Employee Directory

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    Gina Calhoun

    DIRECTOR

    Hello!  I’m Gina Calhoun.  I am blessed to be the director of this amazing program and this group of outstanding educators.  I have a long history with the Day School.  I’ve been around since before some of our staff were even born!  I started here in 1992 as the very first Infant-Toddler teacher. From 1999 to 2006, I served as the Assistant Director/Child & Family Services Coordinator. During my time as a middle school Language Arts & Social Studies teacher, I enjoyed coming back to substitute during the summer. I became the director in June 2025, but honestly it was more like coming home than starting a new job.  I pledge to use my skills of compassion, empathy, patience, and communication to grow Ashe Developmental Day School into the VERY BEST early childhood education program on the planet!!!

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    Jill Hoosier

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Hello! My name is Jill.  My husband, Derek, has put up with me since 2014 and together we have 3 boys. My son, Zeb, attended the Day School from the time he was a baby until he went to kindergarten…..and I had the privilege of being there with him. My journey at Ashe Day School began in 2006. I have had the opportunity to work in every classroom and to see many of the children in our community grow and learn. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know and collaborating with each child’s “village” to ensure all the physical and developmental needs of their child are being met. I have my credentials in Early Childhood and am currently furthering my education in the field at Wilkes Community College. I am looking forward to being a part of the blessings in store for Ashe Day School!

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    Grace Bieber

    FLOATER

    Hello, I’m Grace. I’m a floater and substitute teacher. I love my position here because it gives me the unique opportunity to know all the children and the special things about them. I’ve been working at the center since 2024, but I’ve been a part of this family since my oldest son first attended in 2010.  My youngest son just graduated from our PreK program.

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    Dusty Blevins

    LEAD TEACHER

    Hello!  My name is Dusty.  I’m passionate about working with children and helping them grow.  I am a graduate of Wilkes Community College and have over 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, along with 8 years as an after-school group leader. I also worked as a Behavioral Technician for a year, supporting children with unique needs.  I currently teach in the 3-year-old room, aka “PreKA”. I love this age group and thoroughly enjoy watching each child learn and thrive.  I’m excited to be a part of the ADDS family!

  • A young woman with long brown hair, light skin, and a nose piercing, smiling, standing outdoors in front of a tree, wearing a navy blue T-shirt with a logo that reads "Ashé Developmental Day School" and a picture of a tree, a book, and the phrase "Learning and Growing on the Hill."

    Mackenzie Blowers

    FLOATER

    Hello, my name is Mackenzie. I have worked in childcare since 2022. I have been working at Ashe Day School since February 2025.  I am currently a floater/assistant teacher.  I have my credentials in Early Childhood and I plan to further my career in this field. I have 2 children of my own, both of which attended ADDS. I love working with all children.  I don’t have a favorite because I love every single one of them.

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    Brandy Burke

    TEACHER

    Hello! My name is Brandy Burke.  I have been a part of the Day School family since August 2025. I am one of the teachers in the 2-year-old room. My favorite thing to do with this age group is arts and crafts.

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    Amber Cleary

    ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Hi!  My name is Amber Cleary.  I am the proud mom of 2 girls and 1 boy.  My two youngest children grew up in this program. I have my certificate in Early Childhood Education and my entire career in the field, 7 years so far, has been at Ashe Developmental Day School, so this is my home away from home.  I enjoy all age groups, but snuggling the infants and helping them reach their developmental milestones is my absolute favorite!

  • A young woman with long, light brown hair, wearing glasses and a navy blue t-shirt with the logo for Ashe Developmental Day School, smiling outdoors with a large tree in the background.

    Amy Dillard

    ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Hello, I am Amy.  I am the assistant teacher in the Toddler room. I have worked at Ashe Day School since 2018, but began volunteering here in 2014. I have worked in every room and find the toddlers to be my passion. I love that they are full of energy & curiosity….and I love watching their little personalities develop. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart since 2018 and we have 3 of the most rotten but sweet and beautiful little girls ever, Atalie, Ivy, and Vallie. They are our whole world. I would not change my career choice for anything.  I absolutely love these kids and like to think of them as my own.

