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!
Fun Facts about Coach PJ:
1. He won Fear Factor at Universal Studios on his Honeymoon!
2. PJ lived abroad going up, including several years in Italy.
3. PJ is a master juggler.
4. He is genuinely fantastic at finding four-leaf clovers (he found 3 just the other week - any given week)!
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)!
Fun Facts about Chris:
1. Chris was one of the best Guitar Hero players in his entire high school.
2. He has a typing speed of over 83 words per minute.
3. Chris can probably beat you at ping pong.
4. In the 3rd grade, Chris won the award for best artwork out of everyone in his entire 30 kid class!
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!
Caitlin Johnston
Assistant Coach - VA Peninsula
- She was born in Misowa, Japan!
- She loves Arts and Crafts, especially painting!
- Loves to hike, swim and go for walks.
- Family time is her favorite time!
If you're in a class coached by Coach C, you're bound for a great Little Lions experience!
Clara Pond
Coach/Internship Coordinator - VA Peninsula
Meet Clara! With a teaching degree and a love for working with kids, Clara has always been drawn to helping little ones learn and grow. From babysitting and nannying to teaching and coaching, she’s done it all! Clara spent 10 years playing soccer and even coached middle school soccer before moving to Virginia, where she discovered her passion for working with preschoolers.
Fun Facts about Clara:
- Born and raised in Oregon, she’s a big fan of rainy days.
- She lived in Brazil for a year and a half, and now she’s fluent in Portuguese.
- Clara is a crafting queen—crocheting, embroidery, painting, you name it!
- When she’s not coaching or crafting, you’ll find her dominating at board games.
If you're lucky enough to have this awesome coach or be a part of her internship program, you're in for a great experience!
Ema Stankova
Research Study/Coaching Intern - VA Peninsula
Coach Ema is from Prague, Czech Republic, and brings a contagious energy, a background in psychology, and a heartfelt passion for working with children! A former athlete on the Czech National Badminton Team and now a student at William & Mary, she’s currently doing research on how physical activity supports children’s prosocial development. Ema is passionate about creating positive, inclusive environments where every child feels seen, supported, and excited to play and learn.
Some fun facts about Coach Ema:
1. She used to travel all over Europe for badminton tournaments
2. She’s bilingual and loves learning about different cultures
3. She loves nature and hiking - her happy place is outdoors!
4. She's studying to become a psychologist
5. She loves smoothies!
If you’re a preschooler in any of our programs, you might be fortunate enough to be included in Coach Ema's amazing research study!
Gina Weygandt
Coach - VA Peninsula
A recent college graduate with a degree in education, Gina is also a proud military wife and the devoted mom/bonus-mom to four amazing kids. The Air Force has called Gina and her family to many places, but she calls Florida home.
Fun Facts About Coach Gina:
1. She’s always up for a new adventure—as long as it includes a beach or a hiking trail!
2. Before following her passion for teaching, she spent ten years as a cosmetologist.
3. Her favorite moments are spent around a campfire, making memories with family and friends.
4. She has a rescue dog named Shadow who people often mistake for a baby bear!
Jake Kelly
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!
Jessica Cratty
Coach/Customer Relations - VA Peninsula
Coach Jessica is new to Virginia, a military spouse, the mother of 2 boys and 1 dog, and the owner of her own business. What a resume - aren't we lucky to have her!
With a background in early childhood education, health & fitness, and some party planning, Coach Jessica is the perfect fit for the coaching and customer relationship role. Here are some of her fun facts:
- While in Japan, she raced dragon boats and played soccer with a women’s team on base.
- Travel is her love language; she's visited almost 30 countries and counting.
- She lived in Japan and Germany for a total of 14 years supporting her Air Force husband.
- She dreams of playing the Amazing Race with her husband.
Let's here what she has to say about the Lions:
"Coaching for Little Lions is the best balance between my love of teaching littles and fitness!"
Maddie Lee
Assistant Coach - VA Peninsula
Tiffani Daugherty
Coach/Social Media Manager - VA Peninsula
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!