Preschool & Pre-K

Ms. Stephanie Yoder

Dean of Preschool & Pre-K

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 schools first preschool class. For the last 9 years, I had the great joy of teaching PreK. In 2022, along with teaching a PreK class, I took on the role of Dean of Preschool and PreK. This year, I have stepped out of the classroom to fully take on the role of Dean of Preschool and PreK. I am so happy to be able to help my fellow teachers, build strong relationships with parents, and interact with all the kids in our PS and PK area. 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 of virtue. I still love doing science experiments with the kids, reading them some of my favorite books like The Monster at the End of this Book and The Piggy and Elephant Series, and creating fun 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!

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.

Sophia Helme

Preschool Teacher

Sophia was born and raised in Lakewood Ranch, FL. She started babysitting when she was 13 and ever since then knew that she wanted to work with children. She enjoys coming to work everyday at TCA and loves the community here! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading books, and going shopping. She is also an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as she has been a type one diabetic for 11 years. She has a passion for spreading awareness about the disease and advocating for a cure.

Mrs. Michelle Needham

Preschool Teacher

I am a native Floridian from Pinellas County. I graduated from St. Petersburg College with an A.A. degree. After staying home with my children for many years I worked at a home day care for 6 years and, for the last 7 years, as a Teacher’s Aide in Manatee County schools. My family and I have lived in Parrish for 19 years. My husband JD and I have been married for 25 years and have 3 sons Tyler, Justin and Gabriel. Our family has a red Golden Retriever named Brandy and a black and white Tuxedo kitten named Ray. My family and I are involved in our church, we have been parishioners of for 19 years. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, painting with acrylics and spending time with my family. I am excited about starting my first year at TCA working in Mrs. Leigh-Anne’s classroom and I am looking forward to a wonderful school year.

Leigh-Anne Anderson

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

I was born and raised in South Africa, a country that has the mountains, seas, wildlife, and deserts within its small borders. It also has 12 official languages. My husband, Kevin, and I relocated to the United States of America in 2018 with much joy. In South Africa I had worked as an Aide at an Accelerated Christian Education school for several years and in the corporate sector as well. I completed CFCI Bible College and obtained a bachelor’s in ministry. I have also completed numerous counseling courses. After arriving in the US, I have pursued the love that I have for younger children and a passion for their education. This is my second year at TCA, my first year was as a PreK Aide, which I so enjoyed. I have a wonderful husband, two incredible sons (the eldest who still lives in South Africa), their beautiful wives and 4 delightful grandchildren! I love Florida!!! My first love is my Heavenly Father, and family is very important to me. My husband and I enjoy spending time with them and friends. We enjoy boating, walks down to the rivers and the spectacular Florida sunsets. We are involved with a local church, volunteer work, and we support missions in Swaziland that help meet the needs of water, food and schooling for poverty stricken young children. I am looking forward to year ahead at TCA!

Mrs. Missy Hippich

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

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

Mrs. Leah Mullet

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Leah was born and raised in Sarasota and is also where she received her education. She attended the State College of Florida for two years where she studied Early Childhood Education (ECE). Leah has been in this field since 2018. She has worked with children in a variety of capacities including lead teaching and substituting. Leah has her Florida Childcare Professional Credential (FCCPC) which is awarded by the state, and she has her mandatory forty hours of state training. She has been married close to three years now and she and her husband own two dogs.

Rusmini Zorn

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

I graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design in 2004 with a BFA in Interior Design. I have enjoyed living in Sarasota for the last 25 years and am happily married with two children. I’ve taught Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten for 7 years, and am excited to teach PreK at TCA. I enjoy spending time with my little explorers as we play, learn, and grow to be PATRIOTS!

Abigail Samayoa

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Barnali Chakraborty

Pre-K 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 13 & 7) I decided to teach younger children as it brings me joy. I mostly enjoy seeing how their tiny minds grow over a year.
A fun fact about me is that I have been a globe trotter…born in Africa, raised in Asia, traveled and lived in Europe, settled in North America!! I love biking and painting.
I have been in the teaching profession for 7 years now. This is my 2nd year in TCA, and I have just loved the beautiful school community we have here. I look forward to an amazing school year.

Kira Crespo

Preschool Aide

Ashley DeHann

Preschool Aide

Hello! My name is Ashley! This will be my second year with TCA as a Pre-K aide. I have been a teacher aide for five years. Since I was a child, I always had a special interest in early childhood education and development. 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!