Meet Our Staff

Hello! My name is Brittany Wright. Born in Fairfax, Virginia but later moved to Emporia, Virginia were I was raised the majority of my life. Since the age of 15 I have worked with many Early Childhood programs including 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and church programs. I am a graduate of Norfolk State University where I majored in Fine Arts. After college, I began working towards my teaching license. During that time I worked here at LeafSpring which was then called Rainbow Station. After receiving my certification I left to pursue my teaching career at Greensville County High School where I taught Art, Yearbook and advised many after-school programs and school clubs. During my time there I realized Early Childhood is where my heart is, luckily the stars aligned and I am now back here at LeafSpring. I’m so excited to work with you littles and you.

My name is Kelley, I’m 25 and so excited to be joining the LeafSpring School family! I moved to Virginia when I was 18 years old from Arizona and I fell in love with how beautiful the state is. I’m an avid hiker and you will more than likely find me hiking Shenandoah Valley on the weekends. I live here with my boyfriend Michael and our two very spoiled cats, Calvin and Theo. My background is in nursing. I briefly went to ODU for the pre-nursing program and I’ve been a CNA since high school. My experience has been mostly with the elderly but I’ve always wanted to work with children. I’m very excited to start this new chapter with all of you and help assist our wonderful lead teachers!

I’m looking into studying Early Childhood Development at TCC. I love kids! I’ve been around kids as long as I can remember. In my free time, I love going to the beach and being out in the sun during the summer. I love the color pink and chocolate

I am inspired by my daughter, Viviana!

Hi! My name is Alison Nichols. I have been with LeafSpring School for almost 2 years now. I started in the village as a recreational counselor and I’m so happy to now be the administrative assistant for the school.  Before LeafSpring, I had many different teaching/childcare jobs. Between being a long-term substitute to being a prek4 lead teacher, I have enjoyed working with and teaching children of all ages for years.

 A little bit about me, I was born and raised in the Richmond area and came to Virginia Beach after my husband and I got married. We have a dog, Betty, and our cat, Voodoo, that we love to spend time with and take care of. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, playing my guitar, and playing PC games with my husband.

I am inspired by understanding and building relationships and bonds with people

My name is Lynn Belpulsi. I was born and raised in Queens New York. I recently moved here in July, to be closer to my son and parents. I have 2 children; Nicholas is 23 and is a cyber security consultant for the Navy and Adrianna is 15 and wants to become a veterinarian. I have an orange girl cat named Meshow she’s 13 years old. 

I’ve been working as a certified teacher Assistant in early childhood for 8 years.  

I’m dedicated to helping your children’s educational careers and growth. I love working with children especially doing arts and crafts and cooking. I love seeing their smiling faces every day. 

Hola! My name is Natarsha and I have had the privilege of being a part of LeafSpring School since March of 2020. I’ve been working with kids and it fills my heart with joy to watch them grow. I’m also excited to be a part of this wonderful team of teachers at LeafSpring School.

Hi, I’m Kim Powers. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Millersville University. I have spent the last three years teaching Kindergarten and before that, I enjoyed working with preschoolers. I believe very strongly in living life “scientifically” meaning that every opportunity is a learning experience, a chance to ask questions, and of course, to look at challenges as a chance to improve and grow. I bring my personal philosophy of living scientifically to teaching by aiding students in finding their passion and exploring the world around them. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a child explore their passions through discovery, challenging themselves, and with some hard work and determination; achieve their goal! A smile on the face of a young scientist as they reach the “AH HA!” moment is the root of learning and the joy of any teacher. My dream is to help each child find their passion. Outside of work, I am an avid reader, an enthusiastic, if not over-ambitious gardener, an artist and amazingly, a mother. I enjoy spending time watching movies with my family, curling up with my cats to read a good book, and being outside in nature.

Hi! My name is NaBria. I am a graduate of Tidewater Community College. I am more of a reserved person. I enjoy drawing in my free time and I love games. I currently do not have children, but I do want some one day. My two dogs at home are my babies since they act like real babies. I think the thing that inspires me the most is my family. Being the older sibling out of the babies born, I am held to the utmost responsibility. I have to be a role model for them. I have people that look up to me at home and I want to be that person for your children. I want them to be able to come to me when they have a problem or be able to smile and tell me about their day. I cannot wait to be a part of your child’s life.

