Holy Cross Academy
(PreK-8th)
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders
Meet the Team
Allison Gardner
Favorites
- Running
- Teaching
- Disney
Allison Gardner - Preschool Director
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
Hello! My name is Allison Gardner. I am the Preschool Director, and the 5-day PreK class teacher. This is my first year as the director, but my third year at HCA Preschool. Before HCA, I taught at Ferry Farm Baptist Preschool. I love teaching 4-year-olds and getting them ready for kindergarten. I truly believe God put me on this earth to work with preschoolers!
My parents were both active-duty Marines, so I grew up all over! I was born in Okinawa, Japan and lived in 8 houses before high school. My life goals growing up were to go to William and Mary, teach kindergarten, and have daughters to take to Disney world! I went to high school in Stafford, VA and graduated from Colonial Forge High School. In high school, I played trumpet and twirled flags in the color guard for the marching band. I then followed my dreams to The College of William and Mary, where I graduated in 2010.
I have been happily married for 11 years to Michael Gardner. We have three amazing daughters together and they all attend HCA. Elizabeth is in fifth grade, Margaret in third grade, and Gabriella in kindergarten. Continuing my path to follow my dreams, the girls have been to Disney World many times. Luckily, my little sister (and best friend, Angie) lives in Florida and works for Disney, so we get to visit both often. We also have three dogs: Penny, Polly and Wil.
I grew up in the Baptist church and taught 1st Grade Sunday School at Mount Ararat in Stafford, Va. I became interested in the Catholic Church in 2012 when I met my husband, Michael. We began attending mass together and I fell in love. We were married in the Catholic Church in 2014. I went through RCIA and became Catholic in 2018. My Confirmation Saint is Saint Dymphna of Ireland. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental and emotional distress, nervous disorders, anxiety and depression.
In my spare time, I love to read and run. My New Years Resolutions this year is to read 100 books and run 500 miles. I am currently on track (a little ahead in miles) to meet my goals! I look forward to working with everyone and having an amazing school year!
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Grace Lopez
Favorites
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Grace Lopez - Preschool Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
Grace has six children of her own at home. Before focusing primarily on the care of her home and children, she was a pediatric occupational therapist for several years. Grace is drawn to the wonder in the eyes of children as they absorb the world around them. Her favorite saint is Saint Gerard as he was the patron saint of her elementary school and she has a special love for expectant mothers. She enjoys sharing her faith with her coworkers and students at Holy Cross
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Christina Plummer
Favorites
Christina Plummer - Preschool
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
Hello! My name is Christina Plummer and I'm excited to be joining the team at Holy Cross Academy Preschool! I'll be teaching the 4 year old extended day class. I grew up in the Midwest and moved to Virginia three years ago from Kansas. There I graduated from Wichita State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. (Go Shockers!) I taught fourth grade for six years in the Diocese of Wichita. Working as a long term sub these last two years at Holy Cross Academy has been a joy and I’m excited to join the team at the preschool. Outside of the classroom I am an active member of my parish. I teach religious education classes and vacation bible school as well as assist with their homeschool co-op. On top of all that I like to garden, cook, and spend time outdoors with my husband.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Darlene Yarrington
Favorites
-Spending time with family
-swimming
-games
-movies
-museums
Darlene Yarrington - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Bio:
I’m excited to join the Holy Cross Academy family this year as a third-grade teacher!
I’m a Fredericksburg native and attended St. Mary’s throughout my childhood. Before coming to Holy Cross, I worked for Fredericksburg City Schools as a Health and Family Engagement Specialist. I earned my degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I’m also a proud mom to my son, Phil, who will be in third grade this year! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, Phillip and Phil. We enjoy visiting museums, swimming, going to water parks, watching movies, and playing games together.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Melissa Parella
Favorites
-Spending time with family
-swimming
-games
-movies
-museums
Melissa Parella - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Bio:
I’m excited to join the Holy Cross Academy family this year as a third-grade teacher!
I’m a Fredericksburg native and attended St. Mary’s throughout my childhood. Before coming to Holy Cross, I worked for Fredericksburg City Schools as a Health and Family Engagement Specialist. I earned my degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I’m also a proud mom to my son, Phil, who will be in third grade this year! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, Phillip and Phil. We enjoy visiting museums, swimming, going to water parks, watching movies, and playing games together.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Kathleen Campbell
Favorites
-Spending time with family
-swimming
-games
-movies
-museums
Kathleen Campbell - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Bio:
I’m excited to join the Holy Cross Academy family this year as a third-grade teacher!
I’m a Fredericksburg native and attended St. Mary’s throughout my childhood. Before coming to Holy Cross, I worked for Fredericksburg City Schools as a Health and Family Engagement Specialist. I earned my degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I’m also a proud mom to my son, Phil, who will be in third grade this year! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, Phillip and Phil. We enjoy visiting museums, swimming, going to water parks, watching movies, and playing games together.