Christine Burkhart
Owner/Director
Welcome! My name is Christine Burkhart, and I am the founder of Building Connections LLC! I am honored to be living out my dream and calling here- on this beautiful 12.5 acre farm: combining both my love of nature and people! To get to share this space with you and your children is very special to me and I don’t take it for granted!!
I have been serving children and families in North Carolina for over 25 years in various capacities and I am forever grateful for each and every individual I have encountered in that time! I graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Child Development and Family Relations, as well as a B-K teaching license. Go Pirates!
I am originally from Ridgeway, Virginia… So being out here in the country is not new for me!
I have been married to my best friend, whose also name is Chris, for 22 years! We have 2 children, Jackson and Julia!
Jackson is 21 and finishing up his degree in Biology from Hampden Sydney College in VA! Julia is 19 and is a sophomore at NC State studying Animal Science! Both have worked side by side with me at BC since the beginning! Miss Julia is our Farm Manager this year , leading animal experiences and activities for all age groups!
When I’m not at BC, I love to sing random songs and even make them up( IYKYK 😊), shopping , traveling anywhere, eating anywhere that has Mexican/ Latin foods, cheering on my children in their endeavors( yes I’m the loud mom!), listening to music, and spending time with my family!
I am a recent empty nester so I’ve recently been inspired by our sensory garden to get more into gardening( now I’m the crazy plant and animal lady!)
I take this calling to serve your children/ teens very seriously. I need you to know that. Connections are vital in navigating life! So please know that from one parent to the next, your child is safe and we will give them the roots to grow and wings to fly!!
I’m excited that we have created this safe space that infuses nature/ animals with human nervous systems – allowing children and teens to be themselves while discovering ways that they can truly flourish!
Suzann Novak
Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Suzann and I am thrilled to be a part of the Building Connections for another wonderful summer. I have worked full time with ages Prek-teens since beginning with Building Connections in 2020. I graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelors of Science in Child Development in 2013. While attending Meredith College, I had the opportunity to work with children in many different settings. I worked with The Meredith Autism Program and with the Child Development House on campus. Previously I taught at a Developmental Day Center in Wake County but most recently I taught and provided teacher support in a regular education private preschool. Summer is one of my favorite seasons on the farm. Everything is beautiful, growing and green which is what children do at Building Connections. They are beautiful and growing and I am excited to foster that learning throughout the summer. I look forward to working with your family and children!
Sarah Wetherington
Subsitute
Hi! My name is Sarah Wetherington and I am excited to be part of the Building Connections Team! I have eight years of experience in the classroom, serving as a preschool and kindergarten teacher. I began my career in Enterprise, AL where I taught for three years before moving to North Carolina. I graduated in 2011 with a degree in Early/Elementary Education from the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. I enjoy helping families to connect with other resources and professionals in the community as making connections and building relationships is at the heart of what I do. This is my 6th year working at Building Connections and I am so excited for another great summer! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Ryan and our fur-babies Roxy and Tilly! I look forward to getting to know all of you and having the best time together at camp!
Sarah Wozniak
Office Manager
Hi! My name is Sarah Wozniak. I am so excited to be a part of Building Connections as the Office Manager. Before becoming an Office Manager I was a 5th grade teacher in Wake County. I grew up on the beach in Ocean City, NJ but moved here with my husband 3 years ago. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband Sean and my puppy Skye, running, reading and going to the lake with my family! I look forward to getting to know all of you.
Julia Burkhart
Hi guys!! My name is Julia Burkhart and I am a rising Junior at NC State University, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Zoology. I’ve been working for Building Connections since 2017 having many roles, however this summer I will be the barn manager and teaching your kids all about our animal friends! I’m super excited to work with new and familiar faces and can’t wait for an amazing summer!
