Little Hearts, Big Minds

Front Desk Receptionist

Miss Marianne is one of the smiling faces that greets Redeemer families as they walk in the door.  She has been working at Redeemer for a few years now.  She and her husband are members of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  They have two adult children – Matthew and Julia.

Miss Marianne graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Environmental Sciences, and taught Earth Science and Biology in Fairfax County.  Later, she taught preschool at Westminster Preschool in Waynesboro.

Lead Teacher – Shark Class

Ms. Ashley has two passions – teaching and photography.  If you are lucky enough to have a child in her class you will likely reap the benefits of both! She has been working at Redeemer, for the most part, since graduating from college. She has a degree in Psychology from Longwood University (Go Lancers!).  

Ms. Ashley is married and has a fur baby named Scout.  On the weekends she is busy with her wedding/ portrait photography business. 

Lead Teacher – Turtle Class

Ms. Brummer is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and loves teaching our four year olds.  “I love being here with all the precious children and I hope they learn as much from me as I have from them.”

Ms. Brummer is also a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  She is married with two beautiful sons.  Her youngest attends Redeemer CDC and her oldest is an alum.  When she is not working, Ms. Brummer and her family participate in the many fun and interesting programs and activities in the Richmond area.

Lead Teacher – Frogs Class

Ms. Brooks and her family have been active members of Redeemer Lutheran Church since 2002.  But it was her two daughters, Leah and Hannah, which brought her to the Redeemer CDC side.  She began working for the preschool when her daughters began attending the CDC.  Since then she has been a lead teacher in the three-year old classes.  She says “working at Redeemer Preschool has brought such joy to my life and has truly been a blessing.” 

Ms. Brooks is a graduate of Radford University and is happily married to her husband Stefan. 

Assistant Teacher – Puppies Class

Miss Shadia was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia.  She started working at Redeemer in 2011. And has taught in the 2’s and, now, the 4’s.  She says that Redeemer is like a second home.  Miss Shadia has three children of her own – Becker, Sarah and Mohammad.

Morning Front Desk Receptionist/Assistant Teacher – Monkeys Class

In 2003, Ms. Kimmick was retiring from Verizon and her granddaughter was in Redeemer’s 3 year old program.  A friend (Ms. Stiles) recommended that perhaps she consider working for Redeemer and she has been a part of the Redeemer family ever since. 

Ms. Kimmick was born in Ohio and goes back at least once a year.  Her granddaughter (the one in the 3 year old class) now teaches at Redeemer as well (Miss Brianna).

Director

For Mrs. Bakken, Redeemer is a true family affair.  For more than two decades, she has worked at the preschool.  In fact, many of the children she used to teach now work here!   She has two grown sons, Chad and Brad.  Although Chad was too old by the time her family moved to Richmond, Brad attended Redeemer.  In an interesting turn of events, Chad’s wife, Jessica, went to Redeemer as a child!  In addition, Chad’s son, Dash, went to Redeemer as well. 

Mrs. Bakken is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and a proud graduate of Illinois State University. 

Co-Teacher – Caterpillar Class

Miss Amy is a Chesterfield native and an alum of Redeemer Child Development Center.  She is also a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  She has worked for the CDC for more than a decade.  When asked about her time at Redeemer CDC she said, “I feel so blessed to have this job and work with such wonderful people and children every day of my life.”

Miss Amy has two sons, also alums of Redeemer, who keep her on the go!  Another important thing to know about Amy is that she is a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and tries to make it to a few games during each season with her family. 

Assistant Teacher – Sharks Class

Miss Veronika is originally from Omsk, Russia when she earned a degree in economics from the Omsk Institute of Consumer Service Technology.  In January of 2011, she moved to the U.S. with her family and later that same year, she began working at Redeemer.  

Miss Veronika has one daughter and two grandchildren.  She loves to ski and ice skate with her family.  And in her spare time she enjoys taking art classes and painting.

As I walk into work every morning and I have 30 or more children run to me and say good morning with such joy and happiness, I remember why I started working at Redeemer more than 8 years ago. Maybe to some it’s not the most glamorous job when we get finger paint on our clothes or glue in our hair daily, but to myself and my colleagues it truly is our passion to teach and serve your children every day. Their willingness to learn and approach life with wonder and such determination is amazing to be a part of. From learning to zip their coats to writing their names, we get to see it all and it truly is an honor. Thank you for sharing your children with us! But this is a bio about me, so… I have been blessed with an amazing husband for thirteen years and also have 2 beautiful girls, one about to enter high school and one will be in her last year of elementary school next year. It’s hard to believe they were both at Redeemer at one time. I graduated from Manchester High School in 2002 and I am currently taking classes at John Tyler Community College. I enjoy running, cooking, very hot coffee, and a good book if time allows.

