Ms. Laura
Founder, Director
Collaborative Teacher
The Reggio-Inspired Day Home is the realized dream of mom and educator, Laura Hou. Originally from NC, Laura holds a B.S. in Child Life from East Carolina University graduating with honors Magna Cum Laude.
She moved to the DC area in 2008 to complete her internship at Children's National Medical Center and soon began her career in early education. It was at the World Bank Children’s Center where she was introduced to the Reggio-Emilia model and immediately fell in love with the approach. Two years later, Laura decided to incorporate this philosophy into a nurturing, home environment by becoming a licensed family day home provider and opened her own school in Northern VA.
Since then, she has worked with many families who have been positively impacted by her program. Laura has three children of her own and two bonus children with her husband, Allen. She is passionate about partnering with families and helping young children thrive to their highest potential.
Ms. Meghan
Lead 2s and 3s Teacher
Caterpillar Class
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Ms. Meghan Carlino is the Caterpillar Class teacher and is thrilled to be part of the RIDH community! She brings six years of experience working with children from infancy through preschool as an assistant teacher, lead teacher, and nanny. She finds great joy in supporting children as they grow, develop, and discover the world around them.
Before working in early childhood education, Meghan spent 12 years as a pastry chef and confectionery artist. She especially enjoys baking event cakes and decorative cookies.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Meghan recently moved to Northern Virginia and is excited to explore the area and build a new community. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, DIY projects, road trips, cooking and baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Chris
Lead 4s and 5s Teacher
Butterfly Class
Ms. Chris Yeannakis is the Butterfly Class teacher and is excited to begin another school year! She holds a master’s degree in education and brings decades of experience working with children and families in a variety of educational settings.
Chris has taught preschool, kindergarten, and elementary-aged children, as well as psychology and child development at Northern Virginia Community College. She has also directed a preschool/day care, operated a micro-school, provided tutoring, and worked in a Reggio-inspired program with children ages 16 months to five years.
A lifelong learner, Chris continues to grow professionally through webinars, reading, and time spent with young children. She is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and enjoys spending time with her children, granddaughter, and many beloved pets.
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Ms. Allison
Visiting Atelierista`
Ms. Allison Huver is our visiting atelierista (art educator) and a former Fairfax County Public Schools teacher with extensive experience in diverse settings. She holds a B.A. and M.S.Ed. from Nazareth University in Rochester, NY.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Allison believes in every child’s innate creativity and the power of play and process-based art. Since 2024, she has owned The Art Club, offering mobile art experiences through community classes, birthday parties, and school programs.
We are delighted to welcome Allison to our atelier, where she encourages children to explore, experiment, and express themselves through meaningful art experiences.