Inclement Weather Alert for Preschool & After-School Families: Redeemer Renaissance will follow the decisions made by FCPS. If FCPS is closed, Redeemer Renaissance will be closed. If FCPS is open, Redeemer Renaissance will be open. If FCPS schedules a late start, Preschool will open at 9:30 AM and After-School will open for regular hours.

Meet Our Team

Linda McConnaughay, Executive Director

lindaLinda is the Executive Director of Redeemer Renaissance Preschool and After-School, sharing her expertise and commitment to education and advocacy for children and families. Her roles working with staff, families, and children have spanned government, private, and non-profit programs. Prior to taking the Executive Director’s position at Redeemer Renaissance, she was a social worker for the Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program. She holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Temple University, as well as a Certificate in Child and Family Services, and completed Master’s work in Public Administration at Troy State University. During her time at Redeemer Renaissance, building community through educational programming is focused on facilitating offerings that promote healthy and safe child development. She encourages staff, families, and children to become happy lifelong learners by engaging in classes and activities that capture the essence of the whole person and create space to make discoveries through curiosity and explore natural interests. Linda enjoys the best of times volunteering and taking in the beautiful world around us with her four grown children!

Delphine Engel

DelphineAn experienced educator, Delphine joined the Preschool staff in 2007 and is an assistant teacher for the all-day 4’s Bee class. In 2013, she joined the After-School Program staff. Born in France, she is bilingual and has completed extensive Early Childhood Education classes. You can find her at Redeemer facilitating French Club, homework assistance, and art projects. She is married and has four children, three of whom attended Redeemer programs. Delphine previously worked as a translator and in the travel industry.

Sabrine Gharbi

Sabrine has been on the After-School Program staff since 2017 and has recently joined the Redeemer Preschool staff. She is fluent in French, Arabic, and English and enjoys reading with the children. She holds a B.S.N. from the Nursing School in Tunis, Tunisia, and a Bachelor’s in Health Administration from George Mason University. Sabrine has experience tutoring students in French, providing homework assistance, and engaging children in physical and health education. Her favorite pastimes are hiking and biking while exploring National Parks. Currently, she is studying for a Master’s in Health Informatics and Cyber Security.

Mike Dyer

Mike joined Redeemer Renaissance in 2018 after retiring from Fairfax County Public Schools Transportation after 40 years as a supervisor. His professional skills and dedication to providing safe bus transportation for children as they come to Redeemer and go on field trips is unparalleled. In his free time, many of his hours are filled with activities as he cares for his four grandchildren; watching them grow up. Jack and Bailey, his two horses, are very happy to be his pets!

Sandra Flores-Villalobos

Sandra joined the After-School staff in 20 and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Public Health at George Washington University. She has taught with the After-School program and camps for several years. Sandra brings her knowledge of psychology and gift of creativity to the children around her.

Maggie Womack

Maggie, a one-time Redeemer preschool student, is currently pursuing a degree in education from . Previously, she has worked at Redeemer Renaissance Camps.

Charlene Werking

CharleneCharlene has been on staff at the Redeemer Renaissance After-School Program since it opened in 2008. She attended Old Dominion University and Early Childhood Education trainings and conferences. In both private and non-profit childcare settings, she brings smiles and over two decades of experience working with children ages 3 mos. – 12 years. Currently, she also serves as a teacher at Mt. Olivet Preschool in Arlington, VA.

Marilu Vega Vasquez

Marilu has worked at the Redeemer Renaissance After-School and Preschool for three years. Her experience working with children of all ages from infant to teens has made her a valuable resource.

Stella Mouries

Stella, a Redeemer Renaissance After-School alum, is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from George Mason University. The focus of her studies is on grades pre-K through 6th and she has extensive experience in both public and private school settings. An accomplished violinist, Stella is also fluent in English, French, and Portuguese and dedicated to sharing her many talents with the children she teaches.

Preschool Director

Anu Sharda, Office Administrator

Anu has been the Redeemer Renaissance Preschool and After-School Office Administrator since 2024.

Golnar duChateau, Early Childhood Education Teacher

Golnar is a 4’s teacher for the all-day Bee class.

Gabriela Moore, Early Childhood Education Teacher

Gabriela is a 4’s teacher for the morning Butterfly class, the afternoon Child’s Afternoon Out class, and the Learning Lab extended day class.
 
Her journey working with children began early in life, starting in 2003. Over the years, Gabriela embraced every opportunity to work with children in various roles, from teaching Spanish to leading her wonderful Butterflies class today. Each experience has deepened her passion for early childhood development. For Gabriela, teaching is more than a career—it is a calling that runs in her blood. Following in the footsteps of my mother and grandfather, she feels a profound connection to this vocation and a sense of pride in continuing her family’s legacy of nurturing young minds.
 
As a mother of two, Gabriela leads her classroom with empathy and heart. She consider myself a “citizen of the world” and am deeply inspired by diverse cultures, traditions, and the many forms of art. Gabriela is truly happy to be a teacher because she gets to witness the world through the curious eyes of her students every day. It is a privilege for her to provide a warm, joyful space where the children can flutter, grow, and discover the beauty of the world around them.

Catherine Grajales, Early Childhood Education Teacher

Catherine is a 3’s teacher for the morning Turtle class. Prior to teaching at Redeemer Renaissance Preschool, she has taught preschoolers for nearly 20 years. Catherine really enjoys working with the play-based curriculum as she fosters children’s growth and love of learning.

Marjan Javanmardi, Early Childhood Education Teacher

Marjan is a 2.5’s teacher for the Ladybug class, the afternoon Child’s Afternoon Out class, and the Learning Lab extended day class.

Amy Cary, Assistant Teacher

Amy is an assistant teacher for the morning 4’s Butterfly class. Amy has taught at Redeemer Renaissance Preschool since 2016. Prior to working as a teacher, she worked in Washington, DC for various trade associations. Although I enjoyed my 23 years of working in an office in the city, nothing quite compares to being a pre-school teacher. I love being a teacher! 

In my free time, I am raising two amazing teenagers with my wonderful husband of 23 years. We are also blessed with two adorable cats. I enjoy reading, all types of exercise, travel, cooking and baking.0

Marina Sarakinis, Assistant Teacher

Marina is the assistant teacher for the morning Turtle class.

Sydney Muskett, Co-Teacher

Sydney is an assistant teacher for the morning 2.5’s Ladybug class.