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. She has worked as a lead teacher in our 2’s class and one of our Pre-K classes. She is now starting her 4th year as Director’s Assistant. Tonya is a native of Michigan and moved to Atlanta from Cincinnati in 2018. Her husband Ben grew up in Dunwoody, GA and they have two daughters, Georgia-25 years old and Piper-16 years old.
Tonya has a bachelor’s in communication from Western Michigan University and has worked at Delta Airlines for 15 years as a flight attendant. After flying the friendly skies, she took a break to raising her daughters and then became a preschool teacher which she has been enjoying doing for the last 12 years. She also loves cooking, traveling and paddle boarding with her two Boykin Spaniel dogs, Belle & 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
Lauren Reynolds
Young 2s M/W and Ones T/TH Lead Teacher
I am beyond excited to be returning for my second year at JCBC as the lead for the Ones and Young 2s! Last year I was the assistant in the ones class and the Pre-K Fun Fridays class! Before that I was a stay at home mom and have enjoyed other leadership roles in my working years. Before kids, I was a coach and lead coordinator for a child development soccer program for 6 years in Illinois. I then moved to Georgia and started a family. I have been blessed with a son and daughter who are now 10 and 8! In my free time I love reading, gardening, kayaking, fishing, and watching soccer. I'm looking forward to another wonderful year with your amazing kids!
Jewell Fort
Young 2s M/W Assistant and Pre-k Fun Friday Assistant Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Jewell, and I am thrilled to be joining the JCBC Preschool this year. I have been a stay at home Mama to my three children for the past ten years, along with being a part of my home church's next gen program for almost just as long. Growing up in a large family of seven siblings, I have always been surrounded by children, including assisting my mother in her own preschool program as a teenager and many babysitting side jobs and church nursery experiences that have been a constant throughout the years till now. Right before becoming a Mama myself, I was a full time Nanny for three years to a sweet family of three girls which grew me so much in my understanding of children and prepared me in great ways for my own.Throughout my life, God has always landed me with children to care for and that is truly where I feel most comfortable.
Rachel Grande
Ones T/Th Assistant Teacher
Hi! My name is Rachel Grande and I'm so excited for this school year! I'm an Atlanta native - born and raised in Duluth - and now live in Suwanee with my husband, two daughters (6 and 2 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 Ones!
2s and Young 3s Teachers
Leslie Glass
2s M/W/F Lead Teacher
I am buzzing into my 4th year with the Busy Bees and I LOVE my job!! I have lived in Johns Creek for 25 years. I have been married for 28 years and have 3 kids on college. In my spare time, you can find me on the lake, playing tennis and weekly trips to my favorite Mexican restaurant (Adobo). I absolutely love all of the wonderful teachers and staff here and I am so thankful for the sweet families that I get to meet every single year. Can't wait to see all the happy faces at JCBC!!!
Heather Stanfill
2s M/W/F Assistant Teacher
Hi! As a former JCBC parent, I am so excited to start this year as an assistant teacher! For the past several years I have worked in our church’s elementary ministry as a groups director and curriculum coordinator. I love kids! I have three children of my own (Madelyn- 10, Ryan- 8, and Judah-5). I have been married to my husband, Brett for 15 years. We love to travel, cook, and spend time with our family. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead!
Patricia Dubbelman
2s T/TH Lead Teacher
My name is Patricia. I am very excited to join JCBC preschool this year . I have lived in Johns Creek for ten years. I grew up in The Netherlands and before I joined JCBC I used to teach Dutch at an afterschool program for children in Roswell. I love working with children and I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the JCBC preschool . I've been married for 22 years and have a 9 year old son, Luca. I enjoy playing tennis, reading a good book and going for a hike with my family and our golden retriever, Oatmeal. I can't wait to meet your sweet children. I look forward to a great year of fun and learning!
Oana Opricescu
2s T/Th Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Oana, and I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful school community. My family moved to Johns Creek from Bucharest, Romania, three years ago. Before becoming a mom for the second time, I spent over 11 years working as a banking consultant. I have two lovely daughters, Eva and Iris. Iris has been a student at JCBC for the past two years. Last year I had the pleasure of working as a substitute teacher here. I loved being around the children so much that I’m happy to return this year as an assistant teacher.I’m really looking forward to this school year and can’t wait to meet you and your wonderful children!
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
Hi! My name is Rebecca and I am excited to continue as the assistant for the Young 3’s again this year! This is my favorite age group to work with, and I love seeing how much they grow, learn and develop over the course of the school year. Originally from Alabama, I have lived in Johns Creek for over 20 years with my husband and two daughters, Ava and Brynn. I have 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 I was blessed to be able to stay home with my daughters for several years before coming to JCBC. In my free time I love to travel, attend my daughters’ sporting events and activities, and spend 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 8 years previously. She is excited to start her 6th 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. Her husband and three children moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Johns Creek in 2014. 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.
