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 six 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 holds a BS in elementary education interdisciplinary studies from Old Dominion University. She also holds a MS 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 third year at First Baptist Preschool!
Rebecca Ellefson
Teacher - 4 year old classroom
Rebecca Ellefson originates from Devon, England. She moved to the United States with her husband who was serving in the USAF. Rebecca and her husband Mark have three children and two dogs. They have traveled extensively and have now settled in Hampton, Virginia. In her spare time Rebecca loves to go to the gym, swim, read and walk her dogs.
Rebecca has spent many years in the classroom. She taught English to Japanese students in Okinawa. Rebecca also worked for Hampton City Schools for 10 years. The majority of this time was spent in kindergarten classrooms. After leaving public school Rebecca made the move to a private preschool classroom. This is Rebecca's second year at First Baptist Preschool! In addition to teaching, Rebecca is also a licensed massage therapist. She graduated in England over 20 years ago. She recently became recertified and licensed here in Virginia.
Nicole Smetana
Teacher - 3 year old classroom
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 15 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 has been working in the preschool setting for the past eight 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 two years! Nicole is currently enrolled at Liberty University where she is wrapping up her degree in Education Studies.
Rebecca Hinson
Teacher - 3 year old classroom
Rebecca Hinson is from Hampton, Virginia. She grew up in First Baptist Church of Newport News and frequently volunteers her time within the church’s Children’s ministry. She lives with her cat Ellie who loves to cuddle. Rebecca enjoys reading, cooking, coaching softball, and volunteering.
Rebecca has lived in Hampton her whole life aside from her time at the University of Mary Washington. She graduated with honors from Bethel High School. She’s been working professionally in childcare for four years. This is Rebecca's second year at First Baptist Preschool. Rebecca is currently enrolled at ODU and finishing her degree in education.
Helen Treas
Teacher - 2 year old classroom
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 the past 14 years with the Navy they are recently settled in Newport News with no plans of leaving. As a family they enjoy soccer, 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 second year at First Baptist Preschool.
Janet Riccio
Teacher Assistant - 4 year old classroom
Janet Riccio grew up in Long Island New York. She moved to Northern Virginia as a young adult, where she raised her three children Tim, Emi and Sarah before relocating to the Hampton Roads area. In her spare time you can find her reading, camping, gardening and enjoying time with her family, which now includes two amazing grand children Asher and Bailey.
Ms. Riccio joins First Baptist preschool with nearly thirty years early childhood experience, having served in various settings and positions over the years. She holds a CDA as well as numerous other certifications in the early childcare field.
Jane Elmore
Teacher Assistant - 3 year old classroom
Jane Elmore was born in Gastonia, North Carolina and raised in Hampton. She still lives in Hampton. She has two grown children, a son and a daughter, and three precious grandsons. She loves spending time with her family, cooking, eating, playing and vacationing together.
Jane received a BA in Elementary Education from the College of William and Mary and a MS in Reading in Elementary Education from Walden University. She received a Virginia teaching license and endorsement in NK through 6th grade. She also earned recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher. Jane taught 2nd grade, Title 1 math and reading, and kindergarten in Hampton City Schools. She retired after teaching for 31 years. This is Jane's second year at First Baptist Preschool.
Stephanie Hylton
Teacher Assistant - 3 year old classroom
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 5 years. She loves to spend time with her 3 year old daughter Virginia and 2 dogs at the beach or the park.
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 in the schools and a Manager of the program. She has also worked at DSS doing Foster Care and Adult Protective Services. This is Stephanie's first year at First Baptist Preschool.
Emma Ellefson
Teacher Assistant - 2 year old classroom
Emma Ellefson was born in Okinawa, Japan. She currently lives in Hampton, VA. Emma has traveled extensively with her family. She loves learning about new cultures, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.
Emma graduated from Phoebus High School and is currently pursuing a career in the medical field. While enrolled in school Emma chose to work at First Baptist Preschool. She has always loved babies and children. She has been babysitting for many years and was excited to make the transition into a preschool setting. This is Emma's second year at First Baptist Preschool. She also works in the First Baptist Church nursery!
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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Smart Beginnings - Virginia Quality
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Virginia Infant & Toddler Specialist Network