Administration
Jennifer Cornett, Executive Director
Jennifer joined the New Beginnings team in May 2023. She brings to the team11+ years working in the Early Childhood field; as well as several years in Human Resources. She is very excited to get started and is looking forward to meeting all the families and seeing what great things we can accomplish together.
Tori Robinson, Child Care Director
Ms. Tori has been a part of the New Beginnings team since 2019 and stepped into the Director role in October 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Tori loves working with the children and is looking forward to all the exciting changes happening at New Beginnings.
Michelle Mullins,
Angie Brewer, Food Program Manager
Mackenzie Collins, CACFP Menu Checker, Lead Floater
Ms. Kenzie has worked at New Beginnings for roughly five years. She holds the Commonwealth Child Care Credential and is currently working toward obtaining her CDA. In her personal time, Kenzie enjoys spending time outdoors, cherishing moments with her son, and reading books.
Courtney Young, Administrative Assistant,
Courtney Joined our team in 2025. She holds a bachelor's degree from Morehead State University. She enjoys watching the students learn and grow. In her free time, she enjoys, reading, and playing with her two kids.
Teachers
Kaylee Young, Teacher Assistant, Nursery
Ms. Kaylee has been at the New Beginnings team for two months. She finds joy in caring for the babies and witnessing their learning and growth. Outside of work Kaylee is involved in her church community, actively participating in extracurricular activities. She treasures spending quality time with her family, cherishing the moments they share together. In her down time, Kaylee enjoys playing the piano.
Shelia Combs, Nursery-Transition Float
Ms. Sheila has been a member of the New Beginnings team for a year. She finds immense joy in nurturing the babies, watching them learn, grow, and have fun. On the weekends, Sheila cherishes spending time with her family. They enjoy watching movies on the projector outside, attending dirt track races, and going camping in their camper.
Michele Callahan, Lead Teacher, 1-Year-Old Class
Ms. Michele has been at New Beginnings for roughly 21 years. She holds an Associate’s degree in Art and has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Michele enjoys reading books (specifically Stephen King), drinking iced coffee, planning for Halloween, and spending time at home with her four cats. After nearly 21 years in childcare, Michele says she can't imagine being anywhere else but New Beginnings.
Brittany Wooton, Teacher Assistant, 1-Year Old Class
Ms. Brittany holds an associate degree in applied science and is currently working toward obtaining her Child Devlopment Associate (CDA) credential. Brittany cherishes spending quality time with family, going shopping, and cozy days at home with her two daughters.
Cheyenne Pratt, Lead Teacher, 2- Year Old Class
Ms. Cheyenne has been at New Beginnings for five years. During her time here, she has obtained her CDA, Director’s Credential, and Kentucky Childcare and Administration Assistant Credentials. She also earned an Associate in Arts and Applied Science in IECE and is currently working toward her Bachelor's in IECE at the University of the Cumberlands. Cheyenne enjoys reading, binge-watching TV series, and playing with her daughter.
Trista Hill, Lead Teacher, 3-Year Old Class
Sierra Pratt, Teacher Assistant, 3-Year Old Class
Shonda Caudill, Lead Teacher, 4-Year Old Class
Ms. Shonda has been a part of New Beginnings for about two years. She holds an Associate’s degree in Art, her Commonwealth Childcare Credential, and is currently working toward her CDA Credential. Shonda enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and going to the park.
Leann Short, Teacher Assistant, 4-Year Old Class
Nikki Pennington, Lead Teacher, Preschool Class
Shaelynn Hayes, Teacher Assistant, Preschool Class
Kimberly Abner, Lead Teacher, School Age Class
Ms. Kim has been a member of the New Beginnings team since 2019 and brought prior experience in childcare. She holds both the Commonwealth Child Care Credential and her CDA certification in preschool education. Kim enjoys spending her time with her son, who means the world to her.
Brandi Fugate, Teacher Assistant, 2 Year Old Class
Kitchen Staff
Misty Everage,
Virgina Williams, Cook
Virginia has been a valued member of the New Beginnings team for roughly two years, playing a crucial role in keeping our children well-fed and energized. With prior experience in childcare, she finds the profession to be exceptionally rewarding.
Monalisa Combs, Cook
Ms. Mona has been a member of the New Beginnings kitchen staff for a little over two years. The children often refer to her as the “Bite‑Bite Lady” in recognition of the care she takes preparing their meals. In her free time, Mona enjoys watching TV, visiting family, and hanging out with her two dogs.
Our Staff
New Beginnings makes it a top priority to hire and retain staff members who not only enjoy children, but who also have experience and education in working with them. New staff members are required to provide information for a criminal background check and a check with the Central Registry of Child Protection.
We strive to provide a positive work environment that encourages people to remain with our program. We are aware that staff turnover is a major concern in child care, and we will do whatever possible to minimize change for your child. As part of our effort to retain quality staff, the center provides time for staff training and development on a regular basis. Training and time together allows us to build a sense of community among our staff and work toward enhancing their skills with children.
Research shows that ongoing training for teachers is one of the most critical factors in providing a quality early childhood program. Whenever possible, New Beginnings provides access to scholarships, financial incentives, flexible schedules and other rewards for employees that wish to further their education and enhance their skills.