Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. Married and the mother of three beautiful children, Colton, and identical twins Evelyn and Abigail.

Tara, Graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies with a focus on child program development. Tara has spent 10 years in business management and marketing for non-profit organizations and private small businesses. Growing up, Tara has always aspired to work with children in some capacity, everything from a CHKD certified childcare provider to volunteering for children’s summer camps.  Today, having children of her own, she realizes a need for an educational environment in Virginia Beach that meets her high expectations in education, nutrition, and sanitation standards.  Establishing a safe learning environment where creativity and innovation are nurtured, physical fitness and healthy eating habits are instilled, and problem solving and technological activities are promoted, is a high priority with a daily emphasis on kindness and mindful thinking.

Associate Director

Born and raised in Virginia Beach Ms. Joe lives with her husband and is a proud dog momma to a black German Shepard named Kobe. She has two beautiful nieces, Nola, and Natalie, and a handsome baby nephew named Cam.

After graduating from Radford University with a Bachelor of Science Degree with concentrations in Early Childhood/Special Education and Psychology, she began teaching Preschool students at St. Pius X Catholic School. From there, she furthered her career to become the Youth Development Director at a Licensed Child Care sports facility during the pandemic. At the facility, she produced new and creative ways to keep children engaged while following all the licensing requirements. Ms. Joe was in the National Honor Society in Education in college and has always had a passion for working with kids and helping people find their true potential. She has a huge heart and is super dedicated to education, organization, and helping grow Baylake Academy to its known and recognized great academy.

Assistant Director

Ms. Fish is a Hampton Roads native from a Navy family. She loves being an aunt to her year-old niece and enjoys traveling, cooking, and museum trips in her spare time. She graduated with an Associates of Science in Early Childhood Development from Tidewater Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Hollins University. She is aspiring to obtain her Master’s degree in early childhood education.

She has taught children of varying ages for over seven years in private school, day learning centers, and library outreach programs.

Ms. Fish is passionate about cultivating student’s curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills within her classroom. From her varying roles in the Early Childhood Education field, she has learned to be a leader who encourages and collaborates with fellow educators to develop intentional lesson planning and wholesome learning experiences. As a prior lead teacher at Baylake Academy, Ms. Fish looks forward to bringing her unique academic and professional experiences from the classroom and hopes to inspire a lifelong love of learning for staff and students.

Team Lead

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Ms. Bernstein now resides in Virginia Beach with her cat, Raisin. She is a graduate of Radford University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism. Following graduation, she moved to Bluffton, South Carolina, where she served as supervisor of the children’s department at Montage Palmetto Bluff. In this role, she organized family-centered events, coordinated holiday programming, and developed a summer camp curriculum for children ages 5–12. She later continued this work on Kiawah Island, Charleston, where she further expanded her passion for creating enriching experiences for children and families. In December, Ms. Bernstein returned to Hampton Roads to focus more deeply on her love for working with young children. She is dedicated to fostering growth in early childhood, supporting both social-emotional and physical development, and encouraging children as they build confidence and acquire new skills. Her approach emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration in the formative preschool years. Outside of Baylake Academy, Ms. Bernstein enjoys spending time at the beach, cheering on college football, and embracing opportunities to stay active in her community.

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Ms. Wigfall is originally from Hampton, Virginia and attended school at Virginia State University where she obtained her Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has worked in the mental health field working with children in the school setting starting in 2012. While working with children with developmental disabilities and mental diagnoses she grew a new love for education and in 2017 realized she wanted to make the transition into education. In 2017 she married and moved to Upstate New York for her husband’s military obligations when she decided to start on her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Wigfall completed her masters while continuing to work with children in the mental health field. Upon completion of her master’s degree and her husband’s retirement, her family returned to Virginia and she started her journey into the field of education.

Ms. Wigfall is extremely excited to excel in the classroom and spark new ideas for growth and development in the classroom. She has a huge desire to assist children in developing in the best way possible in all aspects of life. Ms. Wigfall is confident in her journey in early childhood education she will be able to touch so many lives and bring so much joy and excitement to education. Ms. Wigfall really enjoys crafting, music, dance, and all other forms of art and would love to share this with my students. She is excited to share these interests with her students and families throughout this journey.

Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Ms. Carroll is originally from Gainesville, Florida. She attended Florida State University and received her Associate of Arts Degree. She has been living in Denver for the past two years and just moved to Virginia Beach this past summer. Ms. Carroll started working in aftercare and summer camp programs in college five years ago and found a passion for working with children. She then went on to work as a paraprofessional in Florida in a second-grade classroom. She moved on to Denver and worked in the heart of the downtown area as a first-grade assistant. She also worked at a Montessori school and had a classroom of first, second and third graders. Ms. Carroll believes working in different kinds of schools gave her a new and comprehensive perspective to teaching; she was given hands-on experiences and taught all kinds of different ways to teach and learn. Her favorite part about working in the classroom is how each day is different; it might have a schedule and plans, but it always has its own unique excitements and challenges that not only push the students, but the teachers as well.

Ms. Carroll is excited to share her experience, teach with love and compassion and to start her new adventure here in Virginia Beach.

Pre-K4 A Lead Teacher

Ms. Jaspe moved from Miami, Florida, to Virginia Beach with her husband a year ago. They are enjoying their new life, immersed in the natural beauty that Virginia Beach offers. Ms. Jaspe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Early Childhood Professional Certification, and she is currently studying behavior analysis.  With over nine years of experience teaching young children—ranging from 18 months to 5 years old—in private schools, she has developed a teaching approach grounded in the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Her primary goal as an educator is to support her learners in developing organizational skills, critical thinking, and creativity by engaging them in thought-provoking experiences that foster intellectual growth and curiosity from a young age. She encourages children to express themselves through diverse languages of expression, recognizing that each child communicates and learns in unique ways. She is committed to nurturing respect, kindness, and compassionate citizenship in her students while creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Pre-K4 A Associate Teacher

Ms. Poteat is a Yorktown native who is so excited to begin a new journey in Virginia Beach. She brings three years of experience working with children across various age groups and has developed a strong interest in early childhood education. Growing up in a large family helped shape her understanding of the importance of patience, empathy, and consistency—qualities that continue to guide her work in the preschool classroom. Ms. Poteat is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore. Her approach emphasizes the importance of social-emotional growth alongside early academic development, with the goal of helping each child build confidence and a sense of belonging. Ms. Poteat believes that every child should be able to express themselves, take risks, and find joy in learning in the classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, playing music, singing, spending time with her partner and their families, and volunteering with her church.

Pre-K4 B Lead Teacher

Ms. Schratwieser was born in San Diego, California. She has 2 wonderful daughters and one granddaughter, all of whom live within miles of each other here in Virginia Beach. Ms. Schratwieser began her journey in Early Childhood Development in San Diego. Her love of children led her to work at her daughter’s preschool as a volunteer. She loved it so much that she decided to make this her career. She began her education at San Diego Mesa City College where she received her Certificate in Early Childhood Development. In 1992, Ms. Schratwieser and her family relocated to Virginia Beach. Ms. Schratwieser began working for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools until 2012 when she and her husband opened a little boutique in Virginia Beach which she owned for 10 wonderful years. After the closure of her boutique, Ms. Schratwieser was eager to return to her passion of working with children and decided that Baylake Academy was the perfect place to do so. Ms. Schratwieser is excited to bring happiness, excitement, and curiosity to learn in a happy environment here at Baylake Academy.

Pre-K4 B Associate Teacher

Ms. Hallenbeck is originally from upstate New York. She and her husband of 28 years moved to Virginia Beach approximately 4 years ago, after spending most of her life in the upstate New York area. Ms. Hallenbeck graduated from Cazenovia College with an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Alfred University. She has been working in the field of social work teaching, counseling, advocating, mentoring and nurturing children of all ages for over 30 years. After making the move to Virginia Beach, she decided to focus on teaching early childhood education. She and a co-volunteer ran a reading group called Beach Readers, a program to promote literacy for young adults with developmental disabilities who had aged out of special education services but remained interested in improving their reading skills. Ms. Hallenbeck spent the last (almost) 3 years teaching at a local licensed early childhood program before joining Baylake Academy. She is beyond excited to be part of Baylake Academy and their mission for their students. Ms. Hallenbeck has found that being an educator in early childhood has been the most rewarding experience she has had during her career. Education is a passport to the future….and she looks forward to sharing her passion for teaching, being a positive role model, and inspiring young inquiring minds. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Hallenbeck enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, yoga and walking her dog.

