Our Team
Madison Abbott
Madi is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can thrive. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and is currently pursuing a master’s in business, combining her passion for early childhood learning with strong leadership skills.
Madi lives in Richmond with her husband, their adventurous three-year-old daughter, and two energetic puppies. She believes that a childcare center should feel like a second home—a place where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. She is committed to fostering strong relationships with families and working alongside teachers to provide the best possible experience for every child.
DIRECTOR
Rachel Harden Hislope
LEAD TEACHER / WILLOW ROOM and ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Rachel graduated from Berea College in 2018 with a degree in child development and family studies. She has spent 6 of her 7 years in childcare working with infants. She is passionate about facilitating new growth and development for young infants and aims to provide a safe and nourishing environment for them to do so.
Rachel and her family are new to Lexington but are not unfamiliar with the city. Her husband is starting residency at the University of Kentucky and their 19-month-old daughter is a part of The Learning Tree family as well! In Rachel’s spare time, she loves spending time with her family and taking care of her many plant babies.
Jessica Rocha
Jessica has 9.5 years of experience in early childhood education, working with children from infancy through age five, as well as serving as an instructional aide for K-5 students. She is passionate about fostering curiosity, encouraging exploration, and promoting independence in young learners. She believes children thrive when given the freedom to ask questions, make discoveries, and take ownership of their learning. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband of nearly 10 years and their two wonderful children, ages 9 and 7.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/FLOATER TEACHER