Staff
Gulbun Esen - Owner and Director
Gulbun Esen, Owner and Director of the Children's Nest Preschool and Daycare has over 25 years of experience as a child care professional. In 1995, Gulbun opened the Children's Nest to serve the needs of children and families in the Blacksburg area. Prior to opening the Children's Nest, she was a Director for 10 years at another day care facility. Gulbun has created a nurturing environment for children to learn, develop and thrive. Gulbun has two daughters, Evren and Filiz, and two grandchildren, Devrim and Leyla.
Becky Bryson - Assistant and Program Director
Hi! My name is Becky Bryson and I am the Assistant and Program Director at The Children's Nest. I can help you with pretty much everything you need, from payment to enrollment to curriculum and much more!
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Literacy: English as a Second Language. I am certified to teach PreK - 12th grade. After college, I taught English as a Second Language for one year and kindergarten for two years. Throughout college, I worked in several childcare care centers. I have been working at The Children's Nest since June 2008.
I live in Blacksburg with my husband Josh and my dog Scooter. My husband received his PhD from Virginia Tech and now works here in Blacksburg. In our spare time, my husband and I enjoy hiking, taking bike rides, reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Kathy Haas, Infant Room
Hi! My name is Kathy Haas and I am the lead teacher in the Infant Room. I have worked here at The Children's Nest since September 1998. I love children and began babysitting at the age of twelve. I also have taken care of many kids while my husband was in the military.
I have been married to my husband since 1975. We have three kids who are all married. They have given us five wonderful grandchildren and we are expecting two more this year!
I am very involved with my family. I love to have family get-togethers and never turn down the chance to have my grandkids with me. I also love to read, do puzzles, and travel to the Smokey Mountains when time allows.
I am truly a baby person, so I am right where I belong. We want all of our babies to be happy and feel loved and secure here at The Nest.
Sondra Gean, Toddler Room
Hi! My name is Sondra Gean and I am the lead teacher in the Toddler Room. I have been working with children for 23 years; 16 of those years have been at The Children's Nest.
I was born in California, but raised here in Blacksburg. My husband Tom and I have 3 boys. Randall is 20, Thomas is 11, and Wyatt is 5. Thomas and Wyatt both attend the schooler program here at The Nest. We also have a dog named Max and a pet snake named Diego. Even the pets are boys, so I am the only female in our household!
I enjoy jazz and big band music, mostly Harry Connick Jr. I also enjoy reading and having movie nights with the boys.
Chrystal Ratliff, Two-year Old Room
Hi! My name is Chrystal Ratliff and I am the lead teacher in the two year old room. I have been working at The Children's Nest since June 2007.
I moved to Blacksburg with my husband Thomas, a doctoral candidate at Virginia Tech, and absolutely love the area. I am currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.
In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Amy Stutzman, Three-year Old Room
Hi! My name Amy Stutzman and I am the lead teacher in the 3 year old class. I've been working at The Children's Nest since December 2004. I have been in the 3 year old class the entire time I've been employed here at The Nest. After completing high school, I attended a vocational school for two years. I have a certificate in Early Childhood Education.
I was born in Towson, Maryland. When I was two years old, my family moved to Middletown, Ohio. I have one sister who lives out in California. She is married to a great guy named Nick. I have two nieces; Anna who is 7 and Katie who is 5. My brother Eric lives in Pittsburgh. My wonderful parents live in Pittsburgh as well. I am married to Darren and we have been married for almost 5 years!
I enjoy going on hikes, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends. I am a huge Ohio State fan! I do get grief for that! Haha!
I really enjoy working with your kids. They are so much fun and you never know what they will say!
Thanks so much for letting me be such an important part of your child's lives.
Tressa Wright, Four-year Old Room
Hi! I'm Miss Tressa. I am the lead teacher in the 4s and I am so excited about being here!
I have a boyfriend of 7 months. He is a over the road truck driver. I am a proud mom of three awesome kids. Dexter is 22 years old, Mike is 19 years old, and Sami Jo is 18 years old. I'm also Mom to a very lovable puppy 'Bam Bam' and the newest addition, my kitten 'Zero.' They all make my life complete.
In my spare time, I like to write poems. I have my own website and I have also had two poems published. I moved to Dublin two years ago from Bedford, where I grew up. I am active in my church, which is New Village in Staffordsville.
I have worked with children since I was sixteen. I have taught everything from nursery to teenagers. I have also been a counselor at a church camp for 5 year old to 18 year old kids. I worked with Roanoke County Schools for 7 years as an Instructional Assistant. I worked in Preschool through 2nd grade and enjoyed every minute of it!
This promises to be a fun and exiting time. If you have any questions or concerns, I am here from 7:45am until 4:45pm.
Kara Cullop, Schooler Room
Hello, my name is Kara Cullop and I am the lead teacher in the schooler room. I have worked at The Children's Nest since May 2008 and this will be my second summer with the schoolers. I really enjoy working with them.
I live in Blacksburg with my son Mason, who is almost two. I have lived in Christiansburg pretty much my whole life. My family lives close, so I don't see myself moving away from this area.
I have worked with younger children for seven years now and I have enjoyed every second of it. I plan to go back to school and make a career working with children in either nursing or teaching,
Jennifer Scott, Cook
Hi, my name is Jennifer Scott and I am the cook at The Children's Nest.
I graduated from Blacksburg High School, where I took one year of child care. I was in FFA, Vica and FHA. I was also in several food competitions in high school.
I live in Blacksbug with my husband, my two kids, and my dog Mercedes. They are my whole life. I love spending time with my kids and my husband. I also enjoy reading and relaxing at home with my family.