Staff

My name is Aundra, I am originally from Charlotte, NC. My degree is in graphic design but funny enough, most of my work life has been in childcare. The last 5years plus I have been here at the Children’s Center of Knoxville.

Hi! I am Bridgette, originally from Cleveland, Ohio. I have been in Knoxville for 16 years. Mother of 2 amazing kids, Olivia, 9, and Bejamin, 7. I love to cook, spend time outdoors, and be with my kids…human and fur babies- 2 dogs, Ace 4, a mutt, and Olivier, 2, a Bernadoodle.

Debbie has been with CCK for 5 1/2 years and loves seeing bright smiles on children’s faces.

Hi, my name is Grisiela Rafael and I was born in Miami, Florida, but was raised in Portland, Oregon. My parents love to travel, so I have been to all 50 states. I moved to Knoxville, TN is 2012 and graduated in 2014 and received my associate degree from Pellissippi State Community College. I have been in Early Childhood Educator for almost 6 years. Ever since I was a little kid, it has been a passion of mine to teach, I am so happy to be a part of your child and family’s life. I look forward to making a positive impact on every student that I come in contact with. I want to be a part of their learning and confidence building. I feel incredibly blessed to work at a place that encourages and nurtures a safe and loving environment.

Hello! My name is Helen Brabson and I have been working at CCK since 1981. I have loved working with children of all ages. I have two children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandbabies, all of them are the light of my life!

Hi My name is Jala, I work in Preschool 2. I have worked with kids for 7 years and 2 of those years have been here at CCK. My daughter, Legaci, has also been here and a part of the CCK family as well. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as much as I enjoy sharing my love, nurturing personality, creativity, and art with your kids. I am an enthusiastic person and look forward to meeting you and your families.

Dear Parents and Staff,
My name is Jennifer Morse and I am so excited to be part of the Children’s Center of Knoxville! In December my family and I made the move from San Diego to Tennessee!

Before moving to Maryville, I worked as the Director of Children’s Ministries at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church for 11 years. I was in charge of Sunday School programs for preschool through 5th grade as well as VBS. I was also a lead teacher for ages 3- preK for 10 years at Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Preschool.

In 2002 I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies.

I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Hey I’m Lee! I just moved here from Utah. I go by they/them pronouns, and I love getting creative. I like reading, making art, writing, and dancing. I’m almost always wearing my bright mint green Converse and Malachite necklace. I’m very excited for this adventure!

I love teaching young minds and seeing kids develop new life skills and manners! I have been working with children of various ages for about 11 years now! I had a home daycare in Florida for 3 years before we moved to Tennessee. I have been married going on 18 years. I love nature, drives down quiet country roads, horses, and painting scenery. I am a dog and guinea pig mom. I am shy and usually quiet. Thank you for trusting me to care for your children and allowing me to share a little about myself.

Hi, I’m Mihae James, co-lead teacher in Toddler 3. I am from Nashville, TN and have made Knoxville my hometown since graduating from my alma mater, Carson Newman College, I have worked as the toddler 3 teacher at CCK for the past 20 years because “teaching is my cardio.”

I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I attended Halls High School and graduated from the University of TN- Knoxville. I live in Gibbs community with my husband and 2 children. I have worked at CCK with the youngest toddlers since 2003.

My name is Shanda. I have worked at CCK for 30+ years. I attended West High School and the University of TN. I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and spent several elementary school days in Tuscon, AZ. My husband is Tom and I have a son, Ben, and stepson, Tim. I have 4 grandchildren: Ava, Lucy, Sophia, and Isabel. Other than my passion for teaching children, I love nature and animals, I have 4 dogs, 3 cats, and a guinea pig. I also love to read adventure books and listen to crime podcasts.

Hi everyone my name is Siarra! I recently moved here from Ohio and I had worked at a center for three years there. I have my bachelors degree in early childhood education. I have two cats and in my free time I like binge watching tv. I’m excited to be here and can’t wait to meet everyone!

Hi, my name is Mary Sue Hall. I have worked for CCK for over 20 years. I attended Doyle High School. I am from Knoxville. My husband is Rocky Hall. I have 3 children, Chris, Angie, and Jimmy. I have grandchildren and one grandson. I have a great love for children. I have a dog named Zeus. I love outdoors, reading, and watching old movies.

I am the oldest of 10 siblings and have had the privilege of working with kids from a young age. When I was 17.5 years old, I became an aide in a preschool classroom and began my education and career in Early Childhood Education. I have received my Associates Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and graduated California State University Chico with my Bachelors in Early Childhood Development as well as a Minor in Psychology. I have over 15 years’ experience as a Pre School teacher and 4 of those I Co-Owned my own center in California.

I have been happily married for over 20 years and have 2 amazing teenagers, a boy, and a girl. They are my pride and joy! I have spent the past 10 years in Nevada working along side my husband, where we owned and operated a Grocery Store in Sparks Nevada. We were privileged to be able to retire from that career, travel some, and start a new adventure across the US in Knoxville, TN., which after seeing many cities and states, we refer to as the sweet spot of America. We really love being in Knoxville.

I am so excited to be able to return to my career in ECE as a co-teacher in the Pre-K classroom at the Knoxville Children’s Center, I have missed being in a classroom and assisting in caring for and educating young children and look forward to being able to do this again.