Valerie Bayne Carroll has been with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts since 1983. As a Master Teaching Artist, Valerie trains new Institute Teaching Artists and leads teacher professional development workshops in music and drama around the country. She has a BFA in Theater from Boston University, School for the Arts.

Yvonne Bell is a Quality Assurance Specialist for Maryland EXCELS, Maryland’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for early childhood and school-age child care programs.  Mrs. Bell has earned the degrees of M.Ed in Elementary Education, and an M.Ed in Special Education. She has worked in the early childhood and education fields for over 30 years.  During that time, Yvonne has held numerous positions including licensed child care provider, special ed. teacher, principal, trainer, Judy Center Family Services Coordinator, Head Start Regional Services Manager/Disabilities Coordinator, and Trainer/Inclusion Specialist. Yvonne has also served as an adjunct professor at Montgomery College.  She is a passionate Early Childhood and Special Education advocate, and is a member of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

 Shantee Bentzen is currently a Center Director for Bright Eyes Early Learning Center in Hagerstown, MD, has been in the early childhood field for over twelve years.  She has served in the role of classroom teacher and has held her management role with Bright Eyes Early Learning Center for the last five years.  In addition, Shantee is a contracted trainer with APPLES for Children Inc. and conducts training for providers in the local area.  She aspires to reach new levels when it comes to teaching and training while helping all early childhood professionals be the best that they can be.

 Alicia Cross is the Montgomery County Regional Officer of the Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children (MDAEYC), an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Alicia has 13 plus years of experience working in a childcare setting. Alicia is currently working as an Assistant Director and mentor in a center-based program. Alicia holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and is currently working on her master’s degree in early childhood studies.  Alicia is an advocate for families, children, and the empowerment of educators. Alicia recognizes the benefit of bridging the gap between teachers and communities and understands the importance of family involvement in a child’s learning environment. Alicia supports all aspects of inclusion, literacy, meaningful relationships, and social-emotional development in early childhood.

Susan Damico is a graduate of Bucknell University and received her master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago. Prior to returning to graduate school, Susan worked in Washington, D.C. as a Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill, providing constituent support in areas including healthcare and education. Susan joined Devereux in 1996 as the project coordinator for the Devereux Early Childhood Initiative. Working in partnership with her Devereux colleagues, Susan has been instrumental in the publication of the suite of Devereux resilience resources, including the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.  In her current role, Susan is responsible for promoting the national and international use of Devereux’s strength-based and research-informed assessments and strategies to foster the resilience and social and emotional development of young children and the adults who care for them. She oversees the development of new resources; manages relationships with key partners; coordinates the marketing of DCRC intellectual properties and professional development activities; and provides leadership and support to her DCRC team members. Susan also appreciates the opportunity to share the hopeful and promising message of resilience through the delivery of professional development events and conference presentations nationwide. In collaboration with Devereux team members, Susan has worked for the past 22 years to develop and publish resources that are currently used in all 50 states and internationally.

Angela Day is a Family Support and Community Engagement Specialist as well as a Registered Behavior Technician with Achieving True Self since 2017.  She received her Master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum with a minor in the Inclusive Classroom.  Receiving highly qualified teaching status through MSDE in specialist education, she taught for ten years in both general and special education classrooms.  She has a true passion for helping others and finds joy seeing success stories, knowing that she played a small part of their achievements.  She considers working with children 1:1 through implementing ABA a privilege, but also enjoys the connections with families and the community she has working for Achieving True Self.

 Wayne Eckley is currently employed by Washington County Public Schools as an Outdoor Resource Teacher at Claud E. Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview.  Before teaching at Fairview, Wayne was employed by Prince George’s County Public Schools from 1994-1999, where he taught third, fourth and fifth grades.  In 1999, Wayne was hired by Washington County Public Schools where he taught fifth grade for 8 years, before transferring to his current position at Claud E. Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview.  Wayne is a certified facilitator for Project Wild, Growing Up Wild, Project Wet and Project Learning Tree.  Lessons from these programs are frequently used to teach curriculum at Fairview and within other Washington County Public Schools.  Wayne has participated in facilitating numerous environmental science programs with Washington County Public Schools.  Wayne is also a member of the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators, which he has attended numerous conferences and has been a past presenter.

