Ms. Katie Polk (Director) is in her 17th year at CEP. Her three children attended CEP and she started as an assistant teacher when her youngest was in the 2 year old class. Over the years, she has also been a lead teacher with the 2s and 3s classes. A Virginia Tech graduate, with a degree in Early Childhood Education, she brings experience and enthusiasm to her role as Director. She loves guiding this fabulous staff and working with our wonderful families to continue to build our program.  And she loves to lead weekly Science classes for all ages, as well!

Ms. Kristy Stoddard (Pre K 4s Teacher) is in her 9th year with CEP. She has taught all of our age groups at CEP and is currently in her 4th year as the Lead in our Shining Stars (4 year old class).  With a background in special education at FCPS and a love of music and children, she helps our 4s get ready to transition to Elementary School.  And she is the grandma of a CEP alumnus and a current student.

Ms. Talia Mosconi (Pre K 4s Asst Teacher) is in her 9th year with CEP. She has worked with our 3s classes and 4s classes and currently is the assistant in our Shining Stars class (4 year old class) and works with our Before Care program and lead the Monday "Camp" Day class for our 3s and 4s. Ms. Talia is an enthusiastic recycler and often has great loose parts building going on in the classroom. She is the proud parent of 2 CEP graduates.

Ms. Karen Battagello (3s Teacher) is in her 2nd year at CEP.  A proud Navy wif e and mother of two, she found her way to CEP first as a substitute and then Lead Teacher of our Explorers (4 day 3 year olds) when her family moved into the area.  She has completed her certificate in Child Care/Early Learning.  She creates a loving and engaging environment for our little learners and has them singing throughout the building.

Ms. Wendi Dorey (3s Asst Teacher) is in her 9th year at CEP. She has worked with our 3s classes over the years as an assistant and lead. Both of her children are CEP graduates. Ms. Wendi brings lots of love to our Explorers (4 day 3 year olds).

Ms. Heather Monette (2s/3s Teacher) is in her 1st year at CEP.  She is excited to be joining our staff as the lead teacher for our Rainbows class (2 day 2 year olds) and our Sunshines class (3 day 3 year olds), as well as for our After Care students.  She comes to CEP with lots of experience in early childhood and brings joy and excitement for learning to her classrooms.

Ms. Kristy Alden (3s Asst Teacher) is in her 1st year at CEP. Having worked in other area preschools, she is excited to join CEP as the assistant teacher in our Sunshines class (3 day 3 year olds).

Ms. Melanie Thompson (2s Asst Teacher) is in her 1st year at CEP. She is excited to help our youngest learners, the Rainbows class (2 day 2 year olds) adjust to being in school and continue their learning journey.

Ms. Amanda Buehrig (2s Teacher) is in her 4th year at CEP. She started as a substitute when her youngest was at CEP, was very involved in our Parent Teacher Committee and has been an assistant and lead teacher.  She is excited to be the Lead Teacher in our Bees class (3 day 2 year olds) supporting our young learners as they develop independence and a love of learning here at CEP.

Ms. Kathy Walsh (2s Asst Teacher) is in her 2nd year at CEP. She has lived in Virginia her whole life and resides in Springfield with her family and cat. She graduated from West Springfield HS  and has a bachelor's degree from Virginia Tech. Ms. Kathy was a CEP Room Parent, Parent Board Member, Fun Fair Co-Chair and substitute teacher while her daughter attended CEP.  She is thrilled to work in our Bees class (3 day 2 year olds) sharing her love of art and learning with the children.

Ms. Katy Rey (After Care Teacher) is in her first year at CEP. Bringing many years of experience in early childhood, Ms. Katy is a welcome addition to our program. She works as an assistant in our Monday "Camp" Day 3s/4s class and with our After Care students.

Ms. Jillian Rybalsky (Music Teacher) is in her 2nd year with CEP. She has been a music educator for many years, most recently as a Music Together specialist. She looks forward to creating confident music makers at CEP as she teaches fundamental music concepts through developmentally appropriate play.