Tracey Kretzer knows children. She has made their well-being her life’s work, and their response to her is a key reason why her Parent/Child University has been so successful in the D.C. area. As founder and guiding principal of Parent/Child U, Tracey is an astute businesswoman who hasn’t lost sight of the mission: To help create a joyous relationship between a confident parent and a child open to the world and its possibilities. Her two girls are a testament to her skill.

It’s Tracey’s emphasis on parenting that first distinguished her as she developed her credentials, which include a B.A., magna cum laude, in psychology and an M.S. in educational psychology from SUNY at Albany, as well as her Certificate in Counseling & Development from George Mason University. During her ten years in the Fairfax County school system, she pioneered numerous programs and gained a reputation as the “go-to” person for advice and creative solutions. She is an excellent counselor with proficiency in a broad range of programs and special skills and training.

From “Playground Diplomacy” to Signing Smart, from Kindermusik to Dr. Sear's L.E.A.N. coaching to diffusing bullies, Tracey has earned her place as a dynamic teacher and an esteemed colleague.

Ryann Laden, M.Ed., NCC, School Counselor

Ryann Laden has been an elementary school counselor for Fairfax County Public Schools for the past 7 years. She graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in Psychology and earned her M.Ed. in Counseling at the University of Virginia. She is currently on maternity leave and will be teaching parenting classes for Parent Child University starting in Summer/Fall 2008.

Laura has been teaching Signing Smart classes for Parent Child University since April 2008.

As a former preschool lead teacher, Mrs. Rigoli taught the children through developmentally appropriate play and led the preschool’s music program. Mrs. Cynthia Rigoli is a business-minded, highly organized educator with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications. She has an abiding love for children and is passionate about guiding them through the intricate early learning years. "Miss Cindy" has taught ABC Music and Me for almost a year now and has recently joined the Parent Child U team and looks forward to singing, signing with us during ABC Music & Me classes for 2-4 year-olds!