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.

School Coordinator

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.

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. Chatfield was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to a Navy enlisted father and an Irish immigrant mother. She has lived in Virginia Beach for over 40 years and is happily married and a proud mother of two sons, Gabriel, and Damien.  Ms. Chatfield is CDA certified in Early Childhood Education, has an Associate Degree in General Education, and is working toward her Bachelor of Science Degree in American/Latin American History at Troy University.  Ms. Chatfield enjoys history, crafting, reading, and volunteering within her community.  Her passion for teaching stems from raising her own as a stay-at-home mom.  Ms. Chatfield believes encouraging children to believe in their abilities is the first step to helping a child learn.  Her goal in education is to make sure every child has the chance to succeed and reach their potential.

Pre-K4 A Lead Teacher

Ms. Lutz was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a proud Second-Generation American with most of her family located in Chișinău, Moldova. She is also a dog mom to a wonderful 3 year old chocolate lab who keeps her busy with hikes by the bay.

While studying Biochemistry at Hollins University, Ms. Lutz quickly found a love for the real-life applications of the study of the brain and the body. She found her passion lay in the classroom instead of in the lab after getting the opportunity to work with students both in and out of the classroom. She has switched her academic focus to early education and special education, hoping to ensure that all students have the tools they need to successfully move forward in life. She is passionate and enthusiastic about working with the next generation of leaders and is very excited to see her students explore and thrive this year at Baylake Academy.

Pre-K4 A Associate 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 Lead Teacher

Ms. Harrison was born and raised in Hampton Roads and moved to the Virginia Beach area within the last few years with her 3 boys and husband. In raising her boys, she found her love of caring for children began operating her own home daycare for 12 years while obtaining her Associates of Science Degree from Tidewater Community College. Ms. Harrison quickly realized that teaching was what she was meant to do and worked as the Music and Movement/ Bible teacher for a local preschool for several years until she went on to teach at the private school her sons attended. There she spent the past 8 years in kindergarten, 1st grade and then eventually the Pre-K 3 classroom. She has had over 20 years of experience working with children and wants to continue her love for teaching here at Baylake Academy. Ms. Harrison is excited about bringing her knowledge and experiences to the classroom to excite, inspire, and cultivate not only learning but creative thinking in her students.

Pre-K4 B Associate Teacher

Ms. Douglas was born and raised on the beautiful Islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Ten years ago, she married her military husband and moved to the wonderful state of Virginia and has two amazing children, Micah and Tamera. She is also a pet mom of two adorable guinea pigs dice and Coco. Ms. Douglas has been in the childcare field for more than twelve years. She loves children whole heartedly and her dream and desire is to use her skills each day to build a better world for each child. She has also served as Child Care Center Director and Preschool Coordinator. She enjoys all things outdoors including fishing, swimming, hiking, and her favorite, running. Her goal is to grown, learn, and become better every day and help make life more exciting, enjoyable and peaceful for everyone that she meets.

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 Assistant 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 Lead Teacher

Ms. Wyatt was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. In her hometown, she taught in public schools from Kindergarten to Fifth grade where she had the opportunity to explore a variety of methods and strategies in teaching students from different indigenous backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses in the community. Ms. Wyatt moved to Virginia Beach in 2010 with her husband and this city soon became her second home. A year later she transitioned into early childhood education, a profession that she quickly fell in love with. She had the experience working with children from infants through Pre-Kindergarten. She has seen firsthand how children grow in the different stages of their development having taught a variety of ages.

As a preschool teacher, she focuses on individualized learning for each child. Not only will the children learn and discover new things, but they will have fun doing so. Her goal is to help each child get ready to move up to their next level of development. It gives her the utmost pleasure to be a part of their journey.

