Leigh Feld

Director

Ms. Leigh, aka Miss Wee, joined FCP as Director in Spring 2018. “My preschool teachers told my parents that I was ‘a little leader,’ which we all recognize as a really nice way of saying I was bossy!” Leigh was also obsessed with the dramatic play center and didn’t share the baby dolls very well. Today she considers it a good preschool day when she leaves tired but smiling. Leigh has a BA in Communications, a BA in Education, and a BS in History, and she has completed TECTA for Administrators. She lives in a very full house with husband John, son Ben--and his wife Sabrina and newborn granddaughter Sofi and dog Fury--son Noah (college senior), son Owen (high school senior), and dog Frankie. “We’ve had to ban board games at our house because my adult children are waaaaay too competitive. I don't know where they get this trait.” Leigh is a Ravenclaw who loves Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte and brownies straight out of the oven.

Shawna Harp

Assistant Director

Knoxville-native Miss Shawna joined FCP in 2016. She has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and feels very fortunate to be able to do what she loves. Shawna partners with lead teachers to fully implement Creative Curriculum in our classrooms, mentors and supports current teaching teams, trains new teachers, and guides the ongoing development of our curricular program.  For Shawna, a happy preschool day involves watching the students engaged in the activities of the day. When she was preschool age, Shawna stayed with her mamaw and remembers eating grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch. Shawna lives with husband Mickey, sons Tanner and Cameron, and papaw puppy Tucker. A dedicated runner, Shawna enjoys running in many different areas of Knoxville. Her “favorites” include the Real Housewives shows, any songs by Bon Jovi, a yummy veggie plate, and nonfat chai or vanilla latte.

Amanda Abercrombie

Program Coordinator

Ms. Amanda started at FCP in 2018 in Red Maple. Her current classroom is the entire playground. “A good school day is observing the kiddos learning something new about the natural world around them and being excited about it.” Amanda has a BS in Education, majoring in Recreation and Leisure Studies Administration. She’s also an American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED instructor. She lives with her husband, Tom, four cats--Jynx, Loki, Bartleby, and Amos--and turtle Columbia. “I joke that we're a wildlife sanctuary because of the amount of wildlife we see around our house. We have birdfeeders in our backyard and love to observe the different kind of animals that show up. My favorites are the skunks.” Amanda is a Hufflepuff and Enneagram 6w5. She enjoys Chinese food and cheesecake. When she grows up, Amanda would like to be Ms. Frizzle or a panda keeper.

Mary Ellen Johansen

Communications Coordinator

Miss Mary Ellen joined FCP's staff in 2005 as a floater. After temporary stints in all the classrooms, she was assigned an unused Sunday School room to start a new Pre-K class in 2006. She taught in Mulberry until the start of the pandemic in March 2020.  Mary Ellen didn't go to preschool, but she remembers visiting the younger classrooms when she was in  Kindergarten and being amazed at how small the chairs were. Mary Ellen has a BA in Journalism and Classical Civilization and an MA in English and Creative Writing. She's an empty nester with her husband, Tony. All three of their children graduated from FCP. Mary Ellen loves to read, crochet, and knit. She also likes coffee, unsweet tea, and a few other select beverages.

We Educate

through play-based learning

We Inspire

creativity and wonder

We Nurture

acceptance and respect