Thandi Buddo
3s M-Th Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Thandi, and I am thrilled to be jumping into my new role as the lead teacher for the Flamingo’s 3s Class. This will be my 3rd year at JCBC Preschool, after being with the 2s Class for the past 2 years. I am also proud to be a member of the JCBC community for over 3 ½ years. 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 daughters for a few years and begin transitioning into Health & Wellness Coaching. I have been married for almost 21 years now, and I have 3 beautiful daughters (ages 10, 15 and 18 years), with my eldest just starting her sophomore year at Mercer University. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking / baking, going on walks, and spending time with my family. I look forward to getting to know you all and to having a spectacular school year!
Jennie Lee
3s M-Th 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!
Heather McGuire
3s M-Th Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Heather McGuire and I’m delighted to join JCBCP 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
I'm so happy to be back! It will be my second year at JCBC and excited to see new and familiar faces! I had an amazing time last year and can't wait to start again this year with my amazing partner Ms Heather! I'm originally from California served many years in children ministry. Moved to Georgia with my husband Jonathan and 2 kids to 6 years ago. Evelyn (4) who will be attending JCBC this year and Issac (9) who attends Brookwood Elementary. On my free time I love to travel, gym, diy crafts with kids and watch korean dramas. I'm looking forward to our new class and excited to see them grow!
Ashley McTall
Young 4s 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. When she’s not in the classroom, she can be found spending time with her husband and children, cheering on Cooper at the hockey rink, or Rooney at cheer or the dance studio. She enjoys: being outside, reading, coffee, travel, photography, DIY projects, and is an active member of Northpoint Community Church.
Jenn Hayes
Young 4s Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Jennifer or Miss Jenn. This is my second 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!
Pre-k and Young 5s Teachers
Stacey Eslinger
Pre-k M-Th Lead and Pre-k Fun Friday Lead Teacher
Welcome to the Twinkle Stars Class! This will be Ms. Stacey’s 9th year teaching at JCBC Preschool and her 16th 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 23 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 17 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 5 years old. My hobbies are sewing, crafting, baking, cardio dancing, art, and spending time with my family. My son Michael attended JCBC two years ago and is now going into kindergarten. I will be entering my three year of teaching Pre-K at JCBC. I cannot wait to start this year getting to know all my students and families. Here’s to another 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 absolutely love being a part of the amazing team at JCBC Preschool! After earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University, I’ve enjoyed 9 years in education. Before starting our family, I taught middle and high school art then most recently I’ve worked with Pre-K. My husband and I are raising our two children, Anne and Blake, and miniature schnauzers 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
Kelby McMahon
Fitness and Science Teacher
Hi! My name is Ms. Kelby and I am very excited to be the 3’s and up Fitness Teacher this year! I believe movement among little ones is so important for their development and I am thrilled to be a part of that growth!
I am originally from southern California and now love it in Georgia. It is my joy to watch my 4 very active children grow and be a part of their learning. 3 of them attended JCBC and we have loved this school since 2017! I am an avid distance runner and have been running marathons the past couple of years. This year I plan to complete the Houston and Boston marathon. I love being outside, watching my kiddos in their sports and just playing!
My degree is in Movement and Sports Science from the University of La Verne with a teaching background. I worked in Physical therapy but my favorite was teaching yoga, coaching high school track and raising my little family. I am so excited to make moving fun with your little ones!
Danielle Guglielmelli
Music Teacher
Hello JCBC families! My name is Ms. Danielle and I’m so grateful to be the new Music Teacher. I have been blessed with a wonderful family that keeps me active with their interests and activities. Every season you can find us on a sports field! When my children were younger, they were in Christian preschools. I had the privilege to work at their schools as a teacher. I also volunteered many years teaching Chorus and I was apart of the holiday productions. I have extended training in dance and prior to starting a family I was a dance teacher. I believe music is a universal language we all can understand by feeling it. I’m looking forward to teaching your children the love of Jesus through the beauty of music!
Jenn Abbott
3s Fun Friday Lead Teacher
I am super excited for a new school year and joining the JCBC family! I’ve been working with preschoolers for 8 years. Obsessed with their joy and the energy they give to my world! My husband Matt and I have three daughters—Carys (21) at the University of South Carolina, Cambrie (15) starting at Chattahoochee High School, and Carlyn (13) at Taylor Road Middle. When I get a break from laundry and the fam, I love decorating, playing tennis and spending time with friends. I’m looking forward to an awesome school year!
Jessica Simmons
3s Fun Friday Assistant Teacher
I’m so excited to be joining the JCBC preschool family for Fun Fridays! I’m a mom of three, ages 6, 9, and 12, and I’ve spent the past three years teaching preschool, which has been such a joy! Before staying home with my children, I worked as an employee benefit consultant. I love playing tennis, reading, and spending time outside.