Meet Our Teachers

  • Kathy Davis

    Program Director

    I graduated from Belmont College with a degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Kindergarten and Special Education. I have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren with more on the way! I love working out, being outside in nature, and going to the beach. I have been at Brook Hollow since 1988. I love connection families with quality childcare.

  • Emily Dean

    Administrative Assistant & Before and After Care Supervisor

    I graduated from Belmont University with a BS degree in Health and Elementary Education. I am married to my college sweetheart, and we have 4 wonderful grown children. I enjoy going on hikes, camping, kayaking, and babysitting. I have been at Brook Hollow for several years. I love to visit the classrooms and spend time with all of the precious children. I am thankful for the children, the families, and the wonderful staff. Teaching young children is my passion and calling.

  • Royce Luplow

    Supervisor, Mother's Day Out

    I owned and operated a licensed Family Group Home for 15 + years prior to becoming a member of the Brook Hollow staff/family. I love spending time with my husband Mark, our children and 5 grandchildren.  Long hikes at Radnor Lake and curling up with a good read are both things that help keep me grounded. I began working at Brook Hollow in 2003. I find working with infants and toddlers at such an important time in their development rewarding.

  • Melissa Ramirez

    Tadpoles, Lead Teacher

    I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Family Ecology with a focus in Preschool Education. I also have a CDA credential for infants and toddlers. I am from Puerto Rico and have a son in high school and a daughter in elementary school. I love to spend time with family, go to the beach, and go to the movies. I also enjoy spending time running my baking business. I started working at Brook Hollow in 2018 and have been in the infant’s classroom since then. It has been a blessing to be a part of their growth.

  • Andy Zimmer

    Tadpoles, Lead Teacher

    I graduated from college with a degree in graphic design, but God led me to Brook Hollow where I’ve been able to train as a caregiver. My husband, Clay, and I have 3 kids. We also have 2 dogs and chickens. I enjoy spending time outdoors (hiking, gardening, etc.), baking & cooking, and working out. I began working at Brook Hollow in 2020 and have worked in the infant’s room and the toddler’s room. Working at Brook Hollow feels like being part of a family where trust & love is the core of everything we do.

  • Betsy McConnell

    Pollywogs, Co Teacher

    I am a native Nashvillian and I grew up in West Nashville. My husband, Jason, and I have 2 kids. I enjoy reading fiction, walking the greenways, and taking care of a coop full of chickens at home. I’ve been working at Brook Hollow since 2017. I love spending my days with the sweet babies and parents of Brook Hollow Weekday.

  • Amy Catalogne

    Pollywogs, Co Teacher

    I began my college journey at MTSU, mostly focused on business. I enjoy gardening and arranging plants and flowers. I love to bake, preferably cookies, and then enjoy the art of decorating them. I have 2 grown children, a daughter and a son. I love working at Brook Hollow because I am able to make a difference each day in the lives of our children - helping them grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

  • Cynthia Dillingham

    Fireflies, Lead Teacher

    My area of study in college was Early Childhood Education. I have 3 grown children, 2 daughters and a son. I have 4 grandchildren. I love soaking up every minute I can with my grandchildren and family. I enjoy all things creative from drawing to crochet. I have been at Brook Hollow since 2003. I enjoy getting to know the children in my care and their families, creating a secure and loving environment, and seeing how much the children grow and learn.

  • Lily Evans

    Fireflies, Co Teacher

    I have my associate's degree in psychology. My husband and I have 2 small children. I enjoy doing anything creative, spending time with family and friends, and being cozy at home watching movies. I began working at Brook Hollow in 2015. I enjoy connecting with the children and watching them learn and grow!

  • Mary Bueche

    Turtles, Lead Teacher

    I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Spring Hill College and have a master's degree in Developmental Disabilities with a concentration in Child Life from Nova Southeastern University. I am a Certified Child Life Specialist, where I worked in the hospital setting for one year. I am happily married to my husband, Chandler, and am fortunate to have family in town. I enjoy reading, running, gardening, and trying new restaurants. I enjoy teaching in the early childhood setting where I can engage in play while also helping children meet developmental milestones.

  • Jessica Brim

    Turtles, Assistant Teacher (M,T,W,Th)

    I graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration with studies in Music Business from Trevecca Nazarene University. My husband, Chris, and I have 2 boys and a dog. Some of my interests include traveling, gardening and canning, and going on fun outdoor adventures with my boys.
    I began at Brook Hollow in 2017 but have taken some time off and returned in 2021. I have truly enjoyed meeting the families at Brook Hollow and have loved interacting and helping care for all of the sweet families as well has having the opportunity to work alongside an amazing staff. It has been a blessing!

