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
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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My name is Kay Vinton and I am happy to be working in the Kindergarten program at FHNP. Spending time with preschoolers and watching them learn and grow is very enjoyable to me. I received my degree in education from Loyola University and completed my Master of Education degree at Towson University. I taught for five years at Riverside Elementary School before spending time at home to raise my five children. During my time at home I taught Sunday school to 4 year old's at St. Joseph’s Church in Fullerton, MD and volunteered at the schools my children attended. In my free time I enjoy gardening, music, travel, listening to audiobooks and spending time with my family, including my new granddaughter. I love to exercise and my favorite ways are by walking with my neighbors, riding my Pelaton bike and running. I am a member of the 50 States Marathon Club with one more state to go to reach my goal of running a marathon in every state.
Now that I am an empty nester, I am excited to be back to teaching and sharing my love of learning with all my new preschool friends! 
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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4B Class
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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!
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 
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!
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 
Hi! My name is Brooke Coleman and this is my first year here at FHNP! I am CPR, first aid, and medication administration certified. I love the color pink, sharks, and traveling. In my free time I enjoy kayaking, spending time with family and friends, and going to the beach. I look forward to working with your children and all the fun we will have! missbrooke@fhnaturepreschool.com 
Hi! My name is Dina. I am a 2s 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 and I'm excited to start my first year as a teacher. 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!
Miss Tierra grew up in Baltimore and is the oldest of 11 brothers and sisters. She has her 90 hr. certificate, her A.A. from MBCNS in biblical studies, and has worked with children for over 12 years as a nanny and at various daycare and preschools. Miss Terra is currently studying to get her certificate in yoga instruction and sports nutrition. She likes to spend time with friends and family, enjoys arts and crafts, and attending church. She has travelled to many states and even Canada for mission trips and is very involved with her church's youth program. This is Miss Tierra's first year at FHNP.
Hi! I am Delanie and I am in my second year at FHNP in the 2 year old room. I previously was at another daycare, also in the 2 year old room. I have also babysat for over 6 years. I have found working with children to be a very rewarding job and have enjoyed being a 2 year old teacher. In my free time, I enjoy riding horses and taking my dogs for walks.
Reading Teacher
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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.
Toddler Class
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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.
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.
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
Miss Maryam
Hi, my name is Maryam. I am married and have one daughter. We all live in York, but I am originally from Iran where I worked as a teacher in middle school. I have lived most of my life in the USA. I adore children and I love my work at the nursery. My hobbies are gardening, making jam, baking, and interior design. I love meeting my friends and family and I love laughter. I respect mankind no matter what their color, ethnicity, or their religion.
Miss Kara
Hello!
My name is Kara Stoecker and I am a proud part time teacher at Forest Hill Nature Preschool. I have always enjoyed working with children whether that be babysitting, assistant teaching, coaching, tutoring, or volunteering. I have experience working with all ages and abilities including children with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. In the fall of 2021 I will be attending Towson University to study Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (go tigers!). I am also certified in first aid and CPR. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and exploring new places! My goal is to help children strive to be the best they can be and create lasting memories and friendships! Miss Jill
Hi my name is Jill! I am a part time aftercare teacher here at Forest Hill Nature Preschool. I am CPR certified , ADA certified and hold my 90 hour certificate, I will be graduating this spring and going on to continue my education at Harford community college majoring in psychology. This was my first year here and I look forward to many more years helping all our friends learn and thrive:) In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and taking my two dogs on adventures!
Miss Kayla
Hey--it's Kayla Bond! I have been working at FHNP for almost two years. I love all my babies and I love working with children because they bring me so much joy! I met Miss Lavonne at FreeState and she believed in me every step of the way. I am super thankful for this opportunity. I love being with my family and friends. I have a twin brother. I am really goofy and love making people laugh.
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Miss Annika
My name is Miss Annika and I am currently continuing my education at HCC. I have been a counselor at many children’s events including, VBS, HCC’s summer camp and volunteer work. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to work with bright young minds!
Miss Katelyn
Hello! My name is Miss Katelyn and I love teaching children! I have worked with children for over 6 years and currently, I love working in the 4's classroom here at Forest Hill Nature Preschool. I aspire to obtain a degree in Art Education, especially Art Therapy. I have a strong appreciation of art and nature, which is one of the reasons I love our nature-based philosophy. I try to provide fun, hands-on learning opportunities everyday to our students! Additionally, I love to read A LOT and I love to read to children. I also enjoy music and play the violin.
Miss Samantha
My name is Samantha Parr. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and am planning to return to school to achieve my Bachelors Degree in this field. I have lots of background working with children including field placement experiences, one year of teaching experience and three years of experience working with children/ young adults with an Autism diagnosis. One of my passions is working with children and allowing them to explore their environment through play. Play is a huge component of learning! When not at work, I enjoy to spend time with my cousins and explore new places!
misssamantha@fhnaturepreschool.com Miss Lauren
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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