Educators

Rhiannon Fincher (She/Her) - Salamanders Co-Educator

Hello, my name is Rhiannon Fincher. I am an Atlanta native, who grew up in the Decatur area and has lived all over the city. I have always had a passion for helping young children learn and grow. I started my career in early childhood in 2013, and have worked with children ages 6 weeks up to 5 years old. I am a mother to a sweet and spirited two-year-old named Freyja, who keeps me on my toes. I enjoy sports, spending time with my friends and family, traveling (especially if it involves a beach), taking pictures, and trying new restaurants around the city.

 

Folajinmi Oguntolu (She/Her) - Salamanders Co-Educator

Hello, my name is Folajinmi Oguntolu, and I am the Salamanders educator of the 2024-2025 school year. I am an Atlanta native who graduated from Agnes Scott College in 2022 with a Psychology Major and an English minor. I have always found working with children a great experience, and I worked part-time at childcare facilities during my college experience. I started working as a sub at GPCP in September 2022 and became a full-time educator later that year. Outside of work, I enjoy art and graphic design.

 

Queen Holmes (She/Her) - Salamanders Co-Educator

Hello! My name is Queen Holmes. Born and raised in Atlanta Ga. I attended and graduated from Carver High School of Arts in 2018 and attended Albany State University after that. I am the 2nd oldest sibling in my family of 4. In 5 words I would describe myself as Patient, Easygoing, Bubbly, Clever, and also Determined.

I enjoy teaching and spending my time with little humans. I have been teaching for 4 years now and have spent most of my time with Infants and Toddlers and enjoy every second of it.

When I’m not working I love to watch Grey’s Anatomy and Spend time working on my Sunglass/Shades business called Regent Eyewear. I also love to travel the world and cook!

 

Deanna Chaney (She/Her) - Cats Co-Educator

I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama with two younger siblings. In 2003 I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and later met my wonderful husband Derrell. We have been happily married for 14 years and have three beautiful daughters ages 4, 6, and 13 years old.

I have been enjoying teaching in Early Childhood Education for the past 10 years. I have a Child Development Associate and am overly excited and proud to be a part of the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool educators team.

In my free time, I enjoy shopping, eating out, watching CSI, and catching up on the latest movies or shows on Netflix and Disney+. One of the most important things I value is the time spent with family. Families are like branches on a tree - we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family.

 

Destiny Hughes-Barnes (She/Her) - Cats Co-Educator

My name is Destiny Hughes-Barnes. I am 22 years old and the youngest of two siblings. I was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, and moved to Georgia in 2016 for college. I am a 2020 graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a BA in Educational Studies. I decided to stay in Georgia after graduation because of all of the opportunities here. I wanted to experience this period of my life away from my hometown.


I have worked with children since I was in high school, and it has brought an immense amount of joy to my life. I truly believe that children can teach us just as we teach them. I am excited to be at GPCP and look forward to expanding my knowledge in education.


Some fun facts about me: I enjoy reading, exercising, traveling to new places, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Hallie Lee (She/Her) - Cats Co-Educator

Hello! My name is Hallie, I am 23 and moved to Atlanta around a year ago upon completion of my degree at Appalachian State University in the mountains of North Carolina. In college, I trained at my university's Reggio school and worked closely with educational professionals to prepare me for future opportunities to work with children! I have such a passion for working with young children. I enjoy watching them grow and learning alongside them. I have been teaching since early 2021 and am excited to continue in this wonderful field.

I am an artist and focus mostly on painting, jewelry making, and oil pastels. I enjoy spending time making art on my porch and exploring Atlanta.

I am very excited to join this team, and I am looking forward to growing together!


 

Wilena Hollis (She/Her) - Ladybugs Co-Educator

My name is Wilena Hollis. It brings me so much joy to be a part of something wonderful that is GPCP! I have been working here since 2017. I have worked in the childcare field since 2010. Working with children has always been a great passion of mine. I enjoy every aspect of teaching. I discovered that children can teach us as much as we can teach them. This is one of the beauties of being an educator. I look forward to learning and growing here at GPCP for years to come.

 

Chiquita Wainwright (She/Her) - Ladybugs Co-Educator

My name is Chiquita Wainwright. I grew up in Atlanta, GA. Education and learning are my 1st loves.

I have 2 adult children Khaliid (USAF) and Kharis (Freelance Artist/Entrepreneur). I have 1 beautiful and amazing granddaughter Evie. I love spending time with my family and friends.

In my free time, I enjoy working out, yoga practice, reading, and meditation. I thoroughly enjoy being with nature. I am excited to be a part of the GPCP family!

 

Kendall Salatino (She/Her) - Multi-Age Co-Educator

My name is Kendall Salatino. I recently moved to Atlanta with my partner, Sara. Together, we have two cats and one dog. I was born and raised in Utica, New York, where most of my family still resides. 

I will be working at GCPC as a multi-age educator with an inclusion/parent liaison focus. I have been working in elementary schools for the past four years, and my last title was “Parent Liaison,” which is where this love story begins. I fell in love with the opportunity I had to connect with students and parents on a deeper level. It never fails to put a smile on my face when I get to provide children with directions, advice on decisions, how to deal with situations, and the smile on their faces when they know they are doing great. 

I believe in encouraging children and people every day. I promise to always be there as a safe and educational space for the children and the parents. I have an open-door policy, and I am always happy to help in any way I possibly can.