Our Staff
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Kristin O'Dell I am so excited to be serving as Knollwood’s Preschool Director starting January 2023! Knollwood is our family’s church home and it is such a wonderful place. I’m a social worker with many years of experience in child welfare. I love helping create strong family foundations and supporting families through seasons of growth. I know the importance of a strong and healthy early childhood foundation. I love how the Knollwood Preschool is one tool families have used for so many years to help their children thrive. I’m passionate about helping families build community and connect with each other and underlying all of this is the importance of helping everyone know that they are unconditionally loved as a child of God. My own family includes my husband Ben, our two daughters Norah and Brea, and our dog Sandy. We stay busy with Girl Scouts, dance, gymnastics and swim and I myself love taking a tap dance class when I am able! |
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Blanca Shumann I feel blessed to say that I grew up at KCC. As a middle and high schooler, my family and I attended the church, and it is where I was baptized. I started helping out at Knollwood Preschool when my oldest son was in the Frogs class in 2015. Having been an elementary school teacher before my kids were born, I missed being in the classroom. Being at the preschool gave me what I felt was missing in my life. When both of my boys were old enough to go to kindergarten and I was offered a spot at the preschool, I jumped at the chance. Teaching here is wonderful because I am surrounded by joy. It’s hard to be in a bad mood in a roomful of preschoolers! I am also excited by the opportunity to integrate Spanish into the curriculum. I live here in Burke and enjoy watching my boys on the baseball field, playing tennis, or reading a good book. |
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Betsy Pirhalla I have been a teacher at Knollwood Preschool for over 26 years. I teach our youngest students in the Peep class; it is such a privilege to be the very first teacher for so many kids. It is truly my happy place! Knollwood is such a special place to me and my family, in fact, three of my children went to preschool at Knollwood. Knollwood is a place of love, learning and so much fun! A place where the teachers here are just as eager as the students to come to school, and the children are set up to succeed in every aspect of their day. My husband Pete and I live in Stafford, VA with our 2 crazy dogs, Brutus and Leo! We have six children between us, including 5 grandchildren and number six on the way in May! When I am not at school, Pete and I love spending time on the water, at the beach, or playing with our grandkids! |
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Kathryn Howell Since October 2012, I have worked for Knollwood Community Church (KCC) and Preschool as a bookkeeper and ministry assistant. While I don't work directly with children, I so love to hear the laughter and joy in their happy squeals! The creativity and activities the teachers come up with amaze me. They are just so good! I am blessed with a wonderful husband and am a mom to two great young adults. I am so happy to call Knollwood Community Church my church home. |
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Anne-Margaret Ashley Many of us, myself included, consider Knollwood to be their happy place. I have been lucky to have had many different roles at Knollwood. In prior years, I have taught creative movement, library and assisted in just about every classroom. After a 5 year career detour, I am thrilled to be back as a full time assistant in the Puppy Class. I am currently attending NOVA for my early education certificate and I can’t wait to try out what I have learned in the classroom. My favorite thing to do with the kiddos is read to them. I have a passion for books and love using them as a teaching tool for many subjects. But, mostly I just like to watch the children’s reactions, hear their laughter and see their imagination grow as they are introduced to new stories. I live locally in Burke with my husband and my dog Sebastian and I am a recent empty nester. My son is currently a freshman at VCU in Richmond. We love to travel, especially the beach. We recently have discovered the joys of camping, hiking and kayaking. We are slowly becoming more adventure seeking and can’t wait to explore new places. I am very grateful to be back at Knollwood this year. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to do what I love everyday. |
