Dawnyell Rainey
Lead Infant Teacher
Meet Our Staff
Hello families, my name is Dawnyell Rainey and I have been with Fifteenth Avenue Child Learning Center for over 10 years. I came to Fifteenth when Meharry Preschool closed its doors and Fifteenth Avenue took over the center in 2001. In total, I have been caring for infants for over 17 years! I am currently finishing an Early Childhood Degree with Nashville State and plan to complete my degree in 2014. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to be a part of your child’s growth and development! Welcome!
Patricia Ragin
Infant Teacher
Hello, My name is Patricia Ragin. I am a junior at TSU where I am pursuing my Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Relations. I have been working with the infants at Fifteenth Avenue for over two years and I love working with our families! I enjoy seeing the first stages of development and I am very passionate about what I do. I take every experience with children as a teachable moment and each one of them makes me more educated in my profession.
Dionne Smith
Toddler Teacher
My name is Dionne Smith and I have been in a formal child care setting for nine years. My experiences include Childcare centers, church nursery ministry and caring for children in the community. I have loved working with children since the age of ten. I am currently matriculating at Nashville State Community College and plan to graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2014. My goal is to continue my education so that I can teach children preschool to third grade. I am a mother of three children, (two girls and a boy). Mothering helps me see childcare from two sides: the parent’s point of view and the teacher’s point of view. I look forward to meeting with you!
Shakira Contreras
Toddler Teacher
Tiara Sanders
Toddler Teacher
Clarissa Sebree
Preschool Teacher
My name is Tiara Sanders and I am a toddler teacher at Fifteenth Ave Child Learning Center. I was born and raised here in Nashville, TN. I am currently enrolled at Nashville State Community College completing a degree in Early Childhood Education. I really enjoy my time with children and I am always excited to learn more about children because they are my passion.
My name is Clarissa Sebree and I work with the preschool class ages 2 ½ -3 yrs. I have wanted to be a teacher from a very young age and have been working with children in a formal setting for over eight years. I enjoy working with all ages and have experience with ages infant to school-age. I completed my Bachelor Degree at TSU and plan to further my education in the future. I pride myself in giving children the necessities which include love, understanding, and the enjoyment of learning just to name a few. I can’t wait to get started helping your child learn and grow!
Lisa Washington
Preschool Teacher
My name is Lisa Washington and I am a preschool teacher at Fifteenth Avenue Child Learning Center. I am a student at Nashville State Community College studying Early Childhood Education. I have been in formal childcare for over eight years and love what I do. I have been very pleased to be a part of the growth and development of all of the children that I have come in contact with over the years and can’t wait to be an encouragement to your child!
Nina Lockert-Kirk
Lead Pre-K Teacher
My name is Nina C. Lockert lead Pre-K teacher. I am really glad to welcome you and your child to my classroom this year. I graduated from Bethel College with a B.S. in Business & Healthcare and a MS. in Early Childhood Education with concentration in ESL (English as a Secondary Language) from Kaplan University. I started teaching during my undergraduate years at LaPetite Academy (Opryland) for 8 years. For the past 10 years, I have worked as an Educator Mentor for Junior Achievement, enhancing students’ comprehension and critical thinking skills. I am currently the Director of Christian Education at my local church here in Nashville, TN. I have a strong interest in preparing students spiritually through creative play, reading, and personal interactions.
Michelle Farmer
Administrative Support/Floater
Eunice Hardin
Floater
Hello families! My name is Michelle Farmer and I am a mother of three boys and a grandmother of one. I have been working with Fifteenth Avenue for over eight years and in the childcare field for over thirteen years. I am enrolled in the Early Childhood Program at Nashville State Community College and plan to complete my program in 2014. I love children very much and I look forward to serving all of our Fifteenth Avenue families.
Hello, My name is Eunice Hardin and I am a passionate early educator. I have been in the childcare field for over 27 years. I originally began with Meharry Preschool and continued on with Fifteenth Avenue when Meharry Preschool moved and Fifteenth took over in 2001. I earned my Early Childhood Degree and have been working with Fifteenth Avenue part-time as a floater. I have enjoyed the relationships built over the years and look forward to creating more lasting relationships here. Welcome!
Yolissa Maglero
Floater
Lulay Hussan
Floater
Hello Everyone! My name is Yolissa Maglero. I am very grateful and thrilled to be working with your child! I have been working with children for almost ten years now and love what I do. I have chosen this field as a career and currently attend TSU where I plan to complete my Bachelor Degree in Child Development. I am glad to be a part of the Fifteenth Avenue family and welcome you too!
Hello my name is Lulay Hassan and I am a teacher at Fifteenth Ave. Child Learning Center. I am currently a student at Middle Tennessee State University pursuing a Child Development and Family Relations degree. I love working with children and families in need. My goal in life is to help people, whether it is a child in foster care or a refugee family that just came to the United States. Nothing in the world makes me happier than to see the look on someone’s face after you’ve helped them.