing, playing, and the fruits of the spirit. I was interested in kids at a young age because they're fascinating and have a different perspective. I have led Sunday school for several years and I am not afraid to get dirty outside or at the craft table.   I have taken several education  classes in high school and in college, babysat and nannied for many years and  in May 2021 I completed  my Associate's  Degree in General  Studies. I am a mom of two teenagers and an outdoor photographer.  I love to spend quality time with my family, travel, cook, hike, fellowship with church friends, and spread God's joy. I am certified in CPR and First Aid.  I feel blessed that God led me to teach at FHNP!

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4B Class
Miss Judi & Miss Kayla

My name is Judi Lazo. My parents are from El Salvador but I was born and raised in Long Island, NY. I speak Spanish and love to introduce everyone to pupusas. I’ve been in Maryland since 2010. I love to spend time with family, friends, and volunteering at Jug Bay Wetlands and Anacostia Watershed to learn more about our natural world. I enjoy spending time outdoors and LOVE to travel. “Life is one long bucket list.” I am currently in the Maryland Master Naturalist program and enrolled in Notre Dame University of Maryland to pursue my undergrad in Early and Elementary education. I worked in Catonsville, in a 4 year old outdoor nature based program. My hope is to continue to inspire children to love, explore, respect, and protect nature while promoting each child’s development in all areas. I am looking forward getting to know and work with the children and families! ​

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​4C Class:
Miss Bri and Miss Courtney

Miss Bri is continuing this year in our 4 year old program and has previous experience with all ages.  She has been working with children for 10 years.  Miss Bri is currently taking classes at Harford Community College to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.   She loves working with children, and encourages them to create their own adventure!   
missbri@fhnaturepreschool.com
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3/4 Class:
​Miss Lauren & Miss Charnika

Hi, I’m Miss Lauren. This is my fourth year working with children and my second year at FHNP. I’m very excited to be teaching in the 4 year-old program. I’m currently enrolled at Harford Community College to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Besides seeing the children become engaged with learning, my favorite thing about teaching is the relationships that are built between teacher and student. I strive for each student to feel safe, happy and loved.
misslauren@fhnaturepreschool.com

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3A Class
​Miss Jinny & Miss Ashley

​Hi! My name is Miss Jinny and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Maryland a few years ago. I have a B.A degree in psychology and I am a preschool certified teacher. I have previous experience working with children back in PR, and three years of experience working in MD. I love working with children and seeing them grow and learn is one of my favorite things ever! I enjoy a good book and love to worship God. I also love to learn new languages and I aspire to be a published author one day. I’m blessed to be able to teach in FHNP!

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3B Class
​Miss Larissa & Miss Dina

Hola! 
My name is Miss Larissa! I will be working the 4 year old class for the upcoming school year.   ​I grew up in Brazil before migrating to The United States in 1996. I lived in New York City until I started a family here in Maryland. I am fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. I spend my free time with my two children. My oldest, Dennis, is  four and my youngest, Victor, is three. We enjoy swimming, playing soccer, ice skating, and everything outdoors!  I can’t wait to spend the next year learning and growing with you!
Muchas Gracias, Hasta Luego!
misslarissa@fhnaturepreschool.com

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3C Class
​Miss Kim and Miss Lauren

 “Hola! My name is Kimberly Wolf. I’m fortunate and proud to say I work at Forest Hill Nature Preschool. I’ve been working with kids for 9 years, this also includes babysitting, assistant teacher at a daycare, and now a preschool teacher. I’m currently enrolled at Harford Community College majoring in Education. I’m certified in CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration. My hobbies include doing puzzles, painting, and baking.”
​misskimw@fhnaturepreschool.com

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2A Class
Miss Jess & Miss Shay

