Brook Hollow Weekday Program

BROOK HOLLOW WEEKDAY PROGRAM

STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Kathy Davis

Program Director

I have been at Brook Hollow Weekday since 1990 and I love the opportunity to help families find safe, loving childcare for their children.

I graduated from Belmont College with a degree in Elementary Ed. and endorsements in Kindergarten and Special Education.

I attend church here a Brook Hollow and have been a member for 36 years. I teach an exercise class 2x a week here at Brook Hollow and enjoy working out, being outside, and going to the beach.

Contact Kathy: kathy@brookhollowbaptist.com

Emily Dean

Administrative Assistant / Before and After Care Supervisor

My name is Emily Dean. I am the Administrative Assistant and the Before and After Care Supervisor. I started off my career here at Brook Hollow as a teacher. I am at school all 5 days. I love to visit the classrooms and spend time with all of the precious children.

I graduated from Belmont University with a BS degree in Health and Elementary Education.

I am married to my college sweetheart, and we have four wonderful children. Preston (27), Emmaline (25), Molly (23) and Max (21). I enjoy going on hikes, camping, kayaking, and babysitting. I have been at Brook Hollow for several years. Brook Hollow is a part of my family. I love the children, the families and the wonderful staff I work with. Teaching young children is my passion and calling.

Royce Luplow

Supervisor, Mother's Day Out

I was born right here in Nashville and have lived here my whole life. I began working at Brook Hollow in 2003. I owned and operated a licensed Family Group Home for 15 + years prior to becoming a member of the Brook Hollow staff/family... and I do consider it a family. I have enjoyed continuing my education and training as I feel there is always room for growth.

I love spending time with my husband Mark, our children and 5 grandchildren. Long hikes at Radnor Lake and curling up with a good read are both things that help keep me grounded. I have been at Brook Hollow now for 18 years because I find working with infants and toddlers at such an important time in their development rewarding.

Melissa Ramirez

Tadpoles, Lead Teacher

I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I began teaching preschool in 2013 and we moved to Nashville in 2016. I started working at Brook Hollow in 2018 in the infants classroom. Teaching and baking are my passions. I love to explore new places, going to the beach, and spending time with my children. Working at Brook Hollow has been a blessing because we are able to give your babies love, care, and also provide them with a safe environment.

Andy Zimmer

Tadpoles, Lead Teacher

I am originally from Venezuela. I lived in Argentina for 2 years where I worked as a lead designer on a marketing team for a tourist operator. I love to travel and that is how I met my husband. I came to Nashville in 2018. I have the sweetest bonus son and the most amazing baby boy. A lot of my experience with children came from working with them since I was very young. Both of my parents are doctors (my mom and grandpa are pediatricians) and so I used to volunteer at the children's hospital in my hometown. I have a lot of influence from the Maria Montessori Methodology. I believe we can give children an environment with dignity trough respect, empathy, and love - letting us understand how different and amazing kids are and how much we have to learn from them.

Laura Peggs

Tadpoles, Assistant Teacher (T,TH)

Floater (F)

I grew up in Nashville and began teaching in Denver, CO in 2007. I attended UTC for undergrad, Trevecca for my master's in Education, and continued to teach Kindergarten & First Grade for 8 years in Nashville. After 12 years teaching & welcoming my second son, I decided to stay home with my kiddos. My younger son, Remy, is 2 years old, and I'm grateful and excited that both he, and his older brother Murphy (5), can be together at Brook Hollow. I love spending time with family and friends, especially being outside & enjoying the outdoors. I'm very grateful to be joining the Brook Hollow team.

Ivie Hoffmann

Tadpoles, Assistant Teacher (MWF)

I am a native Nashvillian, a unicorn! I went to St. Henry for grade school and St. Cecilia for high school (c/o 2004). After a few fun years at Ole Miss, I came back to Nashville. I married my husband, Chaz, in 2012. I was a nanny and was also working in the 2-year-old room at Bellevue Presbyterian for a few years. I left when I got pregnant with my first child Clara. Then along came my next two lucy Grey and Tommy. My family is young, busy, fun, and the joy of my life! When the rare moment for alone time pops up, I enjoy crocheting, painting, crafting, and loving on our two cats (Ziggy and Hatch), and our dog (Wally). I'm so excited to be in the Tadpole Room to love and squish on all of the babies!

