Meet Our Staff
Lindsay Rew
Director
Lindsay Rew is a native of Newport News, who now resides in Hampton with her family. Lindsay and her husband Mark have a ten year old daughter together. They are all animal lovers and have rescued two cats and two dogs from local animal shelters. In her spare time you can find her with her family swimming in their backyard pool or planning their next family vacation!
Lindsay earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education interdisciplinary studies from Old Dominion University. She then earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Old Dominion University. She graduated with a Virginia teaching license and endorsement in grades pre-k through 6th grade. Lindsay previously taught kindergarten with Hampton City Schools. After moving into the private school setting she taught in a preschool classroom. Lindsay then moved into the position of Preschool Director. This is Lindsay's seventh year at First Baptist Preschool!
Helen Treas
Teacher: 2 year olds
Helen Treas is from a small town outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. While she and her husband Tim and their three children Ethan, Christopher and Caroline have moved around with the Navy they settled in Newport News with no plans of leaving. As a family they enjoy traveling, swimming and the movie theater. In her free time, Helen likes to work on DIY home projects as well as dabble in photography.
Helen graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Early Childhood Education qualifying her to teach birth through third grade. After graduating, Helen has taught in both the private and public preschool settings with children one to four years old. Helen maintains a deep interest in early child development as well as providing a solid developmentally appropriate foundation for young children so that they may excel socially, emotionally and academically. This is Helen’s sixth year at First Baptist Preschool.
Nicole Smetana
Teacher: 3 year olds
Nicole Smetana was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida and lived there until meeting her husband. She has had the opportunity to move around for the past 17 years with her husband and children. She now resides in Williamsburg. Nicole and her husband Brian have three children: Olexa, Connor, and Addison. As a family they enjoy the outdoors, hiking, camping, and just traveling in general. They also love a good Friday night movie night at home.
Nicole earned her Associates Degree in Education Studies from Liberty University. Nicole has been working in the preschool setting for the past ten years. She was a Lead Teacher at First Baptist Duluth Weekday Preschool In Georgia and an Assistant Teacher at Tiny Tots Christian Preschool in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nicole has now been at First Baptist Preschool for six years!
Hannah Melton
Teacher: 3 year olds
Hannah Melton is originally from Reddick, Illinois. She is currently living in Hampton, Virginia. She lives with her sister Ashley. Newport News is where Hannah met her now fiancé, Andy. Like the saying goes, Virginia is for lovers. She enjoys traveling to see family in many different states. Hannah and her family enjoy going out on new adventures and movie nights. In her free time she likes to participate in art activities at the library.
Hannah graduated from Virginia Peninsula Community College in 2024. She currently attends Old Dominion University and is working towards her 4 year elementary education degree. Hannah then plans to pursue her masters degree at ODU. Hannah worked in childcare for several years before coming to First Baptist Preschool. She was a teacher assistant at our preschool for three years. This will be her fourth year at the preschool and her first year as lead teacher!
Stephanie Hylton
Teacher: 4 year olds
Stephanie Hylton is originally from Bluefield, Virginia. After moving around with her husband while he was in the Army, they have settled in Hampton for the last 9 years. Stephanie fell in love with the preschool when her daughter attended both the 3 and 4 year classes and was excited to join as a teacher! In her free time Stephanie loves to spend time with her daughter and dog at the beach or park, read, refinish furniture, swim, and make crafts.
Stephanie has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Radford University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Bluefield College. She was previously employed as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor and Supervisor in the school system. She has also worked at DSS doing Foster Care and Adult Protective Services. Stephanie has a passion for children’s mental health and their social/emotional growth in the school setting. This is Stephanie's fifth year at First Baptist Preschool.
Passent Elsaid
Teacher: 4 year olds
Passent Elsaid was born in Alexandria, Egypt. She currently lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with her husband Remon, and their two sons, Justen and Marten. Before moving to the United States, their family lived in Dubai. They have now been living in Yorktown for 8 years. Passent enjoys spending quality time with her family and making memories together. She loves listening to music, taking walks in the sunshine, and cooking. On Sundays, she attends church, where she serves as a Sunday School servant.