Anna Taranto
Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Anna Taranto and I am so excited for summer! I have been with BC since August 2023 and have years of experience working with children of all ages and their families. I got my start in private childcare, finding a love for nurturing neurodiverse children at home before moving on to recreation and spending 5 amazing summers at the YMCA’s adaptive summer camp. In 2018 I graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelors of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Development. In 2018 I also worked for Arts for Life NC providing therapeutic art, music, and creative writing lessons to children experiencing long-term health crises in hospitals. After graduating, I bounced back into the private childcare world and spent 5 years helping the sweetest family navigate raising their neurodiverse son before deciding that my heart is in therapeutic recreation and finally joining Building Connections this past year. I have a passion for meeting children where they are, encouraging creativity and exploration, and nurturing self-confidence as they navigate who they are in the world. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends, rock climbing, art, playing D&D, and taking care of my indoor plant babies. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer with you all!”
Sarah Lynch
Counselor in Training
My name is Sarah Lynch, and this is my second year working at
Building Connections. As a neurodivergent person, I love working with campers of all ages and can relate to them very well. I also love all the animals! I attend William Peace University, and will graduate in the spring of 2026. My interests include history, anthropology and reading. I have also worked at church summer youth camps and at Saving Grace Animal Rescue (where we got our rescue dog Louie).
Nia Stringfield
Counselor in Training
Hi! I am Nia Stringfield. I am a 11th grader at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy. I am currently enrolled in the Nurse Aide program. I have been with the Building Connections family for almost 5 years. In the future, I hope to become an occupational therapist. In my free time, I enjoy playing softball, doing art, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Working with kids is a strong passion I have, and it brings me much joy. I am looking forward to working, having fun, and building a relationship with each kid at camp this summer.
Regan Stringfield
Counselor in Training
Hi! I am Regan Stringfield. I like arts and crafts. Currently, I am a rising 8th grader at Centennial Campus Middle School. I have been a part of the Building Connections Family for more than 5 years. I’m looking forward to seeing you all!
Hannah Davis
Lead Teacher/Lead Counselor
My name is Hannah and I have been at Building Connections since 2019. I just graduated from ECU with a degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education. I will be teaching Kindergarten in Greenville starting in August. I love forming relationships with kiddos at camp so I can’t wait to see all of our returning kids as well as form relationships with the new kiddos. I have seen the growth that can happen at BC and at the farm and I can’t wait for this summer!
Tina Brook
Lead Teacher/Lead Counselor
Hello ! My name is Tina Brook and I am extremely excited to join Building Connection for my first summer on staff. I am a mother of six children, three of whom possess neurodivergent thinking abilities, and I could not be prouder. Amongst the three, one individual underwent growth and pursued a career in the US Marine Corps. At present, our daughter is actively pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine , while the youngest Brook child, Leland, is presently attending middle school and can be found here on the farm as this is his home away from home. I am blessed to have a granddaughter who is both charming and delightful. I have a background as an experienced preschool teacher, I have dedicated over eight years to educating children with diverse learning styles. Prior to moving to North Carolina, I served as a director at a children’s center for three years. In addition, I have been actively involved with the Girl Scouts for over 12 years, serving as a leader, facilitator, and coordinator. Furthermore, I have been a member of the Chesapeake Emergency Response Team (CERT), where I have gained valuable skills in handling emergency situations involving children with autism. I am really looking forward to getting to know your child and having a wonderful summer filled with fun and memorable experiences.
Leland Brook
Counselor in Training
My name is Leland. This is my first year working at the camp, but I’ve been in the Building Connections family for three years. I have a strong passion for music and play various instruments such as the Trumpet, Bass guitar, 6 String guitar, Ukulele, Piano, and percussion instruments. I also enjoy the wilderness, playing in the woods, and exploring the creek near my house for interesting finds. History, especially World War II and World War I, captivates me. I’m excited to work with your child and share my experiences as a neurodivergent thinker. See you around the farm!
Magnolia
Therapy Dog in Training
Woof!🐾
My name is Magnolia and I am a 4 year old Goldendoodle.
I just finished my Good Dog obedience training and have a few more before I am “officially” designated as a therapy dog!
I LOVE PEOPLE- especially BC kids and their parents! 💜
I love water, treats, and playing fetch. Bentley and Mini Pearl are my best friends! I love working with the kids , playing and being smiles to their faces!
Can’t wait for a great summer!
