OUR TEAM
Learn more about our staff at Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Clayton!
Arlecia Pennington
Education Director
Arlecia’s love of working with children started at a very young age, when her Mother owned a child daycare facility. Her vast experience in childhood education includes stints as an assistant teacher, lead teacher, bus driver/cook, coordinator, assistant director and center director. She possesses an A.A. degree in Applied Science focusing on Early Childhood Education and a Level 2 Administrative Credential. Arlecia has two daughters, ages 9 and 21. She enjoys traveling with her family, shopping with her children and trying new recipes.
Jennifer Casillas
Program Director
Jennifer brings seven years of early childhood curriculum design & instructor experience within her 13+ years of experience working with children ages birth-through-middle school. She has a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration on child development from Kaplan University. A U.S. Army Veteran, Jennifer is married and the mother of two: a daughter at Meredith College and a son at Raleigh Charter High School. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, gardening, reading, traveling, and adventures with my family.
Marielle Brisco
Connections Director
Marielle currently holds an Associate of Arts, concentration in Education Degree and has plans to continue her education in Early Childhood Development. She has worked in a licensed childcare setting for over eight years and has experience in administrative roles for over six years. Marielle joined our Kids R Kids family in February 2021. She shares “One thing that I find most fulfilling is my ability to help others.” Marielle loves to welcome, connect, and build trust and relationships with families and staff. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies and shopping.
Kellie Coley
Executive Administrative Assistant
Kellie has been a part of the Abernathy Marketing and Kids R Kids Family since 2005. She is a Knightdale, NC native and has over twenty years of Administrative and Leadership experience. Kellie has worked in many roles at Kids R Kids, including as a Teacher, Business Administrator, Principal and now Executive Admin. She is a mom to Ayden, 14, Anna, 16, and Alyssa, 21, plus a bonus son-in-law, Landen. Other than spending time with family, Kellie is passionate about her faith and serves deeply at her church and in overseas missions and podcasting. She loves the beach, her dog, and coffee shops.
Debbie Finch
Administration / Front Desk
Debbie has been a pre-school teacher and part of our school for almost 11 years. She has always enjoyed working with children of all ages. Her family owned a pre-school for 36 years, which she owned for 10 years. A North Carolina Native, Debbie is married with three beautiful daughters and seven precious grandchildren. She looks forward to continuing to be a part of providing you and your children an excellent school experience.
Learn more about a career at kids 'r' kids
We are extremely proud of our excellent staff, teachers and directors! If you are interested in becoming a part of our teaching team please contact us and we will be happy to speak with you regarding a new career in the field of early childhood education.