Olivia McKenna

I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Louisville in 2022 to attend the University of Louisville. I will be graduating in December with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children for as long as I can remember. I began babysitting when I was 13, taught swim lessons all throughout high school, and worked at a daycare during my first year of college. These experiences helped shape my passion for early childhood education and affirmed that this is the career path where I feel most at home.

I have always felt a deep connection to working with young children. I find it to be one of the most joyful, meaningful, and rewarding professions. Every day, I am inspired by the creativity and curiosity that children bring into the classroom. My teaching approach is centered on nurturing those traits in an environment that values play, exploration, and connection. I believe there is no better place to support this kind of learning than Virginia Chance School.

The progressive education model at Chance is one of the many reasons I was drawn to this community. It fosters a strong sense of belonging, encourages collaboration, and most importantly, gives children a voice. I believe that children are incredibly capable, and when we treat them as such, by providing them with a supportive, caring environment that encourages them to take risks and explore freely, they thrive in extraordinary ways. I am especially grateful for the school’s beautiful outdoor spaces, which extend the classroom and enrich our learning through hands-on, real-world experiences. I have seen how outdoor learning deepens engagement, supports physical and emotional development, and helps children connect more deeply with the world around them.

I first discovered Virginia Chance School during my sophomore year of college and began floating in classrooms and working morning and afternoon Chums. This will be my first year teaching Twos, and I couldn't be more excited!

When I'm not at Chance, you can usually find me with a book in hand, on a hike, trying out a new restaurant, or searching for cool finds at local thrift stores. I am thrilled to be part of the Chance School community and am honored to play a role in your child’s early learning journey!