Sandra Amorim
Sandra Amorim is a Portuguese-American ECE professional with a diverse career path. She came to early childhood education as a second career after having children of her own. Realizing the importance of early childhood education, she decided to change career paths and return to school, first at Montgomery College and later completing her MA in Innovative Early Childhood Education at CU Denver while teaching at an early childhood education program in Kensington, MD. She also holds a master’s in law from the University of Coimbra (Portugal). She previously worked as a Legal Advisor and Debt Relief Counselor at a Portuguese consumer protection association and as a Project and Policy Officer at the European Fair Trade Association in Belgium.
She has spent the past two years as a Program Officer for Early Childhood Education at the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), where she has supported providers in their sustainable financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing technical assistance and funding in partnership with the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). She is now looking forward to returning to the classroom at the Maddux School in Rockville, MD.
Diane Appel
Diane Appel has been passionate about early childhood education for most of her adult life. She is currently the Early Childhood Education Manager for the pre-k program at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science, and Innovation. She holds a Theatre Arts and Elementary Education degree from Brandeis University and received a Master’s Degree in Reading Education from Towson University. She has worked in early childhood formal and informal educational settings for the last 22 years, including creating and presenting science-based programming at the Maryland Science Center, licensing child care centers and family child care homes throughout Baltimore County, and teaching theater to children of all ages. In her current role, she focuses on equitable and inclusive educational practices to ensure that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds and ability levels can access child-centered, play-based instruction.
Emma Auffarth, M.A.Ed
Emma Auffarth is the Assistant Director at Towson University Child Care Center, where she has over ten years of experience in early childhood education. She manages educational initiatives while supervising over sixty university students who work as classroom aides. Her background in Special Education, with a focus on Autism Studies, equips her to support children with diverse needs and promote individualized learning experiences for all students.
Emma strongly advocates for family collaboration, recognizing the importance of a strong home-school connection. As a mother of two, she profoundly understands child development, which enhances her ability to connect with families and create supportive environments.
She is also vocal about play-based learning, emphasizing that joyful and engaging environments foster curiosity and creativity. Emma actively participates in workshops and initiatives to elevate the role of early childhood education and ensure educators receive the recognition they deserve. Her commitment to continuous learning reflects her belief in the lifelong value of education for both children and educators.
Jana Boddy
Jana Boddy has been an advocate and early childhood educator for over 28 years. After many years of managing and leading early childhood educators, she transitioned into teaching Kindergarten at Maryland City Elementary School in Anne Arundel County. Jana holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University and three Associate degrees from Anne Arundel Community College. She serves as an ambassador for the CDA Council, is a member of the Fred Rogers Educators Neighborhood Alumni Cohort, and sits on the advisory board for Project Act. Additionally, Jana is actively involved in public policy through her work with NAEYC and MDAEYC.
As a public school early childhood educator in a Title 1 school, Jana uses her extensive experience to implement developmentally appropriate practices while adhering to state and federal standards. She remains committed to supporting birth-to-five educators and advocating for smoother transitions to primary education. Jana is particularly passionate about addressing the gaps in the educational system that impact vulnerable populations, including immigrants, impoverished children, minority Americans, and children with functional needs. She hopes to gain valuable resources and research to support long-term success and improvement in education, both within Maryland and across the country.
Shannon Casteel
Shannon Casteel has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, starting with roles as a babysitter, summer camp counselor, aftercare program director, and primary grades teacher. She is the Head of the Program for Young Children at St. Anne’s School of Annapolis, overseeing the Twos-Prekindergarten program with over 90 children and 15 faculty members. Shannon holds a Social Science degree with a concentration in Education from Ashford University and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She is also certified in Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Plus by the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, allowing her to deliver targeted reading instruction to students. Her educational philosophy emphasizes the importance of play and recognizes that every child is unique. She believes in encouraging children to celebrate their differences and actively participate in their learning by nurturing their interests. Shannon lives in Anne Arundel County with her husband of 20 years and their three children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching her children’s sports and concerts, and visiting the beach. Shannon is excited to be a part of this cohort, eager to connect with other early childhood educators, and looks forward to advocating for young children through her work in Maryland policy.
