Meet the Staff

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 18 years, Ms. Boyd 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, Ms. Boyd enjoys time with her family (especially her grandson!) and her dog, as well as reading, sports, walking, and cooking.  

 Caitlin Parker (right)

With a degree in Early Childhood Education, Caitlin Parker has been a lead in the classroom for over 12 years!  She helped to create a unique environment in a birth-age three mixed classroom, and is also a Registered Behavior Technician.  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 (center)

Kate Kendall is excited to begin her second year at RRP!  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 RRP alums, Mrs. Kendall loves cooking, cozying up with a good book, and going on adventures and trips with her family.

Christy Davis (left)

With more than 30 years of experience working in the Early Childhood Education field, Christy Davis is in her 5th year at RRP.  If you thought you saw her on a Sunday morning, you weren’t wrong– She is also the Preschool One teacher for the church!  When she is not working, Mrs. Davis enjoys spending time outside enjoying nature, and spoiling both her fur babies and her family. 

Cabell Harvey (left)

Cabell Harvey is excited to begin her seventh 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.

Melinda Sykes (right)

Melinda Sykes is excited to start her first year at RRP where she will be joining as an Instructional Assistant in the Toddlers class! With a BS from ECU in family communication services and an Infant/Toddler Lead teacher Certification, she joins us with 4 years of experience in the toddler classroom.  We are so excited that she is bring the love of outdoors and student guided exploration to RRP!  She is also the proud aunt of two RRP students. 

Alfreda Beach (left)

Alfreda Beach is starting her third year at RRP and is the  lead Two-Year-Old Teacher in the Tuesday/Thursday class!  With more than five years of experience, she brings fun and engagement to all in her room with one of her favorite topics–Nursery Rhymes!  When not at RRP, she can be found with her 4 boys and husband (The Beach Boys)–usually cheering on one or more from the sidelines!  Mrs. Beach is an amazing cook who enjoys hosting parties as well as the quiet of the beach.

Ellen Mallette (right)

Ellen Mallette is beginning her seventh year at RRP! A VCU graduate and proud RRP parent of three alumni, Mrs. Mallette 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, at one of her kids sporting events, or playing Mahjong with friends.

Ashton Mott (left)

Ashton Mott is beginning her second year at RRP as a lead teacher in our Two’s program! As both an RRP teacher and parent of a current RRP student, she knows firsthand what makes our preschool community so special. She brings a warm, caring presence to her classroom and loves helping her two-year-old students learn, grow, and explore the world around them. Outside of RRP, Mrs. Mott enjoys getting lost in a good book and going on walks. She especially loves spending time with her family and making the most of life’s simple moments!

Maggie Beth Miller (right)

Maggie Beth Miller is excited to start her second year at RRP as an assistant in the 2s class! She has previously worked serving refugee children in Austria, which was an experience that deepened her passion for teaching and supporting young learners.  Ms. Miller 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 (left)

Harrison Ravn is beginning her tenth 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.

Nathalee Deya (right)

Nathalee Deya is excited to officially join the RRP teaching team this year as an assistant in the Two’s class after getting to know our program as a substitute! While she may be new to our Two’s team, Mrs. Deya is certainly not new to working with this age group. A SCAD alum, Mrs. Deya loves all things art and is always creating, exploring, and finding new ways to express her creativity. She is a busy mom who loves spending time with her three-year-old son, exploring books and new adventures together. When she’s not at RRP, you can find Mrs. Deya building her classroom tools, experimenting with new art mediums, and enjoying time with her family.

Brittany Lacy (left)

Brittany Lacy is starting her fourth 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.

Seble Judah (right)

This is Seble Judah’s third year as a full-time member of the RRP team! 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.

Gwen Tilley (right)

Starting her fifth year as a teacher at RRP, Gwen Tilley is a lead on the Three-Year-Old team.  With a BA in religion as well as a graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary, Mrs. Tilley’s love and compassion for each and every child is seen the moment you enter her room.  She is quite the traveler, and enjoys eco-explorations both near and far.  She spends time daily reading her bible, and enjoys art that has nature as its focal point.  Mrs. Tilley likes to cook for her family–especially when its garden season!

Carlene White (left)

Carlene White is beginning her fifth 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 (center)

This year marks Chari Bush’s sixth year as an RRP parent and her fourth as part of our staff! With more than 17 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 (left)

Molly Foley is excited to begin her second 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, Mrs. Foley 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 (right)

Mariko Yamaguchi has been at RRP for more than thirty years!  A valued member of the Three’s team, her certificate in Early Childhood Education gives her a wealth of knowledge that she brings to the classroom.  Mrs. Yamaguchi enjoys working with older children as well, and has been teaching Japanese and mathematics to sixth graders at a Japanese school for over two decades.  When not teaching, Mrs. Yamaguchi enjoys traveling (especially to see her grandchildren), crafting 3D shadow boxes, and sewing quilts.

