Welcome - we're so glad to meet you!
At Ascension, we are committed to recruiting and retaining a high-quality staff. Lead Teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or a closely related field. All staff members participate in a continuous program of education and training in early education, health, and safety.
Administration
Jennifer Wilson - Director
Ellen Belfie- Assistant director
Ellen Belfie- Assistant director
Hi Everyone, My name is Jennifer Wilson, I am the Director at Ascension Episcopal Day School. Ascension is known for their tight knit program dedicated to providing the community with high quality childcare, which is why after being the Lead Infant teacher for 8 years here at the school, and Assistant Director for 1 year, I am happy to
Hi Everyone, My name is Jennifer Wilson, I am the Director at Ascension Episcopal Day School. Ascension is known for their tight knit program dedicated to providing the community with high quality childcare, which is why after being the Lead Infant teacher for 8 years here at the school, and Assistant Director for 1 year, I am happy to take on the role of Director. I am from this beautiful place known as Norfolk, VA. I am happily married to my wonderful husband, a mom of two amazing boys. I graduated from Norfolk State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a tremendous love for children, and have a strong desire to work with them, it is indeed my passion. I've been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 20 yrs. My experience in childcare started with modeling how to love, care, and nurture a child in my mothers in home daycare, to engaging in hands on experiences at Norfolk State University Child Development Lab, transitioning to AEDS as the Lead Infant teacher, returning as the Assistant Director, and now serving as Director. I look forward to supporting our educators who want and need to stay passionate about the work they do, assisting your families, and most importantly creating a safe, and nurturing place, where each child can grow and develop throughout the years at our school. Communication is a large part of building a strong and dependable relationship; with that said I am here for any questions and concerns you may have! I sincerely hope that I am able to meet and exceed your expectations as the AEDS Director, thank you!
Sincerely, Jennifer Wilson director@ascension-norfolk.org
Ellen Belfie- Assistant director
Ellen Belfie- Assistant director
Ellen Belfie- Assistant director
Hi Everyone, My name is Ellen Belfie, and I am the newest Assistant Director at Ascension Episcopal Day School. I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past twenty years. I have a BA in Early Childhood Education and an MA in Organisational Management. I grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee and have two grown so
Hi Everyone, My name is Ellen Belfie, and I am the newest Assistant Director at Ascension Episcopal Day School. I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past twenty years. I have a BA in Early Childhood Education and an MA in Organisational Management. I grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee and have two grown sons. My husband and I have been involved in our church in the healing ministry. I also minister through music: organ, piano, praise and worship.
I love to see children learn about themselves, the world around them, and explore and be wide-eyed with wonder. I love to learn new ideas, new techniques, and ways of interacting that will enhance the whole early childhood education experience for the children, staff, and parents.
Sincerely, Ellen Belfie
LEAD TEACHERS
Shannan Trice- Infants
Nina Adams - Preschool 2's
Jakara Burns - Toddlers
Hello, my name is Shannan Trice, and I am excited to step into the role of Lead Infant Teacher.
I began my journey at AEDS in May 2022 as the Primary Assistant in the infant classroom, following 20 wonderful years as an in-home daycare provider. Caring for children has always been more than a job to me—it’s my passion, my calling, and a m
Hello, my name is Shannan Trice, and I am excited to step into the role of Lead Infant Teacher.
I began my journey at AEDS in May 2022 as the Primary Assistant in the infant classroom, following 20 wonderful years as an in-home daycare provider. Caring for children has always been more than a job to me—it’s my passion, my calling, and a major part of who I am. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love every day.
I bring a heart full of love and a spirit of dedication to everything I do. I’m a proud wife, mother of four, and Nana to seven amazing grandchildren. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy dancing, playing bingo, and surrounding myself with the color green—my favorite!
Thank you for entrusting me with your little one. I am committed to always doing what’s in the best interest of the children in my care. It’s an honor to be part of your family’s journey through preschool.
Jakara Burns - Toddlers
Nina Adams - Preschool 2's
Jakara Burns - Toddlers
Hello my name is Jakara I am the interim lead in the toddler class and I am excited to be working with new friends!! I have been working childcare since 2014 and children are my number one passion. I've worked with all ages from infants-12yr and love the different aspects of their development,in my spare time I enjoy singing, writing and hanging with my family.
