Hopkins House announces that Master Teacher Michelle Feh will succeed Valerie Payne as Assistant Principal of its Helen Day Preschool Academy in the City of Alexandria at the end of this summer. 
 
Feh, who joined the Hopkins House preschool faculty in 2015, has a Master’s degree and more than 10 years of professional early care & education experience. She currently serves as Master Teacher at the academy, a role that allows her to gain management experience while serving as a classroom teacher.
 
"As Master Teacher, Michelle worked closely with Valerie, learning the ropes about the day-to-day operation of the academy, the needs of our young scholars, and communicating with their parents," said Dawn Erausquin, Principal of the Helen Day Preschool Academy.  "I know she will do a really good job as Assistant Principal."
 
Valerie Payne will begin a new chapter in her life by relocating to Florida. She previously served as Master Teacher at the Innovative Preschool Academy in Herndon, Hopkins House's newest academy, prior to being promoted to Assistant Principal at the Helen Day Preschool Academy. 
 
"I love Hopkins House and really enjoy my job," said Payne.  "I struggled with this decision for several months and finally accepted that I really miss my family in Florida and need to return there."
 
"Valerie has set the bar high," said Erausquin.  "She mentored her colleagues as they strived to advance themselves professionally and personally and, she was a model of a strong and very competent manager and educator.  We will miss her."