Liddle Adventures Learning Academy Team

At Liddle Adventures Learning Academy, we hire passionate, dedicated and caring teachers who are committed to making a difference in children’s lives. Take a look below to learn more about our team, and reach out with any questions.

Candice Newman

Program Director

Meet Candice, the heart and soul behind three of our vibrant childcare centers. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, Candice has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds and fostering an environment where children can flourish. As our Program Director, Candice has made an innovative approach and unwavering commitment for excellence to set the standard for quality care. Her expertise in curriculum development ensures that each program is not only educational but also engaging and fun. Candice believes that every child deserves a strong foundation, and she works tirelessly to provide just that while inspiring our team to do the same.

Morgan Stoneman

Toddler Teacher

Morgan is an energetic and passionate Toddler teacher who turns every day into an adventure at our facility. With years of experience in early childhood development, she specializes in creating interactive and sensory-rich experiences that fuel the curiosity of our little explorers. Morgan believes in hands-on learning and the power of play, guiding our toddlers through their world with joy and patience. Her goal is to help each child build confidence, social skills, and a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

Jennifer Akers

PreK Teacher

Jennifer is your friendly neighborhood Pre-K Teacher who is dedicated to making the first steps into schooling magical and memorable. With a rich background in early childhood education, she is all about creating a vibrant and nurturing environment where our little learners can thrive. Jennifer’s classroom is a place of discovery, where every activity is an opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. She cherishes the chance to guide these young minds towards a lifelong love of learning and discovery.

Olivia Horton

Infant Teacher

Olivia is an Infant teacher with a gentle touch and a big heart for the littlest learners at our childcare center. With specialized training in infant care and a nurturing spirit, she creates a warm and safe space for our babies to explore and grow. My approach is all about creating strong bonds and providing individualized care that meets the unique needs of each child. Olivia cherishes every giggle, milestone, and cuddle ensuring that our infants receive the best start in their developmental journey.

Christian Quintero

School Age Lead/ Bilingual Teacher/ Assistant Director

Having Christian as our Assistant Director and guiding force behind our childcare centers has made him an astonishing asset to our team. With a passion for early childhood education and leadership in creating enriching learning environments, Christian is dedicated to overseeing a center where every child can thrive with structure. His role blends administrative oversight with hands-on teaching, ensuring that our programs meet the highest standards of care and education. Christian believes in building a community where staff, children, and families come together to support our youngest learners' growth and development.

Reanna Hill

Wobbler Teacher

Reanna is a Wobbler teacher with a heart full of joy and a classroom full of laughter at our center. Specializing in the unique stage between infancy and toddlerhood, she creates a world of wonder for our wobblers to safely explore and learn. Reanna’s days are spent fostering the little steps that lead to big milestones, all while ensuring our wobblers feel loved, understood, and excited about their daily discoveries. She is committed to nurturing their growing independence with patience and positivity, every wobbly step of the way.

Airika Phillips

Infant Teacher

Airika is a dedicated birth to 16 month old teacher at our center, where the smallest smiles make the biggest impact. With a gentle touch and a soothing voice, Airika creates a peaceful and secure environment for our tiniest learners to grow and thrive. She is trained in early childhood development and is deeply committed to supporting each infant’s individual needs through responsive care, structured lesson plans, and plenty of cuddles. Every day, Airika is honored to witness and guide their first moments of wonder, ensuring a loving transition from home to our childcare family.

Brooke Tipton

Director

Brooke is a director at our childcare center who brings a fresh perspective, boundless energy, and a genuine passion for early childhood education all underpinned by a commitment to transparency and consistency in decision-making. Her vision for our center includes clear and enthusiastic communication with parents, ensuring everyone is part of the educational journey. Brooke values the creativity and resourcefulness of our children and is dedicated to maintaining an environment where their imaginations can flourish with her innovative ideas that are sure to enrich our programs. With Brooke at the helm, we're expecting our community to thrive, fostering a nurturing and creative environment for all our little learners.

Hope Quintero

Assistant Director/Executive Chef

As the Assistant Director, Hope plays a crucial role in supporting the overall operations and success of the organization. She works closely with our directors to ensure smooth coordination and efficient execution of tasks are made. Hope's dedication and leadership skills make her an invaluable asset to the team.

In addition to her role as Assistant Director, she brings a diverse skill set to the table. With many hard-earned certifications in CPR, MAT, and Serve Safe, these demonstrate her commitment to the safety and well-being of those around her. Also, Hope has received various training to showcase her dedication to continuous learning and professional development. These qualifications make her a well-rounded and capable team member who is ready for any task.

Courtney Hodges

Preschool Teacher

Courtney is our preschool teacher who plays a pivotal role in fostering young minds. She is not just an educator, but also a guide who nurtures children's curiosity and creativity. With clear communication and an infectious excitement, she introduces curriculums that captivate the little ones, making every lesson an adventure. Courtney understands the importance of play, whether it is pretending to run a household or building with blocks, recognizing these activities are vital for learning and growth. Her approach is transparent and consistent, ensuring that both kids and parents feel secure and informed in the educational journey.

Tammy Utt

Owner

Tammy obtained her MBA with a minor in Leadership and Human Services from Bluefield University. While pursuing her studies, she has owned and operated two licensed Early Childhood centers. She recently formed and opened a licensed non-profit before, after, and summer camp program. Tammy also owns two real estate holding companies in the area. These accomplishments have been crucial in her efforts and personal and professional growth.

As a mother of four daughters and a therapeutic foster parent, she is motivated to help others, add value to their lives, and positively impact our society. She has always been passionate about teaching, guiding, and working with children. As the owner of Liddle Adventures Learning Academy, she takes great pride in knowing the center strives for excellence and quality in early childhood education and childcare—the excellent staff complement is dedicated and genuinely remarkable at what they do.

In addition to her education, dedication, and creating excellent opportunities for children to learn, grow, and have fun in a safe and nurturing environment, Tammy currently sits on the Out-Of-Family (OOF) Advisory Committee for the State of Virginia. Being a part of this professional network allows her to build knowledge and help improve the effectiveness of policies and standards governing child protective services Out-Of-Family (OOF) investigations.