Staff
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What Parents are saying about Pooh Corner...
"I have 2 children, currently ages 6 and 3. Both were enrolled in Pooh Corner from the time they were infants. I couldn't imagine having them anywhere else. Even as infants, I was never worried about leaving them because I knew they were well cared for. As they have grown through the years, not only have they learned a lot (my 6 year old was more than prepared for Kindergarten!) but they have always been loved there as well. The teachers and staff are ALL wonderful, caring and nurturing. Pooh Corner is their second home!" - C. Palmgren |
The most valuable asset of any child care center is its staff -- AND OURS IS THE BEST!! -- We're proud to provide information about the staff at Pooh Corner Child Care Center for you to see . . .
Darlene Holmes – Director
I’ve been with Pooh Corner Center since August 1986. After high school I attended Greensboro College where I majored in Special Education. More recently, I went to John Tyler Community College and received an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I also earned the “Excellence in Early Childhood Education” award while there. I have actually been at Pooh Corner long enough now to have a “second generation” coming through, which is really very special to me. I even have pictures to share with these kids to let them know what their parents looked like when they were little! I have four children of my own who “grew up” here also. I have one granddaughter and one grandson. I will be celebrating my 34th wedding anniversary in March.
Sharon Swingle – Program Director
I am the Program Director and Pre-Kindergarten teacher. I also supervise the School Age Program in the afternoons. I came to Pooh Corner in 1989 after graduating from Mary Washington College with a B.A. in Psychology. I left Pooh Corner in 1995 to further my education, receiving a Masters of Teaching Degree from V.C.U. I came back to Pooh Corner in 1998. I am also active in my church’s children’s program. I currently have a son, Hayden, enrolled in the Preschool Program here at Pooh Corner. It is a great joy for me to see how much he learns on a daily basis! I also enjoy seeing adult “Pooh Corner Graduates” bringing their children back to our center. That in itself speaks very highly of our program, staff and center as a whole.
Simona Harris-Jones – Infant/Toddler Supervisor
I have been employed at Pooh Corner Center since December 1997. I was previously the lead teacher in the Teddy Bear class from September 2000 to February 2011. I am currently the Infant/Toddler supervisor. I have a Career Studies Certificate and the One Year Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I am currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have two children and have been married for almost eight years.
Sabrina Goodman – Bumble Bee Teacher
I am married with 3 daughters ages 21, 15, and 12. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Norfolk State University. I am very active in my church and Girl Scouts. I have been working at Pooh Corner since June 2009. I am the older three year old teacher. I have over 10 years of child care experience at another center. I have enjoyed working here and getting to know the staff and families of Pooh Corner.
Renee Gammon – Bunny Rabbit Teacher
I am one of the three year old teachers. I have over 18 years experience working with children. I worked at Pooh Corner Center in 2006 for one year and came back in 2010 to the same classroom. I really enjoy the three year old age group. It was nice to come back after four years to have some of the siblings of the children I had before. I have taken many child care classes and attended many training sessions over the years. I am currently taking online classes. I live in Midlothian and have one daughter who is 15 years old. I look forward to each new year with Pooh Corner and enjoy watching the children grow and learn.
Annie Dumais - Teddy Bear Teacher
I am currently the two year old teacher. I started at Pooh Corner Center in April 2004 as a teacher's assistant in the infant and toddler classes. Since then I have received my Associate's Degree in Early Childhoold Education and more recently, I have graduated from Randolph Macon College. I have worked with the children in all the age groups here. I enjoy working with the different age groups, there is never a dull moment! It's nice to know I can still get hugs when I visit the preschool room from the children who started with me in the infant room.
Brooke Harkey – Toddler Teacher
I have been employed at Pooh Corner since March 2008. I started as a teacher’s aide in the toddler class. I have worked my way up to become lead teacher in the toddler class. I really enjoy working with this age group. It is amazing to see how much the toddlers are capable of learning by seeing and doing. I also have a nephew enrolled in the preschool program.
Teacher’s Helpers
Krystal Mills
Brier Watson
Tiffany Ward
Kitchen Manager
Catina Winston