Front Office
Ansley Hall
Preschool Director
Ansley Hall has been the director at JCBC Preschool since 2018. She is originally from the Johns Creek, GA area and feels very blessed to be serving in the community where she grew up. Ansley has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education and has experience teaching both elementary school and preschool. She lives in Cumming with her husband and two children, Bennett and Emory. Ansley is an Auburn graduate and you will find her cheering on her Auburn Tigers every Saturday in the fall! She enjoys playing tennis, taking her labradoodle on walks, and traveling with her family. Working alongside the families and teachers at JCBC Preschool brings her so much joy! If you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year please don’t hesitate to contact her!
Tonya Kennedy
Director’s Assistant
Ms Tonya has been at JCBC Preschool since 2019 as the 2’s lead teacher and last year as lead in one of our Pre-K classes. She is a native of Michigan and moved here from Cincinnati in 2018 where she and her family lived for 18 years. Her husband Ben grew up in Atlanta and they have two daughters, Georgia - 23 years old and Piper- 14 years old. Tonya has a bachelors in communication from Western Michigan University and has worked as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines for 15 years. After flying the friendly skies she took a break to raise her daughters and then became a preschool teacher which she has been enjoying doing for the last 10 years. She also loves cooking, traveling, cheering on the GA Bulldogs and paddle boarding with her two Boykin Spaniel dogs, Belle and Grits out on Lake Lanier. She can’t wait to welcome you and your child every morning as you come to our preschool!
Karen Self
Administrative Assistant
Karen Self has served as our Administrative Assistant since 2018. She is a native of South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Converse College and a Masters Degree in Music from the University of Tennessee. She is also a National Board-certified teacher. She taught music in Fulton County Schools for 35 ½ years before retiring in 2018. She and her husband’s family are founding members of JCBC. She lives in Cumming with her husband and college age son. She also has a married son and daughter in-law. She enjoys cooking, reading, crocheting and playing the piano. Her favorite thing about our preschool is getting to know all the children and their families.
Ones and Young 2s Teachers
Kelsey Hudson
Ones/Young 2s Lead Teacher
Hello JCBC family, my name is Kelsey B Hudson and I am happy to join in for my first year as the ones/young 2s lead teacher! I have over 10 years experience in the childcare scene from children’s fitness classes, yoga, direct teaching, classroom development, children’s events and birthday parties. I have been blessed to be in a few leadership roles in the past few years as well. I have grand opened and developed three different drop off child care centers and hosted many team training events specifically for making child care learning safe and fun. With a passion for being a role model and a strong relationship with God, I genuinely enjoy serving children and parents. In my spare time, I enjoy singing loudly to all types of music, reading and spending time with my pet bunny rabbit at home named Symba!
Lauren Reynolds
Ones T/TH Assistant Teacher and Fun Friday Assistant
I am so excited to be joining JCBC Preschool! For 6 years I was the head coordinator/coach for a soccer based child development program in Illinois. I moved to Georgia in 2010 and after 5 years here I was blessed with children and became a stay at home mom! I have a son who is 9 and a daughter who is 7. My hobbies include reading, fishing, hiking, and kayaking! I am so grateful and looking forward to a wonderful year!
Sandra Galarza
Young 2s Assistant Teacher
My name is Sandra Galarza, I am originally from Colombia. I am very happy to continue being the assistant teacher in the Young 2s class, this is my second year with this class, and our family has been part of JCBC since 2021. We love the preschool and it has always been an extension of our family and a wonderful and loving place for our son Mateo, now he will start Kindergarten. I studied Fashion Design and I have a master's degree in Design and Visual merchandising from the European Institute of Design in Barcelona, Spain. I have worked in the Fashion industry for a while but when my son was born I decided to stay at home and dedicate myself completely to him. The best job in the world being a mom! I love children, playing with them and being able to teach them about Jesus and see them smile and learn new things every day. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, Zumba class, walking and seeing beautiful landscapes and going to the beach.
