Staff

Helen Brabson
Educator Assistant
My name is Helen. I have been with the Children’s Center going on 44 years. I love children and love what I do.

Abigayle "Blue" Brown
Educator Assistant
My name is Blue and I’m a new member of the CCK team as a part time support staff member who primarily works with the older children. I was born and grew up here in Knoxville and Seymour and attended both South Doyle and The L&N STEM Academy. I plan on returning to college soon to pursue a certificate for early childhood education and one day dream of becoming a ECE professional. In my free time, I study medicine and anatomy to help me better understand myself and the fellow humans around me. I also enjoy reading, Journaling, the outdoors, swimming, and cooking for my family and friends. Looking forward to meeting you!

Brad Burleson
Education Coordinator/ Junior Kindergarten Educator
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!

Debbie Hall
Preschool Educator
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!

Denise Deibler
Preschool Educator
Hello! I’m Denise Deibler and have been a member of the CCK team since 2023. A little over 15 years ago a mentor of mine challenged me to come to their preschool as a volunteer after witnessing my interactions with children on a mission trip. That quickly evolved into a career change! I have worked with all age groups and have a passion for three and four year olds. This career is so rewarding to me. I love the children in my classes and their families. I love being able to play and learn with them.
When not working as a part of the CCK team I can be found reading, listening to music or planning adventures with my husband. I also like to cook and entertain friends.

Grisiela Rafael
Toddler Educator
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.

Kristen Cannon
Executive Director
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.

Lee Jenks
Educator Assistant
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!

Aimee Smith
Assistant Chef

Marilyn Caban
Executive Chef
Hello my name is Marilyn! I am a Christian and enjoy a good adventure. I am 30 years old and a single mother. I was born in Camden new jersey and raised in Mayagüez Puerto Rico. I am a single mother. I went to school for cosmetology and culinary arts which are my hobbies. I am currently seeking to continue my studies for what i would like to pursue as a career as a sign language elementary teacher. 😊

Marisa Olvera
Pre Kindergarten Assistant

Mihae James
Toddler Educator
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.”

Penny Sleet
Toddler Educator
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.

Sue Hall
Infant 1 Assistant Teacher
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.

Brooke Rogers
Infant Assistant Educator
Hello! My name is Brooke. I am a single mommy of a 2-year-old! I was raised in a small town called Washburn, TN. I found my love for childcare when I joined the CCK family in January 2024. I am beginning my education journey now that my daughter is a bit older and more independent. I have a siamese cat named Salem. I enjoy singing and throwing dance parties for my students! Can’t wait to meet you and your children!

Ana Miguel
Toddler Assistant Educator
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!!!

Tina Garner
Pre-Kindergarten Educator
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.

Becky Vicknovac
Family Services Coordinator
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.

Rhys Patrick
Educator Assistant

Holly Haag
Educator Assistant
I’m Ms. Holly! I’ve been working with kids professionally for over three years now, but I’ve been taking care of little ones for many years. My favorite subjects to teach are math, science and art. I can’t wait to meet and teach your little ones.

Camryn Taylor
Educator Assistant
Hello my name is Camryn Taylor and I am the co-teacher in the Preschool 2 classroom. I have worked at CCK for two years in November and have lived in Knoxville TN my whole life. I graduated from Bearden High School in 2021. I have gained a lot of knowledge with the experience I have and also continue to do more training with TECTA and any further opportunities I get to learn new things. The children have always been such a blessing to work with and make everyday brighter in some way, I love making bonds with all of them and to watch them grow and learn new things.
Selah Waterhouse
Educator Assistant

Jaiden Gilbert
Educator

Justice Brooks
Center Support

Brittany Cruz
Educator
My name is Brittany, I’m originally from New Tazewell, TN and I’m a recent college graduate from Carson Newman with a bachelor’s degree in child and Family Studies with a minor in General Psychology. I recently earned my CDA in Early Childhood. I love helping others and working with students of all ages.

Carrie McKinney
Educator Assistant
Hello, my name is Carrie. My hobbies are reading and crossword puzzles. I love watching cooking shows. I love watching the babies at CCK as they grow and learn new things. I have a granddaughter (Ms. Jala) and a Great-granddaughter (Legaci). Who both attend CCK. I have already enjoyed my time here at CCK and cannot wait to watch these babies grow!