Meet the BUMP Faculty
Melissa holds a bachelors degree in mathematics secondary education from the University of North Georgia and was previously a high school teacher. She came to BUMP as a parent of twin girls who attended for two years. She served on the preschool committee for several years and was also a long-term substitute at BUMP. She also has experience working with young children as a Sunday school teacher and camp counselor.
A Georgia native turned Army spouse, Melissa enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and twin daughters.
Melissa Hollar, Director
Carrie has a bachelor's degree in history from Mary Washington College where she interned for a year at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. She worked as an analyst for the airlines for 11 years before choosing to stay home with her children. Carrie is married with three kids, Ellie, Duncan (a BUMPster graduate) and Skye (a feisty cairn terrier). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies, reading and traveling.
Carrie Goodale, Lead Teacher
Gail has been a proud resident of the Burke area for over a decade. As a devoted mother of two adult children who attended Fairfax County Public Schools, she actively supported their education by serving as a room mom, PTA member and officer, and library assistant. Gail enthusiastically organized class activities and parties, chaperoned field trips, and participated in countless Girl Scout events and Cub Scout camping trips.
She enjoys regular walks around Mercer and Burke Lakes, with occasional getaways to the Shenandoah. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, golfing, and cheering on her favorite football team — GO BIRDS! Gail has a passion for working with children and is excited for the upcoming school year.
Gail Martens, Assistant Teacher
Khalida has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and has been teaching preschool students for over 20 years. She enjoys working with young children and being a part of their daily learning experiences. Story time and arts and crafts are some of her favorite preschool activities. Khalida has loved the wonderful environment and sense of community that BUMP provides. She is a wife and a mother of two daughters and loves to spend time with her family. In her spare time, Khalida loves to cook, read, and listen to music.
Khalida Aldabbagh, Lead Teacher
Dena is a native of North Carolina. After 29 years of working as a physical therapy assistant, she began working at BUMP as Stay and Play teacher and a substitute when needed. In the past, Dena has been active in church children's ministries and Sunday School.
Dena has two grown children. She loves reading and spending time outside. She enjoys being with the children in the classroom and getting them excited about learning!
Dena Hale, Assistant Teacher
Kirsten holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Art from UC Santa Barbara. She and her husband have called Northern Virginia home for the past nine years with their two children. With a background in pediatric occupational therapy, she believes in nurturing the whole child, and scaffolding play experiences that support all areas of development. Children’s books also have a special place in her heart, with their ability to inspire wonder, connection, and a lifelong love of learning.
Kirsten Higuchi, Lead Teacher
Sanela Scalfani, Assistant Teacher
Sanela is originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina and lived in Germany for nine years before moving to the United States at age 19. She has been married for 22 years and has three children—two boys and a girl. She was a stay-at-home parent until her youngest started kindergarten.
Before joining BUMP, Sanela worked for three years as an assistant at a Reggio-inspired preschool with 2- to 5-year-olds. She also spent three years volunteering with ECHO.
In her free time, Sanela enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, spending time with family, traveling, taking long walks, and hiking. As an educator, she loves fostering curiosity in children and making learning fun.
Tammy Zerbo, Music Teacher
Tammy Zerbo received a Master of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music with concentrations in vocal and choral performance and completed teacher certification for Orff Schulwerk Pedagogy. She has taught high school and middle school chorus, elementary general music, music theater, voice, and piano. Tammy is a certified K-12 music teacher.
Tammy is also the full-time music director for Burke United Methodist Church. She teaches and directs choirs for all ages. You can learn more about these programs under “Worship/Music.” Tammy is mom to three adult children (Tamara, Sara and Zac) and yorkie, Winnie.
Joe Wells, P.E. Teacher
Mr. Joe, as the students call him, has been involved at BUMP since 2012 when his son became a BUMPster. He enjoys planning large motor activities and games for the students and seeing the joy they get out of simply being kids.
Joe is also a professional musician who forewent a busy national and international travel schedule to be at home with his son, who is a BUMP graduate. In his free time, he enjoys the Nationals, Football, Tennis, Fishing, museums, aquariums, and a variety of nature activities with his wife and son.
Natasha Leija, Fun Friday Lead Teacher
Natasha holds a bachelors degree in Psychology from Salisbury University. She has a background in education, curriculum development, and enrichment program management, and previously was a lead teacher here at BUMP. She returns to BUMP to help coordinate our Fun Friday program and kindergarten readiness prep.
Natasha is the mother to 3 former BUMPsters. She loves spending time with her family, doing arts and crafts, and DISNEY!