Christine Teander – Owner/Preschool Director  ~  Jeff Teander – Owner/Business Director

As the Director of AsheBridge Children’s Academy, Christine Teander brings over 18 years of business and education experience.  She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology. She earned her North Carolina Level III Administrative Credentials, as well as the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Christine, an avid equestrian, discovered her passion for educating the youngest children while training horses and coaching their riders for horse shows. Christine’s preschool role began as a classroom assistant while in college, later becoming a teacher, and then to preschool administration. Her love for education is shown with a focus on the needs of families and children at AsheBridge Children’s Academy.

Jeff Teander, the Business Director, has over 20 years of business and construction management experience. Growing up in Cary, and as an alumnus of North Carolina State University, he has local “roots” that provide valuable insight and experience to daily operations.

Christine and Jeff have young children that attend AsheBridge Children’s Academy and personally understand the importance of a confident partnership between families and the school family. They are committed to providing a positive environment and understanding the may varied needs of the young children. 

Ms. Dana – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Dana is a graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Special Education. She is certified to teach K-12 in both mainstream and special education classrooms. She brings a wealth of teaching experience varying from preschool through high school. Ms. Dana’s background gives her the unique ability to understand learning differences between the children in her class and individualize her daily activities to help each child to become successful.

Ms. Mary Ellen – Preschool Teacher

Ms. Mary Ellen attended Keene State College with a dual major in Elementary Education and Sociology. She is certified to teach grades K-6. Her background includes teaching in elementary school as well as preschool. Most recently, Ms. Mary Ellen has devoted her time to being a stay-at-home mother her three young children, who now attend AsheBridge.

Ms. Katherine – Young Preschool Teacher

Ms. Katherine comes to AsheBridge with many years of experience in early childhood education as well as administration. She is an alumnus of University of North Texas and has received extensive training in guiding the behavior of young children. Ms. Katherine is our “behavior specialist” and helps teachers learn beneficial methods of behavior management. Her approach enables children to recognize and deal with their emotions and the emotions of others, how to communicate in positive ways, and to be a useful member of the classroom family.  Ms. Katherine’s son attends AsheBridge.

Ms. Bekkah – Toddler Teacher

Ms. Bekkah loves toddlers!  In addition to teaching at AsheBridge, Bekkah is an instructor for the U.S. Army Reserves out of Ft. Bragg and has nearly finished her degree.  Her military background, along with teaching and parenting experience, allows her to bring the ultimate combination of a relaxed demeanor with lots of energy to give the toddlers the predictable routines they need with the excitement they crave.  She loves art, music, and games so you'll often see lots of really fun activities going on in the toddler room.