Megan Ganoe is an Elementary Behavior Specialist who works with Allegany County Public Schools to assist children in having the tools and strategies needed to be successful.  Megan believes building a strong foundation in early learning is essential in setting children up for success.  Implementing developmentally appropriate practices and a strong framework to promote social and emotional competence is essential to effectively promote self-regulation skills and decrease challenging behaviors, particularly in early childhood.  Megan also enjoys building the capcity of others and shares her knowledge with others as a trainer with APPLES for Children, Inc..  She received her Bachelors of Science degree from West Virginia University in Child Development and Family Studies, and her Master of Science from Walden University in Developmental Psychology with a concentration in child and Adolescent Development.

Alan Guttman holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University. He began his career as a preschool and public school kindergarten teacher in New York City and Los Angeles. Alan served children birth to 12 years old, their families, and programs for 40 years, including 20 years leading and managing public and private non-profit Head Start, preschool, and child care programs. He recently retired from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education where he served as the Director of Early Childhood Policy & Systems. From 2001 to 2012 he served on federal review teams evaluating the quality of education services and program management systems in Head Start and Tribal Head Start programs across the United States.

Orinthia Harris Ph.D. is a dynamic educator with over 17 years of experience both inside and outside the classroom. She is the founder and executive director of STEMearly LLC. As an Education Specialist & Curriculum Developer she designs and delivers high quality professional development and student programming for teachers, school leaders, and their families. She has a passion for making learning engaging, and is able to effectively motivate and engage teachers and students with a variety of learning styles. Prior to working as a professional development specialist, Dr. Harris enjoyed 10 years in the early childhood and elementary classroom, teaching all grades K-5, including ESOL. She earned her doctorate from Notre Dame of Maryland University in Educational Leadership for Changing Populations.

Steven Hicks serves as Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of Early Childhood Development at the Maryland State Department of Education. Immediately prior to his appointment, he was Executive Director of the non-profit Ready at Five in Maryland. Previous to working in Maryland, he served as Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education following 20 years as a preschool, kindergarten and early elementary school teacher.  A frequent speaker across the country and internationally, he has contributed to numerous publications, including a national preschool curriculum and an on-line mentor program. Steven is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Childhood and holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He also serves on the Board of NAEYC in capacity of Secretary.

Gina Hoover has worked in early childhood for the past 19 years, the last 16 with Washington County Public Schools as a kindergarten and pre-k teacher at both Pangborn and Emma K Doub Elementary.  Currently she is the Early Learning Lead Teacher for WCPS.  In her role as Early Learning Lead Teacher she provides coaching and professional development to fellow educators.   Gina serves on various committees, partners with community agencies, and collaborates with other early learning educators.  Mrs. Hoover has vast experience working with young learners and providing them with a solid start to their education.  She believes that all children can be successful and learn while having fun!

Robin Kerr is the Education Services Manager with Allegany County Head Start and a trainer with APPLES for Children, Inc.  She has over 20 year’s experience mentoring, coaching and training staff in the fields of early childhood and disabilities.  Robin is an Americans with Disabilities Act and State of Maryland approved Person Centered Planning trainer.  She holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Frostburg State University.

Sandra Kowalchek has over 20 years of experience in management positions in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors (domestically and internationally).  She is currently Manager, Growth & Business Development for the Council for Professional Recognition, with an Early Childhood Education (ECE) focus on states, associations, CTE, and Council partnerships.  The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old. To date, close to one million Child Development Associate (CDA®) credentials have been issued around the world.  Sandra’s background includes educational partnerships, business development, government relations, and global marketing/communications – including over 15 years at Discovery Communications.  She earned her B.A. from American University, School of International Service in Washington, DC; and, an MSc. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK.  Her personal interests include travel, biking, cooking and sailing.

