Sally Provo
Educational Director & Lead Teacher of the Honeybee Threes Class
B.S., English & Art History, The College of William and Mary
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.
Anna Spraker
Administrative Director & Lead Teacher of the Bluebirds PK5/Kindergarten Class
B.S., Elementary Education with Concentrations in Math and Special Education, Radford University
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certification, TEFLEN Training College
In 2019, Anna came to The Children’s Garden as our Kindergarten teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience. 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.
Lauren Camden
Assistant Teacher in the Friendly Fox Fours Class
M.A., School Counseling, Appalachian State University
B.A., Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Clayton Grant, Assistant Teacher in the Friendly Fox Fours Class
Clayton joined The Children’s Garden in 2020 with 5 years of experience teaching Pre-K classes and a Meteorology and Earth Science background from Virginia Tech. He enjoys engaging with the children on their level while fostering a natural, life-long love and understanding of science. You will often find him talking about the weather with children on the playground and pointing out various cloud formations in the sky. Outside of school, Clayton enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with his friends.
Catherine Drake
Assistant Teacher in the Honeybee Threes Class
M.F.A., Children’s Literature, Hollins University
B.S., Communication, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Catherine has two children and has called Blacksburg home for nearly ten years. Her love for The Children’s Garden began in 2016 when her daughter began attending. In 2020, she substituted for us when needed. Then in 2021, Catherine joined us full time as the assistant teacher in the Honeybee Threes class. Catherine loves working with the littles and watching them grow! You will often find her with children snuggled up all around her while she reads them a book. Catherine is also currently working towards an M.A. in Counseling from Wake Forest University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and being with her family and friends.