Nina Adams - Preschool 2's
Nina Adams - Preschool 2's
Nina Adams - Preschool 2's
Hi! My Name is Mrs. Nina. I joined the AEDS family summer 2023. I am excited to be the Lead Teacher in the Preschool 2's classroom. I love working with the two’s and watching as they explore new things! A little about me, I am married, I have 4 children, and 9 grandchildren. I have been in the early childhood education field for over 30 y
Hi! My Name is Mrs. Nina. I joined the AEDS family summer 2023. I am excited to be the Lead Teacher in the Preschool 2's classroom. I love working with the two’s and watching as they explore new things! A little about me, I am married, I have 4 children, and 9 grandchildren. I have been in the early childhood education field for over 30 years, serving many families along the way. I enjoy crafting, cooking and spending time with my family! I look forward to meeting you, and working with your child on their learning journey!
Katy Doty - PreK 3
Portia Allen - PreK 4
Nina Adams - Preschool 2's
My name is Katy Doty and I am excited to introduce myself as the Lead Teacher for the Two’s at AEDS. I have had the pleasure of teaching at Ascension since the summer of 2012 and I have been teaching preschool since 1998. I can tell you whole-heartedly that my passion is teaching. I am a native of Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk Colleg
My name is Katy Doty and I am excited to introduce myself as the Lead Teacher for the Two’s at AEDS. I have had the pleasure of teaching at Ascension since the summer of 2012 and I have been teaching preschool since 1998. I can tell you whole-heartedly that my passion is teaching. I am a native of Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk Collegiate. I obtained my Early Childhood Associate Degree from TCC with highest honors. I attended Longwood University for Art Education and I am finishing my bachelor’s and master’s degree in Elementary Education at old Dominion University. In my spare time I can be found around Hampton Roads enjoying life with my daughter and family.
Portia Allen - PreK 4
Portia Allen - PreK 4
Portia Allen - PreK 4
Hello, my name is Mrs. Portia. I am excited to be the new Acting Lead Teacher for the Pre-K 4/5 classroom. I have worked at Ascension Day School since the opening in 2009. I attended Shaw University in North Carolina and have over 20 years experience teaching children. In my spare time I enjoy watching films and spending time with my hus
Hello, my name is Mrs. Portia. I am excited to be the new Acting Lead Teacher for the Pre-K 4/5 classroom. I have worked at Ascension Day School since the opening in 2009. I attended Shaw University in North Carolina and have over 20 years experience teaching children. In my spare time I enjoy watching films and spending time with my husband. I am so looking forward to working with and teaching your children.
Primary Assistant Teachers
Ruth - Infants
Maria acosta-Saucedo - Toddlers
Maria acosta-Saucedo - Toddlers
Maria acosta-Saucedo - Toddlers
Maria acosta-Saucedo - Toddlers
Maria acosta-Saucedo - Toddlers
Aja Parham- tODDLERS
Maria acosta-Saucedo - Toddlers
ANIYA ELLIS - PRESCHOOL 2's
ANIYA ELLIS - PRESCHOOL 2's
ANIYA ELLIS - PRESCHOOL 2's
ANIYA ELLIS - PRESCHOOL 2's
Elnora Rose - PreK 3
ANIYA ELLIS - PRESCHOOL 2's
Angelina Mayo - PreK 4
Angelina Mayo - PreK 4
ANIYA ELLIS - PRESCHOOL 2's
Angelina Mayo - PreK 4
Afternoon Assistant teachers
Minaysia Willoughby - floater
Minaysia Willoughby - floater
Minaysia Willoughby - floater
Infants
Minaysia Willoughby - floater
Minaysia Willoughby - floater
TODDS
Minaysia Willoughby - floater
kESHUNNA lOVE- pRESCHOOL 2'S
kESHUNNA lOVE- pRESCHOOL 2'S
kESHUNNA lOVE- pRESCHOOL 2'S
kESHUNNA lOVE- pRESCHOOL 2'S
Alex Burke - PreK 4
kESHUNNA lOVE- pRESCHOOL 2'S
Montana TII - PreK 4
Montana TII - PreK 4
kESHUNNA lOVE- pRESCHOOL 2'S
Montana TII - PreK 4
Substitute Teachers
Tonasia Crews
Anisia Scroggins
Cryssi Winters
Cryssi Winters
Anisia Scroggins
Cryssi Winters
MARY GILLIAM
Anisia Scroggins
Anisia Scroggins
Anisia Scroggins
Anisia Scroggins
Anisia Scroggins
Jaidyn adams
Jaidyn adams
Jaidyn adams
Nalaya Burns
Jaidyn adams
Jaidyn adams
Welcome
Part-time Tuesday/Thursday opening now available in our Toddler classroom, reserve your child's spot today, by emailing director@ascension-norfolk.org