Lauren’s Fun Facts

If I could only watch one TV channel, it would be...
HGTV. There isn't a show on this network that I don't love!

I really enjoy...
mid-day naps. I rarely get them but absolutely love them.

The latest addition to our family is...
our son who was born in February 2018.

The best part about being a Little Ambassador is...
watching our students ask their parents if they can stay 5 more minutes in the afternoons. When children do not want to leave school in the evenings, I feel like we are doing something right.

Lauren Adams Harris

Owner
Director, Overlee

I am the Owner and Director of Little Ambassadors' Academy (LAA). I am a native Northern Virginian and I grew up primarily in Fairfax, VA. I have worked with children for over 20 years in multiple capacities. I have served as Director, Lead Teacher, Teacher Assistant, and Program Specialist for programs with age groups ranging from toddlers to 5th grade. I have a Masters in Education, a Bachelor's degree in Finance, and an associate's degree in early childhood education. Prior to opening Little Ambassadors' Academy, I worked for an investment management firm here in Arlington, VA. During my time away from early childhood education, I realized it was time to go back to my passion. With a vision and a dream, I opened Little Ambassadors' Academy in November 2011. This has truly been an amazing journey and I continue to enjoy putting children, education, and families first here in Arlington at Little Ambassadors' Academy!

Selina’s Fun Facts

You might not know this about me but...
I love watching cartoons, no matter what time of the day it is. Cartoons make me feel like a kid again and they always make me laugh.

In my spare time I like to...
relax and spend time with friends and family.

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is...
cuddle up in my bed, sleep and watch Criminal Minds.

Selina Wilson

Director, Cherrydale

I am ecstatic to be Director at Little Ambassadors’ Academy. I have been with LAA since September 2014 and have over 9 years of experience in working with children. I am a native Washingtonian and grew up primarily in North East D.C. My journey though the education field began while assisting school age children in a before and after care program. From there I was a student teacher at a child care center in the infant’s classroom. After moving on to preschool classroom, my heart was taken away from me; I fell in love with the preschool age group. I graduated from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2014 with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after graduating, I began my next journey being welcomed at Little Ambassadors Academy new location Cherrydale, as one of the founding Teachers Assistants before becoming a Lead Teacher. I recently completed my M.B.A, so I can pursue my dream and vision of opening my own school in the future. With this new transition, I am thrilled to continue to learn and grow as the Director of our Cherrydale Campus.

caitlin’s Fun Facts

When it comes to sports, I prefer...
attending baseball games with my husband. I love the NY Yankees, but have some local pride for the Nationals.

On vacation, you can find me...
at the beach with tons of sunblock.

You might not know this about me, but...
I love to bake, especially cupcakes!

I never get tired of watching...
the TV show Friends.

Caitlin Butt

Director, Yorktown

I am thrilled to to be the Director of our LAA Cherrydale Campus. I have worked with children for over 14 years in varying capacities and have been part of the LAA family since March of 2012. For my first two and a half years I was the lead teacher for LAA’s late birthday two’s class. I hail from Long Island, NY and have a passion for early childhood education, baking, and most importantly spending time with my husband and son! I graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia with a BA in Hospitality and Business Management with extensive classes and training in Early Childhood Education. During my time as a California resident I was a tutor for a young child with learning disabilities. Watching his progress over the next two years was more rewarding than I ever dreamed possible. I love being a member of the LAA team and watching our students’ growth. I am very excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what the future brings!

Cissy’s Fun Facts

I can never keep a straight face around...
my husband, he has a way of turning everything into a joke.

Yes, I really do enjoy...
dipping french fries in my frosty :)

My most influential professional experience was...
leaving my old job to go work for Little Ambassadors' Academy before the school even opened. I learned so much about team building, professionalism, and trust.

The holiday I like best is...
the Fourth of July. Nothing beats warm weather, fireworks, and barbecues.

Cissy Hart

Curriculum Director

I am thrilled to be the Director of Little Ambassadors' Academy. With the exception of a few years overseas, I was born and raised here in Northern Virginia and have loved every minute of it. I have spent the past 20 years working with preschoolers in various forms. I began working in preschool summer camps when I was sixteen and continued this through college. I originally attended Radford University for Marketing and realized my true passion was to work with children, so I switched my focus to early childhood. As I pursued my dream I became a Lead Teacher and Camp Director for a private preschool in Vienna. In 2011, I was welcomed aboard the Little Ambassadors' team as the founding lead two's teacher. I currently hold a Child Development Associate and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies through Penn State University.