Miss Jess has been pasionate about early childhood education throughout most of her life.  In high school she worked with the Mini Mustangs preschool program and after graduation, she took classes in Early Childhood Education at Harford Community College.  Miss Jess has been working at FHNP since opening in 2013.  She has worked in both the 2s and 3s program, and is excited to continue working with 3 year old's this year!  Miss Jess is happy to be doing a job she loves and looks forward to continuing to grow as an educator each year while sharing new experiences with all of the children.
missjessica@fhnaturepreschool.com

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2B Class
Miss Emily & Miss Katt

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. ​​


missemily@fhaturepreschool.com


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2C Class
Miss Angelica 

​Hi! I'm Ms. Angelica! I have my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Harford Community College and have been working with kids for six years. I was homeschooled all the way through high school and it gave me a huge passion for playing in nature, arts, music and teaching practical life skills. I live in Bel Air with my family and my chickens. When I am not teaching, I am usually at the gym or Taekwondo class! I am so excited to be here at FHNP.​​

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Special Education Coordinator
​Miss Amber

Hello! I am Amber Luchi, Special Education Coordinator at Forest Hill Nature Preschool.    As a mother of three children and a Certified Elementary Educator/Certified Special Educator, I have naturally gravitated to roles involving children and inspiring all children to learn. I have a Master of Education in Special Education from Loyola College in Maryland, a dual Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education & Liberal Arts and an Associates of Arts in Elementary Education from Harford County College.  I have also have received my 90-hour certificate for early childhood. Children are fun, challenging and unique.  My elementary teaching years in the public school system, I choose a career path in Special Education in order to understand each child’s uniqueness and how to support their individual needs as well as communicate and assist their parents. This was an amazing experience that allowed me to apply all of my knowledge and skills to children for many years. When I became a mother, I immediately gained knowledge of children’s early development and their needs and the challenges that most parents are presented with.  Everyday is a new learning experience and I continue to discover new ideas, practices, actions, etc. to help each child. I am blessed to be a mother and I am blessed to be a part of the FHNP family.​

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Wild in the Woods Teacher
​Miss Kelsey

Miss Kelsey is rejoining our staff after taking a year off to stay with her two beautiful daughters.  Miss Kelsey taught previously in our 3/4 multi-age class but is excited to be taking on the challenge of becoming our Naturalist teacher this year.  We are happy to have Miss Kelsey back!

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Infant A Class
Miss Tina and Miss Shannon

Miss Tina is excited to have began working at FHNP in the summer of 2018.  She begun her teaching career in 2002.  She is currently enrolled at CCBC working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  She is looking forward to getting to know all of the students and their families here at FHNC.  During her time away from the classroom she enjoys spending time with her family.
misstina@fhnaturepreschool.com

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​Hello! My name is Miss Kayla, also known as Miss Kay. Working with children has been my God given passion since I was a little girl. I am currently pursuing my AAS in Early Childhood Education, at Harford Community College. I am MSDE certified in infant teaching, preschool teaching, and school age teaching. I am CPR and first aid certified. I love animals, nature, and adventures! During my free time I enjoy being with my family, my husky pup Bella, and exploring in my camper!

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Hello, my name is Miss Courtney. I recently moved here this past year from New Jersey, so this is my first year at FHNC. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Salisbury University. I have been working with children for 9 years in various roles including before/aftercare programs, babysitting, and as a camp counselor. I enjoy working with children because it is rewarding and I love seeing the smile on their faces when achieving their goals. In my spare time I like to spend time with family, friends, puppy and going camping.

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Miss Charnika joined our staff over the summer and is in her third year of teaching.  She is a dance instructor and choreographer at E-Street Dance Academy and is very excited to be teaching at FHNP!

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​Hello, I am Miss Ashley. This is my first official school year at Forest Hill Nature Preschool in 3A.
A little bit about me, I have been in Child care for 7 years and love the work that I do.
I love the outdoors & traveling as well as music/concerts. Forest Hill Nature Preschool is an amazing school & I am so happy to be a part of such an amazing team. 

