Meet the Staff

Caitlin Parker

With a degree in Early Childhood Education, Caitlin Parker has been a lead in the classroom for 12 years!  She helped to create a unique environment in a birth-age three mixed classroom, and is also a Registered Behavior Technician.  Recently engaged, she enjoys volunteering and supporting her two children’s schools when she can.  She is an avid book reader, active in her church, and loves being outside in nature!  If you can’t find Ms. Parker at home, she’s probably out walking a trail at one of our many local parks.

Kate Kendall

We are excited to welcome Kate Kendall to the RRP teaching team this year! Kate has been part of our community as a parent for the past five years, and we feel so fortunate that she is now bringing her talents into the classroom. With a degree in Communication Studies, she will be helping to nurture the foundations of language in some of our youngest learners. A proud mother of two, Kate loves cooking, cozying up with a good book, and going on adventures and trips with her family.

Cabell Harvey

Cabell Harvey is excited to begin her sixth year at RRP! She was among the first educators in the state to receive training through the LENA Grow program, which supports early speech and language development in toddlers. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Harvey enjoys spending time with her active household—her husband, three sons, and their beloved dog. When she’s not baking or working on creative crafts, you’ll likely find her on the sidelines cheering on her boys during their games.

Squiffy Christopher

Though Squiffy Christopher is in just her second year at RRP, she brings over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of preschool ages and is a valuable resource for both her students and their families. Outside the classroom, Squiffy enjoys relaxing weekends at the “rivah,” doting on her cats, dining out, and celebrating life’s milestones—including one of her daughter’s recent wedding!

Bailey Mitchell

After working as a substitute at RRP with a variety of age groups, Bailey Mitchell is starting her second year in a two-year-old classroom.  With an associates degree from Blue Ridge Community College, all three of her children attended RRP.  If she isn’t hanging out with her family, Mrs. Mitchell can be found on the tennis court or enjoying the sand and the waves at the beach!

Maggie Beth Miller

We are so excited to officially welcome Maggie Beth Miller to the RRP team after her wonderful work as a substitute teacher last year! For the past year and a half, she has been serving refugee children in Austria, an experience that deepened her passion for teaching and supporting young learners. Maggie Beth is currently working toward her Early Childhood teacher certification and brings both heart and dedication to the classroom. In her free time, she loves reading, taking long walks, traveling to new destinations, and spending time with her family.

Harrison Ravn

Harrison Ravn is beginning her ninth year at RRP! A Longwood University art graduate, Mrs. Ravn wears many hats within our school. She adores teaching in the two-year-old classroom while also sharing her artistic flair through the JK art program and afternoon art enrichments! Her teenage daughter even joins in by helping research and brainstorm creative ideas for these artistic experiences. Outside of school, Mrs. Ravn enjoys weekend getaways with family and friends, walking her dog, playing tennis, and tackling fun DIY projects.

Lauren Sawyer

We are excited to officially welcome Lauren Sawyer to the RRP teaching team! Already part of our community as the parent of a four-year-old, Mrs. Sawyer discovered her passion for education while subbing at RRP. Although her first degree from JMU was in another field, she has since returned to school to pursue her Early Childhood Certificate. In her free time, she enjoys baking, getting lost in a good book, and visiting parks with her family. Always training for something new, you might also spot her out on a run!

Ellen Mallette

Ellen Mallette is beginning her fifth year at RRP! A VCU graduate and proud RRP parent of three alumni, Ellen brings a deep understanding of our school community from both the parent and teacher perspectives. She brings warmth, experience, and energy to her role each day. Outside of work, you’ll often find her with her toes in the sand at the beach, off on a family adventure, strolling with her dog, or sharing laughter with friends over good food and great conversation.

Brittany Lacy

Brittany Lacy is starting her third year at RRP! A graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Education, Mrs. Lacy began her career in Special Education before discovering her passion for working with young children and transitioning into Early Childhood Education. Her wide range of teaching experiences shines through in the compassion and care she brings to the classroom each day. Outside of school, Mrs. Lacy enjoys time with her husband, pets, family, and friends. She also loves being outdoors—whether gardening, hiking, camping, skiing, or exploring our beautiful National Parks and Forests.

