I have worked with children for over 19 years. I joined the Little Ambassadors' Academy team in 2019.

Jelanda Quarles

Pluto

I can never keep a straight face around...
my youngest son Jayden, he just cracks me up.

If I could only watch one TV channel, it would be...
Food Network.

My sweet tooth addiction...
cheesecake!

My favorite thing to do on the weekend is...
.spend time with my family.

I have been working with children for 12 years. I joined the LAA team in 2017.

Kathleen Thompson

Mercury

On vacation you can find me...
reading a book, relaxing on a beach, or on a cruise ship.

My favorite food is...
chicken parmigiana, lasagna, or anything Italian. I am 0% Italian by the way :)

My four-legged family member is...
my Australian-cattle dog mix, Yogi, who we adopted in December 2022.

My idea of a perfect dinner is...
one that I don't have to cook!

I have been working with children for over eight years. I started with Little Ambassadors' Academy in 2017. 

Natalie Wilson

Mercury

My four-legged family member is...
Knox, my Alaskan Husky.

I admit it, I have...
to have fun at ALL times. At no point in the day do I want to sit down. I like having fun, when learning, teaching and outside. Fun should’ve been my middle name.

I will always be grateful to...
be under the LAA umbrella!

Words of wisdom...
Always put your best foot forward, even if your shoe is on the wrong foot.

I have worked with children for the past ten years. I joined Little Ambassadors’ Academy in 2022 and love being part of the team.

Barnali Chakrabarty

Jupiter

Yes, I really do enjoy...
travelling, shopping, and cooking.

I can never keep a straight face around...
kids.

My most influential professional experience was...
attending the annual conference for NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and sharing new learning experiences with other professionals in the Early Childhood field.

You may not know this about me, but...
I am cool!

I have worked with children for over eight years. I joined the Little Ambassadors’ team in 2019 and I am so excited to be a part of the new school here at Overlee.

Mona Hamid

Uranus

In my spare time, I love to...
read and do arts and crafts!

The TV show I would rush home to watch is...
anything on DIY network.

My favorite season in Northern Virginia is...
Fall; I love colorful leaves.

If I could only have one book, it would be...
The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness by Stephen R. Covey.

I have been in the Early Childhood field for over 15 years. I joined the Little Ambassadors’ Academy team in 2021.

Anulika Obioha

Mars

I never get tired of...
singing! I don’t have the best voice but that won’t stop me.

I turn into a kid again when...
we are celebrating a birthday in my classroom.

The best thing about being a Little Ambassador is...
being with the children all day and watching them grow.

The film that comes to mind as my favorite is...
Home Alone! I also like the sequel.

I have been working with children for the past seven years. I joined the Little Ambassadors’ Academy team in 2026.

Lisseth Chavez Cruz

Neptune

When it comes to sports, I prefer...
pickle ball.

I never get tired of watching...
Korean dramas.

In my trick-or-treat bag, you’ll find...
Kitkats!

My four-legged family member is...
my cat named Bella.

I have been working with children for over 9 years. I started with Little Ambassadors' Academy in 2021. 

Migdalia Sandoval

Spanish

When it comes to sports, I prefer...
soccer.

My favorite season in Northern Virginia is...
Spring! I love seeing and smelling all the beautiful flowers.

I always laugh at...
my brother’s jokes.

The best part about being a Little Ambassador is...
feeling important as a person and as a professional, I found a lot of support when I decided to keep learning. I honestly feel grateful about being part of this wonderful family.

I have worked with children for over 20 years. I joined the LAA team in 2014.

Maritza Gutierrez

Venus

Yes, I really do enjoy...
dancing Salsa and watching movies.

My idea of a perfect dinner…
is with my husband and daughters.

The best thing about being a Little Ambassador is…
being part of another family. LAA has been my second home and I have grown so much professionally and as a citizen with this wonderful educational community.

On vacation you can find me...
visiting family in Colombia or exploring beaches in the US!

I have over 15 years of experience working with children. I joined the Little Ambassadors' Academy team in 2019. 

Alicia Goss

Venus

The person who always makes me smile is...
my niece, Ava.

The film that comes to mind as my favorite is...
The Lord of the Rings.

The best part about being a Little Ambassador is...
the respect we receive as early childhood educators.

Words of wisdom...
”Laugh, laugh a lot. Don’t worry about the wrinkles.”

I have worked with children for the last 15 years. I joined the Little Ambassadors' Academy team in 2020.

Derek Hall

Saturn

My greatest influence is..
music, movies, friends and family.

I can never keep a straight face around…
my niece goofing off.

I am always amused by…
petty arguments that I can just witness and not have to be a part of.

Yes, I really do enjoy…
puns.

I have worked with children for 17 years. I joined the Little Ambassadors’ team in 2026

Arezoo Zahireldini

Earth

My idea of a perfect dinner is…
good food, great conversation, and a beautiful view.

When I want to get away…
I love going to the beach.

The thing that always makes me smile is…
children's laughter and watching them as they learn something new.

When it comes to sports, I prefer…
walking, hiking, and staying active outdoors.

I have worked with children for the last sixteen years. I joined the Little Ambassadors' Academy team in 2026.

Whitnee Brown

K- Explorers

I can really identify with…
the parents on Bluey.

I never get tired of…
home cooked meals.

My most influential professional experience was…
teaching in New Mexico. I was exposed to so much and received so much vital information that I still use today.

I can never keep a straight face around…
my own child!