Liran Laor is the Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP) Program Director at UMBC. Liran has more than 18 years of experience working with educators, children and families. Liran holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in early childhood education and an early intervention certificate. Liran has extensive experience in teaching and mentoring educators and families about best practices to caring for and enhancing developmental capacities of infants, toddlers and young children.  As an early childhood advocate, Liran strives to promote high quality early childhood education that emphasizes respect for the child and is inclusive to all children regardless of race, gender, language, skills or family structure. She endorses authentic and reflective teaching that creates a collaborative environment and partnerships with families, educators and the community. In addition, Liran is passionate about empowering educators to assume leadership positions, advocate on behalf of children, families and educators and promote change to strengthen the field of early care and education.”

Kelly Longerbeam has worked in the early childhood setting for the past 17 years. Filling the roles of kindergarten teacher, pre-k teacher, Early Learning Lead Teacher, and Early Learning Coordinator has given Mrs. Longerbeam a very comprehensive view of the vital components of educating our youngest learners. As Early Learning Coordinator, the collaboration between community partners has become paramount. Mrs. Longerbeam serves on the board for OnTrack Washington County, a community cradle to career initiative, is an Implementation Team Member for the Early Childhood Advisory Council, partners with The Judy Center, Head Start of Washington County, and partners with many other organizations which promote early learning initiatives throughout the community. She has a passion for our youngest leaners and wants to provide them with a fun and solid foundation for learning.

Christina Lopez is president of the Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children (MDAEYC), an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Christina has over 20 year’s experience in the early childhood field.  She has taught in both childcare and public school settings, and currently serves as the program manager for the Hillcrest Heights Judy Center in the Prince George’s County school district.

Jennifer Mata-McMahon, EdD Obtained a BA (1996) in Early Childhood Education with emphasis in Educational Leadership and Administration from Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas, Venezuela. She received her MA (1998), Ed.M. (1999), and EdD (2010) from Teachers College, Columbia University, in Early Childhood Education with emphasis in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. Since 1995, she has been an infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten teacher, as well as taught in middle school, undergraduate, and graduate levels, both in the US and abroad. She currently is an associate professor at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and director of the Sherman Center for Early learning in urban Communities. She is the coauthor of Ambiente en Acción (Environment in Action) (2006), author of Spiritual Experiences in Early Childhood Education (2015), co-editor of Spirituality: An Interdisciplinary View (2016), and co-editor of The Bloomsbury Handbook of Culture and Identity from Early Childhood to Early Adulthood: Perceptions and Implications (2021).

Dr. Janet A. Mattern is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Frostburg State University. She has over 35 years of experience in the early childhood field serving as a teacher and administrator. She serves as CAEP Coordinator at Frostburg State University, a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Specialized Program Association Reviewer, and a Professional Development Instructor/Peer Reviewer for the state of Pennsylvania. Dr. Mattern has a B.S. in Elementary Education, M.Ed. with a concentration in Elementary/Middle School Mathematics, and Ed.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania focused on special education.  Dr. Mattern’s areas of interest include neuro-cognitive research which improves learning and increases student achievement for all learners, teacher effectiveness, early intervention, and digital literacy in early childhood classrooms. Dr. Mattern has published in the Early Childhood Education Journal and presented at several conferences on digital literacy, early childhood literacy, school transition, and early intervention implementation.

Kris McGee is an Associate Professor for Frostburg State University in Western Maryland. Kris’ passion and expertise include teaching and mentoring pre-service and in-service teachers to develop their literacy lives. She strives to create experiential learning opportunities for her students, to help them develop a strong connection to literacy and to the children in the community.  Sharing her work, collaborating with others, and presenting at local, state, and national conferences bring her great pride and joy.  She recently co-authored a chapter titled, “Using Technology to Build Interactions Within and Beyond the Literacy Classroom,” in the Handbook of Research on Integrating Digital Technology With Literacy Pedagogies.  In addition, she has written blog posts for NCTE #BuildYourStack and The Nerdy Book Club and an article for ILA’s Literacy Today magazine.  Kris is an avid reader, “book dealer,” and self-proclaimed “tech junkie.” She is celebrating her 32nd year as an educator.