Sydney Webster

We are delighted to welcome Sydney Webster to the RRP family! Her own son will be joining us in the Toddler program, making this a special year for the whole Webster family. A proud JMU alum (go Dukes!) with a master’s degree in Education, Mrs. Webster has spent the past decade teaching first and second grade in Chesterfield and Henrico County Public Schools. She and her husband love spending time outdoors with their son and  exploring new places around the area. When she’s not out adventuring, you can often find her curled up with a good book or enjoying a visit to a local coffee shop.

Gwen Tilley

Gwen Tilley is beginning her third year at RRP! In addition to her work with our Threes, Mrs. Tilley serves children at her home church, drawing on her education from Carson Newman College, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and her Children’s Ministry certification. She brings a heart for teaching and a love of service to all she does. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Tilley enjoys gardening, walking, working on puzzles, and spending time in devotion with the Bible. She also loves sharing meals, traveling, and making memories with her family.

Carlene White

Carlene White is beginning her fourth year as a teacher at RRP! Before joining the staff, Mrs. White was an RRP parent for ten years. When her youngest entered Kindergarten, she couldn’t bear to leave and began subbing before finding her place on the Threes team. In addition to her classroom role, she also helps welcome new families by giving tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Outside of school, Mrs. White enjoys reading, traveling, horseback riding, and playing Mahjong.

Chari Bush

This year marks Chari Bush’s fifth as an RRP parent and her third as part of our staff! With more than 16 years of experience in Early Childhood Education spanning both in the classroom and administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our school family! Outside of work, Mrs. Bush treasures time with her family, including her two children, and enjoys visits with extended family. She also enjoys walking, traveling, yoga and gardening in her down time. 

Molly Foley

Molly Foley is excited to begin her first year on the 3’s Team at RRP! She brings with her 12 years of teaching experience in elementary schools, where she taught Kindergarten through third grade. As both a current and former RRP parent and now a teacher, Molly has a special connection to our community. In her free time, she enjoys family adventures, staying active outdoors, and especially spending time at the beach.

Mariko Yamaguchi

Mariko Yamaguchi has been at RRP for 34 years!  Not only does she work with our three year olds at RRP, she has been a math teacher for sixth graders at a Japanese school for two decades.  A world traveler, Mrs. Yamaguchi also enjoys building 3D shadow boxes, reading books in Japanese, and quilting.  She is a world traveler and loves to spend time with her grandchildren! 

Molly Marrin

Molly Marrin is excited to join the RRP team this year! She brings valuable experience in Early Childhood Education, having worked with a wide range of ages, with most of her time spent in 3’s through Junior Kindergarten classrooms. Newly engaged this summer, Molly loves spending time with her fiancé, extended family, and their dogs. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and watching sporting events–any and all sports will do! 

Seble Judah

This is Seble Judah’s second year as a full-time member of the RRP team, and this year she is excited to be part of the 3’s classroom after teaching in the 2’s! She has a gift for working with young children and delights in watching their curiosity and abilities blossom in the classroom. With more than 15 years of experience, Mrs. Judah brings both wisdom and joy to her teaching. Outside of RRP, she enjoys gardening, walking her dog Rocky, reading inspirational books, cooking for her family, and listening to classical music.

Sheri Word

Sheri Word is starting her fourth year as a lead teacher at RRP, after first working as an assistant.    A graduate of Lynchburg College and former member of the business world, she returned to school for her Early Childhood Certificate when she discovered her love of working with young children.  In her downtime, Mrs. Word enjoys reading, needlepoint, playing Mahjong, and spending time with her family–including college visits to see her two oldest children!  

Carey Rowland

Carey Rowland has been part of the RRP community for six years and brings with her 13 years of teaching experience in Richmond, Goochland, and Chesterfield. A graduate of VCU, she draws on her wealth of experience to create a nurturing and engaging classroom environment. Outside of school, Mrs. Rowland enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing on long weekends at Lake Gaston.

Lindsay Adamson

Now in her eleventh year at RRP, Lindsay Adamson first joined the community as a parent when both of her children attended preschool here. This fall, her oldest began college! Mrs. Adamson’s love of cooking shines in her classroom through creative edible science projects and fun new recipes, and she also serves as an RRP enrichment planner. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and two labs, especially at the river or the beach, as well as relaxing with music or a good movie.