Pre-K3 A Lead Teacher

Ms. Burns was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She has raised 3 beautiful children, graduates of Cape Henry and Norfolk Academy, and has been blessed with beautiful granddaughters.

Ms. Burns is well known throughout the community for being an incredible educator, bringing over 20 years of experience in teaching Pre-K3 students. Over the years, she has built long lasting relationships with her students and their families, watching them blossom throughout their educational journey. Ms. Burns has a magical way with children, inspiring them to learn using the tools available to them in their daily lives. Her hope for the student’s of Baylake Academy is to learn without pressure, enjoy the excitement each day brings, and encourage creativity and discovery.

Pre-K3 A Associate Teacher

Ms. Pittman is so excited to be an Assistant teacher with Baylake Academy. She is originally from North Carolina and now calls Virginia her home. Ms. Pittman attended The Art Institute of Charlotte North Carolina as well as Kee Business College. While studying, Ms. Pittman felt her true calling was geared towards working with children as many members of her family have been private school educators. She is passionate about the early childhood field and her goal is to ensure she provides each child the proper education, love, and guidance throughout their educational journey. She is pleased to work alongside Ms. Burns, Pre-K3 Lead Teacher, with whom she looks up to as a great mentor and has helped her grow as a professional at Baylake Academy. Ms. Pittman also enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, art, and music. She is a dedicated member of St. Paul Deliverance Christian Center where she helps with their youth dance ministry. Ms. Pittman focuses on the needs of others and always offers a helping hand. She enjoys new adventures each day here at Baylake Academy where she believes in everyone.

Pre-K3 B Assistant Teacher

Ms. Vought is originally from Gloucester, Virginia, and recently relocated to the Hampton Roads area. She has discovered a true passion for nurturing, guiding, and inspiring young children. Whether through storytelling, creative play, or simply being a supportive presence, she finds great joy in helping young minds grow and thrive. This passion has grown into a strong, lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children. Her goal as an educator is to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring classroom environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Ms. Vought brings with her valuable experience from both daycare and aftercare settings, where she led engaging activities and supported children’s social, emotional, and developmental growth in a structured yet playful atmosphere. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Vought enjoys spending quality time with her son, who continues to inspire her every day to be patient, nurturing, and the best version of herself—as both a parent and an educator.

Pre-K2.5 A Lead Teacher

Ms. Luhn recently relocated to Virginia Beach from Richmond to join Baylake Academy as an educator. A Virginia native, she has also lived and worked in several states—including Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York—as well as spent significant time overseas. These diverse experiences have given her a broad perspective and a deep appreciation for building meaningful connections with those around her. She studied Nursing and Biochemistry at Eastern Mennonite University and is a Certified Nursing Assistant with professional experience in memory care, rehabilitation, and home health. In addition, she has worked extensively with children of all ages on the autism spectrum and with other intellectual or developmental disabilities. With more than eight years of experience as a nanny, caregiver, tutor, and lead teacher in early childhood education, Ms. Luhn is passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and engaging classrooms where children can explore, develop new skills, and grow in confidence. As both an educator and a mother to a preschool-aged daughter, she values strong, collaborative relationships with families and is dedicated to treating every child with the same care and respect as her own. Ms. Luhn is excited to be part of the Baylake Academy community and looks forward to inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in her students.

Pre-K 2.5 A Assistant Teacher

Ms. Batt was born in Mississippi and raised in Virginia Beach, where she moved with her military family. She is a compassionate and dedicated educator who finds inspiration in watching children discover new skills, build confidence, and develop a love of learning. At Baylake Academy, her goal is to create a warm, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She brings valuable experience from her work with youth programs at New Life Church in Virginia Beach and continues to strengthen her expertise through higher education. Ms. Batt holds an Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Her studies have provided her with a strong foundation in child development and behavior, which she integrates into her teaching to foster growth and success in young learners. Outside the classroom, Ms. Batt enjoys reading and sharing her passion for literature with others, as well as spending time outdoors walking her dog and exploring nature.

