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
-Fruit &nut chocolate
-Arizona Iced Tea
-Reading
-Giants and Sabers
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
Darlene Yarrington
Favorites
-KitKat
-Coke Zero
-Water coloring
-Crafts
Darlene Yarrington - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
My name is Darlene Yarrington, and I was born and raised in Bolivia, and in 2014, I
moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia. Soon after, my husband and his family introduced
me to Saint Mary’s Church, and through the church, I discovered the beautiful HCA
community. I have been blessed to be part of the HCA family for the past nine years.
Since I was a little girl, I carried two big dreams in my heart. The first was to become a mother—and I feel so grateful to live that dream with my wonderful husband and our two boys, Gordon (12) and George (8), who are both proud HCA preschool graduates and current HCA crusaders. My second dream was to become a teacher. This year marks my third year as a teacher’s aide in the HCA preschool, and I feel truly honored to help nurture the very beginning of your little one’s learning journey in such a special
place.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Melissa Parella
Favorites
-Spending time with family
-Football
Melissa Parella - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I am filled with Joy to have been given this opportunity to work in this beautiful school! Working with these lovely children is a blessing!
Before moving to Virginia and joining HCA, I was born and raised in New York. While a young adult I worked in a couple preschools and daycares and fell in love with being around and teaching children, I knew it was always going to be a big part of my life! I also went to trade school to learn Cosmetology. I have been a hairstylist for over 25 years and owned a salon. My better half and I decided we wanted a big family and that has been the biggest blessing in our lives! Four children later, we wanted to better our situation so we headed South. God has steered our wheel so well, we are grateful! Being back working with children has been wonderful!
And I couldn’t imagine doing it at any other school, HCA is AMAZING!!!
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Kathleen Campbell
Favorites
-Spending time with family
Kathleen Campbell - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I’m a mom and a preschool teacher who believes little moments make a big difference. I love helping young children learn through play, curiosity, and kindness, and I feel lucky to be part of those early years when confidence and imagination really begin to grow—both in the classroom and at home.