Our Team
Tessa NeSmith, Director
Tessa has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and two master’s degrees in education and educational psychology. Before she joined the center’s administrative team, Tessa was a professional development coordinator in VCU’s School of Education. She also holds a teaching license in PK-6 classrooms and has taught in elementary school settings for many years in Norfolk and Chesterfield. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational psychology and child development. Tessa enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her husband and pets.
Emily Silvent, Assistant Director
Emily Silvent has a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology and audiology from Longwood University and a master’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders from Hampton University. She spent 15 years teaching in the public school system as a licensed speech therapist and early childhood special education teacher before coming to the center. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.
Rachael Rim, Early Childhood Education Specialist
Rachael has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction from George Mason University. She is licensed in PK-6 settings and has many years of experience teaching in elementary settings in Northern Virginia. Rachael is passionate about offering equitable education opportunities for all students and has served as equity lead in previous education settings. Rachael enjoys spending time with her husband and dog and exploring the Richmond area.
Nakita Battle, Classroom Teacher
Nakita has an associate's degree in early childhood education and has been working with young children for over 20 years. She is passionate about providing meaningful care and education when developing relationships to her students. Nakita also enjoys singing and reading.
Wendy Harrison, Classroom Teacher
Wendy has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Grand Canyon University and an associate degree in Child Development. Wendy has worked in childcare settings for nearly 20 years. She is passionate about recognizing children’s growth in the classroom and providing meaningful learning experiences for her students. Wendy enjoys community service, singing karaoke, and spending time with her family.
Alex Southerland, Classroom Teacher
Alex has an associate’s degree in American Sign Language from J. Sargeant Reynolds community college. She joined the center with experience in childcare settings and customer service. Alex enjoys cooking, staying active, and spending time with her friends and family.
Emily Eaton, Classroom Teacher
Emily Eaton has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Mary Washington College and has been working in childcare settings for nearly 20 years. Emily is a child advocate and mindfully provides strategies for her students to foster their learning and development. Emily enjoys music, animals, board games, and participating in her church community.
Ron Cardwell, Classroom Teacher
Ron Cardwell has a bachelor’s degree in music from Life Christian University and an associate's degree in early childhood education from John Tyler Community College. He has over 12 years working in preschool centers. Ron is a singer, songwriter and musician, and enjoys spending time with his two boys.
Lori Do, Classroom Teacher
Lori Do earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from VCU. In 2025, Lori is celebrating her 30th year of teaching VCU Child Development Center! Her experience at the center has given her a wide array of skills with many age groups. Lori enjoys biking, hiking and going to the movies with her husband.
Samaria Pryor, Kitchen Manager
Samaria Pryor has always had a passion for cooking. She especially enjoys the part of her day when she gets to see the children walking past the kitchen to go out on the playground. She truly loves watching the children eat and appreciate the meals she prepares for them. She enjoys reading, watching classic movies and spending time with her children.
Dae Ezinwo, Classroom Teacher
Ms. Dae joined our center with nearly 5 years of classroom experience as an early childhood classroom teacher. Dae brings a variety of valuable skills to our two year old classrooms that promote creativity, self-regulation, and self-help skills in the children with whom she works. Ms. Dae is excellent at collaborating with fellow teachers and parents to ensure student success.
Hailey Rowden, Classroom Teacher
Hailey joined the center as a part-time center assistant and quickly grew into the classroom lead teacher that she is today. A graduate of VCU, Ms. Hailey delivers valuable classroom activities and lessons to the children in her toddler classrooms. When not in the classroom, Hailey enjoys travelling and spending time with friends and family.
Andy Hudson, Classroom Teacher
Andy Hudson earned his bachelors degree in English from VCU and has thirteen years of experience teaching Pre-K as well as three years working in a high school setting. He is passionate about providing a positive, welcoming classroom experience as well as helping students enjoy learning, become lifelong learners and build confidence in
themselves and their abilities. Andy is a published middle grade author, and keeps a small art studio at Art Works RVA. Andy enjoys reading, writing, painting, playing
ukulele, hiking, travel and spending time with his family and friends.
Morgan Carter, Classroom Teacher
Morgan joined the CDC with a background in preschool Montessori best practices and personal nannying with infants though toddlers. Morgan is passionate about supporting early learners with age-appropriate learning activities and social-emotional support. Morgan is currently pursuing a teaching license in VCU's School of Education.
Alexis Gilmore, Classroom Teacher
Ms. Alexis is a graduate of VCU and an experienced educator in Child Development Centers throughout the university. Alexis is personable and enjoys collaborating with fellow educators and families to optimize learning for her students. Ms. Alexis enjoys developing and implementing engaging activities for her toddler classroom and fosters a learning environment that promotes curiosity and creativity.
Jenna Long, Classroom Teacher
Ms. Jenna is an enthusiastic teacher with a background in Montessori best practices and school counseling. Jenna is patient and dedicated while supporting her students needs, and welcomes opportunities to communicate and collaborate with families in her classroom. Ms. Jenna is a team player and never shies away from helping co-teachers and students perform to the best of their abilities.
Part-Time Center Assistants
Gianni Galloway
Joe Hartz
Ashley Smitman
Bria Smith
Azaria Simmons
