Leadership
Lori Joiner-Director
Enriching the lives of children by providing them a nurturing environment that cultivates academic and social development is at the heart of Lori Joiner’s education philosophy. Lori’s passion for working with children began in her junior year of college when she took a part time job as an assistant teacher in a daycare in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Her experiences at Anna’s Kinderland helped Lori realize her calling to work in early childhood education. Lori holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education from Murray State University. She began her career as a Staff Supervisor at West End Country Day Preschool while completing her degree. Upon graduation, Lori became the Director of the preschool. A job promotion for her husband, Chad, led the couple to Tupelo, Mississippi and put Lori back in the classroom. She took a position as a teacher for three year olds at Lift Inc. Head Start. Lori’s leadership soon placed her in the Center Manager role. Her husband’s career progression soon led them to a new city. In Evansville, Indiana, Lori took a position as Family and Community Partnership Specialist for Tri CAP Head Start. The Joiners didn’t stay long in Indiana as yet another promotion led the couple to their next stop in St. Louis, Missouri. The move brought them closer to their hometown of Paducah, Kentucky and provided Lori with an opportunity to become the Preschool Specialist for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In 2007, Chad and Lori were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Avery Brooke Joiner. In 2009, Chad got an opportunity he could not resist to move to Nashville and embark on a new career with Kroger. Chad and Lori along with their 3-year old daughter, Avery, settled in the town of Brentwood. Lori took a job with Metropolitan Action Commission Head Start until an opportunity presented itself at Brentwood United Methodist Church Center for Children and Families. In September of 2009, Lori was blessed to become the Center’s Director. In 2012 Lori and her husband Chad expanded their family with their second child Campbell. Lori cherishes the opportunities she has had to be a part of the lives of so many kids in her 15 years as an educator. She feels so blessed to now be part of BUMC CCF.
Courtney Wilson-Adminstrative Assistant
Courtney has been working in some form of Early Childhood Education most of her life. In December of 2011 she received her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with concentrations in Families at Risk and Family Life Education. She has completed the coursework necessary to be a Certified Family Life Educator.
Courtney worked throughout most of high school and college as nanny, which she absolutely loved. After that, she worked as an Education Specialist at the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee where she wrote and taught personal safety curriculum to grades K-12. Most recently, Courtney was the Director of Holly Tree Christian Preschool in Cool Springs. She is so excited to be a part of the CCF family, and cannot wait to see what blessings are in store for her future.
Born and raised a Volunteer, Courtney loves watching Tennessee sports. In any given home game, you can find Courtney in Knoxville cheering in Neyland stadium. She also enjoys being outside, whether that be taking walks with friends or spending time on the lake. She will begin pursuing her Masters in the fall of 2013.
Courtney worked throughout most of high school and college as nanny, which she absolutely loved. After that, she worked as an Education Specialist at the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee where she wrote and taught personal safety curriculum to grades K-12. Most recently, Courtney was the Director of Holly Tree Christian Preschool in Cool Springs. She is so excited to be a part of the CCF family, and cannot wait to see what blessings are in store for her future.
Born and raised a Volunteer, Courtney loves watching Tennessee sports. In any given home game, you can find Courtney in Knoxville cheering in Neyland stadium. She also enjoys being outside, whether that be taking walks with friends or spending time on the lake. She will begin pursuing her Masters in the fall of 2013.
Infant Room
Landis Simmons-Lead Teacher
Landis grew up in Atlanta, GA and moved here in 2005 to go to Lipscomb University, joining her 2 older brothers who already were attending Lipscomb. She graduated from there with a Bachelor's degree in Family Relations. Throughout college, she worked with children ages 2-5 at a Preschool in Green Hills. She has babysat for as long as she can remember, and was also a nanny throughout high school and college.
Her favorite part of working with children is seeing how they grow and develop and how interested they are in learning and exploring everything. Landis loves seeing each of their unique personalities and how they are all different in their own way.
Landis lives in Franklin with her husband, Dallas. She loves exercising, especially walking and running with her dogs Maya and Lyla. She also enjoys cleaning, shopping, reading, going to the beach, snow skiing, and sitting by a fire eating s'mores! "I love to spend time with my family (especially my nephew!) and friends, and watching and going to sporting events-we are big Auburn fans! My family is also very involved in going/working with an orphanage in Mexico and we go there as much as we can."
