Christ Church Episcopal Preschool
Our Team
Emily McKinney
Executive Director
Emily McKinney is a graduate of the College of William and Mary with a double major in Elementary Education and English, and a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Masters in Public School Administration. This is Emily’s second year as director with Christ Church Episcopal Preschool and her tenth year being part of the school community as parent, LightKeepers Coordinator, Bike-A-Thon coordinator, face painter extraordinaire, and Board of Directors Member-At- Large. This is her twenty seventh year of working with school aged children as teacher, administrator, and most recently willing volunteer and parent. Helping children develop their creativity, social and emotional skills, and play skills is her passion. As a former elementary school principal, her mission to ensure students are ready for the elementary year challenges is close to her heart. Emily is grateful for the opportunity to partner with families throughout their preschool experience to develop core memories and experiences to serve them for a lifetime. As director, she endeavors to preserve the strong sense of community and commitment to student learning through our thriving Christian setting by creating innovative learning environments based in caring. Emily is happily married with two proud CCEP graduates, and enjoys reading, traveling, and volunteering in her children’s schools, but is happiest when found on a beach surrounded by laughing family and playing children.
Ms. Meg Sterbenz
Assistant Director
Meg has been at CCEP since 2017 as both a staff member and preschool parent. She holds a BA in Foreign Languages from George Mason University with a concentration in Spanish. Before joining the CCEP team, Meg worked as an event planner, PreK teacher, and taught English to underprivileged youth. Meg has 2 children, a yellow lab, and loves photography and playing pickleball.
Mrs. Elizabeth Witt
Preschool Accountant
Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Virginia and this is her 2nd year as CCEP's Accountant. She is the mother to a CCEP graduate and a current student. We are so grateful for all that she does behind the scenes to keep our school running smoothly. Go Hoos!
Mrs. Allison Simon
LightKeeper (PTA) President
Allison Simon has been our LightKeeper (preschool PTA) President since 2023! She is a beloved member of our preschool family and the mother to a CCEP graduate and current student.
Mrs. Kristy Anderson
Two-Year-Old Lead Teacher
​This is Kristy's 10th year at CCEP and her 12th year teaching two-year-olds. She enjoys creating an environment that inspires children and fosters a love of learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Community Services with a minor in Psychology. Kristy is married with two children.
Mrs. Leigh Ann Klosky
Two-Year-Old Assistant Teacher
Leigh Ann is in her 13th year at CCEP. She has her Master's degree in teaching, coupled with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management. She brings to the classroom 15 years of experience working with preschool and elementary-aged students, and 12 years of an auditing career before staying home to raise her family of three children.
Mrs. Damaris Velasco
Two-Year-Old Assistant Teacher
This is Damaris' 3rd year teaching at CCEP but has been connected to the preschool since 2018 as a parent and substitute teacher. She has a Masters in Communication Sciences from Mexico's Monterrey Institute of Technology and almost 20 years of teaching experience. She looks forward to encouraging her class to enjoy a lifetime of learning!
Mrs. Heather Belcher
3 -Year -Old Lead Teacher
This is Heather's 4th year at CCEP and she joins our team with more than 20 years of experience working with learners of all ages and abilities in both public and private schools. She graduated from UVA and received her M.S.Ed in Exceptional Education from Simmons College in Boston. Heather is married with two children and is so excited to join the CCEP team!
Mrs. Tracy Peddicord
3-Year-Old Assistant Teacher
This is Tracy’s 2nd year teaching at CCEP but as a mom of 3 CCEP graduates and frequent substitute, she is a very familiar face on campus. She attended UVA for undergrad and earned her Master’s in Psychology from George Mason. Tracy is looking forward to give her class the best preschool experience and making sure they have fun every day!
Mrs. Marcie Perryman
3-Year-Old Lead Teacher
This is Marcie's 6th year at CCEP as a teacher and holds a BA in Human and Community Services. During the pandemic she supported the CCEP team as a substitute while juggling virtual school with her own children. She has spent the past 7 years in early childhood education. Marcie hopes to play an important role in teaching her class the lesson of independence, kindness and creativity. She is married with 2 children.
Mrs. Kendra Villasana
3-Year-Old Assistant Teacher
This is Kendra’s 4th year teaching at CCEP. She is a former CCEP parent and beloved member of the CCEP family! She enjoys working with preschool aged children and is passionate about finding creative ways to foster independence and help develop critical thinking skills. Kendra strives to make sure that every child in her class feels heard and understands that their feelings, thoughts and opinions are valuable. Kendra is married with two children.