2s and Young 3s Teachers
Leslie Glass
2s M/W/F Lead Teacher
I am jumping for joy into my third year at JCBCP in the Busy Bees class! I absolutely love this preschool and all of our teachers, staff, kids and families!! I am going imto my first year as an empty nester and feeling all the feels with it! I am a blessed mommy of three awesome kids! My son is 20, going into his third year of college and I have twin girls, who are 18 and going into their freshman year. All three will be TOGETHER at KSU, which definitely helps my mama heart! My husband is a CTO for a software company and we have been married for 27 years! In my free time, you will definitely find me playing tennis, out on our boat, gardening or eating mexican food! Looking forward to another special year at this wonderful place I'm lucky enough to work at! See you at the carpool line!
Thandi Buddo
2s M/W/F Assistant Teacher and 2s T/Th Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Thandi, and I am excited to be returning to JCBC Preschool in the 2s class. It will be my second year as the assistant teacher for the M/W/F class and my first year as lead teacher for the T/Th class. I can’t wait to meet all the new “Busy Bees”! I am originally from Jamaica, where I practiced medicine for 15 years, before moving with my family to the US in early 2020. I was blessed with the opportunity to stay at home with my girls for a few years and begin transitioning into Health & Wellness Coaching. I have been married for almost 20 years, and I have 3 beautiful girls (ages 9,14 and 17 years), with my eldest just starting her freshman year at Mercer University. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking / baking and spending time with my family. I look forward to getting to know you all and to having a spectacular school year!
Rachel Grande
2s T/Th Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Rachel Grande and I'm so excited to be joining the JCBC family this year! I'm an Atlanta native - born and raised in Duluth - and now live in Suwanee with my husband, two daughters (5 and 1 years old), and two cats. My hobbies include playing (and watching) soccer, painting, and spending time with my family. I have my Bachelors of Exercise Science from Georgia Southern University and my Masters of Exercise Science from Life University. I worked in cardiology for 6 years before making the move to JCBC! I have always loved working with kids, whether it's been babysitting, in the church nursery or helping with summer camps. I am looking forward to a great year with the 2s!
Brittany Schmaus
Young 3s Lead Teacher
My name is Brittany Schmaus and I am thrilled to be the new lead teacher for your children. I have been the Young 2's Assistant for the last two years. I have three children Conner (11), Savannah (9) and Parker (6) who were all students at JCBC Preschool. I am looking forward to getting to know each of your children and creating a fun and engaging learning environment for them. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Rebecca McCullough
Young 3s Assistant Teacher
Ms. Rebecca is thrilled to be returning to JCBC Preschool as the Young 3’s assistant. This is her favorite age group to work with, and she loves seeing how much they grow, learn and develop over the course of the school year. Originally from Alabama, Ms. Rebecca has lived in Johns Creek for the past 20 years with her husband, Jeff, and their two teenage daughters, Ava and Brynn. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education & Special Education and a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. After working for 14 years as a Special Education teacher she was blessed to be able to stay home with her daughters for several years before coming to JCBC. In her free time she enjoys traveling, attending her daughters’ sporting events and activities and spending time with family and friends.
3s and Young 4s Teachers
Virginia Moore
3s T/W/Th Lead Teacher
Ms Virginia is the 3s T/W/Th lead teacher. She graduated from UGA with an art education degree and from UAB with her masters in counseling before becoming a mom. She has lived all over including time as a missionary in France. She currently lives in Suwanee with her husband and their 4 kids. Virginia has taught preschool for 7 years previously. She is excited to start her 5th year at JCBC Preschool. When she’s not teaching she loves making art, walking, and hanging out with her family and her son’s sweet service dog.
Angela Berninger
3s T/W/Th Assistant Teacher
Ms. Angela's teaching experiences include a range of positions spanning from preschoolers to elementary students. She graduated from Oral Roberts University with a masters in TESL and a BS in English Bible. Ten years ago, her husband and three children moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Johns Creek. She is looking forward to another wonderful year serving the families of JCBC Preschool. When she is not cheering on her children, she likes to relax with a good book and a warm cup of tea.
