In preparation for the new preschool year starting on September 4, Hopkins House announces management changes.  These changes are part of an annual process of renewal and revitalization for Hopkins House, intended to reinforce the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence.

Ms. Stephanie Menson is returning full-time to Hopkins House as Programs Support Manager.  Her first day will be September 4.  In this newly created post, Ms. Menson will facilitate the effective management of Hopkins House programs according to the organization's quality standards; help to plan and organize programs and activities; and, support student recruitment and admissions. 

      Ms. Menson has worked in various capacities at Hopkins House since 2007. Over the ensuing years, she received progressive promotions, the last of which was preschool academy Principal.  She was key to our NAEYC accreditation, training staff, preparing for the accreditation visit, and engaging parents in the process. Ms. Menson took a brief hiatus from Hopkins House in 2016 to continue her education and now returns to continue her important work for our students and their families.

     She holds a Master's degree and has over 20 years of management experience in education and nonprofit.

Ms. Deborah Boateng-Beckson will be transferring to the James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy as the new principal, succeeding Mrs. Sherry Hughes who is stepping down at the end of this summer.  Ms. Boateng-Beckson’s last day at the Helen Day Preschool Academy is Friday, August 31. 
      Ms. Michelle Feh will serve as Interim Principal while a search for a permanent academy principal is undertaken.  She has been with Hopkins House since 2015 and Assistant Principal at the Helen Day Preschool Academy since 2016. During this period, she has demonstrated strong management skills and shared her considerable experience in early care and education with her colleagues. She also helped the academy earn NAEYC reaccreditation and a Virginia 3-Star rating.

     She holds a Master's degree in Elementary Education and has over 12 years of professional experience in elementary and early care and education. 
      A search committee, comprised of staff, trustees, and parents of academy young scholars, will be formed immediately in the hopes of completing the search in time for the start of the new preschool year. 

Ms. Sherry Hughes will be stepping down as principal of the James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy.  Her last day is Friday, August 31.  Ms. Deborah Boateng-Beckson will succeed Ms. Hughes as academy principal. Her first day will be Tuesday, September 4, 2018. 

      Ms. Boateng-Beckson joined the Hopkins House staff in 2010 as a Teacher at the McNeil Preschool Academy.  In 2014, she was promoted to Assistant Principal at McNeil. In 2017, she was selected as Principal of Hopkins House’s Helen Day Preschool Academy. In that capacity, she earned NAEYC reaccreditation and Virginia 3-Star rating. 

     Ms. Boateng-Beckson holds a Master’s degree in Educational Management and has over 10 years of professional childcare experience.