Brandon Ayoung-Chee (he/him) Hilde’s House team

I am Brandon Ayoung-chee, and I am 25-years-old. I graduated from UNCA in 2021 with a degree in mass communication. I started working for the JCC during the summer of 2020 in their Camp Ruach program. My first experience with kids was looking after my two brothers Memphis (six-years-old) and Preston (four-years-old) often while my parents were busy. During my time at the JCC I’ve learned great experience in working with kids and built a good rapport with them. I frequently work with kindergarteners and first graders in the afterschool program, but sub in a range of classrooms from toddlers to pre-k. I’m also on the autism spectrum, which has given me a perspective in looking after children on the spectrum. 

Linnea Bergvall (she/her) Keshet team

Hi, my name is Linnea! It’s my fourth year teaching here at the JCC, and I love being a part of our caring and supportive community. I was born here in North Carolina but grew up in Sweden, moving back to the US and to Asheville as a young adult in 2007. With a Swedish father and an American mother, I have strong ties to both countries and have fond memories of visiting Asheville as a child. I earned my B.A. in psychology at UNC-Asheville and my M.A. in couple and family counseling at East Tennessee State University. I have two energetic and sweet sons who are 5 and 10 years old. I love traveling and enjoy being outdoors in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains; hiking, picking berries, and picnicking with my boys.

Catherine Brockwell (she/her) Hilde’s House team

Hi! I am Catherine. I have worked at the JCC since May, 1997. I was born and raised in Asheville. My husband and I have raised two children here as well. They both grew up at the JCC. This has been my home away from home for two decades!  In my time here, I have worked with several age groups. The past twelve years have been spent in the infant room. The babies are where my heart and talent flourish. I continue to be amazed every day watching them grow and interact with each other. I am a nurturer by nature and feel that parents/caregivers of infants need nurturing, too! I feel very blessed to be a part of the JCC family and these babies lives!

Shavone Bryson (she/her) Keshet team

Hello, my name is Shavone. I was born and raised here, Asheville NC. I am so glad to be part of the JCC! I’m a proud auntie of several nieces and nephews, whom I love dearly. I am next to the youngest child on both side of my mom and dad’s children. I believe in treating everyone with respect. I take pride in being a loving and caring person to everyone. I absolutely love shopping, eating out and spending time with my family. I have a little over 5 years of childcare experience. I love watching children grow, learn, and become independent. My main priority is to teach them, love them, and keep them safe.

Becca Coulson (she/her) Olam Echad team

Hello, my name is Becca, and I am happy to be a part of the Asheville JCC family! I am originally from Jersey City, New Jersey. My family and I would vacation in Asheville before we decided to move here in the summer of 2008. We all have loved it here ever since! I graduated from TC Roberson High School in 2014. After graduating High School, I was not sure of what career path I wanted to take. I had babysitting experience and I have always liked school, so I decided to achieve my dreams in Early Childhood Education, and I am currently working on getting my Associates through Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. In my spare time, I love to read, listen to music, and practice photography. I also love being around my friends and family. I love getting to know new people and I am extremely excited to meet all of you at the JCC.

Erin DeBruyn (she/her) Reim team

Hi, I’m Erin! I grew up in New York, and came to Asheville almost 20 years ago seeking warmer winters and a life in the mountains. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English, and about 20 years experience working with preschoolers and school-aged children. I have spent the last few years working with k-5 kids in an after school setting, and happily returned to early childhood in 2017 at the JCC.  I believe in building a classroom community that is sensitive to each child’s needs, focused on learning by play, sometimes messy, and full of wonder.  I am currently in school pursuing a Masters Degree in Early Childhood. I have two teenage boys who keep me very busy, and in my spare time, I like to take walks with my dog, read, bake, do yoga, and work on projects around my 90 year-old fixer upper. I’m so happy to be part of the Shalom family!