Ashley McTall
3s M-Th Lead Teacher
Ms.Ashley has been a member of the JCBC Preschool family as a mom, room mom, board member, and teacher since its opening in 2013. She has been teaching with us since 2017, and both her son, Cooper, and her daughter, Rooney, attended JCBCP. Ashley graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, children, and Mini Aussie, Tucker; cheering on Cooper at the hockey rink and football field, or with Rooney at the dance studio. She enjoys: being outside, reading, coffee, travel, photography, DIY projects, and is an active member of Northpoint Community Church.
Jenn Hayes
3s M/W Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Jennifer or Miss Jenn. This is my first year at Johns Creek Baptist Preschool and I’m so excited to be here! I have lived in the Johns Creek area for 17 years, but I am originally from Gwinnett County. I attended the University of Georgia where I got a BBA in General Business. My husband and I have been married for 23 years and have 3 amazing children: Tyler, Grant, and Avery. We also have two crazy dogs, Bailey and Cooper. I love to play tennis, be on the lake, and hang with my family and friends. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year with your awesome children!
Kelby McMahon
3s T/Th Assistant
Ms. Kelby is so excited to join the JCBC Staff as an assistant teacher in the 3’s class! Her family has been a part of the JCBC preschool since 2017. 3 out of her 4 children have attended JCBC! Ms. Kelby is originally from southern California and now loves it in Georgia. It is her joy to watch her 4 children grow and be a part of their learning. She has spent 8 years on the Elementary school PTO and recently served 2 years as PTO President. Ms, Kelby enjoys watching her children compete in cheer, baseball, and gymnastics. She loves dates with her husband Hunter and stays sane by running crazy miles. She has 2 marathons on calendar this year! Ms. Kelby loves being outside and playing and can’t wait to play with the Happy Campers!
Heather McGuire
3s M-Th Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Heather McGuire and I’m delighted to join JCBP this year. I have my Masters in Elementary and Montessori Education and, after staying home with my daughters & a freelance writing career, I’m thrilled to be getting back into the classroom. Originally from Cincinnati, I moved to Johns Creek seven years ago with my husband, Ryan, and our daughters, Emma and Kate. Emma is an Elementary Education major at KSU. And Kate will be starting her freshman year at UGA this fall, studying psychology. We will be true empty nesters and we’re excited (and sometimes weepy) about this next chapter. I love playing tennis, cooking, reading, and cheering on my Cincinnati Bengals. And I can’t wait to root for the Georgia Bulldogs! I’m looking forward to getting to know your children, working with such an amazing group of people, and being a part of the JCBP Family!
Sandra Rhie
3s M-Th Assistant Teacher
My name is Sandra and I'm excited to join JCBC family this year! I'm originally from California and have served many years in my community thru Children's Ministry. I have a daughter (3) and a son (8). In my free time I enjoy traveling, doing art and crafts with my kids and going to the gym. I'm looking forward to teaching and being part of the family.
June Akers
Young 4s Lead Teacher
June has over 20 years of teaching in elementary schools, private piano lessons, tutoring, preschool, and middle school. She has a BS in Elementary Education and a MA in Instructional Leadership. She also is an award-winning children's author. However, her favorite job is being a mom! She and her husband, Brandon, have been married for 20 years and have the coolest kids. Their daughter, Riley, is 19. Lawson, their oldest son, is 15. McGuire is 12, and their youngest is Zander. Zander is 5 and will be attending JCBC. When she is not teaching, writing, or having fun with her family you will find her reading books, playing the piano or exercising. You will probably find her sneaking chocolate and sweets from her pantry too, but don't tell her children.
