Preschool Staff
Deborah Tharrington
Preschool Director
Deborah has been a member of Millbrook Baptist Church since 1997. She and her husband, Rod, were married at MBC. Together they have three adult daughters; Emma, Grace and Molly. All of whom were raised here at MBC and attended the preschool too. Deborah grew up as a Baptist preacher’s daughter in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Over the years, she has taught church preschool programs, worked in children’s summer camps, and led children’s programming here and at various churches.
Deborah received her Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University “Sic’em Bears!” Later, she earned her Early Childhood Education Certificate of Infant/Toddler Care from Wake Tech. Deborah started working at Millbrook Baptist Preschool in 2005 by developing and implementing the Toddler Class for one- and two-year-olds. She was the teacher of that class for 19 years until she became director of the preschool in August 2024.
When she isn’t managing the schedules for a family of five or taking care of her dogs and cat; Deborah loves to bake cakes and cookies, enjoys canning (mostly pickles, jam, and apple butter), loves to read actual books from the public library, and travel with her family.
Toddlers
Alysha Coleman
Teacher of Early Toddlers
Alysha has been working with children for several years with various age groups. She joined the MBP staff in 2024. She has her Early Childhood Certificate and is currently working on her Bachelor Degree at ECU. She enjoys spending time with her son and family.
Amy Bodle
Teacher of Toddlers
Amy had two years of subbing experience working with young children prior to joining MBP in 2013. Amy graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Political Science and Communications.
Amy loves cheering on the Tarheels and going to amusement parks with her son and husband. Her other passion is Ridgeback Rescue and fostering dogs in need.
Her favorite quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi
Joan Thomas
Teacher Assistant of Toddlers
Joan joined the MBP staff in 2024. She comes to MBP with a couple of years experience working with children as a nanny.
She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, & going on nature walks.
Favorite quote: “The soul is stronger than its surroundings.”
Preschool
Angel Richardson
Teacher of Early Preschool
Angel joined the MBP staff in 2023 as a teacher assistant. She is currently working on her bachelor’s in education at NC Central University. Angel enjoys reading and online shopping.
Her favorite quote is: “Your greatest fear is that you are powerful beyond measures.”
Allison Murphy
Teaching Assistant of Early Preschool
Allison was an MBP parent for years before joining the MBP staff in 2024. She earned her BA in Spanish from UNC-Wilmington.
She enjoys spending time boating, fishing, & frisbee golf with family.
Favorite quote: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Teacher of Preschool
Sabrina earned her Para Pro certification in Arizona from Higley Unified School District. She joined MBP in 2015. She has 9 years of prior Early Childhood Education with two of those years in the Wake County School system working in a special needs classroom. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, and cooking.
Sabrina’s favorite quote is: “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” –- Mother Teresa
Kelly Pearce
Teacher Assistant of Preschool
Kelly joined the MBP staff in September of 2014 as a substitute. She is a graduate of NC State with a BS in Business Mgmt. with a marketing concentration. Prior to teacher at MBP, she has over 10 years of experience volunteering in MBC children’s programs.
She enjoys spending time with her three children; Wyatt, Luce, & Alice.
Her favorite quote: “Make each day your Masterpiece.”
Terrie Guins
Teacher of Pre-K
Terrie began her work at MBP working often as a volunteer in her child’s classroom. She joined the staff of MBP in 1992 and had worked in the field of early childhood previously for five years. Terrie has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood from Wake Community College and has her CDA since 1998.
Terrie loves spending time with family and friends and enjoys reading and watching movies.
Her favorite quote: “Failure is not an option.”
Jasilyn Brown
Teacher Assistant of Pre-K
Jaislyn started in MBP in 2023 as a substitute teacher. She is currently working on her degree from NC Central University.
She enjoys learning new things and having fun with friends & family.
She is a Tarheel fan.
Favorite quote: “Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.”