Meet the Staff

Hi, I'm Stephanie Smith. I have worked in the child development field for over 12 years and earned my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development in 2010. I have worked in preschool settings and through church programs and have always enjoyed being a part of the process of helping children develop new skills and grow in confidence and ability.

My husband and I met while attending a college and career Bible study at our former church in Seaford,VA where we both grew up. We have been married since 2010 and have three beautiful daughters. We moved to Gloucester about six years ago and now attend church at Coastal Gloucester.
I am excited to work with all of our preschool children and families and help them as they learn skills needed to prepare for school and learn also about our God and his love for us.

Hi, I am Patti Stinnette.  I am the 3-year-old teacher and I also assist in the 4-year-old class. I have been working with preschool children for over 25 years and have also worked with children with special needs. I love watching the children over the school year learning new skills and discovering the love of God.  The excitement on their faces is such a blessing; it fills my heart with so much joy.

My husband, Brian, and I have been married for 41 years.  We have three beautiful children: two boys and one girl, and one beautiful granddaughter.

Working with the little ones is so much fun!  They always have a smile on their faces and hearts full of love.

Hi! I’m April Harvey.  I have been a substitute teacher's assistant at Newington Courthouse Preschool for 3 years.  In September 2025, I was given the exciting opportunity to be a regular teacher's assistant in Ms. Patti's 3-year-old class.  Starting in September 2026, I will be the classroom assistant for both the 3's and 4's classes at Newington.  I enjoy working with children and watching them grow academically throughout the school year.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my two sons.  I also enjoy gardening (I'm still in the early learning phase), going on nature walks, and riding bikes with my family.  

Hi! I’m Kimberly Tucker, mom of twin boys and a little daughter. My husband and I will celebrate our 9th anniversary in the summer of 2026. I come from a family of 9 and a house full of foster children. I became a foster mom, as well, and continued that journey along with furthering my education and teaching at private schools. I have 10 years of teaching experience with grades Pre-K through 7th. I always gravitate back towards working with the younger students as I enjoy their eyes lighting up at learning new things. Teaching and children are my passion, and I am always in “teacher” mode through learning, thinking, and brainstorming new ways to keep school fun! 

I also grew up on a small farm and had six Jersey cows to milk. Animals are so much fun, and I just love incorporating them into school. 

If I am not teaching… (or doing mom chores), you will find me outside gardening or just being with my animals. I absolutely love the outdoors!

I can’t wait to grow and learn with the Kindergarten class!