OCP Staff

 Jenay Fricke comes to OCP in 2023 after working as a substitute teacher for OCP the previous year. A native of NoVA, Jenay attended James Madison University for her bachelors and Johns Hopkins for her masters degrees in Biotechnology. While staying home with her three school aged children, Jenay has enjoyed volunteering for Chantilly Youth Athletics, her kids schools, and church nursery. While living in Bristol, England for 4 years, Jenay was able to assist with forest school learning at her daughter's preschool by helping children learn to use tools, respect and observe nature, and make smores. She loves playing outdoors no matter the weather and does not shy away from messy crafts! She currently lives in Fairfax and enjoys spending time outside, traveling, and home DIY projects with her husband, dog and three kids. 

  Tracy Lu is excited to join OCP as a teacher in 2023. She has 10+ years of experience teaching a variety of ages and subjects including preschool, 3rd-5th grade science, music and drama, middle school ESL, and her favorite: starting a homeschool co-op with her then-toddler son and other families. For as long as she can remember, Tracy has loved helping children nurture their curiosity, confidence, and creativity. A third-generation New Yorker, she earned a BS in Mass Media and Communications from NYU, and also studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Tracy moved to NoVA with her husband and son in 2020. She enjoys nature walks, traveling, reading, and listening to music.

Katherine Thomas began teaching at OCP in 2021. She and her husband have three daughters, ranging from middle school to adult, but all still fit on her lap for a snuggle! She started her teaching career 25 years ago after graduating from Brigham Young University with a BS in Elementary Education and a minor in math education. She taught for Fairfax County Public Schools before having children. She loved staying home with her babies, but after sending her first off to school, she knew she had to return to teaching to help other children (and parents!) through that big transition. She has taught in preschool settings for 7 years and looks forward to sharing her love of music and reading with children at OCP! Her other favorites include power walking, reading historical fiction, and singing along to loud music in the car with her teenagers.  

Kelly Hunt began teaching at OCP in 2017. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Washington, and a Master’s degree from American University. Kelly is passionate about helping children learn and grow. She lives in Oakton with her husband and her three children. All three of her children attended OCP when they were little! Kelly loves making crafts, reading, playing soccer, dancing in Zumba classes, traveling and spending time with friends.

Margery Kreider began teaching at OCP in 2018. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with degrees in Special Education and Human & Organizational Development and moved to Northern Virginia to teach in the Fairfax County Public School System. She later moved on to teach in the Arlington Public School system and finally on to motherhood where she was engaged in daily practice of working with preschool age students. She is always up for reading a book to anyone who will listen and believes a good read aloud can make any young person happy!  She also enjoys playing games, listening to music, traveling, and exercising. 

Carrie Townsend began teaching at OCP in 2018. She has close to 10 years of experience working with young children and holds two Masters Degrees. She reentered the workforce as a preschool teacher once her youngest daughter went off to Kindergarten. Carrie’s daughters attended a co-operative preschool where she learned a tremendous amount about early childhood development and the benefits of learning through play. “I found working with children brought joy into my life. I love seeing their minds work and the amount of growth in a year is astounding. Their smiles, excitement and genuine feelings are what brings me back year after year.” Carrie and her husband are avid supporters of their children’s extracurricular activities, which include swimming, hockey, and karate.

Kathija Ali began teaching at OCP in 2019. She is from Chennai, India. She studied Biology at California State University and has been an active volunteer in Fairfax County Public Schools for many years, supporting classroom activities and volunteering in the library. She is an avid gardener, proficient cook, and intrepid traveler, who has visited twelve countries, and counting. She currently resides in Vienna with her husband and two children.  

Betsy Rice joined OCP as a teacher in 2022, after filling in as a substitute teacher the previous year. For as long as she can remember, she has loved coming alongside young children to play, be creative, and wonder at the world together. She completed a B.A. in Psychology from Dartmouth College as well as a Master of Theological Studies degree, and previously served as an associate pastor in DC. She and her husband have three children in elementary and middle school. After a few years living in Massachusetts where she helped as a kindergarten assistant and library volunteer at her children's elementary school, Betsy and her family moved back to the Northern Virginia area in 2020. She finds lots of joy in family time, books (for kids or grown ups!), spontaneous kitchen dance parties, mountain views, and good conversations on a walk or over a cup of tea. 

Erin Bronson began teaching at OCP in 2019. She was born and raised in Michigan. Her parents were both educators and taught third grade next door to each other for over a decade. Erin attended Taylor University in Indiana where she graduated with a BS in Elementary Education and a kindergarten endorsement. After graduation, she moved to Dallas, TX where she taught fifth grade and second grade for many years before moving to Washington, DC where she taught kindergarten. She currently has four elementary aged children and is excited to return to teaching after staying home for the past 11 years. Some of her favorite things in addition to spending time with her family include coffee, reading, shopping, sunsets, the beach, and long conversations with friends.

Raquel Corona-Parra was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. She joined the OCP community in 2018 first as a parent, and then in 2021 as a member of the OCP staff. Both her son and daughter loved every minute spent at OCP! A master's degree graduate from George Mason University, Raquel's professional experience has always centered on programs and services for children. Her previous experience includes six years working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She also worked with AmeriCorps to coordinate health services for children with special needs. Raquel enjoys traveling, playing board games, and reading with her children.