Our Team
President
Pamela Haefner
As a Clinical Social Worker, with a Master’s in Social Work from The Catholic University of America, I have devoted my career to helping children and families thrive. For over 30 years, I have worked as a family therapist, specializing in supporting families with very young children. In 2010, I established Thrive Under 5 LLC, an independent therapy practice dedicated to helping parents and children develop strong, supportive, and nurturing relationships.
Through my work as a child and family therapist, I recognize that many parents benefit from guidance in understanding the "why" behind their children’s actions, as well as strategies to foster positive interactions and manage challenges effectively. I see the importance of providing young families with a supportive network by connecting them to other parents and professional resources within the community. I also see many families struggling to find those connections. This awareness prompted the development of The Yellow School House, a program specifically designed to meet the needs of families with very young children.
Member
Traci Comstock
I grew up in Pennsylvania and knew from a young age that I wanted to be an educator. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University and a Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision from George Mason University. I have taught multiple elementary grade levels and served as an administrator in Frederick County, with a special passion for teaching children to read.
In addition to being an educator, I am a mother to three children, ages 4, 7, and 11. Since leaving the school system, I have remained actively involved in my children’s schools, served on committees through the LVWA, volunteered in the children's program at my church, and looked for ways to support my community. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and traveling with my family.
As both a parent and educator, I have seen the impact of early childhood experiences on development and have been grateful for the community that has supported me through parenthood. I am excited to be part of The Yellow School House to help bring that same sense of community and support to other families.
Secretary
Melissa Bloodgood
I hold a bachelor's degree in sociology and have over 20 years of experience working with children in various settings, including babysitting, after-school programs, and homeless shelters. I am also a mom to four children, ages 18, 15, 4, and 2. Currently, I manage a community Facebook group of over 900 subscribers called Moms Helping Moms, where I support postpartum mothers and provide ongoing assistance.
My passion for The Yellow School House is to create a space where moms can connect on a deeper level while their children play in a safe and welcoming environment. Having a regular weekly opportunity to share our struggles, goals, and day-to-day moments while our kids "share" toys has been far more helpful and transformative as a new mom than I ever could have imagined. The friendships I’ve built in this small setting have been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to watching our kids reach many milestones together.
Member
Hunter Nicole
I am the founder and owner of Soulshine Medicine, a business dedicated to supporting the well-being of individuals at all stages of life through the subtle yet profound practices of yoga. My journey led me to Rishikesh, India, where I immersed myself in the study of yoga and gained a deep understanding of how it can truly live within us, shaping the way we move through life.
I share these practices both independently and alongside my other passions as a Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator (CCE). From a young age, I have known that "Mother" is my title—mothering is my birthright and the foundation of how I live. Since I began babysitting at 12, nurturing children as if they were my own has always come naturally. Learning and growing alongside fellow maidens, mothers, and children is an integral part of who I am.
Mothers and children are the future of our society. To help strengthen and support this vital foundation, I have joined The Yellow School House to further cultivate this community—because without community, our society cannot thrive.
Member
Emily Windle
Following receiving my undergraduate degree with a triple major in English, Secondary Education, and Middle Level Education, along with a minor in Special Education and earning a Master's in Educational Leadership from James Madison University, I began my career in education, spending several years in the classroom while also coaching basketball, track, and cross country.
After the birth of my first daughter, I transitioned to a new role as a legislative aide in the Virginia House of Delegates, and I also serve on the Winchester City Council. I recently earned my doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a focus on public policy and school finance. I am passionate about reimagining the role of government and ensuring it returns to its core purpose: serving and representing the people in our communities.
As an educator, family advocate and mom with two young children, I am deeply committed to helping parents connect, find their support networks, and access the resources they need to thrive on their parenthood journey.
Member
SheRae Hunter
I earned a degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Master’s in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of North Dakota. While in graduate school, I discovered a love for teaching, working with undergrad nursing and premed students, and later shared science with younger learners at a K-8 school and The Discovery Museum.
I thrive on meeting people and collaborating, which has allowed me to partner with many local nonprofits, businesses, and agencies in Winchester. These include Winchester Medical Center, The Chamber of Commerce, Old Towne Winchester, The Discovery Museum, and Winchester Public Schools.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading or listening to books, planning adventures with my family, and spending quality time with friends. I also absolutely LOVE coffee and have been teaching myself barista skills over the past few years—a hobby that brings me great joy!
I come from a military family but have called Winchester home for 11 years. As a proud mom to five kids, ages 1 to 13, I’m passionate about creating opportunities that make our community a great place for families.
Member
Emmie Strassberg
I grew up in Chicago and earned my BA in Music (cello) from Knox College. After graduation, I spent a year in New York’s Hudson Valley with AmeriCorps, working at Camphill Village alongside individuals with developmental differences. I then attended Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where I pursued my passion for medicine, specializing in OB-GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. In 2017, I moved to the Shenandoah Valley and have been practicing at Shenandoah Valley Maternal-Fetal Medicine ever since.
In addition to my medical career, I hold a life and weight loss coaching certification from The Life Coach School. I also run a small pregnancy coaching business, Power Passenger Passage, where I help support expectant mothers on their journey. In my free time, I enjoy music, art, writing, and spending time outdoors.
I am honored to join the board of The Yellow School House and look forward to contributing to its mission of sustainable community building and supporting new moms and families with young children.
Member
Angela Craig
After earning a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University, I began my career in social services, working with children and families through Monroe County Children and Youth in Pennsylvania and Northside Mental Health in Florida. I later transitioned into education, serving as an elementary educator in multiple school districts and contributing to early childhood development through Early Intervention at Grafton Integrated Health Network.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, I founded Ardys in The Rough, a woodworking business that allowed me to explore design, creativity, and business strategy. Building on these experiences, I transitioned into outreach sales, where I now focus on communication, relationship-building, and business development. I am passionate about helping companies expand their reach, achieve their goals, and form lasting partnerships by blending creativity and strategic growth.
I am passionate about being part of an organization that fosters early childhood development and provides essential resources to empower families, as I believe in the profound impact these foundations have on shaping the future of our communities.
Member
Sandy Shihadeh
I grew up outside Philadelphia and moved to Loudoun County in 1991. Inspired by how much joy my nieces and nephews brought to residents at my grandmother’s nursing home, I came up with the idea of pairing eager young learners with elder volunteers in multigenerational programs. In 2007, I piloted an intergenerational reading program at my grandmother’s nursing home, and All Ages Read Together was born. I served as its first teacher and later as President until 2016.
Before starting AART, I worked as a preschool educator for nearly 20 years. Today, I stay active as a volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging and Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, where I also serve on the Board of Directors. A lover of books, of course I have dozens of favorites. If I had to choose one, it would be the fabulously illustrated Piggies by Audrey Wood and Don Wood.
My interest in The Yellow School House is much like my going from elementary education to preschool. As we learn more about the growth and learning patterns of babies and young children, I believe it is important to try and give parents, families and caregivers the resources they need to be successful.