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Meet Our Staff

Our center is staffed by an outstanding group of dedicated teachers and professional caregivers. They are educated and trained in early childhood education, going above and beyond what is required by the state of Tennessee. Our teachers work diligently to provide a learning environment full of age-appropriate activities in an effort to help each child learn and grow to their fullest potential.

Our staff members promote a cooperative relationship between the Center and parents to help establish the highest quality program possible for each child's development. Staff regularly keep parents informed about their child's daily activities and developmental achievements and also ask for parental insights and strategies to keep each child progressing. 

APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center's administration provides its teachers with opportunities for in-service training through conferences, workshops, and online training throughout the year. They foster an enthusiasm for teaching young children. They give aid in establishing a foundation in child development, an appreciation of each child's individuality, and an ability to stimulate a child's natural curiosity. They lead by example to be sensitive to each child's needs and are responsively involved with the children in their care. 

Claudia Rodriguez, DirectorClaudia Rodriguez

Claudia is the Director of the Little Govs Child Learning Center. Claudia has been working with young children and families since 1992. Her education consists of being a Registered Nurse in Germany, a Child Development Associate Credential, a Technical Early Childhood Teaching Certificate, an AAS in Early Childhood, BS in Sociology with Emphasis in Child and Family Studies, and an MS in Family and Consumer Sciences with Emphasis in Early Childhood Education. In addition to working at the Little Govs Child Learning Center, she is also an Adjunct Instructor for Nashville State Community College.

Claudia's hopes and goals are to mold young children’s minds so that they can thrive to achieve their fullest potential and to love and care for them unconditional.

 

bettyBetty Nall, Office Assistant

Betty is the Office Assistant at the Little Govs Child Learning Center.  She has been working with young children and families since 2002.  Betty has her CDA and Technical Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood.  She just received her Associates Degree in ECED through Nashville State Community College in August 2023.  She has worked in many settings with children including special education, teaching 3 and 4 year olds, as well as owning and directing her own center. Betty believes that children are life's greatest blessings given by God and it is a wonderful privilege for parents to entrust their most precious items into our care.

" A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark."  Author Unknown

 

  AmberAmber Seagraves, Lead Teacher, Little Acorns Classroom

Amber is the Lead Teacher in our 2-year old classroom, Little Acorns. She has over ten years of experience with children ages 0-12 years old. She has her CDA in Infant/Toddler Care, Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education, and currently working towards an Associate's Degree in ECED. She is dedicated to creating bonds with children and families.

Amber's hopes are to always ensure a safe and loving, learning environment for all children and families that spark curiosity.  

 

CindyCindy Baker, Teacher Assistant, Little Acorns Classroom

Cindy is the Teacher Assistant in the two year old classroom, Little Acorns.  She has been working with children for 25 years.  Cindy has her CDA in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing her Technical Teaching Certificate.

Cindy has a passion for teaching and caring for children and wants to inspire them to learn and grow.

 

TabithaSpithaler

Tabitha Spithaler, Lead Teacher, Squirrels Classroom

Tabitha is the Lead Teacher in our three-year-old classroom, Squirrels. She has been working with young children and families since 2021. She is currently working on an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education while simultaneously working on a Child Development Associate Credential and Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education. 

Tabitha's hopes are to nurture every child to their fullest potential every day. 

 

Ronda Harris

Ronda Harris, Lead Teacher, Willow Tree Classroom

Ronda is the Lead Teacher in the four-year-old classroom, Willow Tree. Ronda has been working with children since 2004. She has earned her Child Development Associate Credential, a Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education, and is currently working towards an AAS in Early Childhood Education. 

Ronda's hopes are for each child to know they are loved unconditionally, and that they feel welcome and safe.  

 

Valerie Johnson, Teacher Assistant, Willow Tree ClassroomValerie

Valerie is the Teacher Assistant in the four-year-old classroom, Willow Tree. Valerie has been working with children since 2018 and has a BS in English Literature with a minor in Education. She is currently working towards a Child Development Associate Credential.

Valerie's hopes are to learn and grow as she loves and inspires each child in her classroom.

 

davidDavid Gant, Substitute Teacher

David is a Substitute Teacher in all three of our classrooms at Little Govs.  He has been working with young children since 2019 and is currenty pursing his degree in Early Childhood Education.  David wears many hats here at the Little Govs including making the most amazing videos of the children and families.

David is a kid at heart and loves using imaginative play and art to help guide little ones through their most critical years.

 

francesFrances Cook, Substitute Teacher 

Frances is a seasoned substitute teacher here at the Little Govs. She has been working with children and families since 1999. Frances holds a Child Development Associate Credential as well as a Technical Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education. 

Frances hopes are to make every child feel safe, happy and loved, so that they will be overjoyed to be in our care. 

 

Tracey Carney CaneTracey Carney-Cane, Substitute Teacher

Tracey has been in childcare for over 27 years and has lots of experience working with children and families.  She has obtained various training certificates including a TECTA Orientation Certificate.  She has also received a Child Developmental Associate Credential and completed many other Early Childhood college courses toward the degree.

Tracey enjoys working with children and helping them to develop to their full learning and creative potential. 

YolandoYolando Ingram, Substitute Teacher

Yolando has 20 beautiful years in Early Childhood, helping children grow and learn. She has a CDA, Technical certificate and an AAS in Child development. She enjoys engaging with children and teaching them in fun and exciting ways.