Hi, my name is Joyce and I have been working with children for over 20 years. I have my Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in Human Services Counseling. I always wanted to work with children, and I have in many different settings. I have worked with children in After School Programs, Parks and Recreation, tutoring, and a boys’ group home. I enjoy working with children who have a hard time expressing their feelings, which includes what makes them upset and why. Seeing a child find a new way of expressing themselves is its own reward. One thing I am very passionate about is working with middle and high school girls. This age group has always had my heart because they’re at an impressionable age. Working in an after-school program I was given the opportunity to start a dance group and a girls’ group to help the girls stay focused on the positive attributes in life. I started a group for young girls called Girls About Business (GAB) which builds self-esteem, character, team-building skills, and tools to help them become great women later in life. I had the most fun being a coach for Girls on the Run for a small group of girls in an after-school program. I have a daughter studying Communications with a minor in Pre-med at Grand Canyon University.

What inspires me the most is my love and gift of crafting. Recreating something that I see and adding a bit of myself to the project is always gratifying. I enjoy making and personalizing items for others.

Hello! My name is Deanne. I have been teaching for thirty years for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I have taught second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Education. I have been married for 29 years and have two daughters. My daughter, Kayla is a senior at VA Tech. She will be graduating this year. My youngest daughter is a junior at McDaniel College in Maryland. She has played travel softball since she was eight years old. She has continued to play softball at the collegiate level. She is a pitcher on her team. I love to read and swim. I also love to watch baseball and softball. I am so excited to be a kindergarten teacher at LeafSpring this year. I have always wanted to teach kindergarten and my dream has come true! I love to teach and believe all children need to feel safe and happy. My goal for this year is to have every child in my class feel safe, confident, respected, and excited to come to school every day. I am looking forward to meeting all of the wonderful families at LeafSpring!!!!

Bio coming soon

A little bit about me, my family is very important they are truly my support system. I use to work in real estate in NYC Dumbo where I was born and raised. I moved to Virginia Beach during covid 2019. My son Saul is my heart beat he is my entire world. Leaving all we know behind our family and friends was very hard and even lonely at times. Coming to LeafSpring being able to work with children has been such a dream for me. Nyc moves so fast we move in ways to just pay our bills. So being able to be part of your little ones’ lives and also working with such an amazing group has finally made me feel a sense of home. Some of my favorite pass times are just spending time with my son long walks picnicking, and quality time.

Hi, my name is Jillian Mihalko. I was born here in Virginia Beach but was raised in southwest Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, I fell in love with my job working at a childcare center and volunteering with multiple programs aimed at the youth within the area. Recently, my puppy Mabel and I moved back to Virginia Beach in search of new opportunities.  Currently, I am attending Grand Canyon University for a degree in Early Elementary Education and Special Education. A passion for family and the love for the kids I have worked with through the years has led me to this chapter of my life, and I can’t wait to see where it leads. Each day, I am inspired by all of the growth that happens as children learn about the world around them and their individual roles within it. In my free time, I can often be found going on walks with my dog, journaling, traveling, and spending time with family.

Hi! I’m Natanya but most people call me Tanya. I have lived in Virginia Beach for my entire life and I currently don’t have any plans to leave the Hampton Roads area. I graduated from Bayside High School in 2019 and I have since been working towards the career goal of working in the medical field. I am the youngest sibling to four boys. Being the youngest sibling has definitely made it where I will always be a child at heart. I am very family oriented, so I enjoy spending time with my family, especially all my nieces and nephews. My favorite hobby is interior design, so I am almost always redecorating and reorganizing a room in my house. In my free time I enjoy shopping, traveling, going to the movie theater, and visiting various types of museums.

My name is Madison and I’m a United States Navy veteran. I’m currently 23 and living in Virginia Beach. I was enlisted for 5 years and have moved all over the country from California to Illinois and now here. I’m originally from New Castle, PA. I have two golden retrievers that I absolutely adore! We frequently go to the dog park and the beach, which is my absolute favorite place to be in any weather. I also love knitting, lifting, watching scary movies, and occasionally playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons. I’ve always wanted to work with children and will be studying at ODU to finish my teaching degree. I was deployed essentially all of 2021 and have loved the experiences and people I’ve met because of the Navy but it’s time for me to do something that I’m passionate about and truly enjoy. Being an academic teacher is my ultimate career and life goal. So I am ecstatic to be working here finally taking steps in the right direction. 