Pre-K2.5 B Lead Teacher

Ms. Nicolino was born in Miami, Florida and was raised in the Keys in the house that her Grandparents built when they came to America from Cuba. She moved to Virginia Beach in 2015 when she married her loving husband. She has been blessed to be a grandmother of two beautiful children who happen to live next door to her.  She and her family are highly active in their community through their church. She enjoys crafting with mediums such as painting, clay sculpting, and yarn work though crocheting. She is a foodie and loves to try and cook new foods from all over the world. Prior to coming to work at Baylake Academy, Ms. Nicolino spent three years homeschooling her grandchildren and has over 35 years of experience working with early childhood and elementary school students. She started her educational career as a Montessori Guide and has taught utilizing a variety of pedagogies and approaches to learning such as, Reggio Emilia, Creative Curriculum, Play-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, High-Scope, and STEM/STEAM. Ms. Nicolino has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in child developmental psychology and graduated Magna Cum Laude; and a Master of Education in Curriculum and student instruction with a minor in student behavioral services and graduated with distinction. Both degrees were obtained through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Ms. Nicolino has always wanted to teach and is compassionate to help children feel safe and secure while they learn. While in foster care, she saw so many children fall through the cracks emotionally and educationally and promised herself that she would do everything in her power to help children when she was older. Ms. Nicolino is excited to lead our Pre-K2.5A class as she knows what a special time it is for this age group and is looking forward to being a part of their discovery. She is eager to inspire their curiosity for learning and life, passionate to assist them to develop emotionally, physically, and mentally, and is enthusiastic to support them in discovering what this world has to offer all the while keeping them safe and secure.

Pre-K2 Lead Teacher

Ms. Sutton was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised on Ft. Stewart, Georgia. Her journey in childcare began as a teenager, working at the local YMCA, where she discovered her natural ability to connect with and guide young children. Since then, she has gained valuable experience working with children across a wide range of age groups, developing a well-rounded understanding of their developmental milestones and unique needs. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Sutton is a devoted mother to her 5-year-old son, which has further fueled her passion for early childhood education. While she has explored other professional opportunities over the years, her heart has consistently drawn her back to working with children and supporting families during these important formative years. Ms. Sutton is thrilled to join the Baylake Academy team as part of the Pre-K2 program. She is eager to build strong relationships with her students and their families, create a nurturing and engaging classroom environment, and contribute to a successful and rewarding school year.

Early Explorers Lead Teacher

Ms. Pugh joined the Baylake team just one week after moving to the East Coast from the Midwest! Her educational journey began in a special education program for children aged 3-5 and continued at a public elementary school where she discovered her deep love for teaching and nurturing young minds. During a five-month stint with Youth With a Mission, Ms Pugh focused on justice-oriented programs, which reinforced her dedication to uplifting and empowering others. Before moving to Norfolk, Ms. Pugh was an outreach pastor at Roots Church, a nondenominational church she co-founded with a friend in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, she dedicated herself to community engagement and building a welcoming space for all. Ms. Pugh moved to Norfolk in July, bringing her passion for education and community with her. She strives to cultivate love and serve as a beacon of belonging for every child and family she encounters.

Early Explorers Assistant Teacher

Ms. Carlsen, originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, made the move to Virginia Beach just over a year ago. Her love for teaching began at an early age when she started babysitting at just 8 years old. This hands-on experience was further developed through her time working at a daycare housed within her church, where she discovered how much she enjoyed guiding and supporting young minds. After graduating high school in 2020, Ms. Carlsen took a different path and joined the US Navy, where she attended boot camp and served as a Corpsman for three years. During her service, she worked across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and a level two trauma center, gaining valuable skills in providing care under pressure. While Ms. Carlsen’s time in the Navy was fulfilling, her passion for teaching always remained at the forefront. After her service, she made the decision to return to the classroom, where her heart truly lies. She has since worked in several local businesses, including daycares, but it’s clear her passion for helping children grow and learn is her true calling. Now a proud member of the Baylake Academy team, Ms. Carlsen is excited to foster a positive, loving, and safe environment where children can thrive academically, emotionally, and cognitively. She is committed to helping each student reach their full potential while ensuring they feel supported and valued along the way.

Early Explorers Assistant Teacher

Ms. Belger is a responsible and compassionate early childhood professional with a strong passion for working with children. With over five years of childcare experience, she has supported children of various ages across multiple settings. She previously worked in a daycare setting, gaining hands-on experience in both infant and toddler classrooms, and also taught children’s soccer at a local sports center.

