Our Teachers

Message from Samantha Sterrett, Director of Bella Bee Academy

As the Director and Owner of Bella Bee Academy I take my job very seriously. It is an honor that families choose our school to care for and educate their young children. The expectations for children entering kindergarten are set higher than in the past, and I was drawn to this age group because I felt a need for a better pre-K foundation. As early childhood educators, we at Bella Bee have the privilege of working one-on-one with children to help them gain the proper knowledge and independence necessary for success in Kindergarten and beyond.

A bit about me: I have a wonderful son, Bradley, and have been married to my husband, Buddy, since 2004. I have a rather unique hobby. I enjoy working in the garage helping to build and fix rail buggies, for trail riding and racing. I was born into this hobby as a third-generation enthusiast, and I have passed it on to my son to make the fourth generation.

I began my career in the banking field, but went back to school and received my Bachelor in Arts in Educational Studies from Western Governors University. I became a preschool teacher and never looked back. I love helping children learn new things and preparing them for the future. Being a teacher is always exciting and I especially enjoy the opportunity to not only teach children, but to learn from them as well. I have been working with young children since 1997.

I invite you to read on to learn more about our incredible teachers at Bella Bee Academy. Our teachers come from very different backgrounds and each bring their own unique personality and experiences to their classrooms. Yet they all share a passion for early childhood education and commitment to their profession. I am proud of what they bring to this school, and I know that you will be proud of what your children will accomplish with their help.

Please feel free to stop in my office at any time…I cannot wait to get to know you and your family! Welcome to Bella Bee Academy!

Carla Stigall

I live in Anderson Twp. and have three Children; all have graduated from Anderson High School. I have been in the education industry for over twenty years and received my CDA with the University of Cincinnati. I have worked for Hamilton County Head Start as well as substituting for Forest Hills School District. I also have a background in teaching Sign Language to young children and am certified with Baby Signs. During my tenure at Anderson Park District, I was responsible for creating programs for the children and classroom set up.

My goal is to help all the children feel safe and look forward to coming to school each day to learn and interact with each other in a positive way.

I love spending time with my 6 Grandchildren, doing Yoga and walking our Great Dane.

Carmel Glassmeyer

Hi, I am Carmel Glassmeyer and I am the 2 year old classroom teacher. I have an 8 1/2 year-old daughter, Kennedy, a six year old daughter, Quinn, and a four year old son, Theo. Prior to having children, I worked in a behavioral school on the west side. After I had my oldest, I became a stay at home mom for years and when my youngest was 2, I began working in his preschool class as an assistant and and loved it! I love helping each child succeed in what way works best for them and watching how excited they become when they succeed in figuring out a new skill! The best way to learn is through play!

Angela Buller

I am from Walton, KY, and graduated from Walton Verona High School. I attended Cincinnati State and have an Associates degree in Hospitality Management. I worked for The Kroger Co. as an Executive Event Planner for 16 years. There I planned and executed events for the top executives and travelled across the country. I now live in Anderson Township with my husband Drew and two children, Olivia, and Owen. I decided to stay home with my children in 2020. My youngest, Owen, started attending Bella Bee during the 2022-2023 school year and we fell in love with the facility and teachers. I love working with children and am so excited to be a part of this team! In my free time I love traveling with my family, trying new restaurants, working out and reading.

Nora Darcy

Hi everyone! My name is Nora. I moved to Cincinnati around 2010. My husband and I have 3 kiddos- Rowan age 6, Noah age 5 and Micah is under a year old. I’m an animal lover so I can’t forget to mention the fur babies! We have 2 dogs Crash and Scout and 2 cats Kitty Kitty and Cheese. I worked retail as a visual merchandising manager for 10 years before becoming a stay at home mom. Since then I’ve spent the last 6 years dedicated to my children and soaking up all the time I can while they are still young. When I’m not with my family and sneaking in a little me time I enjoy listening to music, thrifting and going to concerts.

As much as I love being a stay at home mom, I’m very much looking forward to spending some time in the classroom with your children and helping to create a positive fun-filled learning environment.

Cece King

Hello! My name is Cece and I am so excited for my second year teaching at Bella Bee Academy. I moved to Cincinnati in 2011 to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at the University of Cincinnati, and I’ve loved calling this city home ever since. I love spending time with my 4-year-old son, Beckham, and I work part-time as a nurse at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Balancing motherhood, nursing, and teaching has given me a deep appreciation for both caring for others and supporting little ones as they grow, explore, and discover the world around them. In my free time, I love hiking, climbing, reading, and listening to music. I’m so grateful to be part of the Bella Bee community and I look forward to another wonderful year ahead, filled with learning, exploration, and fun!

Anne Morton

My name is Anne Morton, and I am excited to welcome your child to our classroom for a year of learning, fun, and growth.

A little about me: I have a degree from Auburn University in Public Relations and Mass Communications. I worked in the television industry for five years before I moved back to my hometown to open a café. Then I met my husband (who was in the Army), and for 14 years I was a stay-at-home mom to my three wonderful children: Madeline, Charlotte, and Will. We also have a Shetland sheepdog named Katie. We moved to Cincinnati two years ago, and after living all over the country I can say that I love this city! Last year I was an aide in both of the 4 year old classes.

I can’t wait to spend the year getting to know your child. The classroom is a place where your child will learn through play, exploration, and hands-on activities. Students will work on building friendships, learning to share, and practicing kindness and respect. You will see amazing cognitive growth in your child as they will learn their letters, numbers, and enjoy many hand-on activities in science, art, and music. I am thrilled to be a part of your child’s early childhood education journey.