Preschool & Pre-K

Ms. Stephanie Yoder

Preschool & Pre-K Dean

I graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 with a BA in Elementary Education. I had lived in the north most of my life until I moved here from Plainfield, IL. in 2006. I love living in Florida, although I do miss a few things: my sisters who still live up north with their families, beautiful fall weather, and snow on Christmas. I started working at TCA in 2014 with the first preschool class, taught PreK for 9 years, and then stepped into the role of Preschool and PreK Dean. I love working with this age group because there is so much learning, exploring and growing that happens every day! One of my favorite things about TCA is that we not only teach your child academically, but we also know how important it is to reach to the heart of each child through teaching and modeling the habits and virtues. One of my favorite things at TCA is our fun, interactive curriculum days! If you’ve never experienced Space Day or Rainforest Day, then you’re in for a real treat this year! Every day is full of fun and learning in Preschool and PreK! I love TCA!

Ms. Jasmine Rodriguez

Preschool Teacher

Jasmine was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, graduated from Sarasota High School, and then attended SCF. Throughout the past 8 years, she has babysat and taught Sunday school in the Sarasota area. Jasmine has a great passion for kids and loves watching them grow into the tiny humans that make this world better and enjoys finding ways to incorporate songs and crafts to make learning interesting and fun! She believes creating bonds with kids makes a learning environment easier for children to grow, gain confidence, and acquire knowledge.

Mrs. Michelle Needham

Preschool Teacher

I graduated from St. Petersburg College with an A.A. degree and I am a native of Pinellas County. Prior to working at TCA, I worked for 6 years in a home day care and 7 years as a Teacher’s Aide in Manatee County schools. My family and I have lived in Parrish for 21 years. My husband JD and I have been married for 27 years and have 3 adult sons. My family and I are involved in our church, which we have been parishioners of for 21 years. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, painting with acrylics and spending time with my family including our Golden retriever and our Tuxedo cat. I am excited about starting my third year at TCA on the Preschool/Pre-K team and my second year as a lead Preschool teacher. I strive to build relationships with my students as a classroom family by teaching and modeling virtues and habits. I enjoy fostering curiosity, joy and a love of learning in my students. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with your children.

Emmarose Cline

Preschool Aide

Prior to joining TCA I recently graduated from Sarasota High School. I have worked in my church daycare programs, as a nanny and babysitting for 5 years. I recently just started online schooling for Veterinarian Assistant and Horse Management.
I have lived in Sarasota, Florida my whole life. My dad was also born and raised here, and my mom is originally from New York. I have a big mixed family with 4 brothers and 1 sister.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, working with my cows and horses, doing my nails, and spending my time with my family and friends.

Rebecca Ruark

Preschool Aide

Leigh-Anne Anderson

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Leigh-Anne was born and raised in South Africa, and emigrated with her husband, Kevin, to the USA in 2018. In South Africa she worked both as an Aide at an Accelerated Christian Education school and worked in the corporate sector. She completed the CFCI Bible College, and obtained a Bachelor’s in Ministry, and completed numerous counseling courses. Since arriving in the USA, Leigh-Anne has pursued the love that she has for younger children and a passion for their education. This is Leigh-Anne's 4th year at TCA. Her first love is her Heavenly Father, and family is very important to her!! Leigh-Anne loves TCA, the values that it holds, and, she loves building relationships with her students and coming alongside their parents.

Kira Crespo

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Sophia Helme

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Sophia was born & raised in Sarasota and has been working with and mentoring kids since she was in high school. She started at TCA in 2021 and immediately knew that the Lord had put her right where she needed to be.
In her free time, she loves hanging out with family & friends, working out, and going shopping. Sophia is also involved with serving in the youth ministry at her church and has a passion for guiding students to grow in their relationship with God.

Mrs. Missy Hippich

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

It's A Great Day To Be A Patriot! GO PATRIOTS!

Abigail Samayoa

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Barnali Chakraborty

Pre-Kindergarten Aide

I graduated with a bachelor's in commerce from Calcutta University, India in 2003. While doing my Bachelors, I also took up Information Technology as one of my electives. I have been an instructor in IT since 2005 and have taught children of various age groups. After getting married and having 2 children (now 14 & 8) I decided to teach younger children as it brings me pure joy. I mostly enjoy seeing how their tiny minds grow over a span of one year. A fun fact about me is that I have been a globe-trotter…born in Africa, raised in Asia, travelled and lived in Europe, settled in North America!! I love biking, painting & reading to kids. I have been in the teaching profession for 8 years now. This is my 3rd year in TCA, and I have just loved the beautiful school community we have here. I look forward to an amazing school year.

Ashley DeHann

Pre-Kindergarten Aide

Hello! My name is Ashley! This will be my third year working with my TCA family as a Pre-Kindergarten Aide. I have been a teacher aide for six years. Since I was young, I always had a special interest in early childhood development and education. I am from Tennessee and have moved all over from Michigan, most of New England, and to Florida. I have a husband, daughter, and two dogs!

Emilee Nisly

Pre-Kindergarten Aide

Jessica Smithson

Pre-Kindergarten Aide