Our Teachers and Staff

Lisa McCollum- Owner/Director

My name is Lisa and I have been the sole owner of AppleTREE Academy for over 25 years. Working with children was a lifelong dream of mine and now serves as my passion. I received my CDA (Child Development Associate) in preschool education and an Ancillary and I now sit as the owner and director of AppleTREE Academy for 30 years. In addition, I am also the preschool children’s pastor for New Beginnings Church in Covington, Louisiana. I have also served on The Board of Directors for The Northshore Association for the Education of Young Children and Children and Adults with Attention Disorder bringing my passion for children and their families. I am married to Brendon Hayes. We have four adult children and seven grandchildren!

Jane Williams- Director Designee /School Administrator

My name is Jane Williams. I earned my CDA (Child Development Associate) in May 2009 for Infants/Toddlers and an Ancillary. I have been working/teaching children for 47 years. I have worked with all ages from infants to Pre-Kindergarten. I have been at AppleTREE Academy for 29 years. I am the Assistant Director and presently the Pre-K teacher. My calling was to work with children which is my whole life. I have two wonderful children of my own as well as several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Krystal Chaisson- T-1A Lead Teacher

Hello everyone, my name is Krystal Chaisson. I have been here at AppleTREE Academy for 5 years. I am from Chalmette, but I relocated to Lacombe in 2005, where I now reside with my wonderful husband, Robert, my daughter, Mila, and my 2 fur babies, Roux and Buster. I love anything Disney, Golden Girls, and anime. In November of 2024, I received the call that changed my life forever, and I became a double transplant warrior and am living my best life ever! In addition, a hobby that I love, that also helps me unwind, is sewing and making hairbows. I am a graduate of McNeese State University with a Bachelor's degree in General Studies with a minor in Art. I have worked with children for about 16 years and absolutely love this field of work. I love working with infants and having the opportunity to watch them grow. In 2019, I received my Ancillary certificate and continue to take classes in order to further educate myself in the development of my babies. One thing I like for my parents to know is, I love and care for the babies as if they were my own. I look forward to interacting with you and your children!

Elizabeth Chauvin- T-1B Lead Teacher

My name is Elizabeth Chauvin I was born on August 29th and am currently twenty years old. A few of my favorite hobbies are spending time with my fiance, playing games with my family, watching television and taking care of my nephew, Maverick. I live in Franklinton, and have been there for the past fifteen years although I am from the Westbank. After I graduated high school I realized that my dream was to become a teacher so I went to college at the age of eighteen and graduated when I was twenty during my time in college I have been working in childcare and have been a teacher for two years. I have my CDA for infants and am two classes away from getting my associates degree.

T-2A Lead Teacher

T-2B- Ashely Walker

Hi! My name is Ashely Walker. I have been working in child care since 2005. I have always loved working with children. I love the fact that I get to watch them grow and have the opportunity to teach them new things. Along the way, I am a proud mom to a little girl. She is my world and love watching her grow up we love to do lots of crafts together.

Jessica Montalbano -T-3 Lead Teacher

Hi! My name is Jessica Montalbano. I live with my husband and our three girls in Covington, LA. I love spending time with my family and fishing. In the past, I was a substitute for the St. Tammany Parish School System. In the future, I am looking forward to obtaining my CDA.

Mrs. E -T-4 Lead Teacher

"Mabuhay (Welcome)! I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Louisiana last 2014 with the love of my life, my son. I earned my CDA in 2018. I have been in the childcare field for 4 years and it has been a fun learning experience for me. We grow old, but we continue to learn. I learn a lot from the children just as much as they learn from me. I am always pursuing what life has to offer, always grateful in every experience I have.

I don't have a lot of hobbies, but I love to read, I love love music and I also have a passion for photography. Currently, I am wanting to learn or explore new interest in psychology or development of young children. Looking up and looking forward for my son and I is our next adventure! Amping Kanunay! Ingat Palagi (Take Care)!"

P-2 Lead Teacher-

P-3 Lead Teacher- Niya Carter

My name is Niya J. Carter and I am proud to be at AppleTREE Academy. I am from Covington, LA. I have received my CDA; Director's License in Early Education from Sullivan Tech College; I am certified to teach Early Childhood. This will be my 5th year at AppleTREE Academy.

I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development-academic, social, language, and motor is a challenge that I am proud to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures their growth in a positive, fun environment.

Monica Jones- P-K Lead Teacher

My name is Monica Jones. I have earned my CDA (Child Development Associate) in 2005 for Infant/Toddler and an Ancillary. I have been teaching children since 1996. I started out my journey in teaching as a substitute at a local school. I then began my journey in the childcare field in 1999. I have worked with children of all ages from infants to preteens. I have received my ancillary certification. I love teaching children. It is a deep passion of mine to watch children learn and grow. I look forward to learning new things daily to help interact with the children and their families.

Megan Chauvin- Floater

Mikayla Barnes- Floater

Hi, my name is Mikayla Barnes and I am 21 years old. I am from Covington and I am currently studying to be a pediatric nurse. I have 2 years of experience in childcare and absolutely love working with children.

Shelley Taylor- Floater

Hello! My name is Shelley Taylor. I have been working in the education field for 28 years and just recently retired as a Special Education Teacher. I have 3 children and raised golden retrievers. Some hobbies that I enjoyed are kayaking, camping and listening to music.

AppleTREE Academy