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Hi! My name is Dina.  I am  a 3s teacher at FHNP and enjoy every moment of it. I am a Fallston High graduate where I completed my 90 hour certificate and 9 hour communication as well. I am currently enrolled in college at HCC where I study Early Childhood and Special Education. When I am not working or attending school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love the outdoors as I am often camping or finding ways to be outside! I currently hold multiple certifications for childcare. I like to make sure your children are having fun while in a safe and encouraging environment. I look forward to making memories with your children!

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Hi! My name is Lauren Murk and this is my second year here teaching at Forest Hill Nature Preschool. I am attending Harford Community College for early childhood education. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, playing with my dogs, and anything outdoors. I look forward to working with your children and all the memories we will make! ​

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Hello! I’m Miss Shay and I am so excited to be a part of your child’s preschool experience! For the past two years I have been a nanny as well as a 3-year-old assistant teacher! I also have a very close relationship with my young nieces and nephews and love watching them grow! I am also currently working on a degree in child psychology and enjoy applying everything I learn into planning fun, educational experiences for the little ducklings in our care! I can’t wait to be a part of each student’s journey!

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​Hi Friends! My name is Ms. Katt. 
I'm joining FHNP this year and am so excited to be working with the 2 year olds! I bring with me over 15 years experience working with children & my experience as a full time artist for the last five years. I look forward to working with your children & watching them blossom each year. 

Reading Teacher
​Miss Caland

Miss Caland has been teaching at FHNP for  three years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Towson University and has interned in many schools across Harford County, Maryland. She attends trainings each year to continue building her knowledge in education and bring new ideas into the classroom. Miss Caland has always had a love for children. She believes in creating opportunities for children to develop to their fullest potential while also creating a positive and loving environment that they feel comfortable and safe in. Miss Caland enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling to new places, and caring for her plants at home and in her classroom! ​
misscaland@fhnaturepreschool.com​

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Art Studio Teacher
​Miss Mary Lynne

My name is Ms. Mary Lynne. I have lived in Harco for the past 28 years and this will be my second-year teaching art at FHNP. I have a BFA in Visual Communications from The Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) and studied Art Education at Notre Dame of MD University. I have experience teaching art from the age of 2 years old through 12th grade. In my free time I love to travel, go hiking, boating and create art!
"The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision, so write and draw, and build and play and dance and live only as you can." - Neil Gaiman

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Spanish Teacher
​Miss Laura

My name is Laura Velazquez. I have over twenty years experience in child care. I recently celebrated my two year anniversary at Forest Hill Nature Preschool, and what a year it has been.  Working with children is the most rewarding, teaching them and watching  them grow is my passion. When I’m not teaching, I am home spoiling my four dogs and hanging out with my daughters.  I am very excited to be able to share Spanish language and heritage with the children at FHNP this year.

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My name is Shannon Sundeen, and I have been working in childcare for a total of five years! I am passionate about teaming up with parents to help raise happy and healthy little ones! I have a three year old son who keeps me on my toes, and together we enjoy hiking, exploring, and reading. In my spare time, I enjoy taking on writing and editing projects. 
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Infant B Class
​Miss Melanie and Miss Sarah

Hello! My name is Melanie Kowalczyk, this is my first year teaching at FHNP. I have been working in the child care business since graduating high school in 2007. I love  my job and knowing I am a part of helping the children reach their milestones in life makes it all worth it in the end. When I’m not being a child care provider I enjoy going to sporting events, hanging out with family and friends, and going on random road trips.
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Hello! I'm Miss Sarah. This is my first year at Forest Hill Nature Pre School. I am very happy to work here! I have over fifteen years working with children of all ages. I have an AA degree in General Studies and a BA in English.  Also my 45 and 90 hour certificates. I have two children, ages 12 and 17. I currently work with babies  6 to 12 months old. This is such an exciting age group due to so many milestones they achieve at this age! It is amazing to watch them learn and grow so much. 