Passent graduated from the Faculty of Education, English Department, in 2008. Since then, she has worked as a kindergarten teacher in Egypt, Dubai, and in Yorktown, Virginia. She has a true passion for teaching young children and enjoys helping them learn and grow. Passent is grateful to be part of the First Baptist Preschool team. This is her fourth year serving the preschool community.
Tyler McClelland
Teacher Assistant
Tyler McClelland was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. She met her husband when she was 17 and they have been married for 11 years. They have two daughters, Leila and Zoey. Tyler is a proud Dance Mom with both girls dancing seven days a week. When she has free time, she loves creating memories with her family, especially at OBX! She also enjoys making new jewelry and gifts for her small business.
Tyler decided to be a stay at home mom after her oldest daughter was born. Then she babysat multiple children from ages 6 weeks old and up until she became pregnant with her second daughter. Tyler loved volunteering at Leila's elementary school and eventually here at First Baptist Preschool while Zoey attended. She has always had a passion for nurturing children and their growth. Her children have been doing online school at home since 2020 with her as their Learning Coach. Tyler's continued involvement with First Baptist Church and volunteering for vacation bible school has led her to become a part of First Baptist Preschool. This is Tyler’s third year at First Baptist Preschool.
Kristi Long
Teacher Assistant
Kristi Long is originally from Northern VA, and now lives in Hampton, VA. Kristi spent her twenties taking some college classes and working. Kristi met her husband at age twenty-nine and they have been married for twenty-two years. They have three children together. The Navy re-located Kristi’s family to Newport News and then to Hampton in 2002. In her spare time Kristi loves to garden, craft, go to the beach, cook, take pictures and shop. She also enjoys binge watching DIY, HGTV, reality shows and CBS series with her husband.
Kristi grew up in a Christian home and her mom was a stay-at-home mom. She ran a daycare, so Kristi's exposure to caring for children started at a young age. Kristi babysat often, was a nanny twice, volunteered in the church nursery and worked in daycare. Kristi chose to be a stay-at-home mom until her two youngest children were in 1st/2nd grade. While volunteering at their elementary school, she also returned to college for her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Kristi started teaching during her last semester and very much enjoy working with and caring for children! Kristi is looking forward to her fourth year at First Baptist Preschool!
Liz Teshara
Teacher Assistant
Liz Teshara is originally from California. She began her career as a nursing assistant, where she developed strong skills in compassion and care. Over time, she discovered that her true passion lies in child development and teaching, which has inspired her to pursue a career helping children learn and grow.Her husband’s Navy career brought their family to Virginia, where they are raising three energetic boys, ages 5, 7, and 8. Being a mother has only deepened her commitment to supporting children as they explore, develop, and reach their potential.
Liz is especially excited for the new school year and the opportunity to welcome new students, building strong connections and creating a positive, nurturing environment where every child feels encouraged to thrive. This is Liz’s third year at First Baptist Preschool.
Isabelle Wilson
Teacher Assistant
Isabelle Wilson is from Hampton, VA. She loves spending time with her family, especially her little cousin and sister. Belle loves being in the water in the summer and doing nails. Her family has a cat and a dog that were both rescued.
Isabelle graduated high school with her Associates Degree in Social Sciences from Virginia Peninsula Community College, through dual enrollment courses. She is currently enrolled at Old Dominion University with a major in elementary education. Isabelle has spent significant time in classrooms, both volunteering and student teaching, before joining our preschool. This is her second year at First Baptist Preschool!
Olexa Smetana
Teacher Assistant
Olexa Smetana is a resident of Hampton Roads. She loves being outside, going to the gym and hanging out with family and friends. Olexa is going into her sophomore year at Penn State University. She is majoring in criminology with a minor in youth development and justice. Olexa has enjoyed babysitting for years. She has spent a significant amount of time volunteering in her community. Olexa has always loved working with children. She began substituting at First Baptist Preschool last year. She can’t wait to work in the classroom this coming school year! This is Olexa's first year at the preschool as a teacher assistant.
Danna Martillo-Cesar
Teacher Assistant
More information coming soon!
Training & Affiliations
Our staff regularly receive high-quality training
and resources from organizations such as:
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Virginia Department of Social Services
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Childcare Aware of Virginia
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First Spark - Virginia Quality
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Virginia Infant & Toddler Specialist Network