Molly Marrin (right)

Molly Marrin is excited to start her second year at RRP this year! She previously 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, Ms. Marrin 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! 

Julia Cassidy (left)

Julia Cassidy is starting her forth year at RRP! After wearing many different hats and working with every age group as the permanent substitute last year, she is excited to join the Three-Year-Old team as an assistant teacher this year. She is a graduate from Virginia Tech and loves spending time with friends and family. When she is not at work, you’ll find Ms. Cassidy out enjoying nature and reading her way through the New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century!

Sheri Word (right)

Sheri Word is starting her fifth 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 (left)

Carey Rowland has been at RRP for 7 years on the Three-Year old team, but has been in a classroom for a decade.  A VCU graduate of the education program, Mrs. Rowland taught in both Goochland and Chesterfield counties.  She and her husband spend their weekends at lake Gaston, boating and relaxing on the dock.  Mrs. Rowland enjoys being busy and spending time with friends and family.  She loves reading a good book, shopping, exercising, and traveling.

Lindsay Adamson (left)

Now in her twelfth year at RRP, Lindsay Adamson first joined the community as a parent when both of her children attended preschool here.  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 (right)

Liz Thacker has been part of the RRP staff for eight 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 (right)

Melanie Butterworth, a lead teacher on our four-year-old team, is beginning her ninth year at RRP! She also shares her love of learning through a weekly, hands-on Science Enrichment for our Threes in the afternoons.

Mrs. Butterworth discovered her calling in Early Childhood Education when her own children attended RRP. A University of Richmond alumna, she spent her years in business management finding plenty of ways to nurture that passion—volunteering with the PTA, Girl Scouts, and Sunday School, as well as serving as a substitute teacher. Today, RRP benefits from her wealth of experience, ideas, and creativity both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to teaching, she helps plan our Enrichments and brings lots of fun ideas to summer camp!

Outside of RRP, Mrs. Butterworth enjoys traveling both near and far, beach trips with her family, daily walks with her Goldendoodle, Aubie, and, of course, baking!

Cherylene Hammond (left)

Cherylene Hammond has been at RRP for seven 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 (left)

Katherine Anthes holds a Masters of Education and has been at RRP for 28 years!  With experience in both the private and public sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge on developmentally appropriate practice to the classroom.  When she isn’t on an adventure with her five grandchildren, she enjoys gardening, spending time at their family home, beach time, and reading.

Lauren Sawyer (right)

Lauren Sawyer joins the four-year-old team at RRP this year, but she is certainly not new to our preschool! Mrs. Sawyer first became part of the RRP family when her daughter started preschool here. She began as a substitute teacher before finding her place in the classroom and discovering a passion for early childhood education. She then decided to pursue a career change and went on to earn her ECE certificate! When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Sawyer enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her daughter at local parks. Her family also gets to enjoy the delicious benefits of her love of baking!

 Heather Hassig (right)

Heather Hassig is starting her second year at RRP as the Junior Kindergarten teacher!  Before joining RRP, Mrs. Hassig used her master’s in education to teach older children English for almost a decade in the public sector.  A mom of both a recent graduate 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 (left)

Leeann Sherrod is joining us for her second year at RRP as the Assistant Junior Kindergarten teacher! She has a Masters from Longwood University and has over two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, including working with children in preschool through fourth grade. She also previously tutored as a reading coach in Richmond. When she is not working, Mrs. Sherrod enjoys going to the beach, reading, walking, and spending time with her friends!  She has two daughter and a bernadoodle puppy named Presley!

Anna Duhaime is starting her first year at River Road Preschool as our full-time sub! As a parent of two current students at RRP, along with her experience in both the private and public sectors, she brings a wealth of experience to our program.  Mrs. Duhaime is a licensed educator with an Elementary Education endorsement, and is a trained Orton-Gillingham specialist. When not at work,  she enjoys watching her oldest child play sports, attending local sporting games, and visiting the beach and traveling to Cape Cod.

After 21 years as a lead teacher at RRP, Amy Matney is excited to return to RRP as a permanent substitute! During her years at RRP, she taught children in our Two’s, Three’s, and Four’s programs, bringing her wealth of experience and love for early childhood education to each classroom. After retiring to spend time caring for her grandchildren, she is delighted to be back as part of the RRP team.

With a degree in Early Childhood Education and a background in pediatric social work, Mrs. Matney brings a wonderful understanding of the whole child to her work. She has also shared her love of teaching through Sunday School at the church, and has had the joy of watching all three of her grandchildren come through RRP!

Outside of work, Mrs. Matney enjoys spending time with her family, needlepoint, golfing, and playing mahjong. We are so happy to welcome her back to the RRP family!

Melissa Reynold is starting her second year at RRP as the Music and Movement teacher!  She has previously 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.

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)!