Meet the Team
Who We Are
Mrs. Amanda Cox
Operations Director
Amanda Courtney Cox serves as the Operations Director for Valley Early Education Reimagined (VEER), leading efforts to expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
Amanda brings more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, preschool director, and adjunct professor. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University, an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Learning and Leadership at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her doctoral research focuses on equity in access to play-based learning in kindergarten classrooms.
In addition to her professional career, Amanda has coordinated literacy initiatives in Virginia and North Carolina, presented at national and regional conferences, and served on numerous community boards. She is also a dedicated alumna leader, currently serving on the BYU Education Society Board.
Her leadership is guided by collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to equity—believing that when children thrive, whole communities flourish.
540-216-2374
Dr. Ashleigh Cicconi
Center Director
Ashleigh Cicconi, EdD, MT-BC, CCTS-F, CBC, is the new Valley Early Education Reimagined
(VEER) Center Director. She holds degrees in music therapy, education, and educational
leadership, as well as certifications in music therapy, family trauma treatment, and cognitive behavior coaching. Prior to her appointment at VEER, Dr. Cicconi served as the principal at Harrisonburg Minnick School (VA), special education department chair at Edgewood High School (MD), adjunct professor of music at Towson University (MD), and continues her role as an adjunct professor at Longy School of Music at Bard College (MA). Dr. Cicconi is an active
participant and contributing member in numerous professional affiliations, including but not limited to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).
540-216-2374
Ms. Eva Bayliss
Assistant Director
Eva Bayliss is the new VEER Center Assistant Director. She brings with her a strong background in strategic system development and process improvement. Ms. Eva has experience in developing and improving operational excellence while working to create a supportive environment for all employees. She holds degrees from Capital University and James Madison University. When not at the Center, Ms. Eva enjoys running, reading, and being involved with her church.
540-216-2374
Mrs. Rosie Chase
Lead Teacher
Ms. Rosie is the new lead teacher in the Lillypad Room. She is married and a mom of three wonderful children. She has been working in early childhood education for 3 years with children ranging in infancy through 5 years. Outside the classroom, you can find her in the garden, tending to her farm, curled up with a good book, or experimenting with new baking recipes. She is very excited to be joining VEER!
540-216-2374
Ms. Lisa Gund
Lead Teacher
Ms. Lisa is the new VEER Lead Teacher in the Swamp Room. She has an associates degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Laurel Ridge Community College. Lisa has worked as a private nanny, as well as a Lead Teacher in Pre-K for four years at an early learning center. She enjoys shopping, nature walks, adventures, and spending time with her family and friends.
540-216-2374
Ms. Kaila Roberts
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Kaila is the new VEER Assistant Teacher in the Lillypad Room. She has 8 years of experience in childcare and has worked with children infants through Pre-Kindergarten. She loves watching little minds grow and being a part of the "aha" moments in the classroom. Kaila is also a proud mom to her 8-year-old daughter who is her whole world. When she is not working, you can find her binge-watching a good drama on Netflix, going to concerts, or hanging with her best friend. She is excited to join the VEER team!
540-216-2374
Ms. Tabitha Silvious
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Tabitha Silvious is the new assistant teacher in the Swamp Room. She comes to us with four and a half years of daycare experience as well as has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time Tabitha enjoys fishing, shopping and spending time with her family and her dog.
540-216-2374