Meet the Staff

Peggy Watkins and Mary Virginia Merithew

Peggy Watkins has been at RRP for 17 years, and her extensive career in Early Childhood Education makes her a wonderful mentor for new teachers to RRP.  A University of Georgia Graduate, Mrs. Watkins was both a preschool director and teacher, parent trainer, adjunct professor, and state professional development provider.  Mrs. Watkins enjoys travel, exercise, spending time with family and friends, and reading.  Her three grandsons are spoiled, and two can be seen at RRP!

Mary Virginia Merithew has been at RRP for more than two decades.  An Ole Miss grad who started in marketing, she found a passion working with the youngest children at RRP.  If not walking her puppy Trooper, she enjoys gym time, reading, baking, and traveling.

Sarah Wade and Bailey Mitchell

Sarah Wade moves to the Pre-Toddlers this year as she simply adores this age group!  In addition to teaching at RRP, Mrs. Wade is a contributor for RVA Parenting and NBC 12 on children’s activities and teaches a Music and Movement class for toddlers.  In her downtime, she loves the great outdoors, travel, and going on adventures with her three children (one at RRP and two alum).

Bailey Mitchell is a first year teacher at RRP, but was a substitute in every age group at the school.  She has two children who attended RRP, and a third who is still a student here.  When not at school, Mrs. Mitchell can be found on the tennis court or turning the pages of a good book.

Cabell Harvey has been at RRP for five years where she was one of the first teachers in the state to train with the LENA Grow program for toddler speech development.  When not at RRP, Mrs. Harvey is with her family of three sons and a dog.  If not cooking or crafting, Mrs. Harvey might be watching sports.  Often it’s her sons competing on the field or the court.

With a Masters in Speech, Denise Saunders joined the Toddler team two years ago. She has been, and still is, an RRP parent of three (1 current, 2 alum).  Her previous time found her working with older children in the public sector and in private therapy.  Mrs. Saunders enjoys beach time with her family, hiking, playing tennis, and going to concerts (she’s a Swiftie!).

While Squiffy Christopher is new to RRP this year, she is not new to Early Childhood Education.  She brings 20 years of experience in the field and knows many of our RRP teachers and families.  Mrs. Christopher enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, and reading.

Wendy Hope has been at RRP for 4 years with a total of 7 years as a teacher.  With a degree in art history, her creativity comes to life in the classroom and in all things nursery rhyme.  Mrs. Hope travels frequently to visit with her grown children abroad.  

Shannon Pendleton has been at RRP for ten years but has spent thirty years in the field of Education since graduating from Radford University with a degree in Education.  Mrs. Pendleton taught older children in both Lynchburg and Henrico, before settling in with the younger children she adores at RRP.  Mrs. Pendleton enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two grown children. 

Kristen Vaught has been at RRP for two years as a teacher but was previously an RRP parent.  After teaching in Hanover County and coaching high school cheer and soccer, she has found her happy place in Early Childhood Education.  Bringing her athletic talents to RRP, she will be Coach Vaught in RRP’s afternoon enrichment program.  Mrs. Vaught enjoys spending her free time coaching on the athletic field and spending time with her husband and three children.

While this is Seble Judah’s second year as a member of RRP’s full time team, she has over fifteen years of experience working with young children.  She loves the littles and is always eager to see what they can do in the classroom.  Mrs. Judah enjoys working in the garden and relaxing by listening to music

A Longwood graduate, Harrison Ravn wears many RRP hats!  Mrs. Ravn starts her fourth year as a Twos lead, teaches JK art, and is starting an art enrichment for our Threes.  Mrs. Raven enjoys urban explorations, reading, and researching art projects for her many classes, with help from her teenage daughter.  Mrs. Ravn enjoys walking her dog, playing tennis, and when time allows, creating her own works of art.

