Our Dedicated Staff

The staff of Barrett Early Learning Center aims to meet the goals of the Center by:
• Helping children learn to do things for themselves and to make decisions and choices. 
• Helping children learn to get along with others. 
• Helping children develop self-esteem and a positive self-image. 
• Teaching children good health practices, hygiene, and nutrition. 
• Providing a variety of experiences through learning by discovery. 
• Providing age-appropriate learning activities that will help prepare children for kindergarten and later schooling.

 

Ayana Alexander

Ms. Ayana, a Charlottesville native, has been working at Barrett since 2011 and currently teaches our Frogs (4’s/5’s) classroom. Ms. Ayana has her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is working towards an associate degree in early childhood development. She is committed to making a difference in our community.

 
 

Cheri Paschall

Ms. Cheri has lived in Charlottesville all her life, graduating from Monticello High School. Passionate about her vocation, Ms. Cheri has been in child care for over 20 years and joined the Barrett family in 2014. Ms. Cheri teaches in our Butterflies (2’s) classroom and has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She absolutely loves teaching pre-school where she can instill a love for learning in each student she has.

 
 

Tishawn Turner

Ms. Tishawn is a Charlottesville native and teaches in our Butterflies (2’s) classroom. She has several years of experience in early child care and has also worked as a camp counselor, teacher, recreational coordinator, and volunteer. She is well underway towards completing her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification

 
 

Erica Hughes

Ms. Erica, a teacher in the Bears (3’s) classroom, is a Fluvanna High School graduate who has been at Barrett since 2019.  She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2021 and is currently working towards an associate degree in early childhood development. She loves working with children, watching them try and learn new things as they grow under her care.

 
 

Kavita Watson

Ms. Kavita teaches in our Frogs (4’s/5’s) classroom, having returned to work at Barrett in 2021. She loves teaching and working with young children and has over a decade of experience working in early child care. She is currently working on obtaining her Child Development (CDA) credential. Ms. Kavita has four daughters, with whom she enjoys spending time.

 
 

KIM FAZI

Ms. Kim serves as Barrett’s administrative coordinator. She recently moved to Charlottesville with her daughter having previously worked for Louisa County running their youth programs. She has worked with children for more than 20 years, volunteered for various community and church youth organizations and enjoys making a difference.  

 
 

Iknesha Pitts

Ms. Iknesha is one of our Butterflies (2’s) teachers who started at Barrett in 2022. She has lived in Charlottesville most of her life and has been working with children for over 12 years. She is currently working on obtaining her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

 
 

CHARLIE KOLLMANSPERGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Charlie has lived in Charlottesville for over 20 years and has been part of the Barrett family, starting as a member of the board of directors, since 2014. He earned his Master of Teaching degree in special and elementary education from UVA in 2000. Following his graduation, he taught at Greenbrier Elementary for five years. He has also served as a volunteer working with children with the city school's Book Buddies program and with Computers4Kids.