Staff Bios
Ruth McBrayer
NPK Director
Ruth has been with Nativity Preschool since 2023. She loves teaching 4-year-olds and preparing them for kindergarten. She stepped into the role of Director in the summer of 2026. She’s very excited about the years ahead and the growth our sweet school can make!
Ruth grew up and lived in Hendersonville until she got the travel bug. For 15 years, she lived in different countries teaching English as a second language. During that time, her favorite school was in the UAE, where she taught Kindergarten for 9 years. She returned from living abroad in 2020 to be closer to family. She is married and has 2 boys (Jon, a current NPK student, and Matthew in Middle school).
Teaching is a joy for Ruth, and being in both the classroom and supporting teachers as the Director is wonderful.
Ms. Sophia
Teacher (14-24 month olds) - Mother’s Morning Out Classroom
Hi, my name is Sophia and I am thrilled to be part of the NPK community. This is my second year in the toddler classroom. New to North Carolina, I recently moved here from NJ where I lived all my life. I have been excited to swap out my NYC skyline view to a view of these beautiful mountains. Back in NJ I was the flute teacher at a private all-girls school. I also ran a private teaching studio in the afternoons. In the mornings I was “Miss Sophia” the Music Together preschool teacher.
I absolutely loved singing and dancing with parents and their babies and toddlers, or with teachers and preschoolers at their school. I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, a Masters in Flute Performance, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree in Music. When not teaching or performing, I enjoy gardening, yoga, reading, and going on long walks with my dog. I also have three children who are tween/teens and I enjoy watching them grow, learn, and pursue their passions.
Ms. Jennifer
Lead teacher (2 year olds)
My name is Jennifer Clayton. I started working at Nativity Preschool in 2002. I have been providing care for young children for 20 years. I have worked with all ages. I am a proud mother of four children. I have one granddaughter and 2 grandsons.I moved here from Florida twenty-five years ago. I have two dogs. I enjoy shopping and spending time with my family!
Ms. Shannon
Lead teacher (3 years olds)
I am Shannon Kennedy and I have over 10 years of experience teaching Pre-K and working with children of all ages. I started working at Nativity in 2021 and it’s been a joy as well as so much fun to be a part of teaching and preparing children for that next step. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our 2 cats and our little dog Tucker, watching football and spending time with family.
Ms. Virginia
Teacher assistant (3 years olds)
Hello, my name is Virginia Sakkas. I will be the teacher assistant for the Awesome Owls. I have been with NPK for 2 years being a teacher assistant. I am happily married to my wonderful husband of 13 years. I have 2 amazing kids Elena 10 and Angelo 7. On my spare time I love to shop, travel, be outdoors and spend time with my family. I also love working with children and doing crafts. Looking forward to a great year with your children!
Ms. Dana
Lead teacher (4 year olds)
My husband Lloyd and I have been married for 28 years and have 3 children. My daughter Caroline is a cardiovascular perfusionist in Nashville, TN and is recently engaged. My son Jack is starting his senior year at NC State. My youngest daughter, Lily, attends Belmont Abbey College where she plays volleyball. This summer we added a sweet English cream golden retriever puppy named Charlie to our empty nest.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Child Development from the University of Arizona. This is my 15th year teaching Pre-K at Nativity Preschool. I feel very fortunate to be able to be a part of your child’s life over the next year and look forward to watching and guiding him or her as he/she takes those important steps toward kindergarten.
Ms. Tracy
Teacher assistant (4 year olds/PreK) - Friendly Fish class
I was born and raised in Henderson County, NC. My husband Chris and I have been married for 21 years. We have a 15-year-old son named Brady. He is starting his sophomore year at West Henderson High School. He keeps us very busy with school football, baseball and travel baseball. We have an adorable, 1-year-old, English cream golden retriever named Addie. I worked for 20 years in the medical field in Health Information Management and joined the Nativity Preschool staff in 2022.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading and watching the Atlanta Braves. I am excited to be a part of the Sunshine Kids Pre-K classroom this year and I look forward to helping your children learn, grow and love school.
