Our Staff
Dedicated and Qualified Team
Misha Talley
Director
My parents founded EA’s Little Blessings in 2015. In 2019, I left my seventeen-year career as a mortgage loan officer and joined the school to manage its business side. We also decided to change the name to Berkley Christian Academy in 2019. I became the director in December 2023 after working as an assistant teacher and lead teacher in the two-year-old classroom. If that isn’t baptism by fire, I don’t know what is! But I realized that I absolutely loved it. I also realize that education at each phase of development is critical. That is why I am committed to our BCA students and family.
Carol Crowder
Office Administrator
I have over 20 years of experience in early education, starting as an Assistant Teacher in 2000 and quickly becoming a Lead Teacher. My diverse roles in various childcare environments led to positions as Assistant Director at three centers from 2004 to 2011. I later joined Berkley Christian Academy, where I've served as Program Leader, On-Site Administrator, and Office Administrator. Helping families and seeing their smiles each day is what makes my work fulfilling.
Laura Campbell
Teacher
I graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School and completed adult and child psychiatry residencies. I worked as a psychiatrist for a while but eventually resigned to raise my two daughters. But, my love of children continued. So, I returned to child care in 2015. I worked for the YMCA child enrichment program. Then, I became a part of the BCA family in February 2022. It is rewarding to be a part of the children’s growth. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family in my spare time.
Constance Matthias
Teacher
I found my passion in teaching four years ago when I had my daughter. Seeing her reach her milestones was fascinating! I have worked in child care intermittently for the last five years. I enjoy it so much that I want to become an elementary school teacher. I love watching the kids, who are our future, learn and grow!
I have two incredible daughters. My favorite color is purple. In my spare time, I enjoy journaling and reading.
Shaquan Gilmore
Teacher
I have worked with children for years, starting with babysitting my siblings and becoming the neighborhood babysitter at sixteen. My career in early childhood education began in 1999 at a Christian daycare, and I have since worked in various childcare centers for 24 years, including owning an in-home daycare for four. I enhanced my knowledge with a Child Development Certification from Tidewater Community College and am currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Teaching brings me joy, especially when I reach children that other people feel can't be reached, and witnessing their growth and excitement is truly rewarding.
Regina Fuller
Teacher
I've had the privilege of teaching at Berkley Christian Academy for seven years, starting after earning my associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Tidewater Community College. I completed 120 hours of preschool observation and worked with school-age children at Urban Discovery Ministries, where I developed a curriculum and organized activities. My passion for teaching stems from my love for children and supporting their growth as independent thinkers. I’m single, have raised three grown children, and two grandchildren, and enjoy watching cooking shows and faith-based movies.
Sandra Canlas
Food Manager
Making nutritious meals for people is my happy place. I especially enjoy interacting with the children and discovering their favorite foods. After thirty-two years of service, I retired from St. Mary’s Home and sought a way to supplement my income. In 2016, I became a part of the BCA Family. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting and assisting my neighbors. I am also an active member of Bethany Baptist Church.
Mary Elliott
Driver + Teacher Aide
I have always enjoyed helping people. That is why I attended Norfolk Health Care, where I graduated as valedictorian in 1990. I was a nurse's aide for Norfolk Health Care, In-Home Health, Lafayette Villas, Ghent Arms, and Norfolk General Hospital. My desire to help people is still strong. I decided to work with children to help them grow to their fullest potential. I share my passion for creative expression and fashion with them.