Business Manager

Miss Emily has a background in finance and a love for children.  She is combining both of those skills here at Redeemer.  She has a lifelong love of children and began babysitting when she was just 12 years old.  Now, she is the mom to Autumn, a Redeemer student.  She and her daughter fell in love with Redeemer CDC as soon as they walked in the door for the first time and have been here ever since.  She is a lifetime resident of Midlothian, a graduate of Clover Hill High School and is married to her husband James.

Assistant Teacher – Giraffes Class

Miss Tori has been working with children since she was 15 years old.  She is the mother of two boys who both attend Redeemer’s Before School Program and says “they both love it!”  In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family, shopping, going to the movies, and watching her kids participate in sports. 

Lead Teacher – Giraffes Class

Ms. Dixie is a crafty lady.  She has a degree in Fine Art and loves bringing her skills into the classroom whenever possible.  Ms. Dixie is married with two boys.  She loves reading, gardening, renovating her old house.  She almost always has a knitting project nearby.

Lead Teacher – Bunnies Class

Miss Sandy, known for her bright smile, teaches the children of the Bunnies Class.  She says,“I love working here!  I feel like I fell right into place and like I’ve been here forever.”  When she isn’t at school she is busy raising her five boys and taking care of her loving husband, Billy.  She also loves spending time traveling, camping, taking pictures, the beach, and crafting.  She is also very involved in her church.

Infant/Toddler Coordinator

For Caycee, Redeemer is a family tradition.  She attended Redeemer when she was in pre-school.  Her elementary aged son, Bronson, attended Redeemer.  And her two-year old attends now.  She is also an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

After laying her educational foundation at Redeemer, Caycee went on to graduate from Longwood University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, PK-6 grade.  She taught second grade for 6 years and third grade for two years before deciding to stay at home with her children.  However, it wasn’t long before she joined Redeemer to start the Infant/ Toddler Program.

Co-Teacher – Butterflies Class

Ms. Jennifer has been teaching preschool for more than a decade.  She says she “feels blessed to work at Redeemer.”  In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures with her two daughters, doing yoga and crafting.  Ms. Jennifer is a proud graduate of Mary Washington College.

Three Year Old Teacher

I’m Aaqila Jones.  I was born in New York but raised in Virginia. I’ve been working at Redeemer since the summer of 2016. I graduated from Amelia County High School in 2015 and attended my freshman year at Longwood University.  I now plan on doing a semester or two at John Tyler Community College before transferring back.  I’m a Business major with a concentration in Marketing.  I love to listen to music, play piano, and spend time with my dog, Bruster.

Co-Teacher – Ladybugs Class

Ms. Cierra was born and raised in Midlothian.  She is married to Jay and has two children, Madison and Bradley.  Together, they love to boat at Lake Gaston and spend time with their extended family.  Her youngest, Bradley, has gone through Redeemer CDC’s program and couldn’t be happier!

Lead Teacher – Puppies Class

Miss Heather is a proud graduate of Redeemer Child Development Center!  A few years after leaving the preschool, she graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s in Education and a Minor in Religious Studies. 

She has always wanted to teach and loves working at Redeemer. She says spending time with the kids is the best part of her day.

In her spare time, Miss Heather loves to read, entertain, bake, play with her 6 cats, pet sit and do anything creative.

Lead Teacher – Owls Class

Ms. Simpson began working at Redeemer CDC in 2004.  She left for another pre-school a few years ago, but quickly decided that Redeemer was where she belonged.  She came back in 2013 and has been here ever since.  She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Special Education. 

In her spare time, Ms. Simpson enjoys making memories with her husband and son (a Redeemer student).

Lead Teacher – After School Program

Miss JennieLeigh has undergraduate degrees in Developmental Psychology and Special Education and a Master’s in Security Management.  She is a published author and experienced private security instructor.  But her passion for teaching children has lead her back to Redeemer. 

Miss JennieLeigh is a long time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and views the staff and families of the CDC as extended family.  When she is not working at Redeemer you can find her making jewelry and occasionally selling it at craft shows.  She also enjoys reading, writing and sketching.

Human Resources Specialist

Ms. Jung is passionate about helping people find their calling.  It just so happens her calling is here at Redeemer CDC.  Ms. Jung started as the Human Resource Coordinator in mid-2017, a year after the preschool doubled in size. We are very appreciative of her skill set and are blessed to have her at Redeemer.

