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ELNS Staff

Melinda Martin

Program Director

Melinda Martin is the Program Director at Epiphany Lutheran Nursery School and serves as an ex-officio member of the ELNS Board. Mrs. Martin earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Thiel College and her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After working in administration for more than a decade and then relocating to the Richmond area with her family, Mrs. Martin began working at ELNS as a substitute teacher in January 2011. She was then a lead teacher in the Orange Class for 8+ years before becoming the Program Director in 2019. Mrs. Martin and her husband, Phillip, have three children, all of whom have attended ELNS. As a Pittsburgh native, Mrs. Martin follows Steelers football and Penguins hockey and in her spare time she enjoys baking, travel, reading, and spending time with family.

Kelly Scruggs

Assistant Program Director /                                      Yellow Class Lead Teacher (Fridays)

Ms. Scruggs joined ELNS in 2018 and has been an assistant teacher, lead teacher, and the lead for our afternoon programs. In 2025, Ms. Scruggs became our Assistant Program Director and manages all optional & enrichment programming as well as our summer camp program. Ms. Scruggs graduated from VCU with a bachelor’s degree in early and elementary education. She is also a performer and teacher of improv comedy at CSz Richmond Theater. Kelly has been performing improv since she was 12 years old. Her background in improv and teaching make for a wonderful and fun combination. She’s always loved kids and knew teaching was where she would end up eventually. In her spare time, Ms. Scruggs has taught herself to sew and she has a great love of three toed sloths.

Debbie Sexton

Finance Manager

Debbie Sexton is the Finance Manager for Epiphany Lutheran Nursery School. Debbie joined the Epiphany Lutheran Church staff as the Finance Manager in 2016 after a 32 year career with Bank of America in various finance roles primarily focusing on profitability analysis, budgeting and business line performance.  She began working with the nursery school in 2019.  Debbie is a native Richmonder and a graduate of the University of Virginia. Debbie and her husband Derick have 2 sons and a daughter-in-law living in Richmond. They are also blessed with two grandchildren.

Danielle Armstrong

Green Class Lead Teacher


Mrs. Armstrong Joined ELNS as the Lead Teacher for our Green Class in 2025.  She has over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.  She's a highly motivated, results oriented individual with a passion for working with kids.  Danielle and her husband have two wonderful kids ages 6 and 10.  Mrs. Armstrong and her husband are pescatarians.  In her free time she enjoys reading, word puzzles, adult coloring books, going on nature walks, and game night with her family.  Danielle also has a love for leopard print and you will see it all throughout her classroom!  

Emily Fisher

Green Class Assistant Teacher


Emily Fisher joined ELNS in 2026  as an assistant teacher. She graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelors of Arts in history and English. She began working with kids in her church as a high schooler, and then moved to working in daycares throughout her time in college. Outside of ELNS, Emily is working on her Masters in Library Science and enjoys hiking in her spare time.

Kristen Stitzer

Teal Class Lead Teacher


Kristen Stitzer joined ELNS in 2026 and is thrilled to be a part of your child’s learning journey! She has over 12 years of experience working with young children in a variety of early childhood settings, including Montessori classrooms, traditional preschools, behavior therapy, and childcare centers. Outside of the classroom, she's a proud mom to an energetic little boy, which has given her an even deeper appreciation for the importance of patience, kindness, and partnership with families. She looks forward to working with students and families to make this a wonderful year of growth, discovery, and memorable experiences! 

Donna Perry

Teal Class Assistant Teacher


Mrs. Perry first joined ELNS as a substitute in 2019 and continued to sub until she took a position as an Assistant Teacher in 2022.  She graduated from William & Mary with a degree in French and received her teaching license from VCU.  She taught French in the Richmond area for 13 years.  Mrs. Perry and her husband, a professor at the University of Richmond, have one son who currently resides and works in Memphis.  Mrs. Perry loves to read, play Scrabble & Yahtzee, travel and bake.  

