Our Staff
A director, 3 teachers and a host of wonderful volunteers - the staff at Bella Vista Preschool are all dedicated to making preschool the foundation from which students can successfully begin their school career.
Melanie Nichols
Mrs. Nichols has been with Bell Vista PreSchool since 2012. She started first as a substitute, then the Caterpillar teacher and has now moved to the position of Director. A graduate of Rogers High School, she and her husband Matt returned to NWA over 15 years ago. They have three children, all of whom attended BVPS during their preschool years and are now attending Gravette schools.
Mrs. Nichols has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mrs. Nichols worked in 2 Headstart Centers in Kansas City, and taught preschool for 3 years while attending college. She then taught 5th grade for 4 years before her oldest was born. She is currently working on a Master of Science in Early Childhood Services through ASU.
Hannah Watson
Mrs. Watson is new to our BVPS staff this year and is excited to join the Bella Vista Preschool team!
She and her husband, Tyler, live in Rogers with their 4 children. Their three older boys -- Jeremy, Colton, and Baylor -- attend Arkansas Arts Academy in Rogers, and their youngest daughter, Lorelai, is enrolled in the Butterfly class for the 2021-22 school year. Their youngest son, Baylor, attended BVPS in 2018-19 as a Butterfly also.
Mrs. Watson has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from East Central University in Ada, OK. This year, she is continuing her educational journey at Harding University and pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching for Elementary Education (K-6).
Terri Wellman
Mrs. Wellman is new to BVPS this year. She is excited to be part of the staff at Bella Vista PreSchool! She worked for 13 years in Springdale pre-K and is looking forward to spending time in the classroom again. Mrs. Wellman and her husband, Dale have lived in Northwest Arkansas for 30 years. They have three grown children - their oldest daughter is Mrs. Watson, the Butterfly teacher! Mrs. Wellman loves being Nana to her six grandkids. Her favorite part about teaching preschool is spending time with the kids and she is excited to be a part of the Caterpillars’ growth learning this year.
Holly Penny
Ms. Holly is new to our staff this year as an assistant teacher. She works primarily in the Butterfly class this year and is very excited to be a part of the Bella Vista Preschool team this year!
She and her husband, Cole, have a three-year old son, Henry. He will be attending the Caterpillar class this school year, and he’s very excited to meet all his new friends.
Ms. Holly was born and raised in Rogers, and while her husband was in the Marines, they lived in San Diego, CA for three years. They have two dogs, a Yorkie mix and a Bulldog who love to play and run together. Ms. Holly is currently working on an Associates for Early Childhood Education degree at NWACC, and plan on transferring to U of A to complete a Bachelors.
Volunteers
One of the many unique things about BVPS is our group of volunteers who work in the classroom. From those who sit on the board of directors to parents of current and former students to those in our community who love children, the volunteers truly make Bella Vista Preschool a special place for kids!