Jeannie DeWeese (she/her) Leviim team

I’m Jeannie DeWeese. I have worked in child care for 20 years, and have been at the JCC for 8 years as an assistant teacher, substitute, and floater. I have my Early Childhood Credential from AB-Tech. My husband is retired and I have two children who are now grown adults. I am proud to be a part of the JCC! I love your children and enjoy meeting you as parents. My focus is to make every child feel special and loved. Thank you for allowing me to care for your children, they are blessings to me!

Sue Ford, Songleader & Music Specialist

North Carolina native, Sue Ford is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music teacher with over 20 years of experience. She believes that sharing rhythm and music and being present in the moment with children is a sacred and spiritual calling. She has taught in Asheville at Evergreen Community Charter School (K – 8th grade) and at Rainbow Community School (Preschool – 8th grade), implementing a marimba band program at each school. She currently teaches marimba at the Omega Middle School, which is part of Rainbow and in her own after school program, Village Marimba. Sue has immersed herself in many musical styles and instruments including piano, percussion, guitar and banjo. She studied music education at UNC-A, Western Carolina University and University of Kentucky. She is certified in all three levels of Orff Schulwerk, a holistic teaching approach that involves moving and singing and playing instruments. She considers herself a life-long learner.

Sue’s professional activities include serving as assistant director of Womansong for seven years. Her original song, Heal Me was chosen as a performance piece for the mass chorus at the Sister Singers Network Conference. She released a CD of original music entitled The Water is Fine and served as artistic consultant on multiple recording projects for Womansong, EMBE Marimba Band and Chikomo Marimba. She has presented workshops and performances for teachers at the National Expeditionary Learning Conference, the National Orff Association Conference, the National Children’s Music Network Conference and the NC Charter School Conference. She was recognized for seven years in the Mountain Xpress annual poll as Best Music Teacher.

Danielle Groomes (she/her) Leviim team

Hello my name is Danielle Groomes, I’m 22 years old and I graduated from TC Roberson High School in 2018. For two summers while I was in Middle School I worked as a counselor in training at the JCC. This will be my third year as floater in Leviim, and I’m happy to be working there alongside Amber and Tiffany! I am also looking forward to getting to know the Leviim kids. I love working with the little kids and have my Early Childhood Credential from AB-Tech. I plan to pursue nursing at AB Tech as the next step in my career. I have had the love and interest in babies and small children since I was 10 years old, and I want to become a labor and delivery nurse. My mother Gina Groomes was also a teacher at the JCC for 5 years. My hobbies are watching Netflix, drawing/sketching, hanging out with friends, working out, and going shopping.

Michelle Hearst (she/her) Leviim team

Hi, I am so excited and delighted to be working here at the JCC. I was born and raised here in Asheville, NC. I have 19 years experience working with young children in licensed childcare settings. I am a graduate of Blue Ridge College with an Associates degree in Early Childhood education. I am a mother to three beautiful teenage children who are my entire world. I enjoy traveling and listening to music in my free time. I look forward to getting to know your children.

Clara Iliff (she/her) Keshet team

Hello! My name is Clara, and I am a graduate of UNC Greensboro with a BFA in Art Education. After college, adventure called. I became a Certified ESL Teacher and moved to Guangzhou, China where I taught English and art to elementary school students. I loved using an interdisciplinary approach for art teaching and using a plethora of fun games to enhance language learning. I also had many priceless experiences traveling throughout China and studying Mandarin. Five years later in 2020, I moved back to North Carolina to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. Education is my passion because I can connect with children in the classroom and I can encourage and foster their independence as individuals. Witnessing children learn, grow, and build confidence is the most rewarding part of being a teacher. I believe that school should be enjoyed by both the students and the teacher – to create positive memories and to develop a life-long passion for learning. When I am not in the classroom, I love to create art – painting, drawing, and printmaking. I enjoy traveling near and far when time allows. My partner and I often play music together, and we love to hike, camp, and backpack with our beloved dog. And we all share a great enthusiasm for food. I am thrilled to be a part of the team here at Shalom Children’s Center! Let’s embark on this learning journey together.