Tay Studevant

Orange Class Lead Teacher 


Ms. Tay has been in early childhood education for over 6 years, first as a nanny, and then transitioning into the classroom. She has been an assistant teacher, co-teacher, and lead teacher, and has taught a range of age groups. She graduated from Center for the Arts at Henrico High School, where she specialized in musical theatre. Outside of teaching, Ms. Tay is a musician and plays in multiple bands as well as in  church. She brings her love of music and other forms of artistic expression to the classroom and incorporates it into her lessons. Ms. Tay is so excited to be joining the ELNS team and to meet everyone! 

Anna Durham

Orange Class Assistant Teacher


Ms. Anna joined  ELNS in 2025 as the Assistant in the Green Class and will now be moving on to the Orange Class this year.  She also works in our afternoon programs leading Artastic Tuesdays and Wiggle Wednesdays!  Ms. Anna is from Richmond and graduated from  JMU with a degree in Sociology.  Ms. Anna is an artist and enjoys using her creativity.  She loves working with children, especially the youngest ones here at ELNS! 

Carolyn Hyatt

Purple Class Lead Teacher


Miss Carrie joined ELNS in 2024 as a substitute teacher and then came on board full time as the Orange Class Assistant Teacher in 2025.  She now serves as the Lead Teacher in the Purple Class.  Miss Carrie came to us from Massachusetts where she was a teacher in the public schools for more than 20 years.  Miss Carrie is a master gardener and loves to spend time helping both plants and children grow up healthy!  

Mackenzie Scanlon

Purple Class Assistant Teacher


Ms. Scanlon joined ELNS in 2026  as an assistant teacher in the Orange Class. When she's not at ELNS, Ms. Scanlon is a children's counselor at the Attachment and Trauma Institute, where she works with foster youth to establish comfortability in their home. Ms. Scanlon has an immovable love for building up confidence with the kids she works with through play, creativity, and fun. In her free time, you can find Ms. Scanlon going for a run, spending time outside, or taking her dog Marley for walks around town. Ms. Scanlon is currently pursuing her graduate degree in clinical psychology, where she plans to work with at-risk youth following graduation. 

Emily Karnes

Blue Class Lead Teacher

Ms. Karnes (Ms. Emily to her students) joined ELNS during the summer camp program in 2026 and she is excited to be joining ELNS this fall as the Lead Teacher in the Blue Class! Childcare has always been her passion, and she loves creating a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. She has been devoted to working in early childhood education for over eight years, including five years as a lead teacher. Ms. Emily is a proud mom to a wonderful and energetic 3½-year-old ELNS student! In her free time, she loves spending time with her son visiting local playgrounds, the beach, and making memories. She also enjoys  unwinding with a good book or working on diamond art. Ms. Emily is excited to get to know her new students and families and can't wait to see what the year has in store for them all together in the Blue Class.

Katie Lipschultz

Blue Class Assistant Teacher


Mrs. Lipschultz (Ms. Katie to the students) joined ELNS in 2021 as a  substitute teacher. Since then she has served as an assistant teacher as well as a lead teacher and this year will be the Assistant Teacher in the Blue Class.  She has an undergraduate degree in Marketing and a graduate degree in HR. Katie has two children who are ELNS alumni, a son in elementary school and a daughter in middle school. Between being an ELNS parent and teacher, Katie has been involved with ELNS for many years.   When she's not working, Katie enjoys going to museums, reading and hanging out with her kids.  

Angel Warren

Aqua Class Lead Teacher


Ms. Warren earned her B.S in Psychology from Mary Washington University and Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from VCU. She spent years teaching children ages 2 through 5 before staying home to raise her own 2 children. Angel’s youngest child attended ELNS and she is excited to be teaching here now. She loves snacks and coffee and enjoys reading and messy art projects with her daughters. 

Hannah Fritzemeier

Aqua Class Assistant Teacher


Mrs. Fritz has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Development from Reynolds Community College and has been working with young children since 2009. Mrs. Fritz joined ELNS in 2014 and has loved being involved as a teacher and parent since then. This year, Mrs. Fritz will be an assistant in the Aqua class.  She has two sons, one who is an ELNS graduate another who is a current ELNS student.  Mrs. Fritz enjoys thrifting, crafting, and drinking tea.

