Mission
To provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow through play, nature, and meaningful relationships.
vision
To become a trusted community cornerstone where children sprout curiosity and kindness, grow in confidence and imagination, and families feel supported as they build strong foundations for their child’s developmental success.
Pinecone promise
Our name represents our values that guide everything we do:
Patience, Imagination, Nurturing, Engagement, Community, Opportunity, Nature, Excellence
The Heart of Our Community
The heart of Pinecone Playhouse is the people who make each day meaningful. A strong community begins with educators who show up with care, compassion, and purpose. Our dedicated team brings experience, a genuine love for working with children, and a commitment to building meaningful connections with children and families. Together, we create a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to explore, grow, and discover their unique strengths.
nutrition coordinator
& Preschool teacher
Kelsey Richardson
Owner & director
Kaitlyn brings a unique blend of childcare experience, healthcare knowledge, leadership, and compassion to Pinecone Playhouse. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow into their own unique strengths.
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As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and former childcare teacher, Kaitlyn has experience supporting neurodivergent children and children with diverse developmental needs. Her background has given her a strong understanding of individualized care and the importance of meeting each child where they are.
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As Program Coordinator, Kaitlyn helps oversee the daily operations of Pinecone Playhouse, supports our teaching team, partners with families, and helps create meaningful learning experiences where children can explore, learn, and grow.
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Outside of Pinecone Playhouse, Kaitlyn enjoys camping, exploring the outdoors, and making memories with her family. Her love for nature reflects our philosophy of encouraging curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning.
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Kaitlyn is passionate about helping children build confidence, develop independence, and feel excited about learning. She is proud to be part of a team dedicated to helping every child feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Shelby Longacre
Hello! My name is Kelsey Richardson, and I am the owner of Pinecone Playhouse. I bring more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families through childcare, caregiving, and pediatric neurodevelopment. As a Neuro-Developmental Therapist (NDT), I've had the privilege of learning alongside professionals in pediatric chiropractic care, vision therapy, and other specialties, giving me a deeper understanding of how children learn, grow, and experience the world around them.
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This unique perspective reminds me that every child learns and grows in their own way. While Pinecone Playhouse is not a therapeutic program, the knowledge and experience I bring help shape an environment where children build confidence through purposeful play, movement, and age-appropriate learning experiences. These are practical life skills that benefit every child and every family.
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My approach is rooted in the belief that when we understand how children develop, we can better support who they are becoming. I believe behavior is communication. Every behavior tells a story about what a child may be feeling, experiencing, or needing. Rather than simply correcting behaviors, I strive to understand the "why" behind them and respond with patience, curiosity, consistency, and compassion. By combining evidence-informed child development with play, movement, nature, and strong relationships, I create an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to strengthen emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and resilience.
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When I'm not working with children, you'll most likely find me in the mountains. Hiking, skiing, swimming, and spending time surrounded by nature is where I find my greatest peace, and that love for the outdoors is at the heart of Pinecone Playhouse. I wanted to create a place where children could experience that same sense of wonder through exploration, play, and meaningful connections.
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My goal is to create a warm, engaging environment where children feel safe to be themselves, inspired to explore, and encouraged to become kind, independent, and resilient. I am honored to partner with families during these important early years and look forward to helping each child build a strong foundation—not only for kindergarten, but for life.
Shelby brings together her passion for early childhood education, healthy nutrition, and adventure to create meaningful experiences for the children at Pinecone Playhouse. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of providing children with a safe, nurturing environment where they feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.
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With a background in restaurant leadership and management, Shelby is a Certified Food Protection Manager and brings valuable knowledge of food safety, nutrition, and meal planning to our program. As our Nutrition Coordinator, she partners with CACFP to help create balanced, nourishing meals that support children's growing bodies and minds.
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Shelby also brings her enthusiasm for hands-on learning into the classroom as a preschool teacher. She believes children learn best through exploration, connection, and meaningful experiences, and she loves encouraging children to try new things, build confidence, and discover the world around them.
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Outside of Pinecone Playhouse, Shelby enjoys paddle boarding, camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her family. Her adventurous spirit reflects the curiosity and discovery we hope to inspire in every child.
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Shelby is passionate about helping children build healthy habits, confidence, and independence while being part of a team that nurtures the whole child—body, mind, and heart.
Program Coordinator
& Preschool Teacher
Kaitlyn Kahabka
Meet Our Enrichment Professionals
Our community is filled with talented professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and creativity with the next generation. Through hands-on enrichment experiences, children have the opportunity to learn from local artists, musicians, and experts while exploring new interests and building confidence in a supportive environment.
Alan Cannaday
art teacher
Coming Soon:
🎵 Music Experiences
📚 Library & Literacy Connections
🔬 Science Explorations
🌲 Nature-Based Learning Experiences
Alan Cannaday is the founder of Happys Art and has spent more than a decade helping children and adults discover the joy of creating. As an artist and educator, Alan believes every child can learn artistic skills while expressing their own creativity and imagination in a supportive, encouraging environment.
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One of Alan's greatest strengths is his ability to meet children where they are. Whether a child is picking up a pencil for the first time or already loves creating art, he helps young artists build confidence, develop skills, and experience those exciting "aha!" moments when they realize what they are capable of creating.
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At Pinecone Playhouse, Alan will lead hands-on art enrichment experiences focused on drawing, painting, color theory, and creative expression through age-appropriate projects. His lessons encourage observation, problem-solving, fine motor development, and the confidence to explore new ideas.
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Families who discover a love for art through Alan's enrichment experiences can continue building their skills at Happys Art in Dalton Gardens, where he offers progressive art classes designed to help young artists develop technique while celebrating creativity and individuality.