Staff Biographies
Administration
Dr. Rebecca Bourlakas has been at the Westminster Preschool (WP) for 6 years. She has 11 years of teaching experience in addition to her administration experience and holds a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Her motivation lies in creating an environment where children, parents, and teachers flourish. Her daughter Kate is a graduate of Westminster and her daughter Maggie is currently in the 4's program.
Teachers of the 3's
Robin Appelt has been at Westminster for over 20 years. Both of Ms. Appelt's children are graduates of the program. She enjoys the supportive, caring and generous families of the program. Ms. Appelt's favorite things about teaching at WP are the warm and supportive staff members, the beautiful facilities, and the great resources.
Margi Aubert has been at WP for 12 years and is a graduate of Loyola University. She enjoys sharing her day with the many wonderful children and families she meets. Ms. Aubert's youngest child is a graduate of the program.
Joan Coode has been with the WP for over 20 years. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Belmont University with certification in Early Childhood Education. She appreciates that the parents are so helpful and generous with their time and talents. Mrs. Coode also enjoys the positive connection between staff members. All 3 of Mrs. Coode's children are graduates of the program.
Margaret Callahan is new to Westminster Preschool. Ms. Callahan graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA in History, a minor in Psychology and the equivalent of a Child Development Associate degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education. Ms. Callahan has also taught in the Toddlers & Twos program.
Susie Hays has been at WP for 8 years and was a RN in her previous life. Her daughter is a graduate of the program. Ms. Hays enjoys working with such a wonderful staff and her favorite part about being a teacher at WP is seeing the genuine excitement of the children.
Susan Weathersby has been at WP for 4 years. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BA in Elementary Education. Her son Woodson is a Westminster graduate and her daughter Ivy is currently in the 3's program.
Teachers of the 4's
Elizabeth Cocke is enjoying her 4th year at WP. She has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina and is actively involved in many children's activities throughout the city. Her favorite part of teaching here is the children who are a joy with whom to work. She feels the families of WP are extremely supportive of what the teachers do.
Emily Holleman is new to Westminster. She holds a BS in Family Child & Consumer Science with a concentration in Nursery School & Kindertgarten Teaching from Louisiana State University.
Graeme Huffman has been with Westminster for 12 years. She holds a B.A. in English from Vanderbilt University in addition to a Child Development Associate degree. Mrs. Huffman's youngest child is a graduate of the program. She appreciates how the parents of the children are supportive, encouraging, educated and want what is best for their child. Her favorite thing about being a teacher at WP is the love and philosophy the staff shares of children learning through play.
Libby Jones is new to Westminster Preschool. She has an undergraduate emphasis in early childhood education. She is thrilled to be working with such wonderful children and their families.
Marjorie Kastrinsky has been teaching at WP for 15 years. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina. She strongly believes in the philosophy of the school and admires the supportive families, the qualified staff, and the wonderful children. Both of Mrs. Kastrinsky's sons are graduates of the program.
Ashley Moore holds a degree in Liberal Arts from MTSU with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She taught at the Oakdale School in Los Angeles, Ca in addition to teaching in the Toddlers & Twos program for 3 years.
Pam Swift has been with WP for over 25 years. She has a Child Development Associate degree and is inspired by seeing the wonder in her students' eyes when they learn something new. Both of Mrs. Swift's daughters are graduates of the program.
Missy Williams is excited to be returning to Westminster Preschool after a long hiatus. Ms.Williams has a BS in Education from the University of Alabama.
Teachers of the 5's
Jane Brown is currently in her 4th year at Westminster. Mrs. Brown holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Alabama with a minor in Art. She is excited to be teaching at Westminster and shares this enthusiasm with her students. Her special interests are teaching through children's art and creative dramatics that provide for a classroom filled with loads of fun.
Emily Bryant has a BA in Studio Art from Baylor University with a CDA equivalent in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She has been a co-teacher fro three and four year olds and most recently was an assistant teacher at the University School of Nashville.
Allison Hammond has been at Westminster for 14 years. Mrs. Hammond holds a B.A. in English from Emory University. Both of her children are graduates of the program. She enjoys seeing children (and parents!) blossom and gain independence throughout the year.
Dee Dee King has been at WP for 15 years. She has a degree in elementary education and a minor in special education from the University of Tennessee. She has taught in both areas as well as in a Federally Funded remedial reading program.
Music Teacher
Emily Apuzzo graduated from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music degree from Belmont University. Emily sings with the Nashville Opera Chorus and the Nashvillew Symphony Chorus when she is not teaching preschool!
Resource Coordinator
Maria Teselle is in her 5th year at WP. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan and has had two children graduate from the program. Mrs. Teselle commends the parents of the program for their desire to participate in their child's education and their genuine interest in the curriculum and daily schedules.