Katie Morgan

Red Class Lead Teacher


Mrs. Morgan joined ELNS in 2022. She holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from VCU. She has been teaching in the Richmond area for 15 years. Mrs. Morgan and her husband have 4 sons ranging in age from 3yrs to 9 yrs, and are expecting their 5th child this fall. When she and her husband aren't taking their kids to soccer, t-ball or swimming, they love to day trip around Virginia, especially toward the beach or visiting family in Charlottesville. 

April Mills

Red Class Assistant Teacher


Ms. April is excited to be joining ELNS for the 2026-2027 school year.  She has worked with children for many years and has experience as an outdoor skills instructor.  She loves helping students find fun ways to explore nature and learn about the world around them. Ms. April strives to create a safe, welcoming classroom where everyone feels encouraged to learn, grow, and be themselves.  In her spare time she enjoys crafts, reading, and spending time outdoors.  

Stephanie Fox

Yellow Class Lead Teacher (M-Th)


Mrs. Fox joined the ELNS family in 2015; initially as a Green Class parent, but quickly became a substitute, and then an Assistant Teacher and is now a Lead Teacher in the Yellow Class. Mrs Fox grew up in Delaware, and graduated from East Carolina University before moving to the Richmond area. She has spent her time since as both a portrait photographer and a teacher with Wee Little Arts. Mrs. Fox and her husband are parents of three ELNS graduates. Often found with an iced coffee in hand, she enjoys volunteering at her children's  elementary school and going on family camping adventures to the mountains and beach as often as their busy schedule allows. 

Kevin Fuller

Yellow Class Assistant Teacher


Kevin joined ELNS in 2026 as an Assistant Teacher. He recently graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in human development. He discovered his passion for working with children in college, where he received many opportunities to help and guide them. He dreams of one day working as an occupational therapist in pediatrics. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys reading adult fantasy books and playing video games. He loves animals and hopes to get a puppy in the near future.

Carrington Purvis

Floating Substitute Teacher


Carrington (Charlie for short) started teaching art to littles before joining ELNS in 2025 as an assistant teacher and then moved to the floating sub position in 2026.  Charlie is playful and creative, always finding ways to incorporate all forms of art into their teaching style.  Charlie is full of energy and never stops singing and dancing, and in their free time enjoys ballet, yoga, building things, bat watching, and studying art history.

Denise Wright

Floating Substitute Teacher


Ms. Wright originally joined the staff in 2019 as a substitute teacher before moving into an assistant teacher role where she has served in multiple classrooms.  She has almost 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Wright has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Besides enjoying spending time with her family, she likes reading and scrapbooking

Patty Engle

Floating Assistant Teacher (M, Th, F)


Miss Engle graduated in 1971 from Indiana State University with a BA in Elementary Education. In 2014 she moved to Virginia and started working at ELNS as a substitute but became an assistant teacher the next year. She now works as the floater which allows her to spend time with all the children. She loves to read, hike, bake, and spend time with her 6 grandkids.

Jennifer David

Floating Assistant Teacher (T, W)


Ms. Jen was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Spanish education. She’s lived in Richmond for 35 years and received her ESL endorsement from VCU. Working first as a Spanish teacher then as an ESL teacher in Henrico County for 21 years, she retired in 2023. She has recently become a master gardener, loves gardening, reading, and working out at the Y. Ms. Jen has two grown children and two granddaughters, one of whom attends ELNS!

Tom Stevens

Music Teacher


Mr. Stevens earned his music performance degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He is a member of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, is a faculty member at the University of Richmond, teaches at other area private schools and offers private music lessons.  Mr. Stevens is married and has 2 children  that both attended ELNS. This is his 11th year as our music teacher and our students love his high energy music & movement classes.  It's also a special treat that our students get to see the variety of instruments that Mr. Stevens plays including piano, viola, and accordion.