Toddler Classroom Teachers
Akeyla Ruffin - Lead Teacher
Akeyla has her associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and she’s a current East Carolina University student getting her bachelor’s in birth-kindergarten with a minor in disability studies. She first came to Refuge as a student teacher, before becoming a substitute, and eventually a full-time teacher.
Her passion for teaching stems from a desire to take care of others and to give the best possible education to children during the crucial, early years of their lives.
Outside of the classroom, Akeyla loves spending time with her fiancé and traveling. She also enjoys baking and cooking.
Bria Richardson - Assistant Teacher
Bria has her associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Wake Technical Community College and is currently getting her bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies, with a concentration in Early Care & Education, from UNC-Greensboro.
Bria loves being surrounded by children because of their curiosity, imagination, and creativity. She enjoys watching them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. As a teacher, she embraces the unique voice and platform she has to speak positivity into a young child’s life and to help shape their future.
In her free time, Bria loves to listen to music, read, and spend time with her friends and family.
Jael Sesay - Assistant Teacher
Jael has been with Refuge Early Learning Center since 2020. She has an associate degree in Pharmaceutical Science and has also achieved her NC Early Childhood Education credential. She is working toward her associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
She loves watching the children grow and learn every day at Refuge in a family-style environment. Jael loves the students, families, and the staff that she is blessed to interact with daily.
Outside of spending time with the little ones, Jael enjoys cooking and trying new foods, shopping, exploring new places, and discovering new activities.