Meet Our Team

Ms. Dani
Director

Ms. Danielle “Dani” Peeling has been an Alexandria resident for nearly 10 years. Though she has only been a part of the Virginia Hills Preschool community since 2023, she has worked in early childhood education since 2014 (both in the classroom and as an administrator). Married for more than 15 years, Ms. Dani, a 6th generation Florida native, has two children and a rambunctious pup named Luna Lovegood. Ms. Dani enjoys college football, the beach, traveling home to visit family, and watching her kids play sports. She has a passion for preschoolers and desires to help build the foundation for a love of school that will carry her students throughout their educational journeys.

Ms. Justine
Office Administrator

Ms. Justine is a graduate from the University of Mary Washington with a degree in Business Administration. She has spent her entire life as a member of Virginia Hills Church and Preschool thanks to her father, Pastor Purdy. She loves animals, art, music, and cooking.

Mr. Michael
Music and Movement Teacher and Office Administrator

Mr. Michael was born and raised in Alexandria.  A graduate of Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Studies and a Minor in Dance, he couples this experience with a variety of experiences working with children.  He has choreographed and directed several shows throughout the DMV area and has taught and organized summer camps at the Little Theater of Alexandria, as well as our very own Drama Camp here at Virginia Hills.  Mr. Michael loves to inspire children to a love for performing, music, and dance.

Ms. Chris
Office Administrator/Floater

For more than 40 years, Ms. Chris has been a part of the Virginia Hills Preschool community. She began her career in the co-op program, followed by assistant teaching, and ultimately became the Panda teacher, a position she held for 25+ years. Married for 50+ years with three children and four grandchildren, Ms. Chris, a Pennsylvania native, enjoys cross-stitching and water aerobics.

Ms. Sofia
Pre-K Teacher (Penguin Class)

Ms. Sofia has been a part of Virginia Hills Preschool since 2011 as a parent. She started working as a Puppy teacher in 2013 and then moved to an administrative position. Born and raised in South Africa, she has been working with children since she was a teenager. Sofia started working in orphanages in Africa and with kids with disabilities. She has traveled extensively and has worked with children all over the world. As a special needs Mom, her passion is helping identify all of the different ways children learn, and fostering what is unique about every child. She is a mom of two human babies and 7 animal babies. She loves reading, hiking, crafting and spending time with family and friends. Her goal is to create a joyful environment for kids to come to everyday where they feel loved and supported.

Ms. Komal
Pre-K Teacher (Dinosaur Class)

Although she began her career as a flight attendant, Ms. Komal’s desire to work with children led her to a teaching career. She has been working at Virginia Hills Preschool for 14 years and loves it. Ms. Komal earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1996 from Karachi, Pakistan. She is married with two boys and loves to bake, cook, and enjoy nature.

Ms. Gissel
Pre-K Assistant (Dinosaur Class)

Ms. Gissel is originally from Mexico. She moved to the United States 5 years ago. She is married and has 2 beautiful daughters, Sofía and Elena. She likes to spend her free time with her family, go for walks, cook, and loves to watch movies. She is very happy to be a part of the Virginia Hills Preschool family.

Ms. Irina
Preschool Teacher (Owl Class)

Ms. Irina joined the staff in 2016 after co-oping for a few years. Born in Armenia, she received her Master’s Degree in Russian Language and Literature and also holds a nursing degree. She has been in Alexandria since 2004 where she keeps busy with her daughter’s activities including scouts, swim team, and dance.

Ms. Ami
Preschool Assistant (Ladybug Class)

Ms. Ami is so excited to be working at Virginia Hills Preschool again this school year! She enjoys teaching and really loves taking care of kids. She enjoys spending time with the preschoolers; playing, coloring, reading books, and so much more. She loves and takes care of them like they are her own kids. She's so happy to be here with your children!

Ms. Brittany
Toddler Teacher (Teddy Bear Class)

Ms. Brittany has been a part of the Virginia Hills Preschool family since 2015 as a parent and then joined the staff in 2018. She recently moved back to the area after moving to TN for two years due to her husband’s military job. She has two daughters, Sophie and Emily, and spends most of her time transporting them to their extracurricular activities. She enjoys cooking, reading, being outside and spending time with her family. She loves little people and animals.

Ms. Caitlin
Toddler Assistant (Teddy Bear Class)

Ms. Caitlin has been with Virginia Hills Preschool since Spring 2021. She has a bachelor's degree from Frostburg State University and is currently taking classes at NOVA in the childhood development program. She is excited to start a new school year at VHP.

Ms. Colleen
Toddler Teacher (Puppy Class)

Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Ms. Colleen attended the College of William and Mary earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Elementary Education. While attending, she met and later married her college sweetheart. They have been married 20 years and have three wonderful children. All three of Ms. Colleen’s children have attended Virginia Hills with her youngest being a current student. Prior to starting her family, Ms. Colleen taught for several years in Fairfax County Public Schools in Kindergarten and First Grade. She has two large dogs – Dug (120 lb Cane Corso) and Nala (65 lb lab mix). In her spare time, Ms. Colleen enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and home decorating.

Ms. Christabell
Toddler Assistant (Puppy Class)

Ms. Christabell has been with Virginia Hills Preschool since 2012. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has previously worked with our three-year-old and Pre-K program as a lead teacher. She has been teaching since 1999. Teaching is her passion. She enjoys listening to music and crafting, especially knitting and cross-stitching.