Mrs. Ashley Bradley
3-Year-Old Lead Teacher
This is Ashley’s 4th year teaching at CCEP and she is no stranger to our preschool as her twins are both graduates! She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a minor in Spanish. She spent 11 years employed as an elementary school teacher where she worked with students from varying abilities and backgrounds.
Mrs. Becka Vint
3-Year-Old AssistantTeacher
Becka is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and a minor in Communications. This is her 2nd year teaching at CCEP, but she is no stranger to the preschool classroom having taught for 4 years. She is a mom of 3 and spends her time running between fields, gyms and athletic competitions with her kids
Mrs. Angie Fairman
4 Day PreK Lead Teacher
Angie graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Advertising and a minor in Business/Liberal arts. Angie is in her 7th year at CCEP. She brings so much joy and energy to our PreK class. She understands the value of children learning through hands-on play and truly enjoys working with preschool aged children. Angie is married and a mother of two children.
Mrs. Jennifer Autry
4 Day PreK Assistant Teacher
This is Jennifer's 1st year teaching at CCEP but she is a very famlilar face on campus! She is a mom to a current CCEP student and 2 CCEP graduates.
Mrs. Kristin Coyle
4 Day PreK Lead Teacher
Kristin graduated from James Madison University and has been with us for 15 years in our PreK class. She taught in Hanover county public elementary schools for 10 years and is Special Education certified. She brings expertise, enthusiasm, and a love for working with the preschool aged child. Kristin is married with 3 children.
Ms. Rebecca Cabonor
4 Day PreK Assistant Teacher
Rebecca has been on our team for 4 years holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2005 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rebecca brings 9 years of experience as a social worker where she provided education, referrals, and safety assessments to families and children. She loves working with preschool-aged children and is most excited about providing a safe, nurturing and fun environment for them to learn. She is the mother of 2 children.
Mrs. Melissa Parvizi
4 Day PreK Lead Teacher
This is Melissa’s 2nd year at CCEP! She is a VCU graduate with a Masters of Teaching degree. She has taught 1st grade and is looking forward to her Pre-K class! She is passionate about learning through art, music, movement and equal parts student directed exploration and teacher directed learning. Melissa is married with three children and 3 Holland Lop bunnies!
Mrs. Margaret Dellaripa
4 Day PreK Assistant Teacher
This is Margaret's 4th year at CCEP! She has served as an Assistant Teacher in both our 5 Day JK Class and in PreK! Margaret retired from teaching elementary school and being a school librarian after many years. She is married with two grown sons and dogs and enjoys reading, travel and trying new restaurants in RVA!
Mrs. Jayme Klammer
JK Lead Teacher, 5-Day
Stay tuned for more information about Jayme! This is her first year at CCEP but is a well known and loved member of Christ Church Episcopal and we cannot wait for you to meet her!
Mrs. Christy Kelley
JK Assistant Teacher, 5-Day
This is Christy’s 1st year with CCEP. She is a proud Hokie graduate with a degree in Adult Education. Over the years, Christy has realized she is most fulfilled when working with preschool and elementary aged children. She is thrilled to be joining the JK class, and sharing her excitement of learning. Christy is married and has two grown children.
Mrs. Courtney de Kanter
JK Assistant Teacher, 5-Day
This is Courtney's 1st year at our preschool and she is looking forward to her time in the JK classroom! Courtney is married with 2 children, a pet dog and a pet bird named Charlie.
Mrs. Heather Payne
Music Teacher
This is Heather's 3rd year teaching music Christ Church Episcopal Preschool. She is passionate about exposing our preschoolers to different styles of music, the art of singing, technical musical concepts, and most importantly, a love of working with the early childhood child!​​
Father Ken Malcom
Christ Church Episcopal Rector
Father Ken Malcolm is the Rector of Christ Church Episcopal! He has served parishes and dioceses in Texas, Colorado, and as Program Director for the Diocese of Virginia. We love having him on campus and at Chapel on Thursday mornings. Our preschoolers adore him!
Mr. Adam Williams
Christ Church Episcopal Minister to Families
At both CCE and CCEP Mr. Adam helps grow lasting connections that go beyond the four walls of the church. Adam leads worship; ministers to children, youth, and parents; and plans meaningful discipleship programming for young people. We are blessed to see him on Thursday mornings for chapel!
Mr. Jimmy Hanks
Preschool Sexton
This is Jimmy's 17th year at CCEP! He is a preschool celebrity and always brings a smile to everyone's face! He is grill master and loves to rollerskate! We LOVE Mr. Jimmy!