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. In addition to teaching at FLP, she tutors dyslexic students.
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.
Penny Ott
Atelierista (Art Teacher) (all ages)
Art is not a race!
Penny is a fine arts professional who is thrilled to introduce students to renowned artists, techniques, and a variety of mediums. She established the Art Studio when she began here in 2002 and designed our school logo. Penny imparts to the children that art is a process taking planning, thought, and time. Her class teaches patience and creativity and strengthens small motor skills. The mother of two FLP grads, Penny says “they moved on, but I didn’t want to.” She studied visual, commercial, and fine arts at Broward Community College in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was educated and trained as a Docent at the Cleveland Museum of Art and continues to work as a freelance artist.
Lisa McKenzie
Fish Teacher (4s)
It’s an adventure to follow children on their path of discovery and assist them in building their knowledge.
Lisa is a former Arlington County elementary school teacher who prefers teaching “little ones.” Lisa helps to build her students’ confidence in themselves as learners with a strong sense of community and caring for others. She hopes children leave FLP with a love for learning and exploration. She has been a teacher at FLP since 2004. She is dedicated to providing a wide variety of learning opportunities for children at their individual levels while challenging them to push themselves forward. Lisa holds her Master of Education with an emphasis in Special Education from Marymount University and her B.A. in Art in Psychology with an Education minor from NVCC.
Cynthia Strawser
Fish 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.
Martha Perry
Frog Teacher (4s)
I hope each child leaves FLP with confidence, curiosity, willingness to take risks, and friendships.
Martha started at FLP in 2006. Previously, she worked in the museum field for six years, including at the prestigious Smithsonian Institution. While museums to preschool may seem like a unique career change, she deeply enjoys guiding kids as they lead the charge, discovering, questioning, and problem-solving. Martha graduated from St. Olaf College B.A. in History and a concentration in Art
History and Religion.
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.
Emilia Hosier
Lizard Teacher (3s)
I love seeing children’s curiosity and astonishment as they discover the world around them.
Emilia was a fourth grade in Falls Church City for ten years. She then was a stay-at-home mother for her two daughters, both of whom attended Faith Lutheran Preschool. Having young kids inspired her to refocus on early childhood education. She aims to support learning inquiries and explorations while nurturing her students’ development as kind, caring individuals in our community. Emilia graduated from the University of Virginia with a Master of Teaching degree and a B.A. in Psychology.
Lauren Coyle
Caterpillar Teacher (3s)
I help my students learn to express themselves while exploring their interests in a caring and supportive atmosphere that values them as individuals.
Lauren’s own children went to FLP and she was so impressed with FLP’s dedication to making preschool a magical experience, she became a FLP teacher in 2018. Prior to FLP, Lauren was a clinical psychologist for Fairfax County. She lead individual
and group therapy and did emergency mental health evaluations. Her residency was at a community mental health center working with families, adults, and children. Her coursework in child development and internships at a preschool as part of her doctoral degree was her true passion. Lauren works with her students on labeling feelings, learning from and with their classmates, and how to be part of a community. She loves witnessing each child’s unique sense of wonder about the world as they learn about new things and themselves. Lauren holds her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University and her B.A. from the College of William & Mary.
Anna Peterson
Caterpillar Teacher (3s)
I adore the joy children bring to learning: whether it’s the excitement of learning a new skill, singing a new song, or meeting a new friend.
Anna Peterson has been at FLP since 2006, helping to build its unique, supportive community. She encourages her students to learn confidence in inquiry and exploration and master classroom tools. Anna helps the three-year-olds have the ability to express their big feelings.
She holds her B.S. from George Mason University.
Steven McKenzie
Minnow and Tadpole Teacher (2s)
Our students walk away with a desire to keep learning about their environment while sharing their world with others.
Education is in Steve’s blood – his mother Lisa is a Fish 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 finds working with the 2s a joy. He supports his students as they learn both emotionally and academically.
Steve is currently getting his Associate in Child Development at the National Credentialing Program of the Council for Professional Recognition.
Ally Wylde-Gladbach
Minnow and Tadpole Teacher (2s)
Ally is a graduate of the Caterpillar class and the Fish class! She is currently studying studio art at the University of Mary Washington. She has a strong interest in early childhood education and has been working in childcare for 8 years, with experience in babysitting, camp counseling, and helping out with the “escuelita” for the family food bank at Our Lady Queen of Peace church.
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.