Meet The Team
Leadership
PJ Johnston
Head Coach/ Co-Owner
Since he was a wee little cub, PJ has been in love with playing sports. From the wrestling mat to the soccer field, his enthusiasm and ferocity set him apart as a true LION. When he finally had a cub of his own, he took back to the pitch to become a coach, and teach his son the same values of sportsmanship and work ethic that he learned in his younger years. As a head soccer coach for over a decade, PJ became a family favorite here in Williamsburg. Now, he’s taking his fun-loving style to a pitch near you!
Chris Miller
Co-Owner/Operator
Coming from a background in behavioral health administration, Chris never thought he’d fall in love with coaching, much less turn it into a career. But after leaving behavioral health, fate matched him with Coach PJ. Together, they bring years of symbiotic experience to the table; PJ’s coaching background combined with Chris’ administration, finance, and backend business background make for the perfect team. Plus, Chris has a passion for fitness to boot (but please don’t ask him about his macros)!
Francine Weir
Market Manager - Loudoun County
Coming from a background in business development, teaching, and being a mom of three, Francine’s extended experience is a great match for the Little Lion’s Club. She loves working with children, teaching and coaching and is excited to bring her experience to little Lions club. Here are some fun facts about her:
- Grew up playing soccer
- Loves cooking
- Jersey girl
- Loves the Beach
- Cupcake design master
If you're lucky enough to be a child in preschool in Loudoun, come check her out at one of our partner programs!
Coaching Team
Alyson Pellei
Little Lions Club Coach - Blacksburg
Currently enrolled at Virginia Tech, Coach Alyson is a long time soccer player and coach! She hails from Williamsburg, VA, and is an expert in the Ice Cream Cone game. Here are some fun facts about Coach Alyson:
- She's been playing soccer since she was 4 years old - a Little Lion in her own right!
- She can speak Pig Latin
- She used to have pet cows (Coach PJ's 2nd favorite animal!)
- She's been coaching the 2-5 age group for years!
So, if you're fortunate enough to be a kid in a Montgomery County, VA, preschool or daycare, be on the lookout for Coach Alyson coming your way soon!
Keyona Johnson
Little Lions Club Coach - Fredericksburg/Stafford
Coach Key is our first addition to the Fredericksburg branch of Little Lions! A lover of sports and working with children, she's a trusted member of the team. Here are some fun facts about Coach Keyona:
- A former cheerleader, she once appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
- She's the middle child and only girl, so in her words, she'll probably be President one day.
- At home, she takes care of her very own 3 Musketeers, so she has plenty of joy for working with children!
- She's terrified of squirrels.
- Her favorite movie quote is "stay golden, Ponyboy" from the Outsiders!
Be on the lookout for Coach Keyona laughing and playing at your preschool in Fredericksburg, Stafford, or Spotsylvania, all year round!
Jake Kelly
Little Lions Club Coach/Systems Administrator - VA Peninsula
A Williamsburg native, Coach Jake played soccer for Lafayette High
School's varsity team and went on to play at Longwood university.
He later joined the Army where he served as a team leader for his platoon and learned how to guide others in organized fashion to accomplish various missions and tasks. As such, Jake brings a wealth of relevant experience to the club where he hopes to impart his knowledge onto the next generation of lions. Here are some fun facts about Jake:
1. He jumped out of airplanes while in the Army
2. His favorite professional soccer team is Tottenham Hotspurs
3. During his time in Alaska, he camped outside in -60 degree winter
4. Ranger, his golden retriever, weighs 100 pounds! (not fat)
So come on down to one of our dozen + partner schools in the Peninsula to meet Coach Jake!
Marisa McCormick
Little Lions Club Coach- Fredericksburg
Coming from a background in chemistry, Coach Marisa decided she'd had enough of the stuffy lab and needed to get out in the field with some amazing kiddos! Our newest coach in Fredericksburg, she's going to be the Head Coach soon at a school near you!
1. She started playing soccer in first grade and continued through sophomore year of high school. Then I started cross country and track and still love running today!
2. She has been undefeated at my family's Jenga games for over a decade.
3. She has three dogs: A lab, a shih tzu, and a chihuahua
4. She is a big Swiftie!
If you're located in Fredericksburg, keep an eye out for Marisa's schools. We're sure you'll agree that she has a great chemistry with our Lion Cubs!
Tiffani Daugherty
Little Lions Club Coach- Fredericksburg
In her own words, Tifanni is a wife, mother, business owner, and lover of life!
Her background is in business management, marketing, and coaching cheerleaders. She played soccer prior to her cheer career and has now circled back to coaching soccer for some fabulous and ferocious lions. Tiffani takes pride in making sure each kid she meets has the confidence to do what they set their mind to.
Fun facts about her:
1. She has owned a published photography business for over 16 years!
2. Thoroughly enjoys the beach
3. Is highly competitive
4. And loves to play fortnite with her kids!
Coaching Hall of Fame
Retired Coaches who changed the game!
Brittney Hardee
Little Lions Club Coach - VA Peninsula
With a degree in Kinesiology from Longwood University and a background playing competitive soccer, Coach Brittney is more than well prepared to coach our Little Lions. When asked to tell us about herself, Brittney gave us the following fun facts:
- She won a handstand competition in 2011, holding it for over two minutes (ask her about the photo evidence - it exists!)
- She has 208 horse ribbons from equestrian competitions
- She can do a rainbow (it's a soccer trick - look it up!)
- And, most importantly, she absolutely loves working with our kids!
Coach Brittney started with us as the first employee of Little Lions Club, and gave us the template for all future Coaches with her outstanding attitude, upstanding character, and unbelievable skill on the field! We wish Coach Brittney the best as she continues her career in Education!