The people behind the classroom doors

Management Team

Elizabeth Newman

Executive Director

Elizabeth Newman truly embodies the heart of our Children’s Academies. Her journey began as a student at Maryville Children’s Academy in 1993, where she and her siblings spent countless hours learning, growing, and making lifelong memories. Over the years, Elizabeth has experienced nearly every role within our schools — student, teacher, manager, director, and now parent — giving her a uniquely personal understanding of the impact early childhood education can have on children and families.

After graduating from Maryville Children’s Academy, Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee. She then gained hands-on experience across Westland, Ebenezer, and Maryville Children’s Academy before ascending to her role as Executive Director in 2014.

Today, Elizabeth oversees all three centers, working closely with our leadership teams, teachers, and founder to provide exceptional early childhood education throughout East Tennessee. Her mission is simple: to enhance the lives of every child, parent, and teacher she encounters by creating an atmosphere rooted in love, confidence, and capability.

Ashley Raby

Director of Program and Curriculum

Originally from Minneapolis, Ashley moved to Tennessee during her senior year of high school, where she met her husband, Archie. They married in 2010 and are proud parents of two daughters, both graduates of Westland Children’s Academy.

Ashley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee Technological University and has worked in education since 2009. She joined the Children’s Academy in 2016 as a Pre-K I teacher before stepping into the role of Director of Curriculum for all three centers.

Ashley believes that a thoughtfully designed curriculum is the foundation of meaningful early childhood education. Her passion for innovative, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences continues to shape and strengthen the educational programs across each academy.

Shaley Melton

Director

A proud East Tennessee native, Shay discovered her passion for early childhood education shortly after graduating high school. She began her childcare career in 2012 while pursuing her Early Childhood Education Degree and has since completed both her Child Development Associate coursework and TECTA certification.

Shay joined the Westland Children’s Academy family in 2018 as a toddler teacher and steadily grew into her role as Director through her dedication to students, families, and staff. Her leadership reflects her strong commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships and creating a positive, supportive school environment.

Alyssa Miller

Assistant Director/ Director of Staff Development

Originally from Pittsburgh, Alyssa Miller relocated to Oak Ridge in 2021 with her husband, Brian, and their two dogs. She began her career in childcare as a private nanny and brings more than thirteen years of experience working with children as both a nanny and preschool teacher.

Alyssa joined Ebenezer Children’s Academy in 2022 as a Pre-K II teacher before quickly advancing into leadership roles, first as Assistant Director at ECA and now as Assistant Director at Westland Children’s Academy.

She is TECTA certified and is currently pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Child Development. Alyssa is passionate about creating nurturing, engaging learning environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Christine Stacy

Assistant Director of Program and Curriculum

Christine Stacy, an Oak Ridge native, brings more than 20 years of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education to our schools. She holds both her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.

Since joining the Children’s Academy family in 2015, Christine has served in many roles across the centers and has become an invaluable member of our leadership team. Known affectionately as a “Jill-of-all-trades,” Christine provides support in classroom organization, behavioral guidance, curriculum preparation, and daily operations. Her flexibility, knowledge, and willingness to jump in wherever needed make her an incredible asset to both teachers and students.

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