Jennie Lee
Young 4s Assistant Teacher
My name is Jennie and I'm so excited to be teaching at JCBC this year! I have over 8 years of teaching experience with young toddlers up to high school students. I just recently moved to Georgia from New Jersey and I'm loving it so far! My daughter, Hazel attended JCBCP last year and is in Kindergarten this year. I'm looking forward to this year and I feel so honored to be part of the JCBC family!
Pre-k and Young 5s Teachers
Stacey Eslinger
Pre-k M-Th Lead Teacher
Welcome to the Twinkle Stars Class! This will be Ms. Stacey’s 8th year teaching at JCBC Preschool and her 15th year teaching preschool. She is originally from Georgia, however she spent 10 years in Colorado and 2 years in Birmingham, AL before finding her way back home! She has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Early Childhood teaching certificate. She lives in Cumming with her husband of 22 years and two children, Emma and Ashley. She is blessed to be a part of JCBC Preschool and enjoys watching her students grow academically and shine for Jesus!
Meredith Jain
Pre-K M-Th Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Meredith Jain, and I’ll be Ms. Stacey’s assistant this year. I’ve lived in Georgia since I was 12 and grew up in the Dunwoody area. My husband, Vik and I are currently raising our four kids in Johns Creek. I graduated with my Bachelor’s from the University of Georgia, and then my Master’s in Public Health at Georgia State. I’ve been a stay at home mom since the birth of my first born 17 years ago! My youngest, Bodhi, will begin Pre-k this year with Ms. Angel. You can always find me cheering for my kids on a baseball or soccer field or my GA Dawgs at a football game. I’m really looking forward to helping all the children have a fun year of learning at JCBC Preschool!
Angel Ritz
Pre-k M-Th Lead Teacher
Hello! My Name is Angel Ritz and I’ve been teaching in a preschool setting for 16 years. I was born and raised in Ohio and moved to California after graduating from high school. I attended Saddleback College and received my teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. I lived in California for 14 years where I met my husband Anthony and got married. In 2019 we moved to Georgia and bought a home, and a year later had our son Michael, who is now 4 years old. My hobbies are sewing, baking, cardio dancing, and spending time with my family. My son Michael attended JCBC last year and now will be moving on to Pre-K at Findley Oaks Elementary School. I will be entering my second year of teaching Pre-K at JCBC. I can’t wait to start this year getting to know all my students and families. Here’s to an amazing school year full of laughter, learning, fun, and lots of blessings.
Nicky Dallin
Pre-K M-Th Assistant Teacher
Hi there! I’m Ms. Nicky and I’m so excited to join the team at JCBC Preschool! After earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University, I’ve enjoyed 8 years in education most recently working with Pre-K. My husband and I are raising our two children and mini schnauzer here in Johns Creek. I love the ocean, scuba diving, free diving, making art, building LEGO and most of all spending time with my family. I can’t wait to meet your sweet children and share this precious time of growth and learning!
Rachel Medcalf
Young 5s Lead Teacher
Hey Y’all! My name is Rachel Medcalf and I am thrilled to be the lead teacher for the Young 5s class. I am a Georgia native and attended Toccoa Falls College, in Toccoa, Georgia for a degree in Early Childhood Education. After college, I taught PreK, in the Newton County School System. Over the past 35 years, I’ve had various teaching experiences including teaching PreK for 1/2 day and a fine arts high school class at a private Christian school, 4th grade math and PreK 3 year old class, in two separate homeschool hybrids, Suzuki violin lessons, 4 year old Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and tutored & directed multiple ages with the homeschool group, Classical Conversations, Inc. My husband, Kevin, & I will, Lordwilling,celebrate 30 years of marriage this coming June. I left the public school system to stay home with, and eventually homeschool our 3 children. I homeschooled until the fall of 2019! Our oldest son (25), graduated from UGA & married in 2023, our only daughter (23) is working & taking online classes, and our youngest son (16) is a junior at Fideles Christian School. When time allows, I enjoy watching my son play football, work in my yard or vegetable garden or just be outside, knit something simple, paint or creatively craft, organize or declutter (or both), go on walks or play on the lake, and watch the Braves or the Dawgs, with my family. I hope to encourage my students to be life-long learners. I am excited to share what the Lord has done for me and give Him thanks for this opportunity to teach and lead these young 5s.