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Infant C Class
​Miss Brittany and Miss Ashley

Hi!  My name is Brittany Colella and this is my  first year here at FHNP! I am CPR, and medication administration certified. I have an associates degree from Harford Community College. I love the color pink, and everything sparkles, giraffes, and traveling to anywhere that is warm. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and going to the beach. I look forward to  working with your children and having them in my class. ​

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Toddler Class
Miss Kiara, Miss Cheyenne, & Miss Micaiah

My name is Kiara. I’ve been in childcare for almost 8 years. I was in a work study program through my high school in which I volunteered with a two year old class. I learned how to create lesson plans among other things within the course. I then graduated from Morgan State University with my bachelors in psychology in 2014. From there, I have been loving the blessing of playing a small role in a child’s development and seeing their growth. There’s no gift like it. ​

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Miss Halaina
Infant/Toddler Support Teacher

My name is Miss Halaina and I am very excited to  work at FHNP!   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!

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Hi im Miss Ashley , I'm 32 years old and I've been working in child care off and on for about 12 years. I'm married and I have a 13 year old son. I love animals ( mainly penguins  ) and I enjoy doing fun new things with the kids in my classroom. In my spare time I do photography and I spend as much time with my family as possible. ​

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Cheyenne is starting her second school year at FHNP in the Toddler room.  Previously she worked at Stonewall Daycare.  She graduated from Aberdeen High School and is taking classes at HCC for a Business degree.  Cheyenne has completed her 90 hour preschool certification and the additional 45 hour infant/toddler certification and is excited to be working with the Toddlers again this year.

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This is Micaiah's first year teaching at FHNP and she is excited to be in the Toddler room.  Previously Micaiah taught at Joy Junction on the Eastern shore, a daycare center owned by her mom--Miss Melanie from the 4A class.  Miss Micaiah  has been nannying for her brothers for the past two years and is excited to be back in a school setting.

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Aftercare/PM Center Staff

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Miss Leslie

Hi, I am Leslie Jones and have been with FHNP since May 2022. I  graduated with an AA in Early Childhood Education and a Minor in Special Education from Baltimore City Community College and a BS with a double major in Early Childhood Education and Non Profit Leadership and Minor in Special Education. I have been teaching well over 30 years. I  was a volunteer, PTA Secretary and President and Substitute Teacher and Kindergarten teacher and have loved every bit of my time in education.

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Miss Onie

Hi I’m Miss Onie! I graduated high school  last year and I’m currently taking my gap year before I head off to college next fall in hopes of achieving a degree in Early Childhood education or Vet. Technology! This is my first year working at FHNP, I am born and raised in Harford County, and grew up loving the outdoors, crafty projects, traveling, and my three fur-babies! I’ve been babysitting kids for almost 4 years now and have always loved working and being around children! It is a blessing to see how creative and free-minded children are, but also to see them grow and learn the things they’ll need in their everyday life, and I’m extremely grateful to be a part  of that journey!

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Mr. Glenn

Hi ! My name is Glenn and I’m a new member to FHNP. I’m currently a senior at Aberdeen High School and graduate May 30th, 2023. I’ve always enjoyed teaching kids and taking care of them because they’re very interesting and always manage to make me laugh. After I graduate I plan on studying wildlife ecology and conservation at Washington State University. In my free time I enjoy hiking,  journaling and cooking! ​​

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Mr. Patrick

​Hello! My name is Patrick and this will be my first year working at the school. I am 20 years old and currently enrolled at Harford community college pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Outside of work and school I love art, making music, and nature. I am looking forward to a great year and getting to meet everyone!

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Mr. Dylan

Hi I'm Mr. Dylan .  I am currently a 
Senior at Bel Air High School. I Play Varsity Lacrosse for Bel Air High School.  I love working with children. I plan to attend college in the Fall of 2023, where I will play lacrosse and study business.

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