2026 Summer Staff

Christine Burkhart BS, B-K Owner/ Director  

Hi ! My name is Christine Burkhart, known to many as Ms. Chris! I am the owner of Building Connections and I am so happy to have you as part of our BC family! Around here, we are family- staff, families, and animals! I started BC 9 years ago with a dream to have a sacred space where everyone could thrive outdoors, with nature and animals- and 3 years ago it came true! I have supported children and families for over 30 years! I have taught PREK-High School !I have a BS degree in Early Childhood Development from East Carolina University; however, I tell everyone that was the foundation, but the real learning came when I was a special education teacher, education coordinator, early interventionist, child service coordinator, gen ed teacher, behavior consultant, social skills group coach, and MOM! I have also been curious about neurodivergent brains and surrounded myself with people who are way smarter than me, collaborating, and also doing it right, doing it wrong, and learning from my mistakes! I am also neurodivergent and have a neurodivergent young adult…so I also get it! Squirrel!

I am passionate about providing safe spaces for kids, teens and families to wonder, explore, and grow!

I am the crazy farm lady- I take risk because I know the benefit of being outdoors and animals; so I want others to receive the goodness of what this farm has to offer!

I am married to a saint 25 years ago..because he also believes in my dream of supporting YOU,! His name is also Chris!

I have the most amazing children…Jackson who is 23 and working in DMV area as an Orthopedic Medical Sales Rep for Valor Medical. Julia is 21 and is a senior at NC State University studying animal science and works here!

I love teaching teachers and coaching parents!

I love making others laugh.

I am a small town girl who loves people. All People. When I am not at the farm (which is rare because I love it here!), I love time spending time with my family, traveling when we can! I love Thrifting, Dolly Parton, Diet Coke, Jesus, hats, fun and funky things, Mexican food, getting new and meaningful tattoos, 80s/90s country and R and B music, hiking, and being at the beach! (not in any particular order):)

You are welcome here. Love you, mean it!

Julia Burkart

Hi guys!! My name is Julia Burkhart, and I am a rising senior at NC State University, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Zoology. I’ve been working for Building Connections since 2017, and this summer I will be the barn manager, educating your kids all about our animal friends! When I’m not at the farm, I enjoy thrifting, practicing the guitar, or trying out new recipes. I’m super excited to work with new and familiar faces and can’t wait for a fantastic summer!

Virginia Etheridge

Hey! My name is Virginia Etheridge and I am so thrilled to be part of the BC team and work with so many amazing children and families this summer! I am a rising Junior psychology major and Education minor at Wofford College, and have been babysitting and loving all things childcare related since age 12! I’ve worked at YMCA Summer camps for the past 3 years and love setting the groundwork for kids to have meaningful and memorable summers! In my free time, I love all things crafty, loving on my sweet dog Bojangles and goofy cat Tater Tot, and any and every outdoor activity out there! I am so looking forward to getting to know all of you this summer!!

Hannah Davis

Hey! My name is Hannah Davis and I am so excited for this summer!! I have been doing summer camps and social skills groups with Building Connections since 2018 and I am currently finishing up my second-year teaching Kindergarten! I graduated in 2024 from ECU (go pirates!) with a bachelors in Birth-Kindergarten Education! I absolutely loving teaching and I love meeting kids where they’re at and giving them the tools and resources to do great things! I love what Building Connections does for neurodivergent children and their families and I am so excited to be a part of it for another summer! We have so many fun things planned and I can’t wait to get to know your kiddo and help them have a successful week at camp!

Suzann

Hello! My name is Suzann, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Building Connections family. Since joining Building Connections in 2020, I have had the opportunity to work with children ranging from preschool through the teen years. My background includes working in a Developmental Day Center in Wake County, as well as teaching and providing teacher support within private preschool and regular education classroom environments. What I am most passionate about is supporting and guiding both children and the adults who work alongside them. I love collaborating with teachers and parents to help create supportive, developmentally appropriate environments where children can feel safe, connected, and successful. I enjoy helping others better understand the “why” behind children’s behaviors while providing practical strategies that support emotional regulation, communication, social engagement, and learning. My approach is grounded in relationship-based practices and in understanding challenging behaviors through a nervous system and stress-response lens. I believe in looking at the whole child and recognizing how regulation, connection, sensory processing, and brain states impact a child’s ability to learn, communicate, interact with others, and build meaningful relationships. One of the things I enjoy most about this work is that every child is unique. I love the challenge of getting to know each kiddo individually, discovering their strengths, and helping find the supports and strategies that allow them to grow with confidence. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Joe and our two dogs, Gus and Kallie. I love being outdoors, training my dogs, cheering on the Wolfpack, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to building relationships with your family and supporting your child’s growth along the way.

Jennie

Hi BC Family! I’m Jennie, and I’m so excited to spend the summer with you all! During the school year, I’m an EBS teacher at Brooks Elementary School, where I love helping students grow, build confidence, and create meaningful connections.

My favorite things at the farm are playing in the creek, hanging out with the animals, and making memories at the farm with kids. I love creating spaces where everyone feels included, supported, and free to be themselves.

I can’t wait to see all of the new and familiar faces soon and make it a summer full of fun, friendships, and connection-filled adventures!

Elizabeth Hatcher

My name is Elizabeth Hatcher. I am a Special Education teacher in Wake County. I live in Raleigh with my husband Jordan, my two sons Jameson (14) and Gavin (6), and our Dauschund-Lab mix Peppa. We are very involved in our church, St. Mark’s. Our family enjoys spending time outside together, watching sports, creating art, swimming, and camping. I am so excited to be at Building Connections this summer where I can do two of my favorite things: Play with kids, and be outside all day!

Matthew Gordian

My name is Matthew Gordian and I am 16 years old. I have been part of the Building Connections family for the past four years. I’m here this summer to help kids grow and help them learn to make friends. All the things that Building Connections has helped me to do! I have been assisting with the younger age weekly groups and have had a great time helping the kids have fun when they are connecting with each other. This is also my second summer as a Counselor-In-Training! I love everything outdoors in the sunlight, exploring and finding creatures, and especially taking care of and playing with he animals! I can’t wait to explore and help with the kids this summer!