Ms. Jung is married and has two boys who attend Redeemer CDC.  She was born and raised in Richmond, and is a proud graduate of Godwin High School.  She held several corporate management positions before coming to Redeemer.  In her spare time, Ms. Jung loves to travel,  cook, read novels and spend time with her family.

Pastor, Chapel Leader

Matthew Bean has served at Redeemer since his ordination, beginning in 2000 as Assistant Pastor, and then becoming Senior Pastor in 2010. “Redeemer has been proven to be a wonderful place to serve,” Pastor Bean recalls. “There is a growing sense of anticipation and enthusiasm among Redeemer’s members and visitors… a spirit of celebration.”

Lead Teacher – Monkeys Class

Dalal Bisharat is the Monkey room teacher in the afternoon.  As a mother of three girls, she has plenty of experience playing and learning with children.  Affectionately known as “Miss D,” she says she loves working at redeemer because it’s a “great environment with great people.”  She finds working with children fascinating because “they never take anything for granted.  Everything is new and exciting.  They make simple things amazing which makes me happy.”

Miss D is originally from Idaho but has lived in Richmond for more than a decade.  Her three girls also attend Redeemer.

Chapel Leader

Deaconess Barbara Coffin joined Redeemer’s staff in 2014, bringing with her 4 years experience as an over-seas missionary in Japan and also 7 years as Minister of Christian Education in the local congregation. Most recently she worked in the business and financial sector. She brings to Redeemer her passion for growing others in their Christian faith and challenging them to be “A Little Christ” to those around them. She is very excited to be at Redeemer as the Director of Discipleship and looks forward to growing and serving together with the members of Redeemer and its community. Barbara is happily married to Jeffrey and they have two beautiful boys.

Communications Director

Miss Leigh loves to write!  As the resident word girl, she pens the majority of what you read from Redeemer.  Sometimes she even writes in the third person (like when she is asked to write her biography.)  Miss Leigh has a brilliant daughter thanks, in part, to Redeemer. 

Miss Leigh has a sorted and varied past that includes about nine years as a television journalist for several affiliates around the country, and ten more years in non-profit communications and Public Relations.  Originally from Norfolk, Miss Leigh is a proud graduate of VCU and has lived in several states.  She moved back to Richmond in 2016 and vows never to pack a moving box again. In her spare time, Miss Leigh likes to travel, visit the beach, take walks with her family and do little freestyle hip hop dancing.

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon

Butterflies Assistant Teacher

Bio Coming Soon

After School Program Assistant Teacher

A native New Yorker, Ms. Shakira has lived in Richmond for 10 years now.  She has always been compassionate about working with children.  For more than 30 years she has worked with students of all ages.  Her passion is to help children learn how to be positive and productive in life, to become life learners and to function in today’s society.  At Redeemer is loves being able to sit around the table with the children, coloring and talking about the ministry of Jesus.

Front Desk

You might have guess it but, yes, Brad is Mrs. Bakken’s son. He is working in Redeemer while in nursing school. This is not his first time at Redeemer though. Brad worked at Redeemer throughout high school and even went to Redeemer for preschool. 

Brad was born in Naperville, Illinois and moved to Powhatan, Virginia in 1993. He and his girlfriend moved to Richmond three years ago, along with their dog Maddie. They love all of the outdoor opportunities Richmond has to offer.

Ladybugs Teacher

Originally from Andong, South Korea, Ms. Hyehyun spent most of her life in Seoul.  That is where she met her husband Jon, who is a native of Richmond and a lifetime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  She and her husband moved her in 2015 to raise their family.  Ms. Hyehyun has two children, and both of them attend Redeemer CDC.

Ms. Hyehyun loves the happiness and innocence of the babies and thoroughly loves her job at Redeemer.  Before working here, she worked at a preschool in Korea.  She also spent ten years working in The National Cancer Center in Korea. 

Hyehyun has been at Redeemer several years now and says that sometimes it doesn’t even feel like she is at work!  When she is not at Redeemer, Ms. Hyehyun spends time with her family and hikes the mountains of Virginia!

Infant/ Toddler Floater

Ms. Kim is a natural born teacher.  Before homeschooling all four of her children, she taught children’s theater.  Although she raised her family in Maine, they moved down here several years ago.  Now, two of her children have graduated from college and two are working on their degrees. 

You will find Kim floating around the Infant and Toddler section of our school, daily.  She lends a helpful hand to all of the teachers.  She says she loves Redeemer because of the “wonderful staff” and, of course, because “we’ve got the best kids around.”

Floater

Bio Coming Soon

Giraffe Assistant Teacher

Ms. Arly has lived in the Richmond area her entire life.  She comes from a very large family and loves children.  Day in and out you will see her hanging out with the two-year-olds.  But, often times, she helps out in other areas, as well. 