Karla Johnson (she/her) Hilde’s House team

Hello, my name is Karla. I started working at the Asheville JCC in 2016 as substitute teacher in Shalom and Hilde’s House, and then was promoted to full-time floater in 2017 and then classroom teacher in 2018. I have my NCECE Credential and I am currently enrolled at AB Tech working towards my Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with infants and toddlers, and I am learning and growing every day alongside them!

Zequoia Jordan (she/her) Olam Echad team

My name is Zequoia, and my husband and I are both Asheville natives!  We have two goofy children, Bently and Coryn.  I graduated from SILSA at Asheville High School in 2010 and I am currently studying at AB Tech to earn my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.  I have more than 15 years of experience working in early childhood education.  I have worked in various programs in the area as a volunteer, substitute, floater, assistant teacher and now lead teacher.  While working in these programs, I enjoyed working with a range of different aged children from infants to pre-kindergarten.  I’m proud to have been a part of Shalom Children’s Center since 2011!  My special interests include arts, conflict resolution, encouraging movement and dance, reading, and encouraging self-help and confidence.

Sherrill Knight (she/her) Mentor teacher, Reim team

Welcome to a new year at Shalom! My name is Sherrill and I have been a teacher here now for 26 years, but have worked with children in other places for an additional ten. I am the Mother of four and the Grandmother of five. My educational background includes degrees in Fine Arts and Education from UNC-CH and UNC-A respectively, but by far the greatest education I have had the honor of receiving has been from the many children and families I have known. My other interests are reading, writing (not so much arithmetic except for at the preschool level!), gardening, storytelling, art and nature study. I also love singing, yoga, and dance parties with the class. I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

Wendy Lawrence (she/her) Aquatics Director & Swim Instructor

I am a native of Asheville, having been raised in the Candler area.  Ironically, after traveling and living in other areas, found my way back to Candler where I now live with my partner Kristin and our three fur children.  When I was 11 months old, my father was in the Army and my family lived in the Panama Canal for four years.  It was while living in Panama that my love for water and swimming began.  At 18 months I was swimming independently, according to my mother, and I cannot remember a time in my life that swimming didn’t play a big factor in my world. I was a member of the first graduating class of the Early Childhood Program at AB-Tech Community College and have worked with children of all ages from birth through high school. In the last 10 years my teaching experiences with children and my love for swimming collided, resulting in my role today as the Aquatics Director for the Asheville JCC. The best aspect of my job continues to be teaching swimming.  I am a firm believer that learning how to swim is one of the utmost important skills in a person’s life.  Not only is it a major life skill from a safety standpoint, but it also offers so many open doors for social/emotional growth in addition to a healthy active lifestyle. 

Miri Massachi (she/her) Music & Movement Specialist

I have been working with kids for over 20 years. I am a strong believer in the importance of developing and enhancing gross motor skills during early childhood. Through building these skills, children build self confidence and learn to love themselves and their bodies. Children explore the world using their senses and physical abilities and through creative movement they have opportunities to live up to their full physical, mental and emotional potential. In my classes we focus on coordination, balance, midline crossing, jumping and dancing to name a few. We practice calming our bodies, listening to our breathing and finding peaceful focus. We play with many different textures and sounds. We listen to different kinds of music and hold an instrument circle that gives exposure to active listening and quiet anticipation. We play with hoops, balls, buckets, ropes, pool noodles, frisbees and much more, using everyday objects in non traditional ways! Through my class kids practice following direction, sharing and taking turns and the value of teamwork. Most importantly, we always have a lot of fun together!

Porsche McCranie (she/her) Hilde’s House team

Hello! I have two sons, and am married to a wonderful man. I’ve been working in childcare for about the last three years, and I intend to spend many more years enjoying my career in the field. I grew up around childcare providers, and have always valued the importance of education, in all forms. I received my Early Childhood Credential from Blue Ridge Community College and I’m always looking for new ways and activities to help children learn and grow. I’m very interested in learning about the Jewish culture and traditions. I love spending my free time crafting or being creative, and spending time with my family.