Heidi Anne E. Mesmer, PhD, is a Professor in Literacy in the School of Education at Virginia Tech. She has studied beginning reading materials, text difficulty, and struggling readers since 1999. Her research has appeared in Reading Research Quarterly, The Educational Researcher, Elementary School Journal, and Early Childhood Research Quarterly. She has written and directed eight grants aimed at improving reading instruction in K-5 classrooms. Dr. Mesmer is the author of several books including Letter Lessons and First Words: Phonics Foundations that Work (Heinemann, 2019), Alphabetics for Emerging Learners: Building Strong Reading Foundations in PreK (2021). Teaching skills for complex text: Deepening reading in the classroom (Teachers College Press, 2016).  Her research has been supported by a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation, and an American Educational Research Association/Institute of Education Sciences grant. She is the recipient of the Outreach Award, from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, and the Promising Scholar Award, from the School of Education, Virginia Tech.  In 2014 she delivered The George Graham Lecture in Reading at the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia.  “

Margie Powell, M.S., “As a “”lifer”” in the early childhood field, I’ve worked with great passion and enthusiasm implementing dynamic learning experiences centered on children’s individual growth, optimum development, peer communication, and life skills, while upholding childhood joy, strong family partnerships, and team collaboration.  As a trainer, I develop, design and facilitate early education workshops for adults, which are engaging and focus on practical, ready to implement activities and strategies which work, and focus on  evidence-based research and participants’ individual situations.  Topics focus on social emotional skills, problem solving, peaceful classroom strategies, making learning easier, and curricula.  I hold an Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Ed., and a Master of Science Degree in Child Care Administration.   Additionally, I’ve been volunteering at a state park for 13 years and have joined the park’s Friends group as a board member just over a year ago.

Christina Peusch is the Executive Director of the Maryland State Childcare Association

Vicki Robinson is the Executive Director for Head Start of Washington County.  With a Masters degree in Social Work, Vicki has worked in the field of child welfare for almost 25 years.  Having previously worked with teenagers in out of home placements, she came to Head Start in 2003.  This change of pace allowed her to work with young children and families and truly feel the impact of quality early childhood education.  The Head Start program in Washington County serves 442 children, ages birth – 5, in a comprehensive program that includes child education, family support services, mental health, health and nutrition components as well as transportation and a variety of other resources.  Having spent 15 years supervising the Family Services component of the program, Vicki joined the administration level, spending a year as the Program Director and the last 3 years as the Executive Director.  The Head Start program model thrives as a result of strong community partnerships.  The agency’s number one goal is to educate children and empower families in order to transition them smoothly into their next school setting, more self-sufficient and ready to learn. 

Shana E. Rochester, Ph.D., is the assistant director and research associate for the Sherman Center for Early Learning at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan. Dr. Rochester previously served as an inaugural American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)/Holmes Postdoctoral Fellow at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. Her work explores how educational contexts (i.e., early childhood classrooms, family-based programs in partnership with schools, museums) affect children’s development. She is particularly interested in how children’s cultural knowledge and out-of-school experiences can be leveraged in ways that support their learning, and her work considers the role of family members and classroom teachers in shaping children’s academic and social development. Dr. Rochester has led projects funded by the Ford Foundation, the RAND Corporation, and the Foundation for Child Development.

 Novella Sargusingh  Hello! My name is Novella Sargusingh and I have been an early childhood educator and advocate for about 40 years. I have always been deeply involved in the growth and development of young children. I raised my own children in a childcare setting where I, to this day, own and operate a private Family child care facility. I have experience being a part of Riverdale Park, MD. community as a homeowner, Ward 3 Council Person, and I have experience as a child care provider, educator and trainer. I also have experience as a former President of the Prince Georges County Family Child Care Association. I am excited to bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for early childhood education to this conference, where I can share my experiences, stories and journey with all of you working in the early childhood field. I am also a grandmother and a “mother” to many generations of children who have graced our facility and whom I have raised with love, care and dedication.

