Pat Castle
Executive Director
Maryland Credential Level Six
Pat and her husband will celebrate 30 years of marriage this year and have resided in Mt. Airy for 20 years. She is the mother of two grown boys. Pat has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from Northern Virginia Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in American Studies and Early Childhood Education, and a Masters Degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education. She has worked as an early childhood program director for 20 years and has taught many classes at the college and university level, as well as guided numerous workshops and seminars.

Sharon Hansen
Business Manager | Assistant Director

Kathryn Janiga
Preschool 2's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Four

Sam Gass
Preschool 3's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Six

Michelle Rippeon
Pre-K 4’s Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Six

America Wheat
Pre-K 4’s Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Three

Tara Heil
Preschool 3's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Three

Jordan Smith
Preschool 3's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Pending

Chris Calka
Pre-K 4’s Teaching Assistant and Support Aide
Maryland Credential Level Four Plus

Nancy Summers
Preschool 3’s Teaching Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Four Plus

Patti Hill
Pre-K 4’s Teaching Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Four

Nikki Davis
Preschool 2’s Teaching Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Four

Lynne Colantoni
Preschool 3’s Teaching Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Pending

Amanda Norman
Preschool 3’s Teaching Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Pending

Shirley Thomas
Substitute
Maryland Credential Level Six
Shirley holds a BS degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a current certification in First Aid and CPR. Shirley taught five years in the Montgomery County Public School system and 30 years for St. James’ Nursery School. She and her husband have been married over 50 years and have been residents of Mt. Airy for 42 of those years. Shirley has two adult children, Ron and Jennifer, and five grandchildren! She is a big Washington Redskin and University of Maryland Terrapin fan and loves to sing and read.

Daniella Linck
Substitute
Maryland Credential Level Two