I am a proud mother of three beautiful girls and a 2-year-old granddaughter. I’ve been teaching Early Childhood Education for the past 10 years. Before returning back to the classroom, I was an administrator for 4 years. Teaching and leading young minds is my heart’s desire. One of my favorite books is “Oh, the Places You”ll Go!” and I can’t wait to see where your little one will go.

Hello, my name is Arina. As a youth educator, I enjoy supporting youth development that enriches and stimulates young minds to continue growing which allows their creativity to work according to their individual needs. However, my passion for education the youth is only a portion of what makes me whole. My happiness comes from within but more so from the beautiful smiles of others that I’m able to assist in any way possible. Being fortunate enough to help others at any small or large cost is what I consider “time well spent.” There are a couple of things I absolutely enjoy ding when I’m in need of a little rejuvenating, for example, cooking, being one with nature, traveling and reading. What really gets me going is the laughter of my daughter. It’s been a pleasure to share some of me with you. Remember you are never too young or old enough to “learn, laugh, and love.”

Hi! My name is Krista. I am a mom to 2 teenage girls. I love going to the beach and collecting seashells. I love working with kids and I can’t wait to safely transport your kids to school.

My kids inspire me to be the best me I can be.

Bio coming soon

My name is Jennifer and I have been in the education field for over 5 years. I am originally form New York and moved to Virginia Beach two years ago. I’m excited to continue my teaching journey and work alongside those who share the same passion! I am inspired to help kids grow not only academically but emotionally. I’m proud to be a part of their growth into adulthood.

Hi, my name is Shannon Sharp. I started driving a bus for the Village at LeafSpring School this past September. I was born in Colorado and have been in Virginia Beach for the last 38 years. I am married and have 3 adult children, 14 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. I have driven school buses and assorted trucks for the first 10 years in Virginia Beach. For the next 20 years, I took care of children in my home and then took care of most of my grandchildren until they started school. I’ve been doing Retail Merchandising since then. I love making sure the children get to school safely. In my spare time, I love watching Hallmark movies and spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren and my friends.

I am a Navy veteran and I am currently in school pursuing a degree in history and anthropology. It is my goal in life to be a teacher and role model for future generations. I enjoy diving deep into child psychology and the leading theories of early childhood development. I look forward to being a part of the LeafSpring family and growing into a mentorship role along with the LeafSpring team.

Hi! I’m Sandi! Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (and born in a Black and Gold diaper), I moved to Virginia Beach in 2015. I absolutely love it here as it’s the happiest I’ve ever been. Beach Life! I have 2 adult sons, Trevor, 24 and Ben, 22 who are the great loves of my life. My background is in event planning, however, kids have always brought me joy. I was always Room Mom, Team Mom and even spent 2 years as PTSA President at Ocean Lakes High School. Kids have always been a focus in my life so it just felt natural to join LeafSpring…a decision that only gets better each day! I am here to spread love, fun and help inspire growth in your children.

I have been a full-time nanny and I’ve worked with children for over 5 years. I recently moved to the area from Maryland, and I’m enjoying exploring! Outside of work, I enjoy all types of fitness, long walks with my dog, and eating new foods! I can’t wait to meet and get to know your little ones.

Bio coming soon

Hello! My name is Olivia. I am 28 and have lived in the Hampton roads area now for two years with my beagle. Before moving here I was attending Radford University. It’s always been a dream of mine to live at the beach and I’m loving every second! I’ve always been passionate about working with young learners. I myself am always seeking new things to learn. Currently I am attending school to become a licensed esthetician to broaden my knowledge and experience. If you ever have any questions please ask!

Bio coming soon

Hi! My name is Tennie or you can call me “T.” I’ve been transporting students since 1995. I worked in a daycare setting for a long time. I enjoy being around children. I like to see students happy and getting along.

I am thrilled to join the LeafSpring family! This is my third year in formal childcare and I am working towards my CDA to become a lead teacher. I welcome a baby girl in June 2024 who will also join the LeafSpring family! I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I am inspired by cozy winter nights, warm drinks by the fire with my loved ones, sunsets on the drive home, and my growing family.

