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
Ms. Alysha
Teacher of Early Toddlers
Alysha has been working with toddlers since 2023. She joined the MBP staff in 2024. She has her Early Childhood Certificate from Wilson Community College and is currently working on her Bachelor Degree in elementary education at ECU.
She enjoys spending quality time with her two children.
Ms. Amy
Teacher of Toddlers
Amy has been working at MBP since 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
Ms. Anna
Teacher Assistant of Toddlers
Anna has been a parent, teacher, & substitute here at MBP since 2018.
She comes to MBP with several years of experience working with children as a nanny.
Fun fact: She is a twin
Preschool
Ms. Kayla
Teacher of Early Preschool
Kayla joined the MBP staff in 2026 with 12 years of early childhood experience. She received her Associates degree from NCCU.
Kayla loves to spend time with her family at the beach, riding ATVs, and crafting.
Her favorite quote is: “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.” -Melinda Gate
Ms. Allison
Teacher 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
Kelly joined the MBP staff in September of 2014. She is a graduate of NC State with a BS in Business Mgmt. and marketing concentration. Prior to becoming a teacher at MBP, she had over 10 years of being a volunteer with MBC children’s programs.
She enjoys spending time with her three children; Wyatt, Lucy, & Alice.
Her favorite quote: “Make each day your Masterpiece.”
Ms. Zoe
Teacher Assistant of Preschool
Zoe graduated from Wakefield High School and is currently attending Wake Tech. She comes to us with 2 years of early childhood experience.
Zoe loves being outside or reading books.
Favorite quote: “If it’s meant to be, then it will be.”
Ms. Terrie
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.”
Ms. Donna
Teacher Assistant of Pre-K
Donna started at MBP in January 2026 as a substitute. Before coming here, she spent 12 years caring for her grandchildren and engaging them in learning activities. She has her CID professional certification.
Donna loves spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with her family including her sweet dog, Sophie Grace. She also enjoys gardening and being outdoors.
Favorite quote: “It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.”