HLC teachers are committed to a long-term career in early childhood. That is why they are treated as professionals and with respect for their craft. They are taken on annual retreats for team building and earn performance-based bonuses yearly. All have updated first aid and CPR training; and more than half of the teachers have college degrees and have been with our program for at least three years. So rest assured, if your child is one of the 36 children in our facility, they could not be in better hands!
What makes HLC teachers better?
- Most have been with HLC for three or more years
- Over half have earned at least an associate’s degree in early childhood. Most have a four year degree coupled with early childhood training and/or coursework.
- Everyone has the opportunity to earn annual performance-based bonuses because of the quality care they provide.
- Since 2014, HLC has had two teachers honored as finalists for the prestigious Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award, an honor that recognizes excellent early childhood educators in Durham, Orange and Wake counties.
- A strong administrative team with more than 6 decades of combined earlier childhood experience to guide, coach and support staff.
Administration
Mrs. Lynette
Owner
- BA Degree in Journalism and History – University of North Carolina
- MA Degree in Early Childhood Education – University of North Carolina
- Birth to Kindergarten License
Education / Certifications:
Childcare Experience: Since 2003
Favorite activity: Planting herbs and flowers for children to watch be grown and harvested for the classroom.
Bio: Lynette is co-owner with her husband Donnell Mitchell. She is a former freelance writer and full-time journalist for major news organizations. A grateful Christian, Lynette is a breast cancer survivor and the mother of three wonderful sons. When she is not at Harvest — or thinking about Harvest – Lynette loves to read – mysteries, Christian-based self-help books and inspiring biographies and autobiographies. Her goal is to pen her own book.
Mrs. Ginger
Director
- BS Degree in Human Development and Family Studies – University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- AAS Early Childhood Degree
- Early Childhood Education Credential
- Early Educator Certification (EEC)
- SIDS Certified
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Education / Certifications:
Childcare Experience: Since 1998
Favorite activity: Arts and crafts
Bio: My name is Mrs. Ginger and I’ve worked at Harvest since 2006. I started out as a waddler teacher and then about a year later I moved to the preschool class. I am now the Director, overseeing a staff of 9 to 10 and assisting in all classrooms. During my nearly two decades in early childhood education, I have worked with all ages but preschoolers are my favorite. I love the opportunity I have at Harvest to utilized all of my talents throughout the center. I help our teachers provide more individualized care and attention. I earned my associate’s degree in early childhood at Vance-Granville Community College in 2012 and I am currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro working on my bachelor’s degree in early childhood.
On a more personal note, I am a married mother of three. I have two daughters and a son. All three of my children have attended Harvest. My oldest is in high school and my youngest is still a student at Harvest. We live in Stem. It is about 40 minutes north of Durham (no one has ever heard of it). I have lived there my whole life except for a few brief years. I enjoy reading, playing computer games, going to the drive-in and spending time with my family.
Mrs. Ashley
Assistant Director
- BS Degree in Early Childhood Administration – Purdue University Global
- Lead Teacher Qualified
- SIDS Certified
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Education / Certifications:
Childcare Experience: since 2011
Favorite activity: Artwork with the babies
Bio: I am Ashley Martinez and I have been at HLC since 2011. I am the lead teacher in the infant room and obtained my bachelor’s degree in early childhood administration at Purdue University Global in
2019. I love doing artwork with the babies and seeing what creative works of art we can create together. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my husband, two daughters and young son. I also enjoy photography, bike riding, and I hold a deputy black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Ms. Lashaunda
Assistant Director
- Associate Degree in Applied Science, Certificate in Early Childhood Preschool – Stanly Community College
- Lead Teacher Qualified
- SIDS Certified
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Education / Certifications:
Childcare Experience: Since 2000
Favorite activity: STEM projects and art
Bio: I am LaShaunda “Dani” Rogers and I have been at HLC since 2013. I am a master teacher and am currently working towards my degree in early childhood administration. I am originally from Oxford, NC and now live in Elon with my truck driver/owner-operator husband, my beautiful and smart daughter, and my smart and athletic son. I have been apart of the HLC family since 2013 and I love to teach. I love seeing children take what they have learned and apply it to their everyday lives. In my spare time, I love to travel, cook and decorate.
Infants
Mrs. Ashley
Lead Infant Room Teacher
- BS Degree in Early Childhood Administration – Purdue University Global
- Lead Teacher Qualified
- SIDS Certified
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Education / Certifications:
Childcare Experience: since 2011
Favorite activity: Artwork with the babies
Bio: I am Ashley Martinez and I have been at HLC since 2011. I am the lead teacher in the infant room and obtained my bachelor’s degree in early childhood administration at Purdue University Global in
2019. I love doing artwork with the babies and seeing what creative works of art we can create together. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my husband, two daughters and young son. I also enjoy photography, bike riding, and I hold a deputy black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Waddlers
Ms. Alex
Lead Waddler Teacher
- Lead Teacher Qualified
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- SIDS Certified
Education / Certifications:
Bio: Hello, my name is Alexandra Osada and I am 20 years old. I graduated high school in 2019 and went to Durham Technical Community College for one year. I plan to return in the Spring of 2023 to complete my early education course and finish my general education classes. Before I started working at Harvest Learning Center, I worked at my parent’s restaurant for five years as a cook. During my last year working for my parents, I decided I wanted to work somewhere where I could grow into who and what I wanted to do career-wise. I wanted to become a teacher because I love the idea that I can be able to help children grow into whoever they want to be and have an impact, however small, on their lives.
Two's and Three's
Ms. Amariah
Two’s and Three’s Teacher
- Lead Teacher Qualified
Bio: Hello, I am Amariah. I have been working at Harvest Learning Center for 2 years, and I’ve been part of the HLC family since 2013. I am passionate about teaching and find great joy in seeing children apply what they’ve learned in their everyday lives. I’ve been incredibly excited to work with the children and introduce them to new concepts. I also enjoy engaging in fun activities with them.
Preschool
Ms. Lashaunda
Lead Preschool Teacher
- Associate Degree in Applied Science, Certificate in Early Childhood Preschool – Stanly Community College
- Lead Teacher Qualified
- SIDS Certified
- CPR/First Aid Certified
Education / Certifications:
Childcare Experience: Since 2000
Favorite activity: STEM projects and art
Bio: I am LaShaunda “Dani” Rogers and I have been at HLC since 2013. I am a master teacher and am currently working towards my degree in early childhood administration. I am originally from Oxford, NC and now live in Elon with my truck driver/owner-operator husband, my beautiful and smart daughter, and my smart and athletic son. I have been apart of the HLC family since 2013 and I love to teach. I love seeing children take what they have learned and apply it to their everyday lives. In my spare time, I love to travel, cook and decorate.