Betsy McConnell

Pollywogs, Co Teacher

I am a native Nashvillian and I grew up in West Nashville. I’ve been married to Jason for 10 years and we have two kids, Quinn (9) and Finley (7). I love being with my family and reading when they give me a chance. This is my fifth year teaching at Brook Hollow and I am so honored to get to spend my days with your children.

Amy Catalogne

Pollywogs, Co Teacher

I am a co teacher in the Pollywog classroom. I am a native of Nashville and have two wonderful children, Lucie 22 and Luke 20 who I enjoy spending time with outside of school.

I began working here at Brook Hollow in 2018 as a substitute and have been here ever since. I enjoy spending my days here with your children.

Cynthia Dillingham

Fireflies, Lead Teacher

I am a native Nashvillian, and I began teaching preschool when I was 14 years old with my mom who owned her own childcare center. I have been at Brook Hollow since 2003 and love being a part of this program. I have been married to my husband, Ricky for 26 years and we have three children who are all grown and married. We also have a brand-new granddaughter. I enjoy my family, reading, journaling, crocheting, and art. I absolutely adore teaching, love the age group I work with and cannot imagine doing anything else. It is of great importance to me to instill a love of learning, respect for others and themselves and happiness in children. Thank you so much for trusting me with your most precious treasures... I know how hard that can be.

Lily Evans

Fireflies, Co Teacher

My name is Lily Evans. I'm 23 years old. I was born in Nashville. I have worked at Brook Hollow for 6+ years now! I just recently got married November of last year. I love to travel, eat food, and be with my family and friends. I have my Associate's Degree in Psychology and I'm working on getting my doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I love kids and I want to continue working with them.

Mary Bueche

Turtles, Lead Teacher

I am a Nashville native, and this will be my fourth year as a lead teacher in the "Turtle" classroom. I previously worked at Brook Hollow from 2017 to 2022, and I am happy to have returned to this wonderful community and work in the early childhood setting. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama and have a master's degree in Developmental Disabilities with a concentration in Child Life from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am a Certified Child Life Specialist, where I worked in the hospital setting for one year. I am happily married to my husband of two years, Chandler, and fortunate to have my family in town as well. I enjoy reading, running, gardening and trying new restaurants. I am excited to return to teaching where I can engage in play while also helping children meet developmental milestones.

Jessica Brim

Turtles, Assistant Teacher (M,T,W,Th)

I grew up in Kingston Springs and continue to live there with my husband, Keith, and our five children- Whitley, Aniston, Tinsley, Langley, and Brewer. Four of my five children have attended Brook Hollow starting in 2011. I have been working at Brook Hollow since 2020. I am a graduate of Tennessee Technological University where I received my B.S. in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics. I enjoy watching my children play sports, cooking, having coffee with friends, and traveling. As a parent, I have seen how exceptional Brook Hollow is at teaching and loving my children. I am very excited to be working with the sweet children at Brook Hollow.

Suzanne Armbruster

Turtles, Assistant Teacher (F)

Floater (T)

I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. I have also received certification from the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance in 2003, when I began working in a preschool setting. I have been working in Early Childhood education for 20 years, most recently in a school based setting. My husband, Gerry, and I have been married for 32 years and have 3 adult children. Our daughter, Mary Armbruster Bueche, is a teacher in the "Turtles" classroom. I enjoy gardening, walking the trails in Warner Parks and going to Nashville SC games. Preschool aged children are my passion and I feel strongly that their first school experiences should be hands-on, full of fun while maintaining a respect and joy for learning and knowledge that they are loved by God.

Tina Mitchell

Dragonflies, Co Teacher

I am a native Nashvillian and have worked with children of all ages for over 20 years. Before coming to Brook Hollow I lead the Children's Ministry at Cross Point Church. I have an 14 year old daughter named Izzy and she is my heart. I love spending time with family, friends and all things outside! I truly love seeing children grow and learn new things.

Tracy Newlin

Dragonflies, Co Teacher

I have been at Brook Hollow since 2008. I graduated from Father Ryan High School. I have been married to my husband Jimmy since 1991. We have two wonderful children, Zach (27) and Amanda (22). I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, camping and being outside. I love working with children and teaching them new and exciting things.