Her background has equipped her with the ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth. She prioritizes maintaining a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can thrive, while also ensuring strong communication and trust with families.

Ms. Belger is CPR certified and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, with her program already halfway completed. In addition, she serves as a substitute teacher at a local preschool, further strengthening her skills in guiding and supporting young learners.

Dedicated to providing enriching experiences for every child, Ms. Belger looks forward to continuing her work in early childhood education, whether in the classroom or through occasional childcare support such as weekend care and family assistance.

Early Discoverers Lead Teacher

Ms. Cohoon is a Norfolk, Virginia native and is the mother to her beautiful five-year-old daughter, Harper; who means the world to her. In Ms. Cohoon’s free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family. She is a very family-orientated person and feels blessed to have such a great support system. She also enjoys going to church and raising her daughter on a foundation of faith. She has always been drawn to teaching and making sure children know that they are capable of anything. Over the years, Ms. Cohoon has worked in several licensed childcare facilities and holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Tidewater Community College. She is now pursuing her dream of becoming a licensed teacher by continuing her education at Western Governors University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ms. Cohoon’s  goal as a teacher for Baylake Academy is to foster a positive teaching environment and assist in implementing developmentally appropriate and stimulating learning activities every day. Moreover, she looks forward to building relationships with the children as well as the parents for the children to receive the best care possible.

Early Explorers Assistant Teacher

Mrs. Moser was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. She moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband and their dog. She found a passion for teaching when she started as a Special Needs Paraprofessional at an elementary school in Florida. Mrs. Moser mainly worked in inclusion classrooms and saw first-hand how an individually tailored learning experience can truly ease a child’s growth. While working at the school she developed skills to do the same. Her goal at Baylake Academy is to apply these skills in a way to enhance development through the learning experience for the students. Mrs. Moser hopes to pursue a degree in education in the future. She enjoys playing the piano, crocheting, and reading in her free time.

Early Discoverers Assistant Teacher

Ms. Sonnino is originally from Manteo, North Carolina, where she attended the College of The Albemarle receiving her credentials in Early Childhood. She moved to Virginia Beach in 2011 with her now fourteen-year-old son and has been working in Early Childhood since 2014. She truly enjoys watching children achieve new goals and helping them get there. Ms. Sonnino enjoys quality time with her son, jigsaw puzzles, nature walks, video games, movies, and reading.

Teacher Support Assistant

Ms. Schneider hails from Long Island, New York, where she cultivated a deep passion for education from an early age. She pursued her academic journey at Long Island University, earning a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, which solidified her commitment to shaping young minds. In the autumn of 2022, she relocated to Chesapeake, where she was excited to continue her career in early childhood education.

Prior to her move, Ms. Schneider gained invaluable experience as an assistant teacher at two well-known preschool locations in New York. During her time there, she learned the importance of recognizing that every child is unique, with their own individual needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles. She is a firm believer that observing and listening attentively to each child is essential to guiding them toward becoming independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and future leaders. Ms. Schneider embraces the challenges of teaching with enthusiasm and is deeply passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children. She finds inspiration in every day that offers her the opportunity to help students grow and develop. She approaches her work with empathy and nurturing care, always striving to create an environment where children feel supported in reaching their full potential. At Baylake Academy, Ms. Schneider is eager to apply her experience and continue her work of fostering intellectual and emotional growth in her students. In addition to her love of teaching, she enjoys reading, creative writing, music, and dance, and she looks forward to sharing these interests with her students, further enriching their educational experience.

Teacher Support Assistant

Ms. Hardy is a local of Hampton Roads and received her degree from Tidewater Community College. She began her career in education with Norfolk Public Schools where she gained a wealth of knowledge.  Improving our children’s education and giving them the skills and knowledge of how to succeed has always been a large part of Ms. Hardy’s drive. When Ms. Hardy is not working she enjoys being by the water, working with animals, sightseeing, traveling, and going to museums and restaurants.  She is an animal lover so working with animals any chance she can brings her great joy. Her greatest achievement in life is becoming a mom to her daughter Nyla Arabella. She hopes to leave a positive impact on each child’s life with her kindness and wisdom as well as providing them with the skills to be successful in this world.