meet our staff!


  • MRs. lauren barber - preschool Director and assistant children's minister

    Mrs. Lauren has a long standing relationship with Bright Beginnings as both a parent and staff member. She served as the preschool administrator prior to becoming the Director in December 2018. Her son and two daughters graduated from preschool here after attending throughout the entire program, and her youngest daughter is currently a student of the school. She has taught MMO, three's and Pre-K in the past. Earning an Associates Degree in Business Administration, along with Child Development Associate and Preschool Director certificates has prepared her for this adventure. Lauren, husband, Corey, and children, Isaac, Marley, and Amelia are actively involved with Burnt Hickory where she has been a member since 2002. "Seeing the growth of students, socially and emotionally, as well as academically" is one of her favorite parts about working with preschoolers. "I love their excitement over learning!" In her spare time, she loves reading and spending time with her big family. 

  • Ms. Beth Tidwell - Children's Minister and Head of School

    Ms. Beth and her family have been part of the Bright Beginnings family since 2009 with her daughters, Brylee and Bristal. Over six years ago, she joined our staff as an assistant teacher and then was the lead teacher in the first-ever kindergarten class. Having served two years as Director, with a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education and five years' experience as a second-grade teacher, Ms. Beth is tackling the position of Children's Minister and Head of School. Ms. Beth has a true passion for teaching children and leadership and feels it is a calling that God placed on her heart that she is now able to apply both from a ministry standpoint and as Head of School, supporting Lauren in the Director role. She also enjoys cooking, camping, and making Pintrest projects and recipes with her family. 

  • Mrs. Denise roberson - Pre-K Lead Teacher

    Denise comes to us with years of experience in working with young children both at church and in the preschool setting. She has taught in three's, two's, MMO, and Pre-K at Bright Beginnings. The joy of watching how quickly a child grows and learns is what keeps bringing her back to the classroom. In her time outside of school Mrs. Denise love to camp and hike with her husband Adam and is kept busy by her six children and two grandchildren!

  • Mrs. Sherry Burchett - 3 Year Old's Lead Teacher


  • Mrs. Jaclyn Robinson  - 2 Year Old's LEAD Teacher


  • Mrs. Nikki Jordan - Mother's Morning Out Lead Teacher


  • Mrs. Charlene Barrera - Pre-K assistant teacher


  • Mrs. Aubrey Bracegirdle - 3 year old's assistant teacher


  • Victoria Robertson  - 2 year old's  Assistant teacher


  • Mrs. April Hutchins - Mother's Morning Out Assistant Teacher

    April is stepping out of being a stay at home mom to assist at Bright Beginnings. God could not have been any clearer that this is where He wanted her to be and she couldn't be happier about it. She has worked with kids from babysitting since she was 12, to being a nanny for 3 years, and the job that has given her the most experience, being a mom to Finley and Riley. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology and feels that can pertain to any job dealing with people. Outside of school she enjoys refinishing furniture, reading, movie nights with family, Top Golf dates with her husband, Spencer, and traveling to visit family in Texas.