Meet The Team
Mapi
Teacher
I was born in Peru. I have a daughter who attended TCC. I graduated from the University of Business Administration in Peru and have been working with children for 12 years. I discovered that helping children grow is wonderful, unforgettable, and offers me a rewarding experience.
Audrey
Teacher
Hello! I’m Audrey! I’m a wife, musician, full time cat mom, and part time bird watcher. I was born and raised in California and love to hike, snowboard, rock climb, and ride my motorcycle on sunny days. The only thing I love more than the outdoors is childcare. I have been a preschool teacher for 3 years and I love every minute.
Jensie
Teacher
My name is Jensie Coyne. I have been working in early childcare for about 6 months, and I am currently working on getting my ECE certificate. I was born and raised in Candler, NC. I have 2 kids (10yr old boy and 3 yr old girl) and 2 cats.
Maria
Teacher
I’m Maria. I was born in Honduras and have been in the US for 30 years. I live in Arden with my husband (Rodolfo), my daughter (Elena), my 2 kittens (Athena and Prince). I have worked with young children for over 30 years and have been at TCC for 19 years. I earned by B.A. in ECE with honors at WCU. I love my job!
Carrie
Teacher
Hi, I’m Carrie. My husband and I have two daughters, Catherine and Kaitlin. I love spending time with my family going on adventures and exploring new places. I also love to crochet and am a loyal Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. I have worked in Early Education for 24 years. I was a school administrator for 15 years and have taught in the classroom for 9 years, I came to the Children’s Center 6 years ago and fell in love.
Colleen
Teacher
I’m originally from Long Island, NY where I grew up and completed both my Bachelor’s and Masters in Education. Shortly before getting married to my husband Paul, we moved to WNC and have loved living here with our 6yr old daughter and 5 cats. I have been working in Early Education for 11 years (with 10 being at TCC). I love working at TCC because of the small community atmosphere, the wonderful family and staff, and of course, the children.
Kira
Teacher
I'm Miss Kira! I live in Waynesville with my fiance Kevin and our two furbabies Maddyson Grace and Colby Jack. I love hiking, kayaking, camping, and just being outdoors here in beautiful WNC. I am new to TCC and am so very excited to be here.
Misty
Teacher
I’m Misty. I was born in Greenville, TN and raised in Marshall, NC. I have 2 kids (Nakaila and Landon), a bonus son (Wesley), a Pitbull (Gunner). I have been working in ECE for over 20 years. I have my AAS in ECE and have been at TCC for almost 10 years.
Regina
Substitute
My name is Regina, and I am from New York. I have two children; a daughter and a son. I love children, especially little ones.
Katie
Substitue
I’m Katie and I enjoy drawing, painting, or pretty much anything artsy and playing video games in my free time. My husband, son, and I live in Mars Hill and are natives to the Asheville area. I’ve been teaching for almost 10 years and have been with TCC since 2022.
Trinity
Substitute
I’m Trinity. I’ve lived here in NC for 14 years and I’m 19 years old. I have 2 brothers and a cat. This is my first year in ECE and I plan to work many more working with amazing kids and great coworkers. Here at TCC has only fueled my passion for childcare.
Loretta
Floater
I have been in childcare for 50 years. I have my BS in Sociology- social work and psychology. I have worked as an assistant teacher, teacher, assistant director, community director, and an adjunct at AB Tech’s ECE program.
Jenny Early
Assistant Director
Hello my name is Jenny Early, and I am the Assistant Director of The Children’s Center! I have been working at TCC for 25 years and have worked with children of all ages since I was 16. You will find me working with children gardening, exploring nature, and rescuing insects and wildlife when I am not in the office. In my free time I love to hike, bake, listen to history podcasts, and geek out over birds and books. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our son and our spoiled cat.
Rose
Floater
Kumusta! Hello! I’m Rose in the PreK classroom. I’m from CA, moved to NC in 1993, and my parents are Filipino. I got my AAS in ECE in 2008. I’ve been at TCC since 2007, I’m married, and I have 2 dogs and a cat.
Tameka King
Executive Director
I’m Tameka! I am originally from Raleigh but love the Asheville area. I have 5 beautiful children ages 4, 5, 15, 17, and 20. I have been in ECE for over 15 years, and in administration for over 10 years. Relationships, community connections, and workplace culture are all school traits that I value. It is important to me that our teachers are prioritized and supported. I believe that by putting our teachers first and upholding quality learning expectations, our teachers will then prioritize our children and provide the best learning experiences. I have been at TCC since 2023 and am looking forward to many more years here.