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Amie Bucks Knollwood is a very special place to our family. As a military spouse it can be difficult moving every few years, especially with children. When we found out we were moving to Virginia in 2021, my mama heart hurt knowing that my kids would have to start over with a new school and new friends. The Knollwood family welcomed us with open arms. My children quickly adjusted and connected with their classmates and the teachers have cared for my children as if they were their own. Thanks to the amazing staff at Knollwood my children have grown so much socially, emotionally and spiritually. My husband and our two children live in Springfield and love doing anything outdoorsy. This summer we enjoyed playing tennis and mini golf together. My daughter recently graduated from Knollwood and is off to kindergarten. Although I’m still in denial that she isn’t returning to Knollwood, she is well-prepared for the transition. My son will be a Happy Camper this year and asked me all summer when he can go back to school. After seven years of teaching, and taking a little break to be with my babies, I am so excited to be back in the classroom setting as a Wildflower! |
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Emily Dower The thing that I love about Knollwood is the welcoming atmosphere that makes us feel like family. This has been and continues to be such a blessing considering we have no family in the area. The moment we walked in the door in 2016 looking for a preschool for our oldest, I knew this was the school for our family. The love I felt then as a mother and continue to feel now as a staff member is truly something special. Knollwood has always provided a tailored love that makes my family feel safe and right at home. I was luckily given the opportunity to start volunteering at Knollwood while my kids were still attending and have been blessed to officially become one of the amazing Knollwood staff as of 2019. I absolutely love working with preschoolers because of their sweet inquisitiveness about the world around them. They bring so much joy and energy everywhere they go. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with children and encourage their need to learn through play and absorb the world around them. Plus, they are just too cute. My husband and our 2 children (Knollwood Alumni) also currently attend Knollwood Community Church. We were pleased to find the people equally as gracious and kind. We are a local family that like to explore the area and go on adventures. |
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Fabiola Green I have always enjoyed working with children of It is my first-year teaching at Knollwood and Two of our children, Conrad and Heidi, are attending Fairview Elementary School and our youngest, Luisa, is a Super Star here at Knollwood. Our family enjoys walks with our dog Nala, movie nights and visiting our family in Germany. |
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Matti Jamison As a mother of a former Happy Camper, I know that Knollwood is a special place. The school’s play-friendly philosophy made me want to become more involved. I began to substitute in the classrooms, and now I’m so excited to be an assistant teacher. One of my favorite parts of working with younger children is seeing how they blossom and grow over the school year. I love the smaller class sizes because it really gives me a chance to get to know the children individually. I grew up in New Hampshire and, after graduating from Gordon College with a degree in history, moved to Virginia. I live in Burke with my husband, a military musician, our 6-year-old son, and our two kitties. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the last six years, but it was rarely just me and my son. I babysit my niece and nephew (both Knollwood attendees) as well as some of my friends’ children. I’m heavily involved at the nursery at our church, Alexandria Presbyterian Church. From Bible studies, to Sunday night programs, to VBS, I’m always happy to be there caring for our little ones. We love visiting all the wonderful parks this area has to offer. |
| Jessica Kovack Assistant Teacher: Happy Campers 
I first discovered Knollwood preschool a few years ago after starting the process like so many of you. The school’s reputation by word of mouth and reading other parent's perspectives on local social media groups led me to contact the school when my family moved here from San Diego. I fell in love with Knollwood after our first tour and knew in my heart that our daughter belonged here! She started last year as a Funky Frog and is currently a Super Star.
