Meet Our Teachers!
Cindy Capps is in her first year as our Weekday School Director, bringing a wealth of experience in education and child development to our school family. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Supervision, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. She looks forward to fully immersing herself in our rich traditions and celebrations, while honoring and continuing the incredible legacy of this amazing program. At home, Cindy is married to Kenny and is the proud mom of four children, three bonus kids, and one granddaughter born in April. When she isn't supporting our teachers and students, Cindy loves being outdoors, traveling, making memories with her big family, and volunteering with her husband's nonprofit, Cancer Active.
Giraffe Class
Jen de Beer is the lead teacher in the Giraffe Class and is entering her eighth year in the four-year-old Giraffe Class. She holds a BA in Sociology, along with over 30 years of experience in various aspects of Early Childhood Education. Her previous work has included time at the Reach Out and Read National Center, a non-profit focused on developing early literacy, along with many years of working directly with children in places such as Head Start and Montessori classrooms. She loves being engaged with young children, especially with opportunities to experience wonder and awe through art, science, and books. When not at school, she is busy with her family (spouse, two daughters, and one dog), and can often be found cooking, reading, or investigating something new and fascinating.
Megan Cook is excited to be returning for her second year teaching Pre-K! Megan loves creating a fun, welcoming classroom where children can learn, explore, play, and grow. She especially enjoys watching her students build confidence, make friendships, and discover new things each day.
Outside of school, Megan is a proud mom to her 10-year-old son, Sullivan. She enjoys making memories and spending time with him and is looking forward to another wonderful year filled with learning, laughter, and fun!
Erika Willett is thrilled to step into her first year as the assistant teacher in the Giraffe classroom! Erika lives in Black Mountain and has been a familiar face at the Weekday School, having served as a substitute teacher for the last four years. She is also a proud Weekday School parent, as her youngest daughter went through the program. Erika deeply loves working with children and believes that having fun is the best way for kids to learn and grow. She is looking forward to a fantastic school year ahead!
Kangaroo Class
Lindsay Blackwelder is the lead teacher in the three-year-old Kangaroo Class. She holds a master teacher certificate in early childhood development and loves working at the BMPC Weekday School. This is her seventh year with us, and before starting here, both of her children went through the weekday school. When Lindsay is not at preschool, she loves photography, writing, reading, and exploring all of the wonderful trails in WNC!
Gayle Burgin is entering her fourth year at Black Mountain Presbyterian Weekday School, marking her first year working in the three-year-old room and looking forward to this new adventure. She attended A-B Tech Community College, where she earned her Early Childhood Development certificate. She has been working in childcare since 2011, with the exception of a three-year break spent working as a pharmacy technician. Gayle truly enjoys working with children and watching them learn, grow, and discover new things. She looks forward to getting to know each child and family while making this a fun, positive, and memorable school year, filled with learning, laughter, and adventures.
Raccoon Class
Kristina Maldonado is the lead teacher for the two-year-old Raccoon Class. She holds an Associate of Arts degree and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. This will be her eighth year teaching at the Weekday School. She is grateful to work alongside dedicated educators in serving children and families. Kristina enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and baking.
Carrie Schmitz is the assistant teacher in the two-year-old Raccoons class. This is her 11th year teaching at the Weekday School after taking several years off to enjoy the work of being a grower and designer on a beautiful flower farm. Carrie adores her two teenage sons who both attended and thrived at the Weekday School. She loves being in the outdoors, especially when hiking and backpacking.
Lambs Class
Elisa Nail is a lead teacher in the one-year-old Lambs Class, bringing close to a decade of experience in early childhood education and a deep passion for nurturing young learners. With 8 years of classroom experience and 14 years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom, Elisa offers a rich blend of professional knowledge and personal insights into child development. She holds an Early Childhood Certificate and is committed to creating a safe, engaging, supportive environment where children feel loved, valued, and excited to learn.
Riley Gall is the assistant teacher in the one-year-old Lambs Class. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology & Community NonProfit Leadership. This is her first year working at the Weekday School and she is so excited for the opportunity to help the kids learn, play, make friends, and know they are loved! She has lots of experience working with children from her past work at the Mars Hill Public Library and as the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church’s intern the past year; helping lead Family Worship and children’s programming such as RAD. When Riley is not at preschool she loves to read, dance, sing, and cuddle with her cat!
Classroom Support
Staci Wills is excited to be returning for her second year as our classroom support and floater. Staci holds a Bachelor of Arts in PR and Marketing from Eastern University. Outside of the classroom, she loves staying active and cooking. Staci has a deep personal connection to our program as a parent; one of her children is a proud graduate of the school, while her other child is currently attending the Weekday School. Supported by her loving husband, Staci is looking forward to another wonderful year of helping our students learn, play, and grow.