Bio coming soon

Hi, I’m Kehle. Originally from the state of Pennsylvania. I started working at LeafSpring in September 2023. I have a bunny, a cat, and a dog. In my rec time, I like to watch anime, play video games, and read.

bio coming soon

Hello friends! My name is Kim and I am the Lead Teacher for the toddlers. I love this age because everything is new and exciting for the little ones. Originally a Jersey girl, I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts, and have been married for over 25 years. In the beginning, we moved quite frequently with the Army, before settling in Virginia. My husband and I have two, wonderful children now in college. We all moved to the Virginia Beach area in 2016 and love it here! When I’m not in the classroom, you might find me on the courts, on the beach, playing with my dog, fishing, kayaking, or spending time with family and friends. Thank you for entrusting me with your tiny treasures!

What inspires me: learning through laughter. It always amazes me how young children can grasp concepts when having fun. They are like little sponges, who soak everything in.

Hi! My name is Maddie Starner and I moved to Virginia Beach in 2016 from a small town in Indiana.  I have a son named Bradley who was born September 11, 2017. I have been with LeafSpring School for four years! I graduated with my Associate of Science in the Social Sciences in December 2019. I have been working with children of all ages since I was fifteen years old. I love the connection that can be made with children and they can always brighten up my day. My goal at LeafSpring School is to provide a positive and engaging environment outside of the classic school setting.

My name is Athena and I have been with LeafSpring School since June of 2007. I worked as a Lead Teacher at LeafSpring School at Wyndham for 6 years before returning to my hometown of Virginia Beach.  During my early years, I was a Lead Teacher in Yellow, Green, Blue, PreK I, PreK II, Transitional Kindergarten, and a Recreational Counselor in the school-age program. I will always be a teacher at heart. I graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology.

I am married with two children. My son Joe is a student at Kellam High School and my daughter Jordin is a student at Princess Anne Middle School. We are big football fans and love watching games whether it is high school, college, or pro. Go 49ers!

I am deeply inspired by my faith and family. They motivate me to focus on the important things and not be swayed by the uncertainties and negativity in this world. I try to live each day with a heart of gratitude knowing that each day is a gift.

My name is Barbara Garbin and I have a degree in Fine Art and Art Education. While living in Pittsburgh, I taught Art for a few years and worked in an Art Studio as a Computer Graphics Designer. Upon moving here to Virginia Beach, I have been a Preschool Computer Teacher, a Lead Teacher for 2 1/2 to 3-year-old children and a Lead Pre-K Teacher. I have a son, Josh. I enjoy watching football and an occasional movie as well as going to concerts here in Virginia Beach.

I find that simple things inspire me. When things get chaotic or life presents challenges, I take time to pause and reflect. I get inspired from visiting new places, taking time to enjoy nature, or just taking time for myself.

I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working with children for over 5 years now. I moved late 2015 down here from Pennsylvania and I am enjoying it thoroughly. I’m very happy that I was able to find a position away from my hometown that made me just as comfortable as I was there. I am looking forward to helping your children grow and learn as much as I can from them.

Greetings families!  I have been with LeafSpring School since our doors opened in 2007.  I have enjoyed serving as a previous Recreational Counselor, Village Assistant Director, and Village Program Director.  I attended Old Dominion University where I earned my B. S. in Human Services Counseling and minored in both Management and Psychology.  I physically left the program in 2016 to relocate to Northern California and returned to the team in 2018.  While I was in California, many life changes happened- I married my best friend, Chris, who I actually met through Mrs. Joyce’s husband!  We are now also a family of four!  Our daughter Calaleya, whom we affectionately call Cali, is 4 years old and our son, Capello, is 7 months old.  I have literally watched our Virginia Beach site grow, both physically from the days when it was still being built to emotionally, in which I proudly share our school-wide accomplishments.  I am happy and humbled to be back on the Administrative team.

I am the owner of LeafSpring VB. I graduated from Green High School, received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia, and after having worked in pediatrics for a few years, I went on to receive my Master of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University. I worked as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for many years, and it is during that time that I saw a need in our community for a quality early education program that also encompassed a nursing component. LeafSpring School is the perfect marriage of nursing and education, and I am happy to be a part of it.

