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, Licensed Lead Teacher
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.
Maria Morris, Lead Licensed Teacher
Maria has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and master of teaching in Elementary settings from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is licensed in PK-6 settings and previously taught in public and private elementary school settings. Maria is passionate about providing age-appropriate learning experiences for students and is currently pursuing an additional teaching endorsement in reading speciality. Maria enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and son.
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, Lead Teacher
Lori Do earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from VCU. She has worked at the VCU Child Development Center for over 23 years. 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.