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Heather Amick TA/PD Coordinator "Educating the Mind without Educating the Heart is no Education at All."-Aristotle For the past 18 years, I have been devoted to the education of young children. My enthusiasm for teaching will always be at the root of my success. However, I have learned that teaching and mentoring adults about early learning is my true passion and that I can influence most people. I obtained my Human Development and Family Studies degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2007 and my Master's in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University in 2013. I am currently obtaining a Ph.D in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. I started my early learning adventure as an Infant teacher. Over the years, I have been in several roles including, but not limited to, Teacher, Family Resource Specialist, Director, Quality Coach, and now TA/PD Coordinator. I have also been an adjunct professor for the past 4 years, teaching early Childhood classes. I am the mother of two children, Landyn and Alyce. Motherhood has dramatically influenced my dedication to the education of young children as I am now able to see firsthand, through my children, the benefits of a quality early learning program. Daily, I strive to be the best teacher, leader, and mentor I can be so that I can help others touch the lives of children and families. |
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Melissa DePaul Quality Coach I am a skilled leader with twenty years' of professional involvement in the field of Early Childhood Education; I possess excellent people, organizational and managerial skills. I have a Bachelor of Science and Certification in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from California University of PA. I have also obtained a Private Academic School Teaching Certificate for the state of PA and a Director's Credential Certificate from Carlow College. During my career with Head Start/Early Head Start, I have held many positions from a bus driver, a Family Service Worker, a classroom teacher and Staff Development Supervisor. In my early childhood career, I have also been the PA Pre-K Counts Project Supervisor for PA Pre-K Counts. Currently, I hold the position of Quality Coach with the ELRC-Region 4. Prior to supervising at Head Start/Early Head Start, I have experience with Elementary teaching in a partial hospitalization school for school age children with social, emotional, and behavioral diagnoses. I am also a "boy mom" to my son Dominic who owns my heart. Throughout the years, he has taught me as much about love, patience and kindness as I hope to have taught him. |
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Heather Chicotella Quality Coach I have been in the early childhood field for over 20 years and have had many roles along the journey. I have experience as an infant teacher, toddler teacher, preschool teacher, and a center director. My background includes a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from Seton Hill University, a director's credential from Westmoreland County Community College, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. I am very excited to help all of my providers on the journey to provide quality childcare for their children and families. I am very passionate about the teaching of children, because I believe that children are the future. I was raised and am very close to my wonderful parents. My parents have always inspired me to do my best and I am excited to follow their example as a coach to mentor and inspire providers to bring out their talents and abilities. If you can dream it, you can do it! |
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Diane Hendrick Provider Quality Specialist I have been in the early childhood field for 25 years. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. I am a Provider Quality Specialist. I am very excited to be a part of the ELRC 4. I am looking forward to meeting and working with providers as they strive to increase the quality of their programs. I have 3 grown sons, a loving husband and 3 adorable granddaughters. As you get to know me you will get to know them through stories I love to share. |
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Lisa Spoonhoward Provider Quality and Supports Director For 24 years, I have been educating young children and adults in the field of Early Childhood. In my journey of educating others, the education community has also continued to educate me. I have a bachelor's degree in Child Care Administration and Early Childhood Education from Seton Hill College and a master's degree in Special Education from Seton Hill University. I started my career in education as an assistant preschool teacher and continued in the field with previous and current positions such as: Teacher, Assistant Center Director, Center Director, Inclusion Specialist, Education Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Substitute for all ages, PD Specialist, PQAS instructor and now a Designator/Director for Keys to Quality. In my education career, I continue to grow with the community in the quality of education and I make every effort to support and guide all in the early learning community. |
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Donna Stash Quality Coach