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!
- Shepherd University Graduate
- Certified in CPR, First Aid & Medication Administration
Tia Ross
Pre-K Teacher (Ages 4-5)
Tia has a superpower for working with 2 and 3 year olds. 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
Kyrstin Murphy
Teacher (Ages 3-4)
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
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention Intervention
- Bachelor's Degree in social work
Erica Anderson
Teacher (Age 3)
Erica has a strong understanding of development and creativity in early childhood. She studied Elementary Education from James Madison University, graduated from American Public University Systems with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood, and holds a career certificate in Early Childhood Care from Laurel Ridge Community College. Erica also holds a mastery level certificate in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) for Early Childhood Educators. She has worked in the education field for 8 years.
Previously, she worked in the Preschool program for Frederick County Public Schools. Erica enjoys the outdoors and camping with her husband, and two children. She is excited to be a part of the JayDee’s school family!
- Associates in Early Childhood Education
- Career Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- Mastery Level LETRS Certificate
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Emilee Benson
Teacher (Age 2)
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 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
Kylee Sine
Teacher (Age 2)
- Currently enrolled in Early Education
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and Lifeguarding
Payton Hopkins
Assistant Teacher
Payton has worked with children of all ages for 2 years now. Her favorite part about working with kids is learning how their minds work, and helping them expand their knowledge. She is majoring in pre- med, and minoring in childhood studies. During her free time she enjoys to read and workout.
- Enrolled in Pre-Med and Childhood Studies
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Veronica Valera
Assistant Teacher
Veronica is an assistant teacher that helps in all of the classrooms. She loves to engage with the children and create a fun learning environment. She is currently enrolled in classes to become a nurse. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, nature adventures with her family and friends, and traveling.
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding
Melissa Davis
Assistant Teacher
Melissa Davis is an assistant teacher with our aftercare through the school year and manages our cafe through the summer. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughters and grandbabies.
- Certified in CPR and First Aid
Robin Faircloth
Assistant Teacher
Robin Sine is an assistant teacher and cafe manager through the school year. She keeps our kitchen running smoothing through the school-year preparing all of our delicious meals, and even our special event snacks for the kiddos. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, Disney, and adventures with her family.
- Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding
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
