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
Christina Plummer
Favorites
-Dark Chocolate
-Bubbly Water
-Cooking
-Spending time outdoors
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
-KitKat
-Coke Zero
-Water coloring
-Crafts
Darlene Yarrington - Preschool Aide
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
My name is Darlene Yarrington, and I am the PreK 1 Aide at Holy Cross Academy. This year marks my fourth year serving as a teacher’s aide in the HCA Preschool, and I have been part of the Holy Cross Academy family for over seven years.
I was born and raised in Bolivia, where my Catholic faith was lovingly nurtured by my parents and strengthened through seventeen years of Catholic education. I attended Rosa Gattorno School of the Sisters of Saint Ann from first through twelfth grade and later continued my studies at Saint Paul Catholic University, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This strong foundation has deeply shaped who I am and has shown me how invaluable an education rooted in both academic excellence and faith truly is.
In 2014, I moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia. Shortly thereafter, my husband and his family introduced me to Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, and through the parish, I discovered the beautiful Holy Cross Academy community. I have been truly blessed to be part of the HCA family for the past eight years.
From a very young age, I carried two dreams in my heart. The first was to become a mother—a dream I am grateful to live each day with my wonderful husband and our two sons, Gordon (11) and George (7), who are proud HCA preschool graduates and current HCA Crusaders. My second dream was to become a teacher, and it is an honor and a joy to help nurture the very beginning of your child’s learning journey in such a faith-filled and loving environment.
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.