With her undergrad degree from College of Charleston and a Masters in Counseling from the University of Memphis, Blair Barkley herself is a former RRP student!  All three of her children attended RRP, and she has been a part of the teaching team for five years.  She enjoys this age group as it is a key year for growth in children and meeting milestones.  Mrs. Barkley enjoys attending concerts and traveling with her husband and children.

A VCU grad, Ellen Mallette has been a part of the RRP teaching team for five years.  Her own children attended RRP, and Mrs. Mallette has worked in many classrooms and in all age groups.  Mrs. Mallette enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and three children, as well as playing tennis and pickleball.

A Liberty University Education graduate, Brittany Lacy moved from an RRP substitute to join our full time team this year.  Her background in Special Education gives her a foundation of patience, and she has always enjoyed working with young children.  Mrs. Lacy loves all things outdoors–gardening, hiking, camping, and skiing.  Her quiet time is filled with music, reading, and crafting. 

Julia Cassidy joined the RRP team just last year as a sub and quickly became a long term sub!  A Virginia Tech graduate, her time as a camp counselor with Adventure Walkers, gave her a love for melding education with hands-on learning fun.  Mrs. Cassidy is a writer and assists with layout and design of print materials at RRP.  Mrs. Cassidy enjoys time with her family, reading, running….and more writing.

While Anne Miller may be new to RRP this year, she has been in education for over thirty years in both the private and public sectors, Kindergarten-High School.  With certificates in reading and ESL, she is excited to spend time with her young students.  Mrs. Miller enjoys spending time with her family and dog, and travels with her grown children.  Her days are full with gardening, walking, volunteering, baking, and knitting.

Gwen Tilley has been at RRP for two years. In addition to her work with Threes, Mrs. Tilley is often working with children at her home church aided by her education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Children’s Ministry certification. When not in the classroom,  she loves gardening, walking, and is always up for an outdoor experience–lighthouses, ferry rides, historic buildings, and more!

While Carlene White has been a teacher at RRP for three years, she was an RRP parent for ten!  When her youngest entered Kindergarten, she couldn’t bear to leave and joined the RRP team.  Mrs. White enjoys traveling with her family, curling up with a good read, and riding horses. 

While it is Chari Bush’s fourth year as an RRP parent and second on staff, she has spent the last 15 years in the world of Early Childhood Education!  From administration to classroom, her experience is vast.  When not working, Mrs. Bush’s time is filled with her family, including two children, and extended family visits.  She enjoys shopping, crafts, and gardening!

Mariko Yamaguchi has been at RRP for 33 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 and quilting.

While Alfreda Beach is starting her first year at RRP, she has spent 12 years working with children of all ages.  Her time is spent with her husband and four boys who are all spread out across the greater Richmond area – The University of Richmond, Randolph Macon, Freeman, and St. Christopher’s.  Mrs. Beach can be found on a field or a court cheering them on or in the kitchen whipping something up.

With a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia, Joanna Prohn has been at RRP for four years, joining when her children still attended RRP.  Mrs. Prohn previously worked in public schools in both Virginia and North Carolina and created preschool lesson plans for others in conjunction with JMU.  Mrs. Prohn enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her husband and two children, and exploring the outdoors.

On the RRP staff for five years, Kristen Burden is also a former RRP parent.  Mrs. Burden is always filling in behind the scenes, and has found her niche in the Three’s with Mrs. Prohn.  Mrs. Burden has two daughters, and she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. 

Sheri Word is starting her fifth year at RRP.  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, travel, and spending time with her family and pets.

Carey Rowland has been at RRP for five years, but prior to that, she taught JK and Kindergarten in Chesterfield County for thirteen years.  A VCU graduate, her experience is evident in the classroom.  In her downtime, Mrs. Rowland enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and visits to Lake Gaston and the beach.

Lindsay Adamson is starting her tenth year at RRP, but before that, both of her children attended preschool at RRP.  Mrs. Adamson’s love of cooking is evident in the amount of edible science activities her class enjoys, and she is an RRP enrichment planner.   When not at the river or beach with family and pups, Mrs. Adamson enjoys watching her children participate in sports and travel.

