Our professional educators are focused on assisting families during the preschool years. We provide a Christian atmosphere of love that comes from our own personal relationship with God. With two teachers assigned to each classroom, our staff members meet the requirements established by the Preschool Advisory Committee of Plymouth Haven Baptist Church. These requirements include the love of young children, experience teaching or caring for young children and training in the developmental education of young children. All lead teachers have 4-year degrees and many staff members have advanced degrees.
Staff members participate in professional development classes, both individually and as a team. This includes CPR, First Aid, PMAT and 16 hours of early childhood education training annually. Most importantly, the staff is committed to a loving God, in whom and through each child becomes aware of his or her self worth and a realization of the worth of others.
Leigh Pond // Preschool Director
Leigh Pond became the director of PHCP in 2024. She first came to PHCP as a parent in 2016 and all of Leigh’s three children have attended PHCP. Leigh was born and raised in Alexandria and holds a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College and a Master’s in Education from Marymount University. Leigh has taught for over 10 years and has management experience.
Sue Murphy // Administrative Assistant
- Sue Murphy joined PHCP in the fall of 2014 as the Administrative Assistant. Sue has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Penn State University. Read more
Rachel Boyle// 2’s Assistant Teacher
Rachel joined Plymouth Haven during the 2023/2024 school year. Prior to PHCP, Rachel worked in the Moms Morning Out program for 2 years. Her family moved to Alexandria in 2021 and her son, Declan, attends PCHP. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and all things fall. She holds a bachelors degree in secondary education and has completed several trainings in early childhood education.
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Mary Drotos // 3’s Lead Teacher
- Mary Drotos is a lead 3’s teacher. She is a graduate of Radford University and an Alexandria area native. Read more
Edane Lee // PreK Assistant
- Edane was born in Washington, D.C. and spent most of her childhood in Maryland. Read more
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Tonya Lore//PreK Lead Teacher
Tonya is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, Public Health Education from James Madison University. Read more
Sumrall Morgan // 3’s Lead Teacher
Sumrall joined PHCP as a parent in 2020 and as a teacher in 2023. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology and a master’s in English. Read more
Lindsay Rukenbrod // PreK Assistant
Lindsay joined the PHCP staff in 2024 after frequently substitute teaching during the prior school year. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Finance and International Business from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in Marine Science from UNC Wilmington. Her son Luke graduated from PHCP’s Junior Kindergarten in 2024.
Pam Scherer // PreK Lead Teacher
- Pam Scherer joined PHCP in 2013 as the assistant in the 2’s classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in childhood education from the University of Maryland. Read more
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Arseli Strohecker //2’s Assistant
Arseli joined the PHCP staff at the beginning of 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Texas A&M University Read more
Megan Thomson // Lead Teacher, 2’s
Megan is a graduate of Michigan State University and joined the PHCP staff in 2022. Read more
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Mindy Traveria//PreK Lead Teacher
Mindy Traveria became the Owls teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. She has a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health and a Master’s degree in Health Education from Texas A&M University and is a Licensed Practical Nurse. Mindy’s family is a military family since 2011, and has three lovely children. Mindy joined PHCP as a parent in 2023. She is excited to be teaching again and also staying close to her youngest, who will be attending preschool as a first time student in 2024-2025.
Amanda Turskey // PreK Assistant
Amanda started as a parent at PHCP in 2021. She shifted to a substitute teacher in 2022, became parent group co-chair in 2023, and is now an assistant teacher at PHCP. She grew up in northern NY in a small town called Massena. Amanda holds a B.A. in Magazine Journalism, with concentrations in graphic design and marketing, from SUNY Plattsburgh where she graduated in 2011. She has worked with children since her summers in college, and gravitated toward teaching while her husband was serving in the Army until 2015. Since 2020 Amanda and her family have been living in Alexandria with her husband (who travels the world for work), two boys, a fluffy dog, and kitty. She is excited to continue being a part of PHCP, and is excited to watch all the children grow!