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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