Pre-K3 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-K2.5 A 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-K 2.5 A Assistant Teacher

(Bio Coming Soon)

Pre-K 2.5 B Associate Teacher

Ms. Duran was born in Oxnard, California. Her parents were both Marines and moved around a lot while she was a child. In middle school her parents finally settled down in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Ms. Duran attended Southeastern University and graduated with her Bachelors in Organizational Leadership. In 2018, Ms. Duran went on a mission trip to Thailand and gained a passion for children. She has been involved in her church’s children ministry since she was in high school and has always had a passion for child development and facilitating engaging and enriching learning experiences. Ms. Duran and her US Navy husband met in high school and have been happily married for two years. They recently added a new furry addition to their family, a giant schnauzer puppy named Panzer. Ms. Duran loves to crochet, garden, and spending time with her family. Ms. Duran looks forward to working with your children and helping them learn and grow!

Pre-K2 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 Lead Teacher

Ms. Crites was born and raised in Romney, West Virginia. She attended West Virginia University for two years before relocating to Virginia Beach, Virginia where she saw her passion of early childhood education come to life. While nannying for 10 years she enjoyed providing Montessori education to the children she cared for. She is currently attending the infant and toddler program at the Center of Guided Montessori Studies. She wants to inspire the love for learning and build the confidence of young children to thrive and become the best version of themselves. She is a third time dog mom and a member of the American Pit Bull Foundation for responsible dog ownership. When not in the classroom you will find her and her pup paddleboarding in the Chesapeake Bay.

Early Explorers Assistant Teacher

Ms. Gomez was born and brought up in a small town in Illinois. There she met her now husband and started her adventure of traveling as a military spouse. San Diego being her first relocation and then Virginia Beach. She is also a dog mom to an American Bully who keeps her occupied throughout the week. Her interests include listening to music, reading, trying new things, and seasonal crafts. Ms. Gomez has had 6 ½ years of relationship building skills and continues to be a full-time college student. Her goal is to get her Master of Arts in School Counseling to work alongside adolescents in an education facility with the purpose of guidance. When recently moving to the VB area, Ms. Gomez felt a calling to work with preschool aged children with the inspiration to help the next generation. Her love for children stems from having a connection and being able to see them grow in their education, whether it is forming a simple sentence or helping a friend in need. Ms. Gomez is proud to be part of Baylake Academy and is exhilarated to see what this year has in store for each and every student.

Early Explorers Assistant Teacher

Ms. Taylor was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia and has a 4 year old daughter named Malayah. Ms. Taylor spent most of her life in Austin, Texas where she worked at several schools and licensed childcare facilities and also enjoyed volunteering at the local YMCA. In 2023, she decided to return home to be closer to her family and was eager to get back to work in the early childhood education field. Ms. Taylor enjoys music, traveling, documentaries, and teaching. Working with children has always been a passion of hers and she is so very thankful and excited to be welcomed into the Baylake family!

Early Discoverers Lead Teacher

Ms. Jackson was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. Six years ago she married her military spouse and they have one beautiful daughter named Kayleigh. She is also a pet mom to one bearded dragon and two dogs. She moved to California back in 2017 where she earned her CDA, she returned back to Virginia in 2020. Ms. Jackson has been in the childcare field for more than ten years and she has taught from infants up to pre-k4. She loves teaching infants and toddlers and enjoys seeing her students grow at different stages of their development while being in her care. Ms. Jackson is excited to be working alongside great coworkers and students of Baylake Academy.

Early Discoverers Assistant Teacher

Ms. Goodlett was born and raised in NYC, Manhattan and has been married to her husband Phillip for 30 years. They are proud doggy parents to their 3 year old toy poodle named Charlie whom they love with all their heart. Ms. Goodlett is the oldest of 5 siblings and is the proud aunt to her niece and nephew. In 2019 she and her husband decided that they were ready to leave the big apple and looked forward to making Virginia their new home. With her passion for caring for and helping others, Ms. Goodlett started her career in the healthcare field after she obtained her HHA certificate. She devoted 7 years to this field of work before she found her true passion of working with children. She became passionate about caring for and educating children of all ages and has joyfully spent the last 18+ years in the field. She is happy to be part of the Baylake Academy family where she can do what she loves most, caring for children and making a positive impact in their lives every day.