Welcome - we're so glad to meet you!

Working with children is more than a job to me, it is a calling! Being surrounded by children and teaching brings joy to my life. I am currently a senior at Old Dominion University, after completing the two-year transfer program at Tidewater Community College, majoring in Psychology with a specification in child development. I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for 7 years and counting, all here at AEDS, primarily in the infant and toddler rooms. In addition to working at AEDS I have also led the nursery/childcare program, ages 1-12 years, during the Sabbath for Congregation Beth El, a synagogue in Ghent. I enjoy working with children of all ages in and out of the classroom. I am originally from Vermont (Go Patriots!) but have been living in Norfolk for 9 years and graduated from Maury High School. I have an older brother and am lucky to have my family also living in Norfolk! My boyfriend and I currently live in Norfolk with our dog Keanu. Outside of work I enjoy cooking, watching movies, and spending time outside, especially at the beach. 

  Hello everyone! I am so excited to be the Lead for the Toddler classroom. I graduated from the University of Tampa in 2020, majoring in Psychology with a curriculum concentration in Child Development. I have always had the biggest love for children and knew that I was meant to help nurture and care for children. I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field for 5 years and counting, predominately with ages 3mo-5 years. In my spare time, I can be found cuddling my cat Buttercup, watching tv and exploring Norfolk. I am looking forward to being apart of your child’s developmental journey!

Hi! My Name is Mrs. Nina. I joined the AEDS family summer 2023. I am excited to be the new 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! 

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.

 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 15 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.