Our Team

Preschool Home

Carrie Field

Director

We help build a foundation the students will take with them for the rest of their lives.

Carrie has dedicated her life to children and education. A certified play specialist and licensed social worker in both Virginia and DC, Carrie helps guide the curriculum so students gain a love of learning, a strong sense of self and community, and how to be kind and loving people. Before becoming the Director of FLP in 2014, Carrie worked in many schools and managed the social work programs at Early Childhood Charter Schools. What makes FLP stand out is its team approach to education. Families trust our teachers with their most precious things, their children. Carrie teaches online MSW courses at Catholic University, where she completed her own Masters in Social Work. She has her BSW from Nebraska Wesleyan.

Ellen Blair

S.T.E.M. Teacher, Assistant Director (all ages)

I want our students to be excited about learning new things and unafraid to explore their questions.

Ellen brings her experience as a former elementary school teacher to FLP. As both the Assistant Director and STEM teacher, Ellen has the pleasure of teaching all the FLP students. Since she teaches the children as they return each school year, the children form a relationship and trust with Ellen that lets them flourish and grow. Ellen’s own children attended FLP and she is grateful to contribute to a warm and caring preschool.
Ellen has her Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities from George Mason University and her B.A. in English Literature from William & Mary.

Lauren Lopez

Art Teacher

I hope that students will walk away with a deeper love of learning and art that will carry them throughout their lives.

Lauren has experience teaching 2-year-olds at a Reggio school, teaching Pre-K through 12th grade art at an International School in Ghana, and training teachers in Kenya and South Africa. Lauren loves the welcoming environment of FLP, and the merging of art and learning in the Reggio philosophy is a perfect fit for her. She has a B.S. from Roberts Wesleyan College in Pre-K-12th Grade Visual Art Education and an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University Online.

Cynthia Strawser

Frog Teacher (4s)

When we honor the child’s natural desire to learn by providing an emotionally supportive and thoughtfully prepared environment, children thrive.

Cynthia feels called to work with children. Beyond preparing the students for kindergarten, she aims to instill a deep joy in learning since learning is a lifetime endeavor. Cynthia studied Montessori education for over 3 years with the acclaimed Harvey Hallenberg and taught at The Falls Church Day School for over 13 years. She holds her B.S. from George Mason University in Accounting and has numerous continuing education credits through George Mason University, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has a Core Certification in Godly Play.

Sue Campbell

Frog Teacher (4s)

I want children to have a strong sense of themselves and confidence in their abilities.

Sue marvels at the natural world and imparts this passion to her students. She uses her love of nature in the class – from class hermit crabs to gardening beds near the outdoor classroom that benefits the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Sue started at FLP in 2015. She previously taught middle school Environmental Science in Fairfax. She has her Master of Education and a B.A. in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Trish Montgomery

Lizard Teacher (3s)

Faith Lutheran has been a part of my life for over 20 years and I have loved every minute of it.

Trish has held every possible job at Faith: mom, Parent Representative, FLP Board member, Before-School Care helper, substitute teacher, 2s teacher, 3s teacher, and 4s teacher. Seeing the effects a good foundation can have on children as they go through school firsthand inspired Trish to become an accredited preschool teacher through NOVA. A true believer in FLP’s Reggio approach, she is honored to be part of children’s first school experience. Trish graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Health Planning and Administration.

Steven McKenzie

Lizard Teacher (3s), Before-Care Teacher

Our students walk away with a desire to keep learning about their environment while sharing their world with others.

Education is in Steven’s blood – his mother Lisa is a teacher. Steven is well-versed in the Reggio approach. He was at Tender Roots for five years before becoming staff at FLP in 2019. Steven previously taught our 2s class and is now moving up to the 3s. He supports his students as they learn both emotionally and academically. Steven has his Associate in Child Development at the National Credentialing Program of the Council for Professional Recognition.

Stacy Steyaert

Minnow Teacher (2s), Music Teacher, After-Care Director (Soaring Starts)

Play is the work of the child, and wow! am I proud to get paid to play all day!

Stacy founded and is the owner of Soaring Starts. Prior to founding Soaring Starts, Stacy worked as the Early Childhood Program Coordinator at Imagination Stage, overseeing 20+ classes a semester, mentoring hundreds of artists and school educators, and teaching thousands of students in the DC area. She holds a M.Ed in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and a BFA in Theatre Management from DePaul University.

Mike Valenti

Minnow Teacher (2s)

I always find myself amazed by children’s ability to follow their curiosity and love getting caught up in their adventures.

Mike grew up attending a Waldorf school where he developed a love of stories as a way to learn and explore new ideas. He followed his love of stories to a BFA and MFA in writing. Although this is his first time teaching, Mike has always enjoyed interacting with kiddos. He most recently worked at a family homeless shelter in Minneapolis. Mike was inspired by the curiosity, intelligence and resilience of the
kiddos at the shelter to pursue a career in early childhood education. As a parent at FLP, Mike has experienced first-hand the valuable education FLP offers and is honored to be a part of this amazing team.

Jiefei Wang

Floater Teacher

Jiefei has over ten years of experience teaching ESL and was most recently a Pre-K to 5th grade Mandarin teacher at a school in Dayton, OH. She was also an America Reads volunteer, assisting elementary students in reading and writing. Jiefei has a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in education.

Juan Ulloa

Custodian

“Mr. Juan” has been the custodian at Faith Lutheran Preschool for many years. He maintains our space so we can play and learn in a healthy environment. All of the kids know Mr. Juan as an important part of our FLP family.

Our Trainers