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
- Currently Enrolled in Masters of Early Childhood Education and Special Education
- Certified Food Handler Manager
- Certified in CPR, First Aid & Medication Administration
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
- Certified in CPR, First Aid & Medication Administration
Kylee Sine
Pre-K TEACHER (AGES 4-5)
Kylee is an engaging and hands-on learning teacher. She has worked at JayDee’s Academy for 3 years in various positions- pre-k assistant and 2-year-old teacher, and has now moved up to a Pre-K teacher. She thrives to make the kids excited about their learning by incorporating lots of sensory, songs, and crafts into her teaching. She has truly found her calling and has begun her elementary education degree. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and spending time at Disney.
- Currently enrolled in Early Education
- Certified Food Handler Manager
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration
KYRSTIN MITCHELL
TEACHER (AGE 3)
Kyrstin has always had a passion for helping children. She graduated from Shepherd University in 2021 with her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. She has worked with children for most of her life including being a nanny, babysitting, and working in daycares.
More recently she worked with the Behavioral Support Unit in Washington County Public Schools learning new skills for de-escalation and behavioral techniques. In Kyrstin’s free time she enjoys playing with her two dogs and loves to read. She is excited to start this new journey with the JayDee’s Academy.
- Experienced in Positive Behavior Support
- Bachelor's Degree in social work
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention Intervention
Kaitlyn Benner
Teacher (Age 3)
Kaitlyn has a passion for young children. Since a young age, she has had the opportunity to work with many children and strives to be a role model for little ones. She thrives on teaching children to grow their imaginations through hands-on play and engaging lessons. She enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones, shopping, and babysitting.
- Experienced Lead
- Certified in First Aid & CPR
Rachael Drain
Teacher (Age 2)
Rachael graduated from Fairmont State University in 2015 with her Applied Sciences degree. She has about 8 years of experience in daycare working with infants to school-aged children, but preschool age has always been her favorite. She has experience as a Registered Behavioral Therapist working with children on the Autism Spectrum. Seeing children learn and develop in the classroom on a daily basis is her absolute highlight of each day. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and listening to music. She plans to pursue her Early Childhood Education degree in the future.
- Experienced Lead Teacher
- Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science
- CPR/First Aid Certified
JENNYCA WILHELM
TEACHER (AGE 2)
Jennyca has a love for educating young minds. She has 11 years of experience working in childcare with infants through preschool-aged children. She is dedicated to continuously learning about child development and pursuing her goals in Early Childhood Education. She is currently studying for her Associate’s Degree as an Early Childhood Specialist at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. She is committed to expanding her knowledge to provide a meaningful learning environment for all the children, focusing on independence, respect, and fun. Additionally, she loves crafting, hiking, and spending time with her family.
- Enrolled in Associate’s Classes for Early Childhood Specialist
- Certified in First Aid & CPR
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
- 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
- Certified in First Aid & CPR
EMILEE BENSON
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Emilee has always loved children- she believes they’re such a bright light in this world. She graduated from Blue Ridge CTC in May 2023 with her Associate’s degree in Elementary Education, and is working towards her Bachelors! She has several years of experience in childcare, whether it be babysitting, daycare, or nannying. She was a 2-year-old teacher at our Academy for a year and is now one of our assistant teachers as she finishes her Bachelor’s Degree.
She strives to create an inclusive, colorful, and inspiring learning environment for all of her students. She incorporates lots of music, art, and visual aids into lessons. In her free time, Emilee enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and cats, enjoying nature, making art, and going to concerts.
- Associates in Early Childhood Education
- Enrolled in Elementary Education Studies
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Amy Thompson
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Ms. Amy has a heart for children and strives to make connections with students and their families. She has many years of experience with children and helps in all areas within the program. She is enrolled in college classes working on her Bachelor’s degree to pursue a career in counseling. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family,
- Certified in First Aid & CPR
Ms. Jada Simmons
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Ms. Jada has several years of experience working with children in childcare and as a substitute teacher. She recently was a long-term sub for Loudoun County Public Schools. She seeks connections with her students and families. She is currently enrolled in college classes to pursue and education degree.
- Enrolled in Elementary Education Studies
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Ms. Madii Whitmore
Academy Cook
Madii has a lot of experience working in commercial kitchens. She diligently serves our Academy students and staff snack and lunch daily. She is an important piece to our program as she takes care of all nutritional needs and helps keep our facility tidy and clean. She enjoys working in the preschool setting as she wishes to pursue her career as a kindergarten teacher. In her free time she likes to spend time with her friends, family, and animals.
- ServSafe Certified
- Certified in First Aid & CPR
Katelyn Boffi
Assistant Teacher
Katelyn Boffi is an assistant teacher and a summer camp teacher. She is enrolled at Longwood University studying Elementary Education/ Special Education. Katelyn has a calming presence and shares that with the students that she works with. She enjoys being around kids as well as horses. She has volunteered for a therapeutic riding program in Fredericksburg, VA for many years. In her free time she enjoys being at the barn with her horses and has ridden horses for over 10+ years!
- Currently enrolled in Early Education
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and Lifeguarding