Jennie Pine
Lead Teacher/Lead Counselor
Hi! I’m Jennie Pine, an EBS teacher at Brooks Elementary in Raleigh, where I get to spend my days helping awesome kids of all ages and needs shine their brightest. My love for working with neurodivergent kids started early—thanks to a family friend who’s like a brother to me. Supporting him through all the ups, downs, and everything in between has been a big part of my journey. This summer will be my first at BC Camp, and I’m beyond excited! I can’t wait to spend time on the farm, have fun, and learn alongside the amazing campers, staff, and families. Let’s make it a summer to remember!!!
Coach Joseph
Lead Teen Teacher
My name is Ernst Joseph, also known as E.J. Joseph or Coach Joseph. I’m originally from Miami, Florida, and currently serve as a special educator in the Wake County Public School System. In addition to teaching, I coach football and track, and work as a youth development strength and conditioning coach. I’m the creator of an adaptive fitness program designed specifically for neurodivergent children and those with other exceptionalities, helping them build confidence, strength, and coordination in an inclusive environment. This is my first year with Building Connections LLC, and I’m excited for the opportunity. My goal is to get to know our campers and help make this summer a fun and enriching experience for everyone involved. Outside of work, I enjoy working out, attending sporting events, and spending time outdoors—especially hitting the trails. I’m passionate about teaching self-awareness, which I believe is a key part of growing and maturing. I’m deeply committed to mentoring, teaching, and coaching young people. My motto is: “If we lead, they will follow.” I believe in leading by example and modeling the behaviors
Teresa Krowiak
Lead Counselor
Hi! My name is Teresa! I grew up in New York and moved to Raleigh in 2017 for college. I graduated from App State in 2021 and I am currently working as a preschool teacher while working towards my Master’s degree in Child Development and Psychology. My dream is to work in all different areas, helping kids learn, grow, and create meaningful memories however I can. I am so beyond excited to spend the summer at the Building Connections farm getting to know all of the awesome kids who will be joining us!
Becky Black
Lead Counselor
Hi! I am Becky and I have 20+ years experience working with children with unique needs! I am married and I have 3 children and 2 precious pups. I have extensive experience teaching and coaching social skills, including restorative circles. I brings the perspective of an educator and also of a parent of children who are neurodivergent. I love the color pink and all types of music! Fun fact: Mrs. Chris and I have been friends and colleagues for over 25 years!!
Lisa Goldstein
Lead Teacher
Hi! I’m Lisa Goldstein. I’m new to BC and honored and excited to be part of this community! I earned my B.A.E. in Special Education and my M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, and I’ve spent the last 18 years working with children. I find endless inspiration from the kiddos I work with, and I love learning alongside them. During the school year, I work at Temple Beth Or Preschool in the most colorful Pre-K classroom! I have three children—Zac and Zoe, who are 18 and heading off to college this fall, and Maddie, who is 9 and attends Brooks ES. My husband, Lee, and I love to travel and spend time outdoors. In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, attempting to garden, crafting, or singing and dancing with my kids. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and spending some magical time at the BC Farm!
Matt Gordian
Counselor in Training
My name is Matthew Gordian and I am 15 years old. I have been part of the Building Connections family for the past three 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. I love everything outdoors in the sunlight, exploring and finding creatures, and especially taking care of and playing with the animals! I can’t wait to explore and help with the kids this summer!
Olivia Quinlan
Counselor in Training
Hi, I’m Olivia! I’m 16 and proudly into all things nerdy and “weird” — like Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy books, video games (Pokémon, Minecraft, Undertale, and more), anime, Greek mythology, Hello Kitty, and her adorable friends. This is my first year at camp, and I really hope it won’t be my last! I’ve been a part of the Building Connections teen group, which has been such a great experience. I’m currently a freshman at Wake Forest High School. Last summer, I worked as a counselor-in-training at the Granite Falls Swim and Athletic Club, where I learned a lot and had a blast helping out with campers.
Dawn Pentoney
Lead Counselor
Hello Families! I am excited to spend a week exploring the wonders of nature on such a beautiful farm. Currently I finished my 28th year of being a special education teacher. My heart has been blessed by each of them and their families have become lifelong friends. I have enjoyed teaching social skills on Saturdays at the farm and it has allowed me to work with some amazing kids and their families. Looking forward to making more memories with new students and new families this summer in such a unique learning environment!