Valdosta School Staff

Brittany Marcus

Center Director

Originally from Albany, Georgia, Brittany graduated from Mitchell-Baker High School with honors in 2007 and earned her Associates in Medical Administration from Valdosta State University. She also received her TCC in Early Childhood Education from Southwest Georgia Technical College. As a child, Brittany always had a passion for caring for others, and she now channels that passion into her role as a childcare director, where she finds joy in making a positive impact on children’s lives. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and hunting. Her favorite children’s book is The Napping House, and she enjoys listening to R&B music while driving at night.

Makeria Lewis

Lead Teacher

Originally from Lake City, Florida, Makeria has over 12 years of experience in childcare. She graduated from Westover High School in 2015 and recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Valdosta State University in 2023. Her passion for helping others has always been a driving force, and she is deeply committed to supporting children in their growth and development. Makeria believes in being a positive influence in her community, providing love and care to those who cannot help themselves. In her free time, she enjoys painting and binge-watching TV shows. Her favorite children’s book is Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis, and she has two beloved chihuahua fur babies, both 6 years old.

Kimberly Gibson

Assistant Teacher

Originally from Santa Maria, California, Kimberly has worked in childcare for 12 years and is currently preparing to take her CDA exam. Kimberly describes herself as a child at heart, finding joy in working with children and helping them grow. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, painting, and crafting. Her favorite children’s book is Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, and she has a house full of pets, including two dogs, five cats, and a bunny. Having lived in Germany between the ages of 3 and 7, Kimberly has had the unique experience of traveling through several countries in Europe.

Akayja Johnson

Assistance Teacher

A graduate of Lowndes County High School, Akayja has two years of experience in childcare. She is passionate about providing children with a space where they feel free, loved, and respected. In her free time, Akayja enjoys cooking, decorating, and shopping. Her favorite children’s book is Junie B. Jones, and her favorite place to visit is the mall. Fun fact: Akayja is known for being outspoken and expressive.

Jasmine Dawkins

Assistant Teacher

Born and raised in Valdosta, Jasmine has been working in childcare for five years and has an additional eight years of babysitting experience. She takes pride in being a source of safety and comfort for children while helping them reach developmental milestones. In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys coloring, diamond painting, and trail riding. Her favorite children’s book is The Three Little Pigs, and she loves boiled peanuts as a snack. Jasmine has a 1-year-old daughter and two fur babies, and she loves being a teacher.

DeCamron Brown

Lead Teacher

A Valdosta native, DeCamron graduated from Valdosta High School in 2017 and has five years of experience in early childhood education. DeCamron became a childcare teacher because he knows he can make a positive impact on children’s development. His playful nature allows him to connect with kids and inspire creativity in them. In his free time, DeCamron enjoys bowling and reading, and his favorite children’s book is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Fun fact: DeCamron loves to sing and is a proud father of two beautiful daughters.

Diamond Steele

Assistant Teacher

Born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia, Diamond graduated from Valdosta High School and has six years of childcare experience. Her passion for teaching started early, from babysitting to volunteering at 4-H camps. Since starting her career in childcare in 2018, she has been dedicated to bonding with and teaching young children. In her free time, Diamond enjoys cooking, sharing her recipes on her digital platform, and creating arts and crafts. Her favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and she loves taking cruises. A fun fact about Diamond is that her first job was at the Board of Elections when she was just 15 years old.

Elizabeth Elliott

Assistant Director

Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, she graduated from Groves High School and later pursued her diploma in Office and Billing Specialist from Ultimate Medical Academy. Elizabeth is currently transferring her Early Childhood Education credits from Wiregrass Technical College to Georgia Military College. Her love for working with children stems from her teenage years, during which she looked after children at her church, inspired by the care her grandmother provided. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys reading and solving Sudoku puzzles. Her favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and she loves traveling outside of Georgia. A fun fact about her is that she enjoys staring at the stars and listening to R&B music.

Sharon McCogglr

Head Chef

Originally from Adel, Georgia, Sharon graduated from Cook County High School in 1993. She is passionate about ensuring that children receive nutritious meals, especially when they may not have access to healthy food at home. Outside of work, Sharon enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat, and she loves baking brownies. A fun fact about Sharon is that she enjoys watching murder mysteries and trying to solve them before the big reveal.

Miranda McCoggle

Lead Teacher

A Valdosta native, Miranda graduated from Valdosta High School in 2022 and is currently pursuing her degree in Accounting from Wiregrass Technical College. She has been working in childcare since 2020 and loves watching children grow and develop over time. Miranda enjoys shopping, drawing, writing, painting, and doing hair in her spare time. Her favorite children’s book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and she loves visiting Disney World. Fun fact: Miranda graduated from high school with honors.

Aiyanna Braswell

Lead Teacher

Born in California and raised in Valdosta, Georgia, Aiyanna was homeschooled for eight years and graduated in 2018. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University in 2023. Aiyanna’s love for teaching began when she would set up stuffed animals and pretend to be a teacher as a child. Now, she teaches to inspire young minds. In her free time, Aiyanna enjoys singing, playing tennis, basketball, and watching movies. Her favorite children’s books include Dr. Seuss, Judy Moody, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Fun fact: Aiyanna is starting her own makeup business in October.

Denise Manning

Assistant Teacher

A Valdosta native, Corine graduated from Cook County High School in 2014 and has been working in childcare for three years. She always knew that being a childcare teacher was her calling, and she loves spending time with children and her family. In her spare time, Corine enjoys watching TV and driving dirt roads. Her favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, and she loves snacking on Twix and Snickers.

Natalya Newsome

Assistant Teacher

Born in Tifton, Georgia, Natalya graduated from Berrien County High School in 2010. She has three daughters and has been working in childcare for one year. Natalya loves making a difference in children’s lives and being part of their growth. In her free time, she enjoys baking, planting, and DIY projects. Her favorite children’s book is Junie B. Jones, and she enjoys fishing in her spare time.

Jaaliyah Nelson

Lead Teacher

A Valdosta native, Jaaliyah graduated from Valdosta High School in 2018 and is currently attending Wiregrass Technical College. She has two years of experience in childcare and has always had a passion for teaching and nurturing children. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, eating, and spending time with her family. Her favorite children’s book is Dr. Seuss. Fun fact: Jaaliyah can sing.

Jada Hope

Assistant Teacher

Jada graduated from Valdosta High School in 2021 and has 3-4 years of experience in childcare. Watching her grandmother work as a teacher inspired Jada to pursue a career in childcare. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and playing board games. Her favorite children’s book is The Three Little Pigs, and she loves hot chips and ice cream. Fun fact: Jada also enjoys doing tattoos.

Aujurnanna Moore

Lead Teacher

Born and raised in Valdosta, Georgia, Aujurnanna graduated from Lowndes County High School in 2022 and has four years of experience in childcare. She loves making learning enjoyable for young children and ensuring that they feel happy and cared for. In her free time, Aujurnanna enjoys exercising, cooking, and learning new things. Her favorite children’s book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and she loves visiting Atlanta. Fun fact: Aujurnanna is a dedicated mother.

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