Gretchen Tuttle Hartsville Center Director

Hi, I’m Gretchen! I’ve been working with children for over 14 years, from infants all the

way through early elementary. I’m originally from Western New York, lived in Florida for

about 10 years, and have been in Tennessee for the past three years.

I’ve had the opportunity to work both in the classroom and in leadership roles, including

being a Center Director, which has helped me really understand what children, families,

and teachers need to be successful.

I’m married and have two grown children, so I know firsthand how important it is for kids

to feel safe, supported, and confident while they’re learning. I love creating a hands-on,

engaging environment where children can grow at their own pace and actually enjoy

learning.

When I’m not working, I love doing crafts and spending time with my dog, Roxie.

Jouelle Denny

Gallatin Coach

Ms. J is a dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in Special

Education, specializing in behavior support and intervention. She is passionate

about creating a structured, supportive learning environment where all students can

grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Ms. J is committed to meeting the

unique needs of each learner and building strong relationships with both students

and families.

She is currently continuing her education to earn her administration license, with

the goal of expanding her leadership and impact within the school community.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. J is a devoted mother of three and values faith,

family, and community. She brings compassion, consistency, and a heart for

service into everything she does, making her a trusted and positive presence in the

lives of her students.

Kaitlin McClard Hartsville Coach

Hi, I’m Kaitlin McClard, and I’m so excited to be part of the Peterson Learning Center family! Teaching here is truly special to me because it aligns so closely with both my personal values and my heart for children. Outside of the classroom, my greatest joy in life is my son, Bryce—he is my whole world and the reason I am so passionate about creating a meaningful, supportive learning environment for every child I teach. When I’m not teaching or spending time with Bryce, you can usually find me enjoying anything Disney—I love the creativity, imagination, and sense of wonder that Disney brings, and I try to bring that same magic into my classroom every day.

I deeply believe in the Peterson Learning Center vision because it puts children first in a way that truly matters. Every learner is seen, valued, and supported as an individual, not just another student in a system. I love that we focus on hands-on, real-world learning experiences and build strong relationships with both our leaders and their families. Education here isn’t about memorizing for a test—it’s about growth, confidence, and helping each child discover their strengths. I am honored to be part of a team that works alongside families to create a positive, engaging, and purposeful learning journey for every child.

Dr. Jennifer Peterson Owner

Hi, I’m Dr. Jennifer Peterson, and I am so grateful you’re here learning more about Peterson Learning Center. At the heart of everything I do is a deep passion for helping learners succeed—not just academically, but in life. I truly love the action of creating learner success—watching confidence grow, seeing understanding click, and helping each child discover their potential in a way that feels meaningful and lasting.

Outside of the learning environment, my life is full and joyful. I’m married to my best friend, Tom, and together we have four incredible children and three amazing grandkids who remind me every day why this work matters so much. Our home is also filled with love (and a little bit of chaos!) thanks to our two rescue dogs, Blaze and Harley, and our cat, Meowzart.

I created Peterson Learning Center with a clear vision: education should be personal, engaging, and built around the learner—not the system. Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and challenged in the right ways, and every family deserves to be part of that journey. What we are building here is more than a school—it’s a community committed to doing education differently, and doing it better.

Dalayna McCullough

Gallatin Coach

I am excited to teach Kindergarten. Before moving into the elementary classroom, I spent 11 years working with preschool-aged children, where I developed a deep love for helping young learners grow, explore, and build confidence in themselves.

I believe that every child has the potential to become a strong leader, and I am passionate about guiding students as they develop the skills, curiosity, and character they will carry into the future. Watching children discover new ideas and celebrate their progress is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy painting, spending time outdoors playing baseball with my oldest child, and cooking and baking for my family. I look forward to creating a positive, supportive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to learn, lead, and succeed.

Nicholas Caro-Quintero

Online Teacher

Hello! My name is Nicholas Quintero, and I am the lead teacher for Peterson Learning Center’s Virtual Program. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida International University and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. For the past five years, I have worked in a mixed-age, alternative education environment, and I truly enjoy building strong, supportive relationships with my students. I believe that every child learns best when they feel comfortable, encouraged, and engaged, so I strive to create a positive and fun learning environment where students can grow with confidence. Outside of the classroom, I run a small business selling vintage collectibles and Pokémon cards, which allows me to connect with students through shared interests and creativity. I am grateful to be part of your child’s learning journey and appreciate you taking the time to get to know me.

Skylar Baker

Gallatin Coach

My name is Mrs. Skylar Baker and I am so excited to be the first & second grade teacher this year! My favorite part of teaching is watching children learn and grow! I have always loved working with children, and recently was a lead teacher for toddlers. I recently got married to my best friend, which has been such a special and sweet time in my life! I’m so excited to spend my days learning while having fun with the kiddos. In my free time, I love reading new books, going camping, and hiking in nature. I’m super big on family ! I live next to my sister, and I get to spend lots of time with my two little nephews. I am so excited for my first year teaching at the Peterson learning center, and I know we are going to have an amazing year full of learning, adventures, and fun!

What I’ll be teaching- first & second grades

Fun facts 

I played division 1 soccer 

I love hiking and camping

I enjoy reading books

I love chic fil a 

My favorite color is yellow 

I lived in New York 

I love playing cards