Winwood Children's Center

Stephanie Austin

School Director

I grew up right around the corner in Herndon and happily moved back after attending Shepherd College. While at Shepherd, I majored in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Development. I have been working with children for over 18 years and have enjoyed 15 of them here at Winwood in Reston. I currently live in Herndon with my husband, son, and 2 daughters, all of whom have attended our amazing center!

This center has over 30 dedicated teachers. Our teachers have their CDA credential and/or their Associates or Bachelors degrees. This loyalty helps to create the family atmosphere that we enjoy sharing with our families. The staff member are committed to providing the children with the best possible start to learning. Our children confidently enter Kindergarten already knowing the standards that are being taught!

Having 3 children of my own, I know how hard it is to leave your child in the care of people that you do not know. That’s why I believe so strongly in our “Open Door Policy” as well as the many other various forms of communication we offer. Our daily sheets, bi-monthly progress reports and developmental checklists, as well as the newsletters ensure that we are working together concerning every aspect of your child’s development. We encourage attendance at monthly family events including our annual Halloween parade, holiday parties, the winter Book Fair and other parent celebrations which allows parents the opportunity to get to know one another better and to build a relationship with the children and teachers.

Welcome to Winwood Children’s Center of Reston!

Kesha Menefee

Assistant Director

I have over 13 years of classroom experience with ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. I had been working at our Ashburn location for over 7 years before transferring here. After completing my first year of college, I decided that I had a passion for Early Childhood Education. I worked at a preschool as my grandmother’s assistant while attending a local community college to complete my A.S. in Early Childhood Education. After completing my A.S., I transferred to Strayer University, where I obtained my B.A. in Human Resource Management. I am currently attending Liberty University working towards my M.A. in Human Service Counseling.

After working full-time at Winwood in Ashburn as a Co-Lead Pre-K teacher I decided to pursue my second passion in management. In 2009 I became a member of the Leadership Training Program with Winwood. While in the program I assisted both my directors and assistant directors with the daily operation of the center, conducted parent visits, trained new staff, planned summer camps, curriculum and more.

I am happily married and reside in Herndon, VA. I do not have children on my own yet, however I do foresee them in my future. Family is everything to me, and that is one of the many reason why I have continued to work here at Winwood since 2007. Winwood is like my 2nd family. I look forward to many more years to come.

Ashraf Nowkarizi

Teacher

I was born in Iran and moved to Russia with my husband and daughters in 1994. On November 2005, we moved to United States. Living in Russia and America gave me a completely new perspective to life. I have learned a lot from living in both place; learned two languages, learned to communicate with people from different culture and background, and adapted myself culturally into the various cultures present. I have a degree in economics and I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). In Russia, I taught Farsi at an International University. I also volunteered at an orphanage. I’ve always loved teaching and working with children. I consider myself very competitive and proficient with an innovative and leadership attitude. I am working at Winwood Children Center since 2007. I’ve always loved children and teaching them. Teaching and taking care of children has changed my life forever.

Cai Siewick

Teacher

I was born and grew up in Beijing, China. I have many wonderful memories of growing up in Beijing. I graduated from Beijing and then got a job working for the Xin Hua news agency as an editor for 15 years before coming to America in 1996. Here I worked many jobs not available to me in China to make a new life for myself and gain experience in the American work field. I came with very little money and am very proud of the how I worked hard to pay my way through school and receive my MBA. I married my husband Robert and we have a wonderful daughter, Natalie. I discovered my love for teaching children and started working at the Winwood in Lansdowne before transferring to the center here in Reston. I enjoy being here and with the children so much I have stayed for 9 years this December!

Deloris Carter aka “Lolo”

Teacher

I am a loving and caring person and believe that I was put on this earth to take care of children. I have my CDA (Child Development Associate credential) and over 17 years of experience. Working with children has brought much joy to my life. I have three children of my own and four grandchildren; they call me Memaw because I’m not old enough to be a grandma! I enjoy going to the beach, bowling, laughing and watching my Minnesota Vikings! If you visit my room there is sure to be something fun going on…it might be dough creations, but more likely a dance party!