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
misslavonne@fhnaturepreschool.com
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
missmelissa@fhnaturepreschool.com
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!
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.
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.
We are proud to have a fantastic staff joining us this year.
Kindergarten Class
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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
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![]() My name is Miss Kayla, also known as Miss Kay. I am grateful to serve God by doing what I LOVE every single day, and that is working with His children. Prior to teaching, I spent six years working in the hospitality and restaurant industry. I am currently pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education, at Harford Community College. I am a proud lifelong learner and enjoying every step of the way. I am MSDE certified in infant teaching, preschool teaching, and school-age teaching. I love animals, nature, and adventures! During my free time I enjoy being with my family, my husky pup named Bella, and exploring God's beautiful outdoors. I also have a camper located in Pennsylvania, where I love to get away quite often! I look forward to watching your child grow and blossom!
![]() 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.
![]() 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. ![]() 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!
![]() 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!
![]() 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!
Reading Teacher
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