Meet our Staff

Director: Lori Schneider
Ms. Lori currently resides in Ashburn, VA, with her daughter Rachel. She was married to Phil Schneider for 18 years until he was called home to be with His Lord in July 2008.

Lori has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Child Psychology and Motor Development/Motor Learning and has been a Center Director for the past 15 years. She has helped to open 4 other Early Childhood Centers in the Northern Virginia/Ashburn/Leesburg area. In April 2004, she became a Commissioned Minister of Religion in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to nurture and teach God's children about the wonderful gift of His love for each and every child. I want to spread the Good News of Jesus to everyone, not only through my words, but also through the actions of my servant heart. I want to touch children's lives daily in my ministry at Living Hope, to be a witness and a servant of His word to the Staff, families and children who will be placed in my care at the Open Arms Christian Child Development Center."

Teacher: Teresa Akridge
Ms. Teresa is the M/W/F 4-Year-Old Part-Time Preschool Teacher. She has a B.S. in Chemistry with a Biology emphasis and a B.S. in Medical Technology. She also has an M.S. in Elementary Education in Pre-K through 6th Grade from Old Dominion University. She has been involved with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts as a Troop Leader for many years. She teaches Sunday School as well as tutors part-time at the Huntington Learning Center in Stafford. She is a Homebound and Substitute Teacher for the Stafford County School System.

Teacher: Kim Bessette
Ms. Kim is the Tuesday/Thursday 3-Year-Old Part-Time Preschool Teacher. She has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and has experience working at both the Elementary and Preschool levels. She is originally from North Carolina and has lived in Stafford for the past 5 years.

Teacher: Sarah Donnelly
Ms. Sarah is the 2-Year-Old Full & Part-Time Preschool Teacher. She has an Associate Degree in Education and will be graduating from the University of Mary Washington in May 2011, with a Bachelor Degree in Leadership and Management (Business).

"I enjoy being a Mother and I feel that children are a blessed gift from God and I am looking forward to sharing God's Love with the children in my care."

Teacher Assistant: April Goodnight
Ms.April is one of the Teacher Assistants for the Toddler, Twos and Threes Classrooms. She is currently enrolled at Germanna Community College and studying to get her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has several years of experience assisting in other area Preschools and Early Childhood Centers during High School.

"I enjoy teaching children new things and helping them to achieve new goals."

Teacher: Barb Jones
Ms. Barb is the 4-Year-Old Full-Time Preschool Teacher. She has an Associate Degree in Applied Science and has been teaching Preschool for the past 6 years at another local Stafford Preschool.

"I am looking forward to the opportunity to share God's Love with the children."

Administrative Assistant: Jannine Jones
Ms. Jannine is one of the Administrative Assistants and Floater Teachers at Open Arms. She currently works with all of the Open Arms age groups and classrooms. Most of her work experience has been in Sales, Customer Service and Administration. She was also a Children's Ministry Assistant at her church for many years.

"I have enjoyed being the mother of four wonderful children and often volunteered at my children's schools. My passion for children continues to be an interest, and I am looking forward to possibly getting my Early Childhood Credential in the near future."

Teacher: Denea Rice
Ms. Denea is the Teacher in the Infant/Toddler Room. She has a B.A. in Child and Family Development and is currently working on her Master's Degree in Education. She has been working in Early Childhood Education for the past few years. She has been happily married for 12 years and lives in Stafford with her husband, 3 children and 3 dogs.

Teacher: Kerry Simmons
Ms. Kerry is the 3-Year-Old Full-Time Preschool Teacher. She grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, but has lived in Stafford for the past 10 years. she has been married for 15 years and has 3 children.

"I first discovered my passion for children when volunteering at my Church. For the past 8 years I have been working with children at various local Early Childhood Centers."

Applications for Lead Teachers and Assistants now being accepted.