Dorisha Johnson
Dorisha Johnson, a family childcare educator in Baltimore County, started a business in 1994. She works under the Aspire program as a certified preschool teacher and community partner under Maryland’s Blueprint. Ms. Johnson has been a GOFCC (Growing Opportunities for Family Childcare) mentor since 2022. Because of her passion for people, Dorisha was a foster mom for several years before adopting children through the Baltimore City Department of Social Services Foster Care System. She is a mom of six who loves reading, puzzles, and exploring new places. A native of Baltimore, Dorisha attended public schools there. She earned her AA in Early Childhood Ed at Baltimore City Community College and a BS in Social Sciences from Coppin State University. Ms. Johnson is a Level 6 Maryland Credentialed provider and Level 5 Maryland EXCELS participant, accredited by the National Association for Family Childcare. Ms. Johnson is eager to learn, advocate, and collaborate with others to reach the best possible outcomes for Maryland’s children and families.
Kyler Leiter
Kyler Leiter has worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher for Frederick County Public Schools (Maryland) for the past ten years. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and will complete a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership degree in 2025. He holds Maryland Advanced Professional Certificates in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate (Early Childhood Generalist). In 2018, he traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal, to earn a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), where he taught fifth and sixth-grade English. He teaches leadership skills to 5th-grade boys through an after-school Necktie Club. He serves children in the foster care system as a court-appointed special advocate and instructs pre-service teachers as an adjunct professor. Currently, Kyler is completing a dissertation study identifying the effect of play on adverse behaviors stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. His research interests lie within historical and educational perspectives of play and gender differences in play scenarios.
Additionally, he is interested in international educational practices and utilizing global perspectives in his work. He strives to make sustainable change within local early childhood programs, where play and organic social interactions are at the center of instruction. His plans include operating a local play museum while conducting independent research on the importance of play.
Jennifer Nicholls
Jennifer has been in the field of ECE for ten years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about building our young learners’ brains in social and emotional learning as well as literacy and mathematics and ensuring families feel like they belong. Jenn participates in the ASPIRE program, running the PreK expansion grant for 3’s and 4’s. She also participates in the Equicare Grant program through Montgomery County, serving 2’s. She is Nationally Accredited with NAFCC and a board member of the Family Child Care Association of Montgomery County. She also sits on the board of RISE, a nonprofit social justice group.
Edith Onaolapo
Edith Onaolapo, known as “Ms. Blessed” by her students, is the Director of Blessed DayCare. With a diverse academic background, Edith holds a first degree in Economics, a second bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education (cum laude), and a master’s degree in Management Information Systems. She is currently completing her second master’s in Special Education and Exceptionalities. Edith’s journey into Early Childhood Education began after a successful career in finance, where she worked as an auditor, marketer, and customer service officer. Inspired by her mother, a retired educator, Edith returned to school to fully commit to shaping young minds. Her passion lies in helping children succeed in reading, literacy, and STEM, with plans to pursue certifications in dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. In addition to her professional roles, Edith is a devoted wife and mother of four. She enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and supporting her children in various sports activities. Edith remains dedicated to making an impact in early childhood education and looks forward to contributing further through her involvement in MECLP.
Alicia Pugh
Alicia Pugh has been a devoted professional in childcare since 2005, with a career focused on enriching the lives of young children through education and care. Over the years, she has earned an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Teaching Arts, reflecting her dedication to early education’s academic and business aspects. Currently working as a Pre-K teacher, Alicia is passionate about helping young learners discover their potential and develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She believes in creating nurturing and engaging environments where children can thrive. Alicia’s leadership philosophy revolves around influence—she strives to inspire and motivate others through her actions, always aiming to make a lasting impact on those around her. She values collaboration, growth, and empowering others to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Quiana Reedus
Quiana Reedus is an international educator who has spent over 25 years improving children’s academic and social outcomes from the south side of Chicago, IL (hometown), Georgia, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Maryland. She was raised in a blended family with little to no subtitles. “We were simply and unconditionally FAMILY!” Her great-grandfather and grandparents were immensely influential to the person that she has become today. She learned from them not only the Golden Rule, “Love Thy Neighbor,” but to go beyond love and to “Assist Thy Neighbor” no matter their past flaws, race, religion, economic background, or status. As a graduate of Alabama State University (B.S. in Early Childhood Education) and Central Michigan University (M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction), Quiana is also a Certified Doula. This opportunity to assist women in bringing forth life is another example of her commitment to humanity and our world. The word “BE” has become central to her mind, body, and spirit. It reminds her to “BE” intentional in who she is, what she does, and where she exhausts her time, efforts, and pursuits, from service to teaching. Therefore, no matter the circumstances, she reminds herself and those she serves to just “BE.” “BE” organic in their service to all to ensure all feel safe, cared for, and supported. While Quiana continues to grow herself and increase the capacity of others around her, her greatest passion is yet to be fulfilled. In bringing healing, hope, opportunity, and knowledge to her community, she plans to develop a Service Learning Center that will be a safe space for learning a trade, parent education, and an affordable birthing center.