Sade Mosley (she/her) floater

My name is Sade and I am a fun-loving person with a bubbly personality. I have been at the JCC since 2017, and I am a highly motivated and hardworking individual and I take pride in working well with my teacher cohort. I am also a dedicated person that you can rely on and believe in the importance of communication. During my time working and volunteering in early childhood, I have developed strong skills in supporting young children, and I am genuinely passionate about providing the best child care and play experiences. I believe in working closely with families in all settings and take pride in being able to handle difficult situations with empathy and professionalism.

Jay Mullins (they/them) substitute teacher

Hi all! My name is Jay and I was born and raised here in Asheville. I love the mountains and the parkway and I don’t think I ever want to live anywhere else! I’m a recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where I studied linguistics and child language development. I have my NC Early Childhood Credential and I plan on pursuing further certification. I have worked in childcare since 2016 and I absolutely love it. My favorite thing to do in a classroom is story time, but I’m also a big fan of arts and crafts! In my free time I like to read, write, and spend time outside. I also have two cats at home, and I’m happy to be part of the JCC team!

Francis Osting (he/him) floater

Hi! I’m Francis Osting. I spent my childhood on a farm in rural Tennessee, and I recently graduated with a BA in History & Political Science from Warren Wilson College. I have always been particularly interested in teaching and fell in love with early childhood education during my time in college. I’m excited to have the opportunity to foster wonder in young minds and hearts at Shalom Children’s Center! In my free time, I enjoy reading nonfiction, rock climbing, making collage art, and being outside in the sun.

Nimm Pope (she/her) Reim team

Hello, my name is Jutamas Pope, but I go by my Thai nickname “Nimm.” I was born and raised in northern Thailand. I earned my B.S in Biology from Chiang Mai University and my Masters in Education (Science Education focused) from Kasetsart University in Bangkok. I worked as a biology teacher in a public high school in Thailand for about 3 years until I immigrated to America in late 2020. I enjoyed my time as a teacher with older students, but now I’m pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education. I love working with children and I am so glad to be part of the JCC family. In my spare time I like to play guitar and sing. I am teaching myself how to play kalimba and the keyboard. I sometimes like to do watercolor paintings, and recently I have gotten into embroidery, crochet, and sewing. I also love to go hiking and backpacking with my husband.

Katherine Rhames (she/her) Coordinator, Hilde’s House team

Hello Parents and JCC Community, My name is Katherine Rhames, and I am so excited to be joining the team at Hilde’s House. I am originally from California (born and raised), but I moved to Asheville in 2018 to join my daughter. My education includes AS and BS degrees in Child Development, and an MA degree in Early Childhood Education from CSUFresno. I have over 25 years experience in the field because I realized how much I love working with children when teaching at the Lab School at Fresno City College. My experience spans a variety of positions both in California and here in NC. I owned and operated a Large Family Child Care Center for 8 years, for children from birth to six years. I held the position of Area Manager, with 10 centers to oversee, and Program Manager, with 13 centers. While still in California, I was Executive Director of a Parent Co-Op Center on the Stanford campus, and Center Director at a large center in Ladera. Since moving to the Asheville area I have held the position of Lead 2s Teacher/Curriculum Specialist in Black Mountain, Lead Pre-K Teacher for Community Action Opportunities, and currently Lead 2s Teacher at CWA. I am looking forward to moving into a teacher/coordinator position with the infants and toddlers at JCC. I am especially excited to know that you espouse the Reggio Emelia Philosophy, because I believe that all children are capable and strive to make sense of their world through exploration and experimentation. I have raised 3 daughters of my own, have four grandchildren, and gardening and reading are my passions outside of working with children.

