Our Faculty

Mrs. Ann Steimer brings over 30 years of experience teaching
in both public and private schools. She earned her bachelor’s
degree in 1993 from Columbia Union College, now Washington
Adventist University, and later received her Master’s degree
in education from the University of Mary Washington in 2011.

Mrs. Steimer has a lifelong passion for teaching and learning,
inspired by her own elementary school experience in Pennsylvania,
where she first knew she wanted to become a teacher. She loves
creating a classroom that is engaging, encouraging, and full of
joy—where students feel safe to learn, grow, and be themselves.

She and her husband, Jim, a music teacher in Prince William
County Schools, are proud parents of twins, Andy and Allie,
both graduates of TLC Prep.

When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Steimer enjoys spending
time with her family, encouraging her students, and finding new
ways to make learning fun and meaningful. She especially loves
incorporating creativity, laughter, and faith into her daily lessons.

Becky Durichek grew up in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.
After graduating from Southern Adventist University, she moved
to Florida with her husband, John Durichek, to help establish
Osceola Adventist Junior Academy. She taught there for four
years before returning to Virginia to focus on raising her children.

During her 17 years at home, Becky remained actively involved
in education. She served on the school board, tutored students,
substituted, homeschooled her children, and volunteered in local schools.

In 2007, Becky was blessed to return to teaching at her home
church, Fredericksburg SDA Church, at Tree of Life Christian
Preparatory School. She inspires students to love learning
while building a strong academic foundation.

In recent years, Becky has developed several school-wide
programs, including the annual Biography Tea, the Award-Winning
Books Reading Program, and the ski program. Becky especially
looks forward to leading her literacy-themed camping trip each
year and Forest Fridays.

In 2014, she was honored with the Columbia Union Outstanding
Educator Award. Most importantly, Becky is passionate about
introducing her students to Jesus in all they learn and do,
fostering a relationship where He becomes each child’s best friend.

Mrs. Hernandez is entering her eighth year of teaching and
brings a diverse professional background that includes studies
in psychology, as well as experience in social work, real estate,
and tax preparation. These experiences have strengthened her
passion for helping students learn, grow, and succeed.

She is dedicated to creating a nurturing classroom where every
student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their
full potential.

She believes that strong relationships with students and families
are the foundation of a successful learning experience. By
fostering open communication and collaboration between home
and school, she strives to create a positive classroom community
where students develop confidence, responsibility, curiosity,
and a lifelong love of learning.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Hernandez enjoys reading, spending
time outdoors, learning new skills, volunteering, and making
lasting memories with her family. Her faith is at the center of
her life, and she finds great joy in preaching God’s Word,
serving others, and sharing the message of salvation with
compassion and love.

Bluann Faber is an educator who jumpstarted her passion when
she began assisting in her church’s youth programs as a teen
and young adult. Her mother, who was also an educator,
homeschooled her and her three younger sisters.

She studied Elementary and Secondary Education at Union College
before deciding to graduate with a B.S. in Business Marketing
from Western Governors University.

Her experience in teaching ranges from two-year-olds to adults.
Some of her favorite ages to teach include kindergarten and
middle school. When she’s not teaching at TLC Prep, you can find
Ms. Faber teaching dance and tumbling at a local nonprofit,
practicing her guitar, or rereading some of her favorite books,
including classics like Jane Eyre and
Anna Karenina.

My name is Amir Wright. I have been teaching for a little over
five years. I love being outside and enjoying nature. You can
usually find me riding my longboard through downtown, playing
sports, hiking a trail, or laying in a field.

When I am not on an adventure, I am making music, dancing,
playing an instrument, or praising God. I produce, write,
and compose music, and I also perform throughout the DMV area.
You can find me on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

I became a teacher to help inspire young people and spread the
message of God’s love through music. With my smile and love for
music, I pray to make a difference by being different.

My name is Vera Flavia Tourinho. I am from Brazil and have
lived in the USA for about 28 years. I have been teaching art
at TLC Prep for 17 years as of 2026.

I love cooking, crafting, and gardening. I love to travel the
world, explore new places, watch movies and TV series, and play
games with friends. My favorite colors are yellow and green.
Brazilian and Iranian foods are my favorites, along with pizza.

It is a pleasure to see how the kids grow and how their art
skills grow with them. I’m always trying to incorporate
different aspects of art and teach them that we can recycle
things and transform them into something new and useful.
I love to see the great creativity the kids bring to class
every week!

Arturo “AJ” Derryberry was born and raised in Texas. In 2001,
upon graduation from Southwestern University in Georgetown,
Texas, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States
Marine Corps.

AJ served for 20 years in the Marine Corps, deploying eight
times to regions around the world, including the Middle East,
Mediterranean, Caribbean, Horn of Africa, and Pacific. Early
in his career, he was trained as a formal school instructor
and curriculum developer to educate new Marines in their
occupational specialties.

AJ was privileged to serve as a leader, mentor, and educator
of Marines at each level of command, culminating with command
of a detachment of more than 500 Marines.

AJ retired from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel in
2022. After becoming involved as a school volunteer in both
California and Virginia, he was hired by TLC Prep in 2025,
where he now teaches 1st/2nd grade language arts and K–4th
grade physical education.

I am Cindy Joy Rosica, a dedicated Teacher’s Aide at Tree of
Life Christian Preparatory School with a passion for nurturing
young learners in a loving and supportive environment.

With over 10 years of experience as a Sabbath School teacher,
I am committed to helping children grow in both knowledge and
faith while teaching them about God’s amazing love.

I also bring hands-on experience with Montessori-style learning
through teaching my own children during their preschool and
kindergarten years, focusing on keeping little hands busy and
minds engaged.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and strive
to create a classroom where every child feels heard, valued,
and comfortable. Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking,
shopping, and building LEGO creations with my kids.

Mr. Shawn has worked at TLC since 2017 as a volunteer,
substitute teacher, and Before Care employee.

His twin boys are seven-year alumni of TLC Prep, attending
from 2nd through 8th grade, and he is very grateful for all
that TLC Prep has provided to prepare his children for high
school and the rest of their lives.

For this reason and many more, he applies his degree in
networking and experience with computers to provide IT
services for the school at no cost.

He finds it a privilege to be part of the TLC family and
to watch the students grow and succeed.