
Meet Our Staff
At Greystone Baptist Preschool, our dedicated team of educators is the heart of our program. Many of our teachers have been with us for over a decade, creating a warm and consistent environment where young children thrive. Each member of our staff is certified in CPR, First Aid, and SIDS, ensuring the highest level of care and safety. Our teachers love being part of the Greystone family, and it shows. Their joy, dedication, and nurturing spirit are why our children love coming to school every day
Brenda Vaught – Director
Ms. Brenda joined Greystone Baptist Preschool in 2025 after relocating to North Carolina. She brings many years of early childhood experience to our program, having worked in the management of Christian preschool programs for more than 20 years.
Vivian Brendle – Assistant Teacher, Frogs Class
Ms. Vivian has been a vital part of the Greystone Baptist Preschool team since 2011 and brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked in early childhood education since 1989. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.
She finds boundless joy in watching toddlers grow, especially as they begin to explore language and express themselves in new ways. Ms. Vivian’s gentle nature and steady presence help create a nurturing, calm classroom environment where young children feel safe and loved.
Married for 42 years, Ms. Vivian has two grown children and is a proud grandmother of two Greystone graduates.
Lynn Cockrell – Assistant Teacher, Butterflies Class
As the longest-tenured teacher at Greystone Baptist Preschool, Lynn Cockrell has been shaping young hearts and minds for an incredible 28 years. Her deep experience and unwavering dedication make her a cornerstone of our school community. Lynn has a true passion for early childhood education, especially in helping four-year-olds grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity. She takes great pride in nurturing a love for learning that lays the foundation for future success – both in the classroom and beyond.
Lynn’s gentle spirit, steady presence, and joyful heart have touched generations of families at Greystone. Outside of school, she loves spending time at the beach or by the pool, and treasures moments with her family. She is a proud mom of three and grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren.
Jana Harris – Lead Teacher, Tadpoles Class
Ms. Jana joined Greystone Baptist Preschool at the start of the 2025–26 school year, bringing with her more than six years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked with children ranging in age from infants to five-year-olds and brings a calm, nurturing presence to our youngest learners.
The youngest of seven siblings (yes—seven!), Ms. Jana is also a proud aunt to four nieces and three nephews. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys biking, roller skating, baking, and spending time with her husband and their families. They share a love for travel—whether it’s to the beach, the mountains, or international destinations—and have a special fondness for Renaissance Festivals!
Beth Lewis – Assistant Teacher, Caterpillars Class
Ms. Beth has been part of the Greystone Preschool family for many years – first as a parent, then a substitute, and now as a full-time assistant teacher since 2022. With over 25 years of experience working with children of all ages, she brings energy, creativity, and joy into the classroom each day. Ms. Beth loves seeing big smiles and strives to make preschool a place where kids are excited to come and never want to leave!
During her free time, she enjoys biking, swimming, running, and spending time with her husband, Charley, and their two children, Will and Ella. As a family, they love the beach, being outdoors, and cheering on the Greystone Gators at the pool!
Allie O’Brien – Assistant Teacher, Busy Bees Class
Ms. Allie joined the Greystone Baptist Preschool team in 2024 and serves as the assistant teacher in our 2’s class. She holds an associate’s degree in early childhood.
Although early in her professional career, Ms. Allie brings meaningful life experience from caring for her younger sister, who is on the autism spectrum. She’s passionate about supporting the natural curiosity of toddlers and believes that every question they ask is a stepping stone to learning.When not guiding our two-year-olds through their day, you’ll likely find Ms. Allie reading, watching Disney movies, enjoying musical theater, or spending time with her three dogs. Her motto? “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.”
Jessi Smiley – Lead Teacher, Tadpoles Class
Ms. Jessi became part of the Greystone Baptist Preschool family at the beginning of the 2025–26 school year, following her recent move to North Carolina. With four years of experience caring for infants, she brings a gentle, attentive approach and a deep appreciation for the individuality of each child she cares for.
Originally from a family of three siblings – she’s the youngest with two older brothers – Ms. Jessi is also a proud mother to a 19-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. Though new to the area, she and her family are excited to explore all that North Carolina has to offer, from scenic mountain getaways to relaxing coastal escapes.
Diana Strother – Lead Teacher, Caterpillars Class
Ms. Diana has been a cherished part of Greystone Baptist Preschool for 25 years, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in early childhood education to the classroom. She is known for her calm, kind spirit and her passion for helping young children thrive.
She especially enjoys watching the light in children’s eyes as they discover, learn, and grow through play. Ms. Diana believes that preschoolers flourish in safe, supportive environments where learning is fun and relationships are strong.
When she is not busy with little learners, she enjoys reading, tackling really big puzzles, and spending time with her family.
Clare Tyner – Lead Teacher, Frogs Class
Ms. Clare has been part of the Greystone Baptist Preschool community for 14 years, initially substituting as a parent, and then officially joined the teaching staff 11 years ago. She has served as an assistant in the 3’s class, the Music and Movement teacher, and is the lead teacher in our toddler classroom.
With a background in healthcare, Ms. Clare discovered her love for early childhood education while staying home with her own children. She finds great joy in helping toddlers build independence, confidence, and a love for school during their early years at Greystone.
She especially enjoys bringing music, movement, and creativity into the classroom – believing that singing, dancing, and laughter are some of the best ways to learn. After a busy day of singing and storytelling, you will find Ms. Clare making art and music, hiking, painting, and spending time with her husband, their teenage sons, and their family dog.
Andrea Williams – Lead Teacher, Busy Bees Class
Ms. Andrea officially joined the Greystone Baptist Preschool team as the lead teacher in our 2’s class after serving as a parent substitute and leading our summer Twos program. She has been working with young children in various roles since graduating from college in 2009.
With a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Forensics, Ms. Andrea brings a love of science, observation, and curiosity into her teaching. She is especially drawn to the 2s age group, where children discover independence, identity, and how they fit into the world around them. She believes in creating a nurturing environment where little ones can grow emotionally, socially, and developmentally at their own pace.