Her favorite part of working with children is seeing how they grow and develop and how interested they are in learning and exploring everything. Landis loves seeing each of their unique personalities and how they are all different in their own way.
Landis lives in Franklin with her husband, Dallas. She loves exercising, especially walking and running with her dogs Maya and Lyla. She also enjoys cleaning, shopping, reading, going to the beach, snow skiing, and sitting by a fire eating s'mores! "I love to spend time with my family (especially my nephew!) and friends, and watching and going to sporting events-we are big Auburn fans! My family is also very involved in going/working with an orphanage in Mexico and we go there as much as we can."
Rosie McKee-Lead Teacher
Rosie attended Boulevard Baptist Academy in Burleson, Texas. There, she spent 6 years working with children with special needs in the public school system. She and her husband, Billy, have raised 4 children, Angie, Justin, Brittany, and Jacob. Her pride and joy are her 6 grandchildren, Hunter, Courtney, Lily, Graham, Caden and Caleb. Rosie’s favorite part of working with children is seeing them learn new things and playing with and loving them. Rosie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and building her Amazon and EBay businesses.
Chelsey Piper-Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. I just graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor's degree in Family Relations. I previously worked at a preschool in Green Hills for four years with children ages 1-5. As a teenager and throughout college I babysat for numerous families. What I love most about working with children are receiving their sweet hugs, interacting with them, and seeing them learn new concepts. In my free time I love to run, shop, play sports, visit the beach, and spend lots of time with family and friends.
Young Toddler I
Ashley Wooldridge-Lead Teacher
Ashley graduated from West Kentucky Community and Technical College with an Associate’s in arts degree. Her first job was at a child development center in her hometown, Paducah, Kentucky, where she worked with infants through preschool.
Ashley’s favorite part of working with children is the interaction, whether it’s reading books with them, gross motor play, or teaching them new things. Ashley enjoys scrapbooking, reading, music, and being with friends and family.
Ashley’s favorite part of working with children is the interaction, whether it’s reading books with them, gross motor play, or teaching them new things. Ashley enjoys scrapbooking, reading, music, and being with friends and family.
Becca Farris-Lead Teacher
Becca grew up in Brentwood, and graduated from Samford University with a degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. She is passionate about children and ministry, and hopes to continue pursuing her Masters of Arts in Christian Education very soon. Throughout high school and college, Becca worked closely within the children's ministry of her church, eventually serving as a ministry intern for almost two years. Before joining the CCF staff she worked as a barista at the Franklin Road Starbucks, as well as a nanny.
When she's not hanging out with children, Becca looks forward to spending time with her husband, Marty. She also loves running, shopping, baking cookies, and spending time with her friends and family.
When she's not hanging out with children, Becca looks forward to spending time with her husband, Marty. She also loves running, shopping, baking cookies, and spending time with her friends and family.
Amy Aubry-Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in Elizabethton, TN which is right beside Johnson City. I graduated last May from Milligan College with a degree in English. I am a huge sports fanatic. I'm a a diehard University of Kentucky fan. Go Cats! I played soccer in college and pretty much my whole life so soccer is my favorite sport. I love dogs and my boxer Rosie is pretty much the best thing ever. I love kids and consider it a great blessing to get to work with them everyday.
Young Toddler II
Allison High - Lead Teacher
Allison graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelors of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a business minor in 2009. She has experience babysitting for families at her church and more recently, she was a nanny to 3 children, all under the age
of 5.
Allison’s favorite part of working with children is being able to experience the development of each child’s personalities and talents as they grow and mature on a daily basis. She also enjoys teaching children responsibility and the fundamental lessons we use throughout life.
In her spare time, Allison enjoys spending time with friends and family, working on her new house and singing karaoke.
of 5.
Allison’s favorite part of working with children is being able to experience the development of each child’s personalities and talents as they grow and mature on a daily basis. She also enjoys teaching children responsibility and the fundamental lessons we use throughout life.
In her spare time, Allison enjoys spending time with friends and family, working on her new house and singing karaoke.