Kathy Rennie (she/her) Ahava team

Hello lovely JCC families! My name is Kathy. My husband and I moved down from New Hampshire in 2010 and now we share our home with our son Alex and our three cats. Prior to discovering my passion for watching little minds at work, I spent over a decade as a veterinary technician. I am now working on obtaining my Associates in Early Childhood Education from AB-Tech. I joined the JCC community in March of 2021 and I’m so happy that I did. I believe that working with children is more like gardening than carpentry. I can’t wait to watch these minds grow as they’re nurtured!

Jamie Samdahl (she/her) Pre-K Science Inquiry & Nature Specialist

Hello, my name is Jamie! I grew up on a farm in Massachusetts and earned my Bachelor of Arts from Smith College. After graduation, I spent summers working as an interpretive park ranger in New Hampshire, Colorado, California, and Nevada. My husband and I moved back to North Carolina to be closer to his family in 2021. I’ve worked at the J since spring of 2022 and I earned my Early Childhood Credential from AB Tech that fall. I’m especially passionate about birdwatching, camping, and learning Yiddish— but nothing makes me happier than experiencing the garden with your kids! 

Leigh Schuller (she/her) Taglit team

My name is Leigh and I am proud to be part of the teaching staff at Shalom Children’s Center.  I have worked at the Asheville JCC since 2006 and have “worn many hats”, including substitute teacher, classroom teacher for the toddlers, 2’s, 3-4’s, and Pre-K age groups, interim director, BBYO youth advisor, bus driver, and Early Childhood Assistant Director.  I have a large scope when it comes to the many aspects and programs the JCC has to offer.  I received a Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education (k-12) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2002, and have continued my education professionally and academically in the field of Early Childhood Education (birth-Kindergarten).  In 2014, I became a trained facilitator of “Parenting the Love and Logic Way”.  I play the trumpet and guitar.  I also enjoy seeing live music shows, being in nature, cooking for friends, and crocheting.  During the pandemic, I developed my affinity for plants into a full-fledged hobby and I love spending time with my plant babies at home.  I am grateful to spend my days surrounded by curious children.  In this environment of experiential wonder, we can grow and learn from each other.

Bryanna Shelby (she/they) Taglit team

Hello! My name is Bree and I’ve lived in Asheville for 6 years now! I moved from Johnson city Tennessee, where I grew up. Shortly after I moved to Asheville, I started to pursue my career in early childhood education. I have my early childhood credential from Haywood Community College, and working with children is my passion and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else! During my free time I do love to hike with my dog Charlie, read, pet my cat named danger, and craft. I also love taking care of my plants, I have close to 50 plants! I can’t wait to meet everyone and I’m so very excited to be with the JCC team!

Jill Smith (she/her) Ahava team

Hello Friends! My name is Jill. I’m 100% Asheville native. I’ve always wanted to work with little children and I’m so happy to join JCC! For the past 11 years I’ve worked at Ingles markets. I have my Early Childhood credential, and working on an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at AB-Tech. My friends describe me as an overly happy bubbly person! I am super excited to get to know you and your children!

Amalya Stone (she/her) substitute teacher

Shalom, Chaverim! Hello, friends! My name is Amalya, and if you are thinking to yourself, “hmm, she looks familiar,” you would be right! I worked at the JCC from 2017-2020 where I wore many hats including Shalom sub, JCC Kids group leader, PJ Library Coordinator, and Front Desk Gal Extraordinaire. Although my career path took me away from the J for a little bit, I am so excited to be back as a sub, and I can’t wait to reacquaint myself with familiar faces and introduce myself to some new ones. During my day at the JCC, you may find me interacting with the children by singing songs, reading books, and blowing bubbles. Outside of that, on my personal time you may find me knitting, embroidering, roller-blading, sewing, or making hair accessories.