 Sherita Sargusingh Greetings! My name is Sherita Sargusingh and I have been an educator for over 20 years. I have experience as an art educator, and infant toddler Montessori educator, as a virtual educator and I am also an administrator of an Early Childhood Program, 4 Steps Creative Learning. I have spent my life working with young children, as early childhood environments have always been a part of my life and I have experience with diversity, equity and inclusion groups. I am a child advocate and I practice social justice initiatives, as well as, parent education seminars, and I have worked on teaching presentations nationally and internationally. I look forward to sharing with you and I am grateful for the work we do in the early childhood sector as educators and I am looking forward to sharing with you via experiences, presentation and question-and-answer sessions.

 Dr. Donna Satterlee has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Change, which focused on social justice issues.  Her master’s degree is in Special Education, and the baccalaureate degree is a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.  She is a trainer  for the state of Maryland for WIDA and for Critical Competencies for Infants and toddlers,  She is a tenured professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and teaches a variety of courses focusing on young children including a course on Movement education at the college.   She has presented at the NAEYC national conferences and at the state level on variety of topics.

Kayla Souza, M.Ed. is the owner of a play-based, home preschool. After 18 years working in the larger classroom setting, she started her own small program in order to spend more time with her preschool-aged daughter. Throughout her years with young children, she has worked in a childcare center, as a paraeducator for early childhood, and as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom. Kayla creates hands-on curriculum for preschool aged children and supports other early childhood educators through her online presence. She is passionate about art, music, nature, and play for young children.

Michele Stottlemyer has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education along with 31 years of experience in the education field. Michele was a Director at KinderCare for many years and was the Infant Toddler Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant at Child Care Choices until she retired to care for her young granddaughter, Noelle. Michele’s area of specialty is focused around Infants and Toddlers.

Dr. Carlena N. Vaden holds a Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership (EdD) from Northcentral University, a Master of Education Degree (MEd) with a concentration in Management from Strayer University, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Political Science from Morgan State University.  Dr. Carlena has worked with children for over 20 years, in addition to over 10 years in office administration. In 2017, Dr. Carlena founded Divine Illumination Agency LLC, an education consultant agency.  Dr. Carlena provides leadership training and professional workshops for educational organizations public and private and at national conferences. Dr. Carlena has been highlighted in the Early Childhood Report, February 2017 issue on leadership and professional development. Dr. Carlena is also a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Professional Development Trainer, MSDE Excels Program Quality Assessor, MSDE Accreditation Validator, and CLASS observer. Dr. Carlena is also an approved trainer with the Office of The Superintendent in the District of Columbia.  It is her desire to see that all students be given the proper tools and support needed to be successful in their educational journey.

Michele Valeri is a nationally known singer, songwriter and recording artist for children.  Michele authored or co-authored early Institute curriculum materials for the Wolf Trap Institute Programs. She has conducted teacher training workshops and artist residencies since the beginning of Institute programs in 1981. Michele is a graduate of Catholic University with a Master’s degree in Children’s Theater and Creative Drama from Pennsylvania State University.

Judith Walker is the Early Learning Branch Chief for the Division of Early Childhood Development at Maryland State Department of Education.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Shepherd College and a Masters of Arts from George Washington University in Early Childhood Education.

Amy Weaver Since the early 80’s, Amy Weaver has been involved in Early Childhood Education.  Starting as a substitute and working her way up the early education job path.  From substitute to post secondary educator she’s been involved in early childhood in some way or some form for over 40 years passionately fighting for the youngest members of our communities.  She is reminded daily of the brilliance of each child and the importance of the early childhood community.  Amy now takes her experiences on the road helping to remind teachers of their value and the importance of their role in creating our future. She uses humor and anecdotes to share important information with students and conference participants and reinforce that they have the keys to the future before them as their superpowers.

Deborah Witmer is currently employed by First Start Partnerships in Franklin County PA.   She has more than 30 year’s experience working as a teacher in a preschool classroom. Deborah currently supports teachers, assists with children who need extra support, promotes fidelity to the curriculum, substitutes when needed and helps with training. In her spare time, she provides interactive story times. Deborah believes that children learn best by being engaged in meaningful experiences and play