Allyson Sullivan

Guppies, Lead Teacher (M,W,F)

My name is Allyson Sullivan, I am the MWF Guppies lead teacher. I am a native of Nashville and have been teaching at Brook Hollow on and off since 2007. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Early Childhood & Family Studies. I am married and have a wild 3-year-old little girl. I enjoy watching sports and spending time with my family.

Joanna Walker

Guppies, Lead Teacher (T,TH) and

Assistant Teacher (MWF)

I was born in Charlotte, NC and moved to Nashville after attending Vanderbilt University. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Development and worked as a mental health specialist for 9 years at Vanderbilt. I have been married to my husband, Brandon for 8 years and have 2 children that attend Brook Hollow. Lucas is 5 and Addison is 3. I started working at Brook Hollow in the summer of 2022 and I am so excited to continue being in the Guppies classroom. I love watching my class grow together and can't wait to meet all the new families joining us in the preschool hallway. I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, and going to Nashville soccer games.

Catherine Cahill

Guppies, Assistant Teacher (T,TH)

Dragonflies, Assistant Teacher (F)

I am originally from Tupelo, MS but have lived in Nashville for 10 years. I have worked in a preschool setting for 9 years and have been at Brook Hollow since 2012. I graduated from Ole Miss in 2003 and then married in 2005. My husband and I have two beautiful boys (14) and (10). I enjoy spending time with my family (mainly at the sports field), going to see live music, animals and am a huge foodie! I love being around children and the time spent with them is never wasted time. I believe they teach me as much as I teach them!

Jamie Bennett

Frogs, Lead Teacher (M-F)

I have been at Brook Hollow since 2022. I attended UT Martin and have a bachelor's degree in Cell and Molecular biology. I also attended TSU and received a master's degree in Elementary Education. Since College, I have taught 5th grade and 2nd grade in MNPS for 6 years. I have been married to my husband Josh for 12 years. We have one son, Brooks, who is 16 months old and attends BH. I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, reading and traveling. I have a passion for early childhood education because of my experience teaching elementary school. I want young children to develop a love for reading and learning from a young age to set them up for educational success for their entire life. I am so excited to continue serving families with my passion at Brook Hollow!

Kara F.

Frogs, Assistant Teacher (M-F)

I was born and raised in Nashville. I attended the College of Charleston, where I received my B.S. in Psychology. I have been part of the Brook Hollow family as a parent for the past 4 years. I feel blessed to be joining the wonderful group of teachers as the assistant teacher in the Frogs classroom. I enjoy hiking and doing yoga with my daughter, tending to my many plants, and reading. I have always loved working with children and believe that there is no greater joy than contributing to the growth and learning of our precious young children.

Tracy Henderson

Bumblebees, Lead Teacher (M-F)

My name is Tracy Henderson and I have been teaching at Brook Hollow since 2003. The majority of the time I have taught in the pre-k class. Teaching is my calling and I love helping the children learn and grow. Prior to teaching I worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant focusing on geriatrics, head trauma, and amputees. I've been married to my husband, Bert, since 1992. Our oldest son, Chris, lives in Chattanooga with our daughter-in-law, Jordan and our granddaughter, Isabella. Our younger son, Mitchell, lives in New Hampshire with our daughter-in-law, Jessica, and grandson Elias. I enjoy family time, traveling, true crime TV, reading, and decorating.

Amy Eberle

Bumblebees, Assistant Teacher (M-F)

My name is Amy Eberle and this is my second year at Brook Hollow. I went to Belmont University for undergrad and have a master's degree in elementary education from Vanderbilt University. I taught in the public school system for twelve years. For the last ten years, I was at Sylvan Park Elementary teaching third and fourth grade. I have been married to my husband, Kevin, for ten years and we have one son, Fritz, who is in the Firefly room here at Brook Hollow. In my free time I enjoy going to TPAC, listening to audio books, playing trivia and traveling. I love making connections with my students and developing lasting bonds with them. My goal is to share my love and excitment of learning with the Bumblebees this year.

Julie Meier

Floater (M)

Angie Furst

Floater (W)

Rachel Brantley

Bumblebees (M, F)

Lorie Shanks

Bumblebees (M)

Kayla Allgood

Floater (Th)

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