Kristy Cook, lead infant/toddler teacher at Lucy Brock Child Development Lab, has been named the 2026 Early Educator of the Year by the Children’s Council of Watauga County. The honor was announced during a celebration held at Lucy Brock on Friday, April 17.
The Early Educator of the Year award recognizes professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment, creativity, and impact in the lives of young children while supporting families across the community. Nominations are submitted by families, colleagues, and community members throughout Watauga County.
In Cook’s nomination, one supporter wrote, “Kristy Cook is a caring and dedicated educator who creates a safe, nurturing environment where children thrive. She goes above and beyond through strong communication and genuine support for both students and families. Her passion and commitment make a lasting impact on children’s early development.”
Cook said receiving the award was deeply meaningful.
“Winning Early Educator of the Year feels really special to me, in a way that’s hard to fully put into words,” she said. “My mind immediately goes to the everyday experiences—the laughter, the challenges, and the quiet growth you get to witness when you slow down and really see children for who they are and how capable and competent they truly are.”
She added that the recognition reflects the relationships that shape her daily work. “I feel so grateful to spend my days with such incredible children, learning alongside them and being part of their world as they explore, question, and grow.”
Cook also emphasized the significance of the trust families place in her. “I keep thinking about the families who trust me with their children,” she said. “That trust means everything to me, and it’s something I carry with care every single day.”
She credited her coworkers as an essential source of support and inspiration. “This work feels like a shared journey because of the people I work alongside,” Cook said. “I love spending my days with such wonderful educators who support and inspire me.”
“More than anything, this award reminds me why I love what I do,” she added. “It brings me back to the connection, the wonder, and those meaningful moments that might seem small to others but mean so much in early childhood. I’m incredibly grateful, and it motivates me to keep growing and giving my best to the children and community I care so deeply about.”
Left to right, Dee Jacobs, Jaime Kinner, Casey Black, Cassandra Parrish, Kristy Cook, Andrea Anderson, Sara Miller, and Emily Neff celebrate being Early Educator finalists!
Cook was selected from a pool of 21 nominees representing early childhood programs across Watauga County:
- Lucy Brock Child Development Lab: Sara Miller, Casey Black, Kristy Cook, Jaime Kinner, Emily Neff, and Hannah Shingleton
- Sugar Grove Developmental Day School: Sidney Kurtz and Jean Forrester
- First Baptist Child Development Center: Kayla Potter
- Ms. Ingrid’s House Family Child Care Home: Ingrid Horton
- NC Pre-K: Elizabeth Hutelmyer and Erin Rice
- App State Child Development Center: Trish Torres, Sydni Thomas, and Jennifer Kerhoulas
- Mountain Pathways School: Brittany Delia
- Boone United Methodist Preschool: Laura Serber
- Kid Cove & Kid Cove at Lynhill: Halee Hartley
- Banner Elk Presbyterian Preschool: Kathleen Goldberg
- Sunny Side Academy: Alex Fuller
Cook earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with a secondary academic concentration in psychology from Appalachian State University in 2021.
Woman celebrating with flowers.
