Staff

BCC is staffed by experienced, qualified professionals who continually develop their skills through training. There has been no turnover in key staff since 1997. 

Bonnie Spear, Director: Bonnie assumed responsibility for directing BCC in August 1997. She is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in early childhood education. She came to BCC with over 12 years of experience directing early childhood programs. She has received intensive training on the ITERS and ECERS-R at the University of North Carolina and TSU. Bonnie is active in the early childhood professional community having served on the boards of the local and state Associations for the Education of Young Children. She has been a presenter at local, state and national professional conferences. She was a national validator for NAEYC and a trained mentor for students working towards a Child Development Associate Credential. Bonnie served on the taskforce that wrote the Metro Schools Pre-kindergarten Standards in literacy and math, is a trainer on the standards, and serves on the Mayor’s Early Childhood Advisory Task Force. She is the Nashville Chapter Chair of Stand for Children, a national grassroots child advocacy organization. She is on the cutting edge of the positive changes taking place in childcare. Her responsibilities as BCC director include overall supervision of the curriculum, interaction with children, supervision of staff, fiscal operations, fundraising, community and family relations, and cooperation with the Board.

Geraldine Reynolds, Assistant Director/Teacher: Geraldine received her early childhood education at TSU and Trevecca Nazarene University. Before coming to BCC in August 1997, she was a lead teacher in two accredited early childhood centers. Bonnie and Geraldine had previously worked together, and both came to BCC to guide its growth and development. Geraldine’s professional involvement includes membership in local, state and national professional organizations, conference presentations, leadership roles in NAAEYC, serving as a mentor for TECTA, and a trainer for Metro Schools Pre-kindergarten standards. Her responsibilities include planning and designing curriculum, observing and assessing children, assuming leadership in the absence of the director, supervising part-time staff, practicum and student teachers from local universities, and serving as a resource and communicator with families.

Barbara Dean, Child Assessment Specialist/Teacher: Barbara began working at BCC in June 1998. She received her early childhood education at Trevecca Nazarene University. Past experiences include lead pre-k teacher, assistant child care director, and assistant elementary school teacher. Barbara is a member of the local, state and national Associations for the Education of Young Children, has served on its local board of directors, presented workshops, and is a mentor for TECTA. Her BCC responsibilities include orientation of new staff and volunteers, interactions with families, curriculum planning and teaching, and observing and assessing children. Barbara completes most developmental assessments with children, collects data from all staff on each child and records information for reporting on milestones and outcomes for United Way.

Rita Mattox, Teacher: Rita has completed the second level of TECTA and is working toward her CDA credential. Before joining BCC, she was director of the BUMC Parent’s Day Out Program. Her current responsibilities include curriculum planning and teaching, observing and assessing children, coordinating late afternoon activities and closing the center. Rita is a member of the local, state and national Associations for the Education of Young Children.

Mary Wright, Teacher: Mary received her degree in Child Development from Tennessee State University (TSU). She has several years experience as an early childhood teacher. Her responsibilities include planning curriculum and teaching, observing and assessing children, opening the center each morning and greeting children and families. Mary is a member of the local, state and national Associations for the Education of Young Children.

Sheila Uselton, Music Specialist: September through May

Kidskills: Creative movement and gymnastics June through August