Our Faculty

Honeybee Threes Class Teachers

Sally first came to the Children’s Garden as a parent in 2005 after staying home with three young children. She started substitute teaching at the Blacksburg New School, where she served as vice president of the board of directors for seven years. She likes the wonder of early childhood and loves to partner with parents and co-teachers to build relationships, create  beautiful and reflective environments, and help children express themselves through art, music, dramatic play, and storytelling. In her class, children will hatch chickens, learn about honeybees, and start a birdwatching journal. When she is not in the classroom Sally is passionate about making kimchi, photography, camping, homemade music, cooking, hiking, and making art.

Cyndi, a former Chicago native, has been a resident of Christiansburg, VA, for almost 18 years. She joined The Children’s Garden in 2024 with over 14 years of experience in children’s education, from infants to high schoolers. Cyndi spent 12 years as a Lead Teacher at Tree of Life Daycare and served as a Tutor and Program Director for several years with Classical Conversations, focused on K-10th grades. She believes that learning is a lifelong journey best experienced through play and exploration, helping each child thrive in their unique way. Cyndi enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, two children, two cats and a dog.

 Friendly Fox Fours Class Teachers

Wynne fell in love with The Children’s Garden philosophy and programs while her own children were students here. After years of providing childcare in her own home, volunteering at this school and at her own children’s subsequent school, Wynne joined The Children’s Garden as a teacher in 2007. Wynne is committed to creating a welcoming, nurturing atmosphere where children feel safe and loved along their own unique journeys; a space where children can feel empowered by growing a lifelong love of learning, while expanding on their natural curiosities of our world and believing in themselves as individuals, all while gently fostering their abilities to navigate social and emotional relationships. She hopes that her students will find school magical, and she especially believes in the power of helping children connect with the natural world, with one another, and with seeing themselves as great artists. Wynne has lived in southwest Virginia for most of her life, now with her wonderful husband (together they have raised two sweet boys) and tripod rescue dog, in the woods where she loves gardening, cooking, crafting, connecting with family and friends, all things vintage, and befriending all the wildlife.

Ashley joined The Children’s Garden in 2024 with over 12 years of experience in early childhood education and 5 years in business management. She brings a passion for nurturing young minds and is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where each child can explore, learn, and grow. She believes in the power of play-based learning and encourages creativity, curiosity, and whole child development through engaging activities and hands-on experiences. She hopes every child in her care feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential. Outside of the classroom, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 dogs, reading, baking, crafting and gardening. She is excited to work with your children and looks forward to partnering with you in their educational journey.

Kristin found, and fell in love with, Children’s Garden in 2018 and learned of its magical teachers and environment while both her kids attended. She has lived in the area all her life and cherishes the warm atmosphere here. She taught elementary school for 9 years before having the privilege to stay home with her two amazing tiny people. She is over the moon to join the team of teachers at Children’s Garden and be a part of the magic that instills a lifelong love for learning and growth in the children there. Kristin enjoys spending all the time with her kids, running and working out. She likes all things art and loves to sketch and draw. She looks forward to the year ahead with all the families at The Children’s Garden.

Bluebirds Class Teachers (PK5, Kindergarten, and First Grade)

In 2019, Anna came to The Children’s Garden as our Kindergarten teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience. In the 2020-2021 school year, she also became the Administrative Director and Co-Owner. Anna enjoys building relationships with her students and their families within an encouraging and engaging learning environment. She is passionate about developing a love of reading by leading children in fun experiences with books. Anna also enjoys helping her students build mathematical understanding through number play! Outside of school, Anna likes cooking, reading, and taking nature walks with her husband and 3 children. 

Crystal has lived in the area for over 25 years! She attended Radford University, obtained a bachelors of social work and then just never left! She spent 16 of the last 25 years running her own small business selling her own art all over the world while enjoying the blessing of being home with her (once) small children! She spent the last couple of years teaching art classes at a local private school. She loves gardening, baking, cooking, creating, and the art of “piddling”! She enjoys watching her kids play basketball and spending time with her husband!

Music Teacher

Everyone at school loves Music Day! Teaching music to our students is one of Jessica’s favorite parts of every week. Her background is in Early Childhood and Special Education, and she is a mom to three children. She has a lifelong love of creating music and strongly believes that making music together builds unity, sharpens minds, and softens hearts.

Substitute Teachers

Our substitute teachers complete all of the same background checks and trainings as our classroom teachers. They simply choose to be substitute teachers for the more flexible schedule. We are so thankful for their support throughout the year!

Eli joined The Children’s Garden in 2024. He currently attends New River Community College and works as a substituteteacher. The children often ask, “Is the tall guy coming today?” He enjoys camping, fishing, and playing basketball in his free time.

Liz is a former Children’s Garden parent whose kids attended and were loved here for six years. She fell in love with the school and faculty, too, and is privileged to have the flexibility to help when a substitute is needed. A graduate of Virginia Tech who returned to live in Blacksburg years later, Liz loves to bike, garden, cook, and craft.

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Jessica joined the Children’s Garden family in 2019, when her son was in the Friendly Fox class. Two years later she began to substitute when her younger daughter began as a Honeybee. Over the next few years she was happy to be able to substitute more regularly. It’s always a joy for her to spend a day at the Children’s Garden, and she sees it as a privilege to get to know so many of our youngest community members!  She loves to spend time outside, listen to podcasts, and lately has been working to renew her life long love of reading. SaveSave

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