Meet Our Staff

I am the Regional Director of Education for LeafSpring Schools in Charlotte. I have been a part of the Administrative Team since opening in August of 2008. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University and recently received my Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis on Leadership in Early Care and Education. Over my career as an educator, I have taught children from infancy through eighth grade. I discovered several years ago that my passion lies with early education and having a part in helping children develop a strong foundation for learning and confidence to build on that foundation in their formative years. Prior to coming to LeafSpring School, I worked as a Program Quality Specialist where I provided technical assistance and training for over 20 Preschools throughout Mecklenburg County and assisted teachers and directors in improving quality and programming in their schools. I am fortunate to be able to use those skills in my current position to support teachers through training, mentoring, and professional development.

I recently received two honorable appointments that allow me to expand my efforts and love for advocacy throughout the state on behalf of children, families, and teachers. I was appointed to the North Carolina Child Care Commission and serve on the board of the North Carolina Early Education Coalition.

I am happily married to my wonderful husband of 25 years, Craig. We are blessed to have three amazing children, Caylee, Kendall, and Preston. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, attending sporting events, and dining out!  In my spare time, I chair an organization that mentors to local high school girls and organize community service projects and leadership training for them. I am also very involved in various leadership roles in our area public schools, as well as my church. I am blessed to be in a profession that I am passionate about, and I feel even more blessed to work for a school that represents everything that I believe in.

I have been a member of the LeafSpring School family since August of 2011. I served as the TK Lead Teacher for year years, I served as the Assistant Preschool Director for two years, and I also served as the Preschool Director for 5 years and now in the role of Regional Director of Operations for both the Ballantyne and Matthews campuses. I graduated from Francis Marion University in Florence, SC with a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education. I completed my Administration Credentials through Stanly Community College. Before coming to LeafSpring School, I taught in a private school as a Preschool teacher for 3-4-year-olds and I also taught in the public school as a first grade teacher.

My husband Gene and I enjoy spending time with our three children, Marleigh, Gabrielle, and Kyree as well as family and friends. In our free time we love watching football, bowling, and playing pool.

My mission is to provide staff with the support needed to ensure that the children have meaningful experiences every day. My goal is to build relationships with children, parents, and teachers and to focus on the partnership with one another to make our school successful. I believe that educators are lifelong learners and I will continue to educate myself to be more effective as a leader here at LeafSpring School.

I was born in Sarasota, Florida but have been in North Carolina going on 12 years now. My time away from childcare was spent pursuing my cosmetology career. Shortly after my love for children grew stronger and I knew my heart was with children and I’ve been in childcare ever since. I have 4 years’ experience working with children as a lead teacher in a 5-Star, AdvancEd accredited school. My current position before coming to LeafSpring was my entry into management. I strive to bring my love for children and expertise to LeafSpring every day!

I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at UNCG. During my free time, I enjoy studying, being creative, shopping, and spending quality time with my wonderful family. My sister Lacey (4) currently attends preschool at LeafSpring and I’m so thankful to be a part of her amazing experience.

What INSPIRES me is my love for children and the sense of community. I enjoy the ability to grow meaningful relationships with children and their families while having the opportunity to see every child grow in their own individual ways. I adore the desire to provide families with a sound and safe learning environment. I must also say that I’m inspired by the positive influences of my Admin team here at LeafSpring!

Hello, My name is Tyvonia “Ms.T” Shelley and I am proud to call LeafSpring School at Ballantyne my new home.  I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina and recently relocated to the Charlotte area.  I moved to Charlotte for a change of scenery and have enjoyed my time here.  I am a dog mom to a Yorkshire Terrier named Maddax that I have spoiled rotten. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, shopping and spending time with family and friends.

With over 10 years of experience in the childcare field, I have worked as an assistant teacher, lead teacher, associate director, co-director and center director.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Columbia College in Columbia, SC. I believe that every child is teachable, loveable and capable of any and everything.

I have a BA in Business Administration from Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, PA. After many years in the retail buying and store management field, and because I had so much experience working with children at our church for over 20 years, I decided to make a career change to Early Childhood Education.  Due to my love for children and the yearning to formally teach Preschool, I returned to school and received my Early Childhood Credential.

My love for teaching at LeafSpring peaked my desire to move into Administration. I returned to school again to complete Admin training. Joining the LeafSpring Administration team has been extremely rewarding as it allows me to work closely with such wonderful families.

I have been married for over 30 years and have 2 adult sons. My favorite things to do are sing, travel, and enjoy fun times with my family and friends.

“Children are the flowers that forever grow in our heart. With kindness, patience, encouragement, loving support, and an educationally safe environment I strive to help children develop their self-confidence, decision making and social skills development.”

I joined LeafSpring School at Ballantyne in 2016. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Child Development with a concentration in Family and Consumer Science, with a Minor in Psychology. I completed my Early Childhood Administration Credential Level 3 at South Piedmont Community College in 2014. I have worked with children my entire professional career.

I enjoy spending as much time outside as possible with my daughter Grace and dog Piper. My mission is to ensure that our staff has the support needed to provide each and every child the ability to grow and develop into the best person they can become. My goal is to build long lasting relationships with parents and our children. To give our staff the focus and goals to make our LeafSpring School the most nurturing, safe place for our families.