Kathryn Swiney (she/her) Ahava team

Hi JCC families! My name is Kathryn Swiney and I’m thrilled to be joining the Ahava classroom as a co-lead teacher! I’m originally from Nashville, TN. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and a master’s degree in Public Health. In 2016, my husband and I ventured to the Pacific Northwest. We have lived in Bend, OR for the past 6 years where I taught pre-k the first year and kindergarten for the following five. In 2020, our son, Elias, was born. While we loved our mountain town of Bend, we decided to move back east to be closer to family. This move brought us to Asheville, and we are very excited for Smoky Mountain adventures with our little explorer! From nannying, to working as a camp counselor, to teaching, almost all of my jobs have involved working with young children in some capacity. Exploring, playing, and learning alongside this age group is my dream job, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to know your little ones! 

Will Tocaben (he/him) Hilde’s House team

Hi, I’m Will.  I have two boys, Noah and Elliot, both of whom went to Hilde’s House and on through Shalom. They loved their experience and I was impressed with the level of care they received. I am from New York originally and moved to Asheville in 1998, and have been working at Hilde’s House with the infants and toddlers since 2013.  I play music in my spare time, focusing on the lute and early music. I have a B.F.A. In guitar and lute performance and received my early childhood education certification at AB Tech. I love working with the toddlers, playing with them, and feel honored to be a part of their lives and development.

Chestnut Van Bramer (she/they) Taglit team

Hi, my name is Chestnut!  I was born in Delaware and moved to Asheville in 2018 to attend Warren Wilson College, where I received a degree in History. I’ve been working in childcare since 2016, first at my local YMCA aftercare program at a schedule 1 elementary school, and as a sailing teacher during the summers.  I’m so excited to work at the JCC, I hope to bring lots of creative and fun energy.  In my spare time, I love to play Dungeons and Dragons, surf, and adventure in the woods!

Melissa Vlahos (she/her) Teva team

My name is Melissa Vlahos. I started working in the JCC school-age programs and subbing in the preschool in the fall of 2021. I grew up in Westport, CT where I discovered my love for teaching at the Unitarian Church Preschool in Westport. After graduating from high school, I continued my passion for teaching by achieving a degree in Early Childhood from the University of New Hampshire. After graduation, I moved to Melbourne, Australia where I taught Pre-K for three years. From there I traveled home through Southeast Asia and Europe before returning the States and taught Pre-K at the JCC in Peabody, MA for 10 years. I also was the director of a summer camp for children ages 3-5 at the JCC. I have two kids, Kelsey and Max, who are now grown adults. My family moved to Boxford, MA where I worked at Harry Lee Cole Elementary as a paraprofessional with the preschool through second-grade special education for 22 years. I moved to Asheville in 2019 and I am now semi-retired, but still feel the calling to work with kids at the JCC. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your wonderful children!

Amber Williams (she/her) Mentor teacher, Leviim & Taglit team

My name is Amber and I am excited to be at the JCC!  I was born and raised here in Asheville, and I love being outdoors.  I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and over 13 years of experience in the field.  I am currently in school at UNC-G to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood. I deeply believe that children learn the most in an environment that is rich in opportunities to learn independence, self-value, and respect for themselves and others.  I believe that each child has something unique and awesome to bring to the classroom and work to showcase their special qualities.  I welcomed my own little bundle of joy in 2017, his name is Austin and I am overwhelmed with joy to have him.    I am happy to be part of the Shalom family since 2014!

Leelou Wisemyn (she/her) Olam Echad team

Greetings, Shalom families! I am mama to one daughter, age 8. For twenty years I have been an educator for children of all ages, in a variety of subjects and settings — ranging from dance, nature and science exploration, handcrafts and arts, puppetry and storytelling, music, and general education. I have been a nanny, and I have worked in Waldorf schools, homeschool cooperatives, unschooling programs, charter, and public schools. I am passionate about education that is developmentally informed, inspired by natural rhythms and beauty, and that nurtures each child’s individual soul to meet their needs for purpose, learning, and joy. I am currently pursuing a degree in education with a focus on early childhood. I am excited and blessed to be a part of your children’s lives!