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 Staff
All 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 8 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 20 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
Sandra Blanco, assistant director
Wendy Baird, developmental director
Luisa Hurtado, office manager
Teachers
Ferdows Ahsanian
Lucy Allca
Karen Gabel
Maya Good
Mary Jackson
Debby Lamar
Betty Leon
Carina Millones
Cary O'Bruan
Bernarda Rodriguez
Julie Smith
Teresa Terrones
Jen Toth
Gloria Turner
Jennifer Wallace
Ryan Walsh
Velma Williams
Elizabeth Page 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 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 Duglas.
Wendy Baird was hired by the Board in September, 2007 to be our first Development Director. Wendy has a Masters degree in Social Work from Washington University and 12 years of experience in development. Wendy, husband Ed, and their children Charlie and Margaret to this area from Rochester, New York. Margaret is a student in the Adventure Room.
Karen Gabel joined the staff in August, 2008 in a dual position as school counselor and classroom teacher. Karen has a BA in psychology and a Masters degree in School Counseling. She is working with the children in all the classrooms on developing healthy social/emotional skills and supporting parents in their difficult roles as their child’s first teacher.
Luisa Hurtado 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 there. 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.
Ferdows Ahsanian started as an assistant teacher at the Center in 2006. She brings two years of experience with toddlers and children to her work as a resource teacher and floater. While working at the Center, she is continuing to study early childhood education and English. Ferdows adds extra energy and help to any classroom, and provides an extra pair of hands or a lap for thechildren. She is originally from Iran and now lives with her family in Falls Church.
Lucy Allca works with the Center’s youngest children, the two-year-olds. She has served as a teacher at the Center since 2005 after gaining several years of experience working with young children. Lucy earned her associate’s degree in early childhood education. Originally from Peru and fluent in Spanish, Lucy now lives in Falls Church.
Maya Good worked at the Center last summer 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 and 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 childhood 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
Debby 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 kindergartners. 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.
Betty Leon started volunteering at the Center in 2005; she became indispensable so she was offered a teaching assistant position March 2006. Betty is energetic, always smiling and such a delight to have here. The children adore her as much as she adores them. Betty's husband is a diplomat from Columbia and we hope he is able to stay in this area for a long time! Betty and her family live in McLean.
Carina Millones came to the Children’s Center in August, 2008 with three years of experience and 90 hours of training in early childhood education. She is working toward completion of her Child Development Associate Credential. A native of Peru, Carina is fluent in Spanish and lives with her husband and son Maximillian in Annandale.
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 a Child Development Associate. Fluent in Spanish, Cary brings several years of experience to the Rainbow Room, where she works with Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Gloria. Cary enjoys doing all kinds of art projects with the children. She lives with her husband in Fairfax.
Bernarda Rodriguez has served as a teacher at the Center since 1999. She earned her childhood 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 worked with the two year olds for 4 years and is now gaining experience with our preschoolers as she works toward completion of her child development associate credential. 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. Also from Peru, Teresa helps our non-English speaking families feel more at home here. Teresa is working toward her Child Development Associate Credential.
Jen Toth’s first experience with the Children’s Center was as an intern through Exxon Mobil’s Community Summer Jobs Program. She returned to help out during winter breaks and the next two summers so when she graduated from Virginia Tech in May, 2008, we were delighted that she decided to join us full-time. Jen’s BA is in Human Growth and Development.
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 childhood development associate certification and completed work toward her bachelor’s degree. She has two adult children and four grandchildren.
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 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, our only male teacher, 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 childhood 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.
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7230 Idylwood Road