Jackie Baker
Director, 3 Day Teacher
Hi, my name is Jackie Baker. I became a part of the Classroom of Discovery family in 2002. For five years, I was the assistant director and the two-day class teacher. For the past four years, I have been the program director and the three-day teacher. My teaching experience includes: teaching first grade for Alexandria City Public Schools (three years) and kindergarten for Northern Virginia Learning Academy (three years); substitute teaching for Loudoun and Fairfax County, and in Belgium; teaching in a Montessori school as an assistant (four years); and teaching English as a Second Language students. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and a Master’s Degree from George Mason University in Curriculum and Instruction. I was born in Oregon, grew up in Alaska, and moved to Virginia in 1994. I live in the Sterling area with my husband and my three children. Teaching for the Classroom of Discovery has been an especially rewarding experience. In addition to presenting the opportunity to work with wonderful parents and staff, teaching at the Classroom of Discovery has introduced me to the incredible experience of seeing how an open and flexible curriculum allows the creative genius in each child to truly blossom.

Milagros Nagele
3 Day Teacher
Hi, my name is Milagros Nagele. I am the three-day Assistant Teacher for the Classroom of Discovery. I was born and raised in Lima-Peru and my first language is Spanish. After I graduated from high school, I attended Law School at the University of San Marcos in Lima. I completed two years of studies to become a lawyer, but realized that my career choice lacked the spiritual inspiration that I was seeking. I discovered my nurturing side, and knew I wanted to work with children. I came to the United Stated in 1995 for what was supposed to be a short visit with my sister. Instead I met my husband Paul, with whom I have two wonderful children, Kiara age nine and Sean age seven. During the past two years I’ve been regularly volunteering in both of my children’s classrooms, which has given me the opportunity to improve my understanding of early childhood development. I also work as a part-time childcare provider at McLean Bible Church. After my daughter was born I became a stay-at-home mom and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is an incredible privilege to see a child grow and develop. I have always enjoyed being around children and working with them. I sincerely look forward to seeing the children at the Classroom of Discovery grow and develop!

Alexis Gruehn
2 Day Teacher
Bridge To Discovery (BTD) Adult/Toddler Teacher
Hi, my name is Alexis Gruehn and I am excited to be part of the Classroom of Discovery family as the two-day teacher! I am truly a local girl. I was born in Loudoun County, grew up in Great Falls, graduated from Langley High School, went to college in Charlottesville, and taught in Vienna for seven years. I now live in Sterling with my husband of ten years and two sons ages eight and five! As you can tell, I love Virginia and love teaching even more. I graduated from The University of Virginia where I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology and my Master’s in Teaching. I am currently certified to teach Elementary Education (grades K-8), however I definitely consider myself an early education teacher. I was fortunate to teach at Wolftrap Elementary in Vienna, where I worked with some amazing teachers and students. I taught Kindergarten for two years and then taught second grade for the next five years. When I had my first son I “retired,” but always kept busy teaching in one way or another. I taught Kindermusik for several years and volunteered in our church’s religious education program as well as my son’s classroom. I am currently taking graduate classes in Reading Instruction to renew my teaching license and add an endorsement as a Reading Specialist to my teaching license. I look forward to bringing my experience, enthusiasm, and love of children to the two-day classroom at the Classroom of Discovery.

Elisa Rivera
2 Day Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Elisa Rivera. I am the new two day assistant teacher at the Classroom of Discovery. If my two kids, an 11 year old girl and a 9 year old boy, were to find a piece of paper with this sentence on it, “Let us go on an adventure,” they would think of me. I am well known for exploring our area, inside and out ranging from the trails along the Potomac River to the sidewalks of Old Town Alexandria. I love to discover new places and bring the kids along with me. This may be due to my upbringing as a Foreign Service brat where I lived in six different countries and moved every two to three years. My family moved back to the states, and settled in Reston, VA in 1980. I attended George Mason University where I completed my BA. I have earned my title of being a local after living in the Sterling area since marrying my husband in 1988. After having my children, I have enjoyed being home with them full-time. I have worked part time as a childcare coordinator at my church, volunteered as a preschool teacher at my church, led weekly study groups for moms of babies and preschoolers, and have helped out regularly at my children’s elementary school. I enjoy reading, exercising, gardening, and being outdoors. Since having children and facing physical challenges in my family, I have developed an interest in health and nutrition. One of my favorite things is to teach kids to enjoy wholesome foods and make choices that will help them feel their best. At the Classroom of Discovery, I look forward to getting to know our families and watching the (CoD) students learn and grow.