The People Who Make It Happen
Administrative Staff | Teachers | SpecialistsAll Center teachers have degrees in early childhood education or child development associate certification. While most early childhood education centers experience high staff turnover, our staff members have an average tenure of 9 years. All Center staff members are members of the National and Northern Virginia Associations for the Education of Young Children and are trained in first aid and CPR.
Teachers, who receive at least 36 hours of continuing education each year, are given funds and time off to attend workshops and classes at local colleges, the Fairfax County Office for Children, and other facilities.
Administrative Staff
Elizabeth Page (Executive Director) has served as executive director of the Center since 2001. Prior to joining the Center, she spent many years as a teacher, school director, and university instructor. She enjoys teaching young children and adults and has advocated locally and statewide for children and their families, particularly those with special needs. She has twin sons and a daughter who have taught her most of what she knows about children. Elizabeth earned her bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from Vanderbilt University and her master's degree in early childhood education from California State University.
Sandra Blanco (Assistant Director) has worked as a teacher at the Center since 2000. Sandra has an AA degree in Early Childhood Education and a second AA in General Studies. Sandra will soon complete her BA in Education from Dominion College. She is fluent in Spanish. Sandra lives in Burke with her husband Douglas.
Luisa Hurtado (Office Manager) is the Center’s office manager, a position she’s held since 2005. She came to know the Center when her son Alex was a student here. Luisa is currently pursuing her associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College. Originally from Bolivia and fluent in Spanish, Luisa and her family now live in Falls Church.
Renee Boyle (Development Director) raises funds from individuals, corporations, faith organizations and foundations to close the gap between operations expenses and the tuition paid by parents. Renee has more than 10 years of development experience in nonprofit organizations.
Teachers
Susana Coro joined the Center in 2009 after a 15 year career as a nanny to a child with special needs. She brings a special passion for helping children who struggle and is actively pursuing her Child Development Associate certification. It is a special treat to have Susan's two children, Maximus and Jadira, enrolled at the Center.
Maya Good worked at the Center in the summer of 2006 and rejoined us in February 2007 when she graduated from Smith College with a degree in Education and Child Study. Maya has traveled to 33 countries and has lived in India, Kuwait, Jordan and Israel. Maya brings many skills to the Center, including enthusiasm to help the Center familles in any way she can. She lives with her family in Annandale.
Mary Jackson is a veteran teacher at the Center, having served on staff since 1974. Mary was a full-time teacher for 24 years until she retired to part-time work. She earned her Child Development Associate certification and completed some graduate work at the University of Virginia and Marymount University. She lives in McLean and has three adult children, six grandchildren, and many teddy bears
Debbie Lamar joined the staff in July 2006 as a part-time afternoon teacher. She appears when the rest of us are running out of energy and brings her good humor and talent. Debby has been working for 20 years at Alexandria City Schools with special education students and kindergarteners. She has an AA degree in Early Childhood Education and a wealth of experience. She lives in Falls Church near her young grandson and his parents.
Matt Nieves came to the Center in January 2010. He holds an AA degree in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College and is continuing his studies in education at George Mason University. The children delight in Matt's playful teaching style and he provides a wonderful role model for our many children from single-mother homes.
Cary O'Bryan has served as a teacher at the Center since 2004. She earned her bachelor’s degree and ESL teaching credential in Peru, and has her Child Development Associate certification. Fluent in Spanish, Cary brings several years of experience to the Adventure Room and enjoys doing all kinds of art projects with the children. She lives with her husband and daughter in Fairfax.
Daniela Ramirez joined the Center in September 2009, after graduating from high school one year early. An extremely conscientious worker, Daniela brings a natural aptitude for teaching to the Rainbow Room. Originally from Nicaragua, Daniela speaks fluent Spanish and is working on her Child Development Associate certification.
Ivania Ramos After twelve years of teaching in a Montessori program, Ivania came to the Center in February 2010. A gentle, capable teacher, Ivania holds an AA degree in Psychology in her native Nicaragua. She lives with her two children and husband.
Bernarda Rodriguez has served as a teacher at the Center since 1999. She earned her Child Development Associate certification, and brings many years of experience to her classroom. Bernarda is working toward a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She enjoys art, singing, reading, and doing finger plays with the children. Bernarda lives in Arlington with her husband and two daughters. Originally from Chile, she is fluent in Spanish.
Julie Smith has served as a teacher at the Center since 2003. Julie recently completed her Child Development Associate credential and has a special gift for working with our youngest children. Her positive attitude and laugh keep us laughing with her. She and her husband Louis live in Falls Church.
Teresa Terrones worked for 15 years as a nanny before coming to work at the Children’s Center in June 2007. Her energy and gentle spirit make her a favorite, especially with the younger children. Originally from Peru, Teresa helps our non-English speaking families feel more at home here. Teresa is working toward her Child Development Associate credential.
Gloria Turner has worked as a teacher at the Center since 1972. She brings a wealth of experience to the classroom, and has earned her Child Development Associate certification and completed work toward her bachelor’s degree. She has two adult children and four grandchildren.
Vanessa Villatoro began at the Center in February 2010, just a few months before graduating from NOVA with her AA degree in Early Childhood Education. Her calm, gentle demeanor and special way with our youngest children have made her a wonderful addition to our two year old room. She brings several years of experience to the Center and speaks fluent Spanish.
Jennifer Wallace has served as a teacher at the Center since 2002. She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and brings years of experience of teaching at Head Start to the classroom. She has always worked with diverse populations of children and teachers and feels that teaching tolerance is an important lesson for children. She lives with her husband and son in Arlington.
Ryan Walsh started in July, 2007 after working as a kindergarten teacher in Ohio. He graduated from Franciscan University with a BA in Education, majoring in early childhood education. His quiet voice captivates the children and his sense of humor keeps the rest of us laughing. We are pleased to have a positive role model for our many children who live with their single moms.
Velma Williams has worked as a teacher at the Center since 1985. She brings a wealth of experience to the classroom, and has earned her Child Development Associate certification and completed some graduate work. She emphasizes learning through hands-on activities such as science and art, and encourages children to express their thoughts and ideas. She lives in Springfield with her husband.
Elizabeth Lopez Lingeman is a licensed professional counselor who works with the Center's Spanish-speaking families and teachers. She specializes in cross-cultural mental health services at a community mental health center and in private practice.
Mary Carver is a pediatric occupational therapist who helps children at the Center improve their gross and fine motor coordination, visual and perceptual-motor skills, attention skills, and self-help skills. She also conducts workshops for the teachers and works in the classrooms to implement activities that will help the children benefit from the activities through out the day. Mary has also been serving children at the Center for many years and is dedicated to our mission to prepare all of our children to be successful in kindergarten and life. Her skill provides critical support to the teachers.
Shannon Barrow, M.S. is the Center's Child Find specialist from Fairfax County Public Schools. Shannon screens children at the Center to determine whether they are eligible for special education services. She works on-site with any children from Fairfax County who are found eligible and offers training and support to the Center's teachers.