GETTING TO KNOW OUR TEACHERS
B’nai Shalom of Olney Early Childhood School
I am excited to be joining the ECS team as the new Director for the 2024-25 school year! I grew up in the DMV and earned my BA at University of Maryland before immigrating to Israel. After serving in the Israeli Air Force, I completed my Master's in Art Therapy and began working with children, focusing largely on children who were not socially-emotionally prepared for kindergarten. I moved back to the area in 2017 with my husband, Shy and our dog Eva.
I began working in the world of early childhood education as a teacher, then administrator and before becoming the Director at Washington Hebrew Congregation's RJW ECC for the past two years. I am passionate about the rights of children and creating a space that supports children's exploration, creative thinking and sense of identity. Education begins with connection and I am looking forward to developing the trusting relationships that will enable these children to feel safe exploring the world around them.
I love reading and have many favorites, but one of the best children's books I have read in recent years is The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld.
My name is Marceline and I am originally from Cameroon, though I have resided in the USA for the past 30 years. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and caregiving, I am dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of children. I have a rich background in creating engaging, supportive, and safe learning environments. I have devoted my career to children, earning my CDA, Montessori training and specializing in infant-toddler development. My approach is holistic, blending structured learning with creative activities like arts and crafts, singing, and dancing. I believe in the importance of play and am committed to promoting a love of learning in every child I work with. I am also a mother of two adolescents, which enriches my understanding of the challenges and joys of parenting. My personal and professional experiences have equipped me with the skills to support both children and their families, ensuring that each child receives the care and attention they need to thrive. Whether in the classroom or in a caregiving role, my goal is always to create a positive, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
My favorite children's book is Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney.
I am excited to start this new adventure with the Bnai Shalom of Olney teaching team for the 2024-25 school year! I have nine years of experoeince working in an early learning center and over ten years experience working with children. I decided to make early learning my life's work because I believe a child's education is the most valuable thing in the world. I look forward to connecting with the community and these amazing children!
My favorite children's book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle.
I chose to work with children because it is a rewarding career, and you make a positive impact on young learners as an early childhood educator. This is my 23rd year of teaching. During my career, I have worked with children ages 2-12. I am Maryland credentialed level 4 and I possess a child development associate (CDA) and a Diploma in Primary and Preschool Education from Sri Lanka. Currently, I’m finishing up my associate degree in early childhood special education. The best thing about teaching is being a part of the student’s learning journey by being a facilitator in the classroom. My favorite children’s book is Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon, by Audrey Penn.
I have over 12 years' experience working with children after I started working in early childhood education through my high school's preschool teacher's program. I have completed the 90-hour Child Development certification, with honors, from Montgomery Community College in 2018. Prior to joining the Early Childhood School, I was an assistant teacher at the Rockville Daycare Association. I chose to work with children because I love seeing children learn and grow in their own way. I love introducing new books to the children and coming up with interesting art activities for the children to do in the classroom.
My favorite book that I read when I was a child was, The Monster At the End of This Book, Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover, by Jon Stone.
I chose to work with children because I love being a part of their growth and learning process. I believe that if children have a strong, loving, and nurturing environment in school and at home, they grow to be happier people. I started my career in childcare in 2001 and was employed with that center for twenty years. I made a change in 2021 to MCPS and joined BSO over a year ago.
Though I haven't been to college, I hold my 90hr Childcare certificate for preschool and 45hr certificate for School-age. In the twenty years of service, I received many certificates and clocked hours of training.
One of my favorite things to do in my free time is seeing my 3 grandchildren. I also love thrifting. My favorite thing to do in the classroom is being silly with the children and making them laugh. One of my favorite children's books is The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams.
I have always loved working with children, learning from their perspective and seeing all they have to share with the world. I have seven years of experience working in childcare, 3 of which have been here at the ECS. I am excited to continue learning and growing in my field!
In my free time, I like to read health books. I am a kind and nurturing person. I love watching the children learn and grow. My favorite children's book is The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper
After 32 years teaching in an MCPS kindergarten classroom, I am excited to join the BSO team and help prepare these young children for the next step in developmentally appropriate ways. I understand the value of play in early education and love finding ways to support children's learning through engaging play and loving connection.
As a BSO member myself, I am so pleased to be able to connect with my community in this new way and look forward to helping grow the ECS.
My favorite children's books are the Pete the Cat books by James Dean.
Ever since I was younger, I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. I started to look after children in my neighborhood. Three years ago, I started at ECS and my love for working with children since then has only grown stronger. I love singing, dancing, and reading with them but my favorite part is seeing them reach small milestones throughout the year.
Some of my favorite hobbies include baking, music and I love incorporating that into the classroom! I’m a huge arts and crafts lover and a big dog lover as I have two myself: Prince, and Tobias. One of my biggest goals each year is for every child to feel safe in the classroom. One of my favorite children's books is The Wonderful Things You Will Be, by Emily Winfield because it truly reinforces the wonder and potential of every child to explore!
I was in the banking industry for nearly 20 years, after which, I worked with transporting disabled children and adults for almost 7 years. Through my own (now grown) sons, my niece and her children, I realized how much I love working with young children. I chose to change careers because I love being a part of the growth and development of young children- it's so rewarding! I like to do activities in the classroom with the children that encourage their imagination, encourage them to explore and be comfortable and proud of what they have created, whether if it be artwork, building blocks, or anything else. My true love is photography, so I love encouraging creative expression. I love capturing special moments for people and beautiful scenic views. My first-born great nephew, who is almost 4 yrs. old loves the book, Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, so for now, that's my favorite as well.
I love working with children and watching them develop and learn. I have degrees in psychology and special education, as well as the 90-hour early childhood course and various other courses. In my free time I love to read and write. The people around me say I have a great sense of humor. I am an active member of BSO and looking forward to bringing in Jewish learning in fun and developmentally appropriate ways for these young children! I love playing with the children in the classroom and my favorite children’s books are anything Dr. Seuss.
I chose to work with children because I simply love to play with them! This is my second year with BSO and I love the connections that I have built as I got to know the children. While in high school, I interned in a MCPS Preschool Education Program classroom. I also worked for three summers as a junior counselor at Bar-T Camps. I have always loved sports and played on soccer and basketball teams for many years. Now that I have graduated, I am eager to learn more about the field of early childhood education! My favorite thing to do in the classroom is to play with the kids and I love any children’s book. My favorite hobby is playing basketball.