Liz Thacker

Liz Thacker has been part of the RRP staff for seven years and first connected with the school as a parent when her own children attended. With more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, she has found her perfect place teaching in the Fours. Each summer, Mrs. Thacker brings her creativity to camp planning, designing wonderfully imaginative themes for our little learners. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending relaxing days at the river with her family.

Melanie Butterworth

For the past eight years, Melanie Butterworth has shared her love of teaching with RRP students, a passion she discovered when her own children attended the program. After an earlier career in business management, she dedicated herself to supporting children through years of volunteer work with the PTA, Sunday School, Girl Scouts, and as a substitute teacher. At RRP, Mrs. Butterworth helps plan camps and enrichment activities, bringing a wealth of ideas and creativity from her experiences. She enjoys traveling near and far, beach trips with her dog, exercising, baking, and spending time with friends.

Cherylene Hammond

Married this summer,  Cherylene Hammond has been at RRP for six years.  With over 30 years of early childhood experience, Mrs. Hammond has taught Sunday School, VBS, tons of camps, and worked with Christian Youth Theater.  She has a passion for working with young children and watching them grow.  She enjoys yardwork and being outside, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Katherine Anthes

Katherine Anthes holds a Masters of Education and has been at RRP for 27 years!  With experience in both the private and public sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge on developmentally appropriate practice to the classroom.   We are grateful that she returned as a lead here at RRP this year!.  If she isn’t on an adventure with her five grandchildren, she enjoys gardening, spending time at their family home, beach time, and reading 

Jenny Rennie 

With 24 years at RRP, Jenny Rennie has worked with just about every class here!   If you need to know where something is at RRP, Ms. Rennie is a great one to ask!   When she is not at work, Jennie loves to spend quality time with her family friends, and enjoys taking care of her two granddoggies, Kobe and Charlie! 

Heather Hassig

Heather Hassig is starting her first year at RRP as the Junior Kindergarten teacher!  Before making this transition, she used her masters in education to teach older children English for almost a decade in the public sector.  A mom of both a recent graduate of RRP’s amazing JK program and a current student, she is the perfect fit for the RRP Community! When not working, Mrs. Hassig enjoys writing, reading, traveling, and exploring Richmond with her family.

Leeann Sherrod

With over two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, Leeann Sherrod is excited to join our RRP team.  With a Masters from Longwood, she has worked with children in preschool through fourth grade, and also tutored as a reading coach in Richmond.  Mrs. Sherrod enjoys going to the beach, reading, walking, and spending time with her friends!  She has one daughter in college, and another headed to Italy this fall!

Julia Cassidy is starting her third year at RRP!  A Virginia Tech graduate, her time at RRP has made her love spending her time with young children.  Mrs. Cassidy is flexible and willing to help out with anything and everything at RRP.  She loves spending time with friends and family, enjoying nature, and reading her way through the New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century!

Melissa Reynold is joining our team at RRP as the Music and Movement teacher.  She has taught music in four area preschools as well as teaching private voice lessons.  Her music career has been extensive, as she conducts a children’s choir at Mosley Music Studio, was a Presbyterian Church music director, conducted handbell choir, and has worked with the praise and worship team.  Mrs. Reynold is also a member of the Richmond Symphony Chorus and performs with them regularly.  When not doing something musical, she enjoys travel, reading, walking her dogs, and spending time with family and friends.

Anne Boyd may hold the best title at RRP—Special Ops! In addition to her behind-the-scenes magic, she serves on the administrative team as Afternoon Coordinator and provides support wherever it’s needed. A member of RRP for 17 years, Anne brings her Communication degree from Virginia Tech to good use as the team’s go-to proofreader. RRP also benefits from her love of organizing and attention to detail. Outside of school, Anne enjoys time with her family (especially her grandson!) and her dog, as well as reading, sports, walking, and cooking.  

Kay Starke has been a part of the RRP Community for over 30 years.  Though she has worn many hats, including interim director, she is currently the LIFE teacher for 4’s-JK.  With 6 grandchildren, she keeps busy visiting with family and friends.  In her down time, she enjoys swimming, walking, reading, and going to the movies.

Terry Rees is Coach Terry to all who attend her Fun Fitness Class!  She has been an instructor for Pop, Hop, and Rock for 12 years!  All of our kids here look forward to their special class time with Coach Terry!  In her downtime, she enjoys teaching and taking Barre classes, reading, cooking, and spending time with family (including her two kids in college)!