Karen Ogden
Young 5s Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Karen Ogden. I am very excited to join JCBC and enjoy the energy and inquisitiveness of young children. Originally, from New York, I have now lived in Georgia for 28 years. I currently live in Alpharetta. I graduated with a B.S. from Miami Ohio. My background is in Corporate Customer Service, Training and New Client Implementation. This V.P. role lead me to many exciting Cities and Countries. When my girls were born, Natalie (19) and Amelia (17), it was time to focus on them. I was a very involved volunteer at Brookwood Elementary, Lambert Booster Club Board member and I have my own party business for boys and girls called Glamp Tee-Pee. My husband, Mark and I enjoy watching our girls play tennis, run Cross Country and Track. We like to travel and be outdoors. We have two cats, Monty and Brady.
Special Teachers and Fun Friday
Michelle Cleary
Fitness, Science, and Fun Fridays Lead Teacher
Hi there! I am Ms. Michelle and this is my fifth year teaching science and fitness and first year teaching Fun Fridays at JCBC Preschool. Both of my younger children attended JCBCP. I’m originally from Oregon, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Management, Dietetics option, from Oregon State University. I spent a year on exchange at the University of Georgia and after finishing my degree at Oregon State, I decided to move back to Georgia permanently. I live in Cumming with my husband, Joe, and have four children: Owen (18), Wyatt (16), Finn (9) and Violet (7) and two dogs, Scout and Stella. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, our dogs, and our friends as well as going to the beach, hiking, teaching group fitness, gardening, crafting, cooking and reading. I look forward to another amazing year at JCBC with all of our wonderful students.
Christy Dixon
Music Teacher
Hi I’m Christy Dixon. I’m married to TJ, and have 5 children that keep me on my toes. I got my degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College in 2000. During my time there, I assisted in the school of music as one of my student jobs, and fell in love with Kindermusik, the world’s largest preschool music and movement program. Shortly after graduating, I launched Kindermusik with Christy and have been teaching preschool music in some sort or fashion now for over 20 years. I love watching music come alive to young children. I’ve been with JCBC for about 10 years now. My youngest 2 girls came to preschool here the first year they opened, and I’ve been teaching music here ever since.
Jodie Haas
Fun Friday Lead Teacher
My name is Jodie Haas and I am excited to be your child's teacher this year. I am originally from Indiana but our family moved to Georgia 2 years ago. My husband Chris and I have 3 sons and a daughter. Josh lives in Florida, Cody lives in Kentucky, Aaron is a junior at Indiana University and our youngest, Emma, is a freshman at Indiana University. It is hard to believe that Chris and I will be empty nesters this fall! I taught preschool in Indiana for over 15 years and loved my preschool family. I'm so happy to be teaching preschool again. I will be the lead teacher for Fun Fridays. I feel so blessed to be part of the JCBC Preschool family and I am looking forward to a great year!
Victoria Tredinnick
Fun Friday Assistant Teacher
My name is Victoria Tredinnick and I am thrilled to be the Fun Friday assistant teacher! My two children attended JCBC, with my youngest graduating Pre-K this past spring and my oldest now heading into 2nd grade. JCBC has been such a blessing to my family. It is a safe and welcoming place, and my kids learned so much about their ABCs, the world and God. The caring and supportive environment helped to set them up for great success in elementary school. I hope I can help provide the same amazing experience my family had at JCBC preschool for yours. I have subbed and helped in the mother’s fellowship program over the last two years and enjoyed being part of these important years of learning and development for the students. My children, husband, golden retriever and I reside in Johns Creek, and you’ll often find me visiting the area parks with my kids, volunteering at their elementary school, and trying to fit in a few pages of my most recent book!