HPS Teaching team — 2024-2025
Each of our classrooms has a lead teacher working alongside an assistant teacher to foster age and developmentally appropriate learning environments and experiences for the children.
Caterpillar Blue
Ms. Latasha Johnson
Lead Teacher
Latasha Johnson holds a RBT (Registered Behavioral Technician) Certification and an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College. She has several years of experience working with 2-3-year-olds. Latasha's student interactions highlight her passion for providing young learners the opportunity to build confidence and develop pertinent problem-solving skills.
Ms. Brenda Cowles
Brenda holds a Child Development Associate Credential with an endorsement in preschool education. Brenda's flexibility and warm energy is greatly appreciated by children, families, and staff alike.
She is affectionately known to many of the children as the "friendly playground monster", where she plays games of chase with all of the classes.
Caterpillar Purple
Ms. Danielle Eldridge
Caterpillar Teacher
Ms. Danielle holds a Bachelor's in Human Ecology with a concentration in Child Development from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She has worked with young children from toddlers through pre-k and especially loves the energy and curiosity of two- and three-year-olds.
Danielle is described as someone who thinks outside of the box and is always committed to learning something new in the field. She is respected among her colleagues for her nurturing personality, dedication to students and families, and enthusiasm for teaching young children
Ms. Nisha Murphy
Nisha holds a Child Development Associate Credential with an endorsement in preschool education. She has worked with two and three-year-olds for the past seven years. Ms. Nisha loves engaging young children in socio-dramatic play and encouraging their creativity and imagination.
She is known throughout the school for her quiet and calm demeanor and her endless patience.
Caterpillar Green
Ms. Andrea Howe
Co-Lead Teacher
Andrea Howe is a Washington, DC native and a proud mother to her son, Kaden, who plays basketball, as well as a puppy named Prince. She currently holds a CDA and has earned over 98 credits toward her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. With over 25 years of experience working with young children, Andrea has developed a deep passion for early childhood education.
Her journey began at the age of 14 when she helped her aunt, who owned a home daycare. Assisting with feeding and reading to the children sparked her lifelong love for childcare. Throughout high school, Andrea sought out jobs in the field, allowing her to build a career around her passion. She is now pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and remains dedicated to nurturing and educating young children.
Andrea’s favorite children's book is Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman, a story that has always held a special place in her heart.
Ms. Davonna Smith
Co-Lead Teacher
Davonna is a devoted mother of two with a deep passion for nurturing and educating children. She graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with children for over 10 years.
Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including director, in-home educator, behavioral technician, teacher, teacher assistant, and school administrator. Her experience spans working with children from newborns to 15 years old, giving her a well-rounded understanding of child development.
Davonna strives to create a positive, engaging, and loving environment where children can thrive both academically and socially. She is excited to continue supporting children and families in their growth and development this year!
Bumblebees
Ms. Brittany Johnson
Bumblebee Lead Teacher
Three-Year-Old Age-Level Coordinator
Brittany is a passionate early childhood educator who is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Walden University, having already completed over 80 credits.
With more than eight years of experience in the field and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Brittany has a deep understanding of child development and effective teaching practices. She is enthusiastic about nurturing creativity, inspiring exploration, and creating enriching learning experiences that foster children's growth and self-expression.
Ms. Charlett Hodgson
Bumblebee Assistant Teacher
Ms. Charlett holds a Child Development Associate Credential with an endorsement in preschool education. She has been with HPS for over a decade. As a native of Nicaragua, Charlett brings her love of her native language and culture to the students of HPS.
She is highly energetic and thoroughly enjoys the fast paced environment of the classroom.
CUrriculum Coordinator &
Multi-age teacher
Ms. Jill Barefoot
Curriculum Coordinator &
Multi-age teacher
Jill holds a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Florida International University and a Child Development Associate Credential with an endorsement in preschool education. Jill's teaching style is greatly influenced by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. She loves integrating elements of nature and real world materials into the classroom! Jill also has a passion for providing young children with opportunities to explore their creativity and uses a part of her classroom as an atelier.
As our school Curriculum Coordinator, Jill is passionate about providing resources to the teachers, creating community connections, and developing relationships with local cultural institutions and educational specialists. We are fortunate to have her in this role!
Multi-age teacher
Ms. Teyonne Brown
Ms. Teyonne recently joined the Hill Preschool team and brings a warm, caring presence to the classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree and is passionate about supporting young children as they grow, learn, and explore the world around them.