The teaching staff here at Knollwood is like nothing I’ve seen - and as a military family, we have moved many times, experiencing multiple schools with our older son. The compassion and love they feel for each student warms your heart with each drop off. It was truly an honor for me when asked to consider subbing - which led to working as an assistant with the Happy Campers and now the Funky Frogs as well. It is a joy each day to go in and see the children’s faces as they learn something new, make a new friend and encourage one another. Each child is such a blessing! I graduated from the University of Connecticut with a psychology degree which I rely on in all aspects of life. I live right on the Springfield/Fairfax Station line with my husband and our two children. We have loved discovering Virginia and Washington DC since moving here! We love sports and being active as a family. I also love to cook, exercise and practice being grateful. |
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Julie Kramek I love Knollwood because is a safe and loving environment for preschoolers and their families to share in their first school experience. I love that Knollwood is play-based so the kids are having so much fun they don’t even realize they are learning. I love teaching preschoolers because they are so honest and genuine and you always know where you stand with them. I feel like my job is to instill in them a love for school and learning that they will hopefully have for the rest of their lives. I’ve been at Knollwood since 2006 (minus the three years we lived in CA). I have two boys who went to Knollwood and are now in college! I love to read, bake, and travel. My happy place is the beach. |
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Christina Ledbetter I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve in the Discovery Center at Knollwood Preschool. I am a very curious person by nature and enjoy fostering a child’s natural inclination to explore the world and things around them. My background is in art, and I love sensory play. I truly delight in watching children engage in various sensory and make-believe activities because their joy is infectious as they discover new things. My youngest child was privileged to attend Knollwood Preschool and the Discovery Center was one of his favorite places. The loving and nurturing environment here at Knollwood is unlike anywhere else and I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful team. My family and I have lived in Burke for the past seven years, which is the longest we have lived anywhere. My husband is a USMC V-22 pilot and is getting ready to retire after 20 years of service. We have three beautiful children, Izzie, Levi and Gus. We also have two lap dogs named Finley and Felix. I enjoy running, hiking, yoga, cooking, reading, painting and watching my kids play sports. |
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Laura Lewis I have been a part of the Knollwood family since 2019 when my oldest was a Funky Frog. It was also our first year living in Burke, and I was thrilled to find such a welcoming and loving community in Knollwood. My second child became a Peep shortly after and continued on to be a Funky Frog just like his brother. I loved watching both of them thrive at Knollwood as they learned the skills they’ve needed to be successful in elementary school and beyond. The teachers at Knollwood created such a fun, warm, and loving environment that I wanted to be a part of it and started substitute teaching. Being there with the kids, watching them laugh and learn, has been such a blessing for me. I love seeing a child light up once they’ve discovered something new or overcome an obstacle. When I had the opportunity to become an assistant teacher, I jumped at the chance. I am looking forward to loving your child and helping them thrive at Knollwood, just as mine did! |
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Liz Pierce Growing up with music all around me, it is only natural that I have stepped into the role of Music Teacher for Knollwood. Playing music or singing with children has always been my favorite part of the classroom experience. Seeing a Preschooler's natural love for moving to any music brings so much joy and happiness to all around. As an Early Childhood educator, I have taught all ages. Prior to coming to Knollwood, I worked with infants through Kindergarten for almost 15 years. My time in the classroom took a pause as I stayed home with my two children for a few years, but I am excited to be coming back in this role. Sharing the Love of Jesus, singing, and playing instruments with preschoolers is not just a job for me...it's so much fun! |
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Tracy Riedlinger The warm and caring atmosphere at |
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Dottie Smith My family and I discovered Knollwood Preschool before moving to the area, and have been in love with the community since! My youngest child attended last year and the care and compassion of the staff was evident from day one. I began substitute teaching last spring semester and took on a part time job in the Discovery Center this year! We are a military family, and my two children are in kindergarten and second grade. We enjoy lots of outdoor activities, from biking and running to camping and hiking. I am grateful to be able to play and learn right along with the children in the Discovery Center! |
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Patti Vegso I have been a part of Knollwood Preschool for the past 16 years: first as a parent, then as a substitute and creative movement teacher and for the last 10 years as a lead teacher. I have loved this school in each one of these capacities. I brought my children here because of the obvious love the teachers had for the children and for fostering independent thinking and creativity. I have stayed because walking through the halls of Knollwood Preschool feels like coming home. Hearing the children greeted by the teachers every morning still warms my heart. There is an overwhelming feeling of warmth and caring that is unique. My children (now in college and high school) still enjoy coming to Knollwood to help teach for the day! I currently teach the 3 day a week classes for 4s and 5s. I adore this age because they are really starting to ask good questions and developing their sense of humor. They keep me on my toes and LAUGHING! One of my favorite lessons involves inviting the kids to try their hand at play-acting. It tickles me to watch them try on the roles of the big bad wolf or the brave billy goat gruff. My family has lived in Fairfax for 20 years. We love hiking, playing games and going to local farms and festivals. I will be an empty nester soon enough, so I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with your kiddos and experience the wonder of the world through children's eyes. It is truly a gift! |