Currently, if you will often see me roaming the halls and classrooms of LeafSpring School, or in the Get Well Place. I have five children whose academic and athletic endeavors take up the bulk of my “free time”, but I enjoy supporting them and spending time with my family. I also enjoy cooking, as well as getting caught up in a good read.

Hi! My name is Joyce and I have been with the company since its inception in 2007. Prior to that, I worked for Rainbow Station (LeafSpring School) in Richmond, VA since 2000. I have my BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism and my MS in Early Childhood Studies. I am an advocate for young children and am actively involved in the early childhood scene on a local and state level. On a personal note, my husband and I have two children, Ezra Jane and Paul, Jr. I no longer have my own hobbies, but now look forward to the different ways to make memories with my family – surprise trips to Dairy Queen, the beach, and Richmond are the favorites.

Hi, my name is Kim Greelish. I am a Recreational Counselor for the Village at LeafSpring School. I am originally from North Carolina and moved to Virginia when I was fifteen. I am married, have two children, and three pets. I received my Associate’s Degree at Tidewater Community College. I have acquired over five years of experience working with children. I have been a part of the LeafSpring School family for over three years.  I truly enjoy working with children and teaching them to be at their very best. My goal is to ensure every parent at LeafSpring School that their child is safe, learning to the fullest, and having lots of fun. In my spare time, I love to watch movies, shopping, and spending time with my family.

I have always had a passion for working with children and my journey begin at LeafSpring in April of 2012 as I worked as an assistant teacher in Aug 2013 I transitioned into the role of an Administrative Assistant. In 2015 the military sent my husband and me to San Diego, CA for 6 months then to Jacksonville, FL for 3 years.  In 2018 we settled back in Hampton Roads and I joined the LeafSpring family once again. While I was gone, I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education PK-6 and was granted my teaching license in the state of Virginia.  Also, while away I continued my work in the early education field working at a preschool where I continued to grow as an educator as well as have my own son who was born on Halloween in 2016. My husband and I welcomed our second baby in February 2022 to complete our family of 4! I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks, and playing board games! I love being a part of the LeafSpring Family!

The future inspires me. Knowing that I work in a field that is helping shape the minds and attitudes of our future generation is a gift within itself.

My name is Patty Oswald and I will be your child’s new pre-k teacher for the school year. I am beyond excited to work with your children and as many of you already know, I have potty-trained your child at some point many moons ago. I am going on my 11th year at Leafspring School. I am the mother of a rising 10th grader his name is Toby and a dog mommy to Miss Daisy. I am bringing back the old school games and learning through nature in the classroom. The children are going to have so much fun at school they won’t even notice how smart they are getting. I am structured and I love routines. I love stories too, either tell them myself or have them told to me. We will be reading plenty of books and documenting which ones we read and how many we read throughout the year. Here is to an awesome year.

I love teaching, growing minds, and most important, the Lord! I previously worked at LeafSpring School from 2007 to 2012. For those who remember, yes, I still go by “Superman.” My favorite color is red and my girlfriend’s name is pepperoni pizza. I am back, and everyone, let me tell you – it feels good being home!

Hello, my name is Shenequa Thomas. I graduated from Kellam High School and the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center in 2015. I attended Tidewater Community College to further my knowledge in the early childhood field. I have been at LeafSpring for about 5 years now and I have been enjoying every minute of it. I am now the proud mommy of a sweet baby girl. In my spare time, I enjoy watching Netflix, running, and reading books. I am looking forward to teaching your child!

I have been with LeafSpring School for almost 12 years now and I love it! I am a mother of two boys, Isaiah and MJ.  I am one of 11 siblings! I attended the VoTech Center in Virginia Beach for Early Childhood Education and I received my certificate. In my spare time, I enjoy shopping with my son and spending time with my family. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I am very excited to be teaching.

Hello, my name is Ulrike Diehl, but you can call me Ms. Uli. I was born in the States. My parents are both from Germany and after living in North Carolina for three years, we moved back to Germany. I spent most of my childhood there – with two years in Argentina. I speak German, English, a bit of Spanish, and some French. I studied four years of Early Childhood Education in Germany to become a teacher ranging from infants to school-age children. I have been living in Virginia Beach for over seven years and have been working as a live-in nanny.