Eileen Reyna
Eileen Reyna has a diverse career background, with over twenty years of experience in early childhood education and non-profit leadership. She holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore, a Bachelor of Science in Dance and American Studies from Skidmore College, and a Child Development Associate (CDA). She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching from Notre Dame University of Maryland with a focus on Special Education. Eileen is the Director at Bannockburn Nursery School BNS in Bethesda, where she is dedicated to supporting and nurturing children in their early school experiences. Under her leadership, the school achieved MSDE Accreditation and EXCELS level 5 certification. Eileen is a strong advocate for professional development in the early learning field. Before joining Bannockburn Nursery School, Eileen worked as a professional contemporary dancer, dance and movement educator, attorney, religious school teacher, and as an arts fundraiser as a Manager of Development for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As a MECLP Fellow, Eileen aims to further develop her skills as an effective early education leader, and advocate for positive changes to policies and programs benefiting children, families, and educators.
Sophia Watts-Jenkins
Sophia Watts-Jenkins is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Elementary Education from Trinity University and a Master’s in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Throughout her career, Sophia has taught Head Start, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First grade. As an Early Childhood Instructional Coach, Sophia implemented The Adult Learning Theory concepts into her work supporting teachers within the District of Columbia Public Schools’ Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program. Sophia focused on strengthening teachers’ practice by creating research-based professional development modules. She collaborated with teachers, parents, principals, and district leadership to substantially improve student outcomes regarding kindergarten readiness. Currently, Sophia is the Program Coordinator for the Family Involvement Center (FIC). The FIC is an inclusive play-based program that builds on parenting strengths while enhancing the development of children ages 0-5. The program is operated under Montgomery County, Maryland’s Child Care Support Services. In this role, Sophia has been able to combine her love of empowering families and educators through creating quality early childhood experiences.
Michelle Watson
Michelle Watson is a passionate and dedicated Montessorian currently serving as the Executive Director for all three Greater Montessori School locations. With a strong educational and leadership background, Michelle brings a unique perspective to guide the school’s mission of nurturing self-directed, confident learners within a supportive Montessori environment. Michelle holds a Master of Business Administration from Mercer University, demonstrating a commitment to effective school administration and fiscal responsibility. Her undergraduate studies were rooted in the humanities, with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College. This background fosters a deep appreciation for the power of language and storytelling, crucial elements in a child’s development. Michelle’s dedication to Montessori education is further solidified by her credential from the Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies at the Barrie School. This rigorous program ensures a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and its practical application in the classroom. Michelle is committed to creating a vibrant learning community where children and staff members can flourish and reach their full potential. Her leadership combines a passion for Montessori education with strong business acumen, ensuring a thriving school environment.
Asim Yousafzai
Dr. Asim Yousafzai, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a distinguished academic, researcher, and business leader with expertise in Earth and Environmental Sciences, intelligence, and geopolitical analysis. He holds a Ph.D. in applied geology from Kent State University and a degree in geology and psychology from the University of Peshawar, where he earned top academic honors. His career spans teaching roles as an Assistant and Associate Professor in hydrology and groundwater geochemistry and adjunct faculty in Earth Sciences. Dr. Yousafzai is the founder and CEO of Frontiers Educational Services LLC, currently expanding a home-based early childhood education program into a center serving 100 children, featuring an Outdoor Environmental Learning Center. Recently accepted into the Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP), he aims to enhance his leadership in early childhood education. Fluent in multiple languages, Dr. Yousafzai bridges academia, business, and international development, making a lasting impact both in the U.S. and abroad.
Daniela Zelaya
Daniela Zelaya is an early childhood educator originally from El Salvador and raised in Silver Spring, MD. As the eldest in an immigrant family, she naturally embraced the role of nurturing, which inspired her journey into teaching. Daniela holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Sociology. Before entering the classroom, Daniela worked at Opportunity America, a think tank focused on researching higher education and advocating for targeted higher education programs. After this experience, she transitioned into the role of lead teacher at Ohr Kodesh Early Childhood Center, where she has taught for four years. Daniela specializes in the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes children as active participants in their learning, fostering deep, meaningful educational experiences. Currently, she serves as an Administrative Support Educator, assisting in various programs and projects within the school administration. Beyond education, Daniela has advocacy experience in immigration policy, working toward long-term solutions for immigrant families. Now, she focuses on advocating for more accessible and affordable early childhood education, aiming to improve both public schools and private childcare centers.