Staff

My name is Brad Burleson (Mr. Brad) and I have been with the Children’s Center since 1999! I was fresh out of the University of Tennessee with a dual major of Psychology and Elementary Ed and CCK was the perfect fit for me.

I have taught over 500 children in my career here and have really developed a love and passion for early literacy and getting kids ready for the transition to Kindergarten.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking, tennis, and taking walks through Sequoyah Hills with my dog Wilson!

Hello, my name is Debbie Hall. I am the lead teacher in Preschool 1. I have been working at CCK for 14 years. I really like my job because I love working with children. Teaching is the only profession in which you get to act like a kid again and get paid for it!

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.

My name is Kristen Cannon and I am your new Executive Director. Born and raised in Memphis, TN is where my passion for early education begin. From babysitting my nieces and nephew to serving in the church nursery, I loved taking care of children.  In 2001 I found myself in the TN hills where I have remained. During this time I have studied Early Childhood education, medical billing and coding and Buisness Administration. While hoping to one day pursue my dream of being an early childhood education consultant I continue to find joy in helping mold and make a difference in youth while serving the Knoxville Community.

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!

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.

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.

Hi, my name is Ana Miguel. I have two wonderful daughters and we love to go to the beach during the summer. I moved to Knoxville, TN in 2012. I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach here at CCK and continue my work with Toddlers!!!

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.

My name is Becky. I recently moved to Tennessee from Indiana to be closer to my family.  I am a mother of three and have two grandsons.  I have been in the childcare field for going on 25 years.  I am excited for my new journey and look forward to working with you and your family.