Diondra Dukes-Lead Teacher
Diondra was born and raised in Southern California just a few miles from Palm Springs. Growing up she volunteered with the Children's Ministries at her church. When Dee was old enough she started teaching Vacation Bible School. Following high school graduation, Dee ran a day camp for underprivileged school age children.
In 2007 Diondra moved to Nashville TN to attend Fisk University. There she was an active member of the cheer team and served as Miss California. She also volunteered as a Spanish tutor on campus as well as a tutor for a local after school program.
Diondra graduated in the spring of 2012 with her Bachelors of Science degree. In her free time Dee enjoys reading, shopping, traveling and going to concerts.
In 2007 Diondra moved to Nashville TN to attend Fisk University. There she was an active member of the cheer team and served as Miss California. She also volunteered as a Spanish tutor on campus as well as a tutor for a local after school program.
Diondra graduated in the spring of 2012 with her Bachelors of Science degree. In her free time Dee enjoys reading, shopping, traveling and going to concerts.
Older Toddlers
Carson Dubose - Lead Teacher
Carson graduated from Fairview High School with Williamson County Honors in 2010. During high school, she was a member of HOSA (Health Occupations for Students of America) for 4 years and became a certified babysitter. After high school, she became a certified swimming instructor for children of all ages. In addition, Carson was a nanny for her infant brother for several months. She plans to continue her education in the medical and child development fields.
“Children allow me to grow as a person and to become a better Christian. They show me what it means to share love and be happy and satisfied with the simple things. That’s why I love my job. I can teach them and they can teach me as well.”
Carson enjoys doing anything creative; art, photography, scrap-booking, and photo and video editing. She also enjoys writing short stories and poems for children. Carson enjoys participating in church activities with the youth group and being a help to the preschoolers and their families. She also loves to set up sports and activities for the children.
“Children allow me to grow as a person and to become a better Christian. They show me what it means to share love and be happy and satisfied with the simple things. That’s why I love my job. I can teach them and they can teach me as well.”
Carson enjoys doing anything creative; art, photography, scrap-booking, and photo and video editing. She also enjoys writing short stories and poems for children. Carson enjoys participating in church activities with the youth group and being a help to the preschoolers and their families. She also loves to set up sports and activities for the children.
Jennifer Graham-Lead Teacher
Jennifer graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She is originally from Paducah, Kentucky and currently resides in Nashville. Before joining the CCF, she taught first and second grade at Morgan Elementary School in Paducah for 3 years. In addition, she worked and supervised in the nursery at Heartland Worship Center in Paducah for more than 10 years. Jennifer’s favorite part of working with children is teaching them new things and watching them learn and grow. Outside of the CCF, Jennifer enjoys country music, going to concerts, reading, yoga, zumba and spending time with her maltipoo named Blossom. Jennifer is a Lead Teacher in the Older Toddlers Classroom. She has been with the CCF since September 2011.
Jarretta Engleman-Assistant Teacher
Jaretta is originally from Charleston, WV and after 14 "wild and wonderful years" She moved to Atlanta, GA. In 2009, She moved to Nashville to pursue a Bachelors of Science degree in Physics and Engineering at Fisk and Vanderbilt Universities. Jaretta has been at the CCF since January 2013.
Jaretta feels very blessed to be a part of this team and to interact with these children on a daily basis. One of her favorite things about working with children is helping the little ones grow and develop. In Jaretta's spare time she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and families.
Jaretta feels very blessed to be a part of this team and to interact with these children on a daily basis. One of her favorite things about working with children is helping the little ones grow and develop. In Jaretta's spare time she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and families.
Young Preschool
Barb Valentine-Lead Teacher
Barb graduated from the University of Wisconsin0-Green Bay with a Bachelors degree in Human Development and Early Childhood Education. She has a Wisconsin teaching license for preschool and kindergarten and has taught for 26 years. During 12 of those years, Barb was a Director of 2 preschools. Barb’s favorite part of working with children is talking with them, asking questions, and getting to know them. “Preschool children come up with some of the most amazing ideas, funny stories, and interesting information.” In her spare time, Barb enjoys geo-cashing, going to movies, eating at different restaurants, and going to antique stores.
Ellen Gregory-Lead Teacher
Ellen graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and Psychology. Before coming to the CCF, she worked as a 3 year old teacher at a Preschool for 7 months.