Although she is studying to be a dental hygienist, she loves her work here at Redeemer.  She loves seeing life through the children’s eye because they are so innocent and provide her with a renewed perspective on life.  Her goal is to make a small difference in each child’s life, every day. 

Ms. Lis moved to Richmond three years ago from Peru to be closer to her daughter’s family.  She lives close by and her grandson attended Redeemer.  Her native language is Spanish but she also speaks Italian and is learning English. 

No matter the language, she definitely speaks “children.”  She is a trained childcare provider with 15 years of experience.  She loves watching babies grow and develop.  She says each one “fills the life of whoever is at their side.”  Besides living in the same neighborhood as Redeemer, she also chose this place because of the school’s commitment to the well-being of children and their families. 

Ms. Lis has two children (plus their spouses) and four grandchildren.  Her daughter lives with her family in North Chesterfield and her son lives with his family in Barcelona. 

Position

As a native to Midlothian, she has always had a special place in her heart for children.  Brittany began her career in childcare at the age of 12 as a babysitter, then working at summer camps as she became older.  As an aspiring pediatric nurse, Brittany finds working at Redeemer to be the next big step towards her ultimate goal.  Her favorite part about Redeemer CDC is the teamwork!

In addition to working here, Ms. Brittany loves spending time with her husband and little girl, Lydia (a Redeemer kid, herself).

Position

Hello Friends,

I was born and raised right here in Richmond/ Chesterfield, VA.  I have been married to my wonderful husband for more than 30 years.  We are VERY BLESSED and THANKFUL for our son and our daughter.  Our family is growing.  They are both married and we have 3 “Grand”daughters.  It is AWESOME!

I have been working with children since I was a teenagers and have enjoyed every bit of it.  Every time I have ventured into something different I have felt God calling me back into childcare.  I believe this is the field He wants me to be in.  I am also very thankful that God has led me to Redeemer.  I look forward to being a part of your child’s growing and learning experience here at Redeemer.  If I can help at any time please ask.  Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.

Hi!  My name is Ms. Tomeka, but, often times the children just call me “Meka.”  I have been a preschool teacher for almost two decades.  I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work here at Redeemer with such amazing people and loving children.  I have felt at home since the first day I stepped foot in Redeemer. 

I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have a beautiful daughter, who we love very much.  In my free time I love spending time with my family, shopping and watching football.  Go Cowboys!!!

Position

Miss Ariel was born and raised in Richmond.  Even though she is young, she has always had a passion to work with children.  She wants to make a difference in their lives.  As a senior at Clover Hill High School, she aspires to go to college and major in education.  She wants to be an elementary school teacher. 

She loves making children happy and being able to spend time with them.  Redeemer affords her that opportunity.  “All the people feel like a second family,” she says.  “Even though I haven’t worked here that long, I’ve been helping out (at Redeemer) with Ashley since sixth grade.”  Sharing her love of God with the children of Redeemer is also a plus!

Ms. Christie is a native of Chesterfield and has been in childcare for many years.  She has two grown daughters of her own and four grandchildren.  One of her daughters is an air traffic controller in the United States Air Force.  She has been married for more than 35 years.  She loves horses and dogs so she visits farms with her grandchildren whenever she can.  She also loves to cook. 

Ms. Christie joined Redeemer in 2018 and loves meeting all of the new faces every day!

I have been in the Richmond area since 1996. I grew up in the West End, and have now lived in North Chesterfield for the past 2 years. I was born in Northern Virginia but I will always call Richmond my home.

I have worked with kids and youth for as long as I can remember and have recently earned my Master’s degree in School Counseling. I find the energy and enthusiasm of children to be contagious, it’s so great! Looking at life through the eyes of a child is so sweet and special, it really is a blessing to be around every day.

Although I have recently started at Redeemer, I can tell that each staff member loves each child as if they were their own! The kids have a wonderful time, the teachers enjoy being here- it’s truly a great place!

When I’m not working I love spending time with my 2-year old daughter and my husband, and we spend as much time together as we can! We love exploring new places in Richmond, going on bike rides, and spending time with family and friends.

Position

Ms. Sarah is a proud graduate of Longwood University.  She has plenty of experience in childcare, as she spent her early years helping in church nurseries and babysitting around the clock.  She loves helping people where she can, when she can.  Ms. Sarah speaks fluent Spanish and used that skill during several missions’ trips to the Dominican Republic while in college. 

Ms. Sarah is very excited to be at Redeemer because of its diversity and the wonderfully unique children that play and learn here every day.