Stephanie’s Fun Facts

You might not know this about me, but...
I’m a twin!

My four-legged family member is...
Biggie! He is a lovable Pitt who enjoys taking naps :)

The thing that always makes me smile are...
my amazing kids.

On vacation, you can find me...
at the beach! Looking for shells with my kids.

Stephanie Rodriguez

Assistant Director, Overlee

I am delighted to be the Assistant Director for Little Ambassadors' Academy's Overlee campus! I grew up in Northern Virginia, mainly in the Fairfax area. My interest in working with children began sixteen years ago when I had the chance to be a student aide for my first-grade teacher. This wonderful experience had a profound impact on me and played a significant role in my decision to pursue a career in working with children. I joined LAA in 2019 as one of Overlee's inaugural teachers and haven't looked back.I  have an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College and look forward to continuing my studies at George Mason University. I have three teenage children who keep me busy at home. During my leisure time, I enjoy reading and cherishing moments with my family and friends on the weekends.

Brittany’s Fun Facts

If I could watch only one TV channel, it would be...
the Disney channel. I am a kid at heart and I love watching cartoons because they are joyful and they make me happy!

I never get tired of...
cleaning ! I love to clean and be organized!

The holiday I like best is...
Christmas. Its a day where there is nothing but positive vibes! Everyone is smiling and there is nothing but love in the air. I enjoy the fact that families come together and a stronger bond is made.

If I had to survive on just one food, it would be...
Chipotle!

Brittany Hughes

Operations Manager, Cherrydale

It is such a pleasure to be the Operations Manager at the LAA Cherrydale campus. I was born and raised in Danville, Virginia. I have been with LAA since September 2014 and have over 13 years of experience working with children. I started as a Pre-K Teacher's Assistant and was then promoted to a Lead Teacher in 2016. I transitioned to the administration team after 8 beautiful years in the classroom setting. I am very excited to help and be supportive of my team to make sure that we are successful in shaping little minds and making sure that they are all taken care of.

Shelby's Fun Facts

On vacation you can find me...
wherever the good live music is!

My favorite food is...
tacos!

My sweet tooth addiction is…
chocolate!

If I could only watch one channel on TV, it would be...
the Game Channel.

Shelby Ducker

Operations Manager, Overlee

Hello! I am excited to be the Operations Manager at LAA Overlee Campus. I am originally from Northern Virginia and ever since I was young I’ve had a deep passion for education and helping others. For more than 13 years, I have had the privilege of working with children in multiple capacities. I truly enjoy what I do! I joined LAA in 2019 as a co-lead teacher for two year olds. Since joining LAA, I progressed to a lead teacher role and more recently accepted a position on our administration team. I am excited to scale my classroom experience and support toward a program as a whole. During my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my fiancé, cuddling with my cats, and going for hikes.

Deidra’s Fun Facts

I am always amused by...
the things I hear children say.

When I want to get away...
I book a flight and go!

My favorite thing(s) to do on the weekend is...
brunch and retail therapy!

On my time off you can find me...
playing BINGO for sure!

Deidra Stewart

Operations Manager, Yorktown

Hello!  I am thrilled to be the Operations Manager at the Yorktown Campus. I was born and raised in Washington, DC., but have family all around the states. I was welcomed to the LAA team as a founding Teacher’s Assistant at the Overlee Campus in 2019, I have since had the pleasure of working with different age groups, grew professionally and found my home at the Yorktown Campus. I have over 14 years of experience working with children ranging from 3 weeks to 17 years old. When I first started working with children, I was only a volunteer at an elementary school and the principal told me I would be a great teacher. Her feedback inspired me to continue working with children at all age levels. I could not be luckier to still love what I do this day. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Elizabeth City State University, I am currently studying for my Master’s Degree in School Counseling. In my spare time you can catch me spending time with family and friends. My specialty is taking solo trips to a new area and exploring. I also enjoy getting my nails done and going to brunch. I look forward to continuing my journey here in Yorktown and meeting all the returning and new families.