Ellen's favorite part of working with children is how much they make her laugh. "I think they are so fun to be with and can always put me in a good mood."
In her spare time, Ellen likes to travel, shop and be with her friends and family.
Ellen's favorite part of working with children is how much they make her laugh. "I think they are so fun to be with and can always put me in a good mood."
In her spare time, Ellen likes to travel, shop and be with her friends and family.
Beth Heflin-Lead Teacher
Beth grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and has lived in Nashville since 2008. She attended Anderson University where she received her Associates degree in General Education. After college, Beth was a part of a program called Youth With a Mission, where she spent nine months in Switzerland and Egypt working in youth programs and orphanages. She has a huge heart for children and families. Beth loves to see children develop and grow. “It is such a joy to be in a classroom with different personalities, talents, and gifts. Children are so fun and full of life and imagination!” She enjoys cooking, going out with friends, exploring new places, and spending time with her husband and dog. She is so thankful to being a part of the CCF community.
Pre-K
Jessica Robinson-Lead Teacher
Jessica graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College in May 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and is certified to teach pre-school through 3rd grade. Before joining the CCF staff, Jessica had acquired three years of experience working with children at a child development center in her hometown of Athens, Tennessee. Jessica’s favorite part of working with children is getting to witness their physical and motor development. She loves being a part of the process the children go through, especially from crawling to walking. Jessica enjoys exercising, walking, spending time with her family back home, going to the movies, cleaning, going on vacations, and spending time with friends. She currently lives in historic downtown Franklin.
Joshua Macwilliams-Lead Teacher
Joshua graduated from Flinders University in July 2011. Having earned a Bachelor of Education/Arts in Middle School Education, Joshua has had practicum experience in a number of elementary and middle school classrooms throughout the completion of his degree. Before joining the CCF team, Joshua worked in England as a classroom music assistant, and throughout his degree, worked in a number of schools in Australia and America. Joshua’s favorite part of working with children is that every day is different and children are always excited and enthusiastic to learn. Originally from Mildura, Australia, Joshua enjoys water skiing and a good BBQ as well as spending time with family and being able to travel new places. Joshua is a Lead Teacher in the Pre-K Classroom. He has been with the CCF since January 2012.
Ellen Kemp-Assistant Teacher
Ellen is a native of Paducah Kentucky. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 1989. She received her Master’s in Child Development from Murray State University. She has taught preschool and Kindergarten for 14 years, 10 of which was at St. Mary Elementary in Paducah, her alma mater. She is the proud mother of three children- Neale, Carter and Reed (the first two of which are girls and the third is a boy).
Her favorite part about teaching children is watching them learn and discover new things. “They keep me on my toes and keep me young!” She is an avid believer that knowledge is the key to unlocking a whole new world for children and this begins with the love of learning. “I want learning to be fun!”
In her spare time, she enjoys cheering on her children at their various activities, basketball, football and lacrosse. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, shopping (at thrift stores) and painting.
Her favorite part about teaching children is watching them learn and discover new things. “They keep me on my toes and keep me young!” She is an avid believer that knowledge is the key to unlocking a whole new world for children and this begins with the love of learning. “I want learning to be fun!”
In her spare time, she enjoys cheering on her children at their various activities, basketball, football and lacrosse. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, shopping (at thrift stores) and painting.
Float Staff
Jenny Mack-Summer Camp teacher and Center Float
Jenny graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a BA in Education and Art licensed to teach Preschool through 12th grade. She taught in Cincinnati for 3 years before moving to California. Very soon after she moved to Nashville but left temporarily to teach in Uganda, East Africa which has been one of the most rewarding experiences in her life. Upon returning to Nashville she joined the CCF staff to teach the transitioning children moving from Pre-K to Kindergarten. She lives a vegan life style with her husband and dog (yes, the dog is also vegan). In her spare time, Jenny likes to travel, scrapbook, paint, cook and watch movies.
Preston Garrett-Float
Preston is currently attending Brentwood High School and began working at the CCF as a volunteer for school credit. After just a few short weeks he was hired as the afternoon float. Preston enjoys playing guitar, producing music, skate boarding, and playing basketball in his free time.
Preston is looking forward to attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga this fall.
Preston is looking forward to attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga this fall.