  • Suzanne Armbruster

    Turtles, Assistant Teacher (F) & Floater (T)

    I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. I have also received certification from the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance in 2003. I have been working in Early Childhood education since 2000. My husband, Gerry, and I have 3 adult children. Our daughter, Mary Bueche, is a teacher in the "Turtles" classroom. I enjoy gardening, walking the trails in Warner Parks and going to Nashville SC games. Preschool aged children are my passion and I feel strongly that their first school experiences should be hands-on, full of fun while maintaining a respect and joy for learning and knowledge that they are loved by God. 

  • Tina Mitchell

    Dragonflies, Co Teacher

    I am a native Nashvillian and have worked with children of all ages for over 25 years.  I have one amazing daughter. I love spending time with family, friends and all things outside!  I truly love seeing children grow and learn new things. I have been a part of the Brook Hollow family since 2010. I enjoy being at Brook Hollow seeing all the sweet faces grow & learn!

  • Tracy Newlin

    Dragonflies, Co Teacher

    I have been at Brook Hollow since 2008. I graduated from Father Ryan High School. I have been married to my husband Jimmy since 1991. We have two wonderful children, one son and one daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, camping and being outside. I love working with children and teaching them new and exciting things. 

  • Ivie Hoffmann

    Floater (M,W) & Dragonflies, Assistant Teacher (F)

    I attended Ole Miss. My husband, Chaz, and I have 3 children. My family is young, busy, fun, and the joy of my life!  When the rare moment for alone time pops up, I enjoy crocheting, painting, crafting, and loving on our two cats, and our dog. 

  • Allyson Sullivan

    Guppies, Lead Teacher (M,W,F)

    I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Early Childhood & Family Studies. My husband, Chad, and I have one daughter. I enjoy watching sports, spending time with my family, and reading. I have been teaching at Brook Hollow on and off since 2007. I enjoy watching children grow and learn new things.

  • Joanna Walker

    Guppies, Lead Teacher (T,TH) & Assistant Teacher (M,W)

    I received a BS degree in Child Studies and Health and Human Services from Vanderbilt University. My husband, Brandon, and I have 2 children, one daughter and one son. I enjoy baking, cheering on Vanderbilt & NSC, and reading. I started working at Brook Hollow in the summer of 2022. I love watching children grow throughout the year. It amazes me how much they learn.

  • Catherine Cahill

    Guppies, Assistant Teacher (T, Th, F) 

    I graduated from Ole Miss in 2003 and then married in 2005. My husband and I have two beautiful boys. I enjoy spending time with my family (mainly at the sports field), going to see live music, animals and am a huge foodie! I have been at Brook Hollow since 2012. I love being around children and the time spent with them is never wasted time. I believe they teach me as much as I teach them!

  • Jamie Bennett

    Frogs, Lead Teacher (M-F)

    I attended UT Martin and have a bachelor's degree in Cell and Molecular biology. I also attended TSU and received a master's degree in Elementary Education. I am married with 1 young child. I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, reading, hiking, and playing board games. I have been at Brook Hollow since 2022. I enjoy instilling a love for learning in young children.

  • Kara F.

    Frogs, Assistant Teacher (M-F)

    I attended the College of Charleston, where I received my B.S. in Psychology.  I enjoy hiking and doing yoga with my daughter, tending to my many plants, and reading. I have been part of the Brook Hollow family as a parent for the past 4 years. I have always loved working with children and believe that there is no greater joy than contributing to the growth and learning of our precious young children.

  • Amy Eberle

    Bumblebees, Co Teacher

    I went to Belmont University for undergrad and have a master's degree in elementary education from Vanderbilt University. My husband, Kevin, and I have 1 son. I have been at Brook Hollow since 2022. In my free time I enjoy going to TPAC, listening to audio books, playing trivia and traveling. I love making connections with my students and developing lasting bonds with them. My goal is to share my love and excitement of learning with the Bumblebees this year.

  • Laura Peggs

    Bumblebees, Co Teacher

    I attended UTC for undergrad, Trevecca for my master's in education. My husband and I have 2 school aged kiddos and a dog. I love spending time with family and friends, especially being outside & enjoying the outdoors. I started working at Brook Hollow in 2023. I love spending time with the children and helping them learn. I enjoy the community of educators at Brook Hollow.