Our Team

Our staff of educational leaders provides a safe, exciting, and nurturing environment for kids to learn in. 

Lauren Hess

Director

Lauren has a passion for learning and teaching young children. She graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2012. She then worked in the Washington County Public School System until 2016 when she took a leave of absence to stay home with her little boys. Now that her children are older and ready for school, Lauren is excited to start and grow JayDee’s Academy. JayDee’s holds a special place for Lauren, as this is where she met her husband. She is thrilled that she gets to pursue her dreams and goals in a place that she holds so dear to her heart! Lauren is actively pursuing her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She anticipates to complete her degree in December 2024.

  • Shepherd University Graduate
  • Masters of Early Childhood Education and Special Education
  • Certified Food Handler Manager
  • Certified in CPR, First Aid & Medication Administration
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ALISHA BOGGESS

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Alisha’s passion is working with young children. With a plethora of experience from daycare to fourth grade, she enjoys educating the whole child. She enjoys seeing the light of understanding in her students’ eyes. She strives to enable her students to be well prepared for their next step in their academic process. In her free time, she enjoys lighthouse climbing, visiting her grandson, and teaching young children at her church.

  • Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
  • Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
  • Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and a minor in Early Childhood Education
  • Certified in CPR, First Aid & Medication Administration

Tia Ross

Pre-K Teacher (Ages 4-5)

Tia has a superpower for working with children. She is entering her 4th year as a JayDee’s Academy educator. With lots of experience as a lead teacher, she has many skills to assist her students to learn, make friends, and have a fun time. She is such an asset to our program as she prepares these kiddos for the school setting. In her free time, she enjoys spending family time with her three children, dog Skye, cooking, singing, and writing poetry.

  • Experienced Lead Teacher
  • Enrolled in CDA Courses
  • Certified in CPR, First Aid & Medication Administration

Brittnee Porterfield

Assistant Teacher

Brittnee has always had a passion for working with students in the classroom setting. Watching them learn and grow is just an awesome thing to be a part of. She graduated in 2018 from West Virginia University with a Bachelors Degree in Education & Human Services. She has several years working with students as she is a previous ABA therapist, teaching assistant, & substitute teacher. In her spare time you will find her enjoying time with her two little girls.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Education & Human Services
  • Enrolled in CDA Courses
  • CPR/First Aid Certified

Angela Pesca

Assistant/Enrichment teacher

Angela is a devoted educator that brings magic to the classroom. She connects with students on a deep level to develop postive relationships. She enriches our classrooms with Spanish classes for all and other encore classes like art and music for kindergarten. 

  • Spanish Enrichment Teacher
  • Enrolled in CDA Courses
  • Certified in First Aid & CPR

Jadyn Washington

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Jadyn is an assistant teacher that has always had a passion for furthering the education of our youth. She has many years of experience working with children in child care, and is currently trying to further her career. She is enrolled at Shepherd University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and hopes to also complete the requirements for her Master’s degree directly after receiving her Bachelor’s. In her free time, she enjoys working out and spending time with her family. 

  • Enrolled in Elementary Education Studies
  • CPR/First Aid Certified

Vivan Young

ASSISTANT TEACHER

Vivian has always been eager to work with children with teaching as a goal of hers, which led her to join the JayDee’s Academy team. She likes to make a difference in children’s lives, whether that is helping a 2-year-old grown and develop skills, or guiding high school students to prepare for their futures. Her calm demeanor creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe and encouraged to explore their imaginations. Vivian is currently enrolled at HCC in Early Childhood Education.

  • Enrolled in Early Childhood Education
  • Certified in First Aid & CPR