Liz Thacker has been on the RRP staff for 6 years where her children also attended preschool.  With more than 8 years of experience educating young children, she is right where she should be in the Fours.  Mrs. Thacker has a full summer as an RRP camp planner.  When not working or helping her family, Mrs. Thacker enjoys travel and down time at the river with her family. 

Melanie Butterworth found her passion for young children as she worked on her double major at the University of Richmond in courses that focused on Child Psychology. With over 20 years of working with children in various capacities, Mrs. Butterworth has two grown children who attended RRP.  River Road Church (RRC) is also her church family!  Mrs. Butterworth is an RRP camp and enrichment planner.  Her two furry pups Doodle and Aubie get lots of cuddles and love with daily walks, and Mrs. Butterworth loves her family times at the beach and travel.

With over 30 years of early childhood care and instruction, there isn’t an age group Cherylene Hammer hasn’t experienced.  Even outside of the classroom, Mrs. Hammer has taught Sunday School, VBS, tons of camps, and worked with Christian Youth Theater.  If she isn’t shopping or working in her yard, you may find Mrs. Hammer traveling or spending time with her family.

With 33 years in education, there isn’t much licensed educator and Reading Specialist Amber McClain hasn’t done.  While she has served in many teaching capacities, her heart is with the PK students at RRP.  She enjoys being with her three grown children when they visit, and spends quiet moments painting and reading.  The not so quiet moments find her playing with her three dogs, running, and kayaking.

Katherine Anthes holds a Masters of Education, which has been put to good use in various teaching roles during her 25 years at RRP.  If she isn’t looking for a great find in a thrift store or spending time in her garden, Mrs. Anthes can be found spending time with her family.  Her four grandchildren keep her on the go!

 Laura Murphy has been teaching at RRP for four years, and her Masters in Education from the College of Charleston and prior elementary school experience shows in the creative and challenging curriculum in which the students in our Junior Kindergarten program engage.  Crafting with her twin daughters fills Mrs. Murphy’s crafting hobbies, and she enjoys time with family on the water at the beach or the lake.  Always one to organize, Mrs. Murphy enjoys re-arranging and making the most out of spaces! 

With a CDA and 18 years experience at RRP, Jenny Rennie loves being with our Junior Kindergarten class!  If it’s hands-on in the courtyard, that’s where you’ll find Jenny. When she is not at work, Jennie loves to spend time with her family, go to the beach, and travel.

Kelsey Fort is the one person who works with every child at RRP as our Music and Movement Teacher.  Now, she also works with every family in an administrative role in the office each afternoon!  With a degree in Psychology, she is a fourth year teacher at RRP, where her children have attended.  When not at RRP, Mrs. Fort enjoys painting, playing with her son and daughter, traveling, board games, and camping.

Anne Boyd is known as Special Ops here at RRP–where she has her hands in just about everything!  It fits the various roles she has had in her 15 years at RRP, and her BA in Communications from Virginia Tech is put to good use keeping our crew straight.  Mrs. Boyd enjoys spending time with her family, especially her new grandson.  Inside or out, you may find Mrs. Boys cooking, reading a good book, watching sports, playing pickleball, and gardening  

The best always comes back to RRP! Kay Starke returned to our staff two years ago as our Life Teacher for the PreK and JK classes. In 2021, she retired after 28 years on the staff after holding a variety of positions including Lead Teacher and Life Teacher. We are so thankful that she returned to share her unique energy in storytelling, connecting to children, and guiding behaviors.  When she can, she pops into her grandchild’s class at RRP.

Terry Rees is our Fun Fitness Guru!  Coach Terry has been with Pop, Hop and Rock for a decade and has 22 years experience teaching group exercise.  With a Masters of Education from VCU in School Counseling, she sees the unique traits of each and every child.  When she isn’t teaching, Coach Terry enjoys spending time with her family and friends, including her own furry dogs.  She enjoys line dancing, reading, and cooking