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    Destiny Edwards

    NCPREK TEACHER ASSISTANT

    Hi! My name is Destiny. I have worked at the Day School since May 2023. I have been in the Toddler room, 2-Year-Old room, and PreKA.  I am currently one of the assistant teachers in PreKB. I love working with the preschoolers because of the interesting conversations you can have with them. My favorite memory is being involved with the Preschool graduation and seeing the kids’ excitement about “Big School”!  In 2023, I completed my associate degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently attending Appalachian State University and working toward an Elementary Education degree.

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    Rebekah Griffith

    FLOATER

    Hello, my name is Rebekah. I have been employed by the Day School since March 2023. In my career working with young children, I have taught preschool, toddlers and 2-year-olds.  I don’t really have a favorite age….I adore all the kids! I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilkes Community College and am currently pursuing Birth-Kindergarten licensure from Appalachian State University.  I have 2 boys of my own who are the most important part of my life, next to the children I teach here daily.

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    Hailee Holman

    TEACHER ASSISTANT

    Hello!  My name is Hailee Holman.  I’ve been a floater and assistant teacher at the Day School since February 2025.  I am currently one of the assistant teachers in the 3-year-old room, aka “PreKA”. I love working with preschool children and am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.

  • Young woman with long, wavy brown hair smiling, standing outdoors beside a large tree, wearing a navy blue t-shirt with the logo for Ashe Developmental Day School.

    Marena Miller

    FLOATER

    Hello!  My name is Marena.  I have worked at Ashe Day School since 2023 as a floater and substitute teacher. I enjoy working with all ages but I most enjoy preschoolers. I have an Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology and am currently working on my associate in Early Childhood Education.  I aspire to be a lead or assistant teacher one day. I am excited to be working with families and contributing to the education and growth of future generations!

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    Penny Patrick

    TEACHER

    Hi! My name is Penny.  I was born and raised in Ashe County and love calling the mountains my home. I have 2 children of my own and 3 grandchildren. I have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilkes Community College. I have worked at Ashe Day School since 2013.  Most of these years have been spent in the Toddler room. I love this age group!!  They are so curious about everything and eager to learn.  I love it when they accomplish something and that BIG smile comes across their face.  

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    Natasha Romero

    NCPREK LEAD TEACHER

    Hello! My name is Natasha and I am the lead teacher of the NC PreK program (also known as PreKB!) I have my bachelor’s degree in Child Development with a Birth-Kindergarten teaching license from Appalachian State University. I also have an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Wake Technical Community College. My favorite age group to work with is preschool. It’s amazing to see how much they change within a year and it’s such a bittersweet moment when we get to send them off to Kindergarten! 2025 is my first year with Ashe Day School and I’m so grateful to be working with such an awesome group of educators!

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    Marissa Stevens

    NCPREK TEACHER ASSISTANT

    Hi! My name is Marissa.  I have been a full-time employee at Ashe Day School since August 2025. I enjoy working with 3-year-olds and preschoolers because you learn so much about them and see their excitement when they learn something new. I also love to see how much they grow from day to day. Since 2015, I have worked with typically developing children, as well as those with special needs, in daycare and school system settings.  I have an Associate in Applied Science from St. Petersburg College in Florida and my CDA (Child Development Credentials) from Marchman Technical College in Florida. I am so blessed to be at Ashe Day School, working with such an amazing team of teachers and teaching the best kids!

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    Hannah Walker

    TEACHER

    Ms. Hannah, lovingly known by the children as “Chefy”, is our kitchen manager. Hannah has been in the food industry since 2023 and has her ServSafe certification through the National Restaurant Association.  She prepares 2 fresh, kid-friendly meals and a snack daily, that meet strict food-safety standards, as well as requirements of the North Carolina Child and Adult Care Food Program. She also considers the special dietary and allergy needs of the children when necessary. Hannah loves hearing the children’s stories at mealtimes, sharing about her job with the kids, and adapting recipes to make healthy eating fun — she is also a pro at getting the children to try new foods!!. 

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    Melissa Weaver

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    Under Construction

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    Ashley Williams

    TEACHER

    Hello, I’m Ashley.  I have worked in childcare since 2013….It’s my passion! I absolutely love and have dedicated my life to working with children and trying my best to have a positive impact on all of their lives. My favorite age group is the 2-year-olds, but I have also worked with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age kids as well.  I have my Early Childhood Credential and am currently working toward my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have 4 children of my own and a wonderful husband of 6 years. I look forward to my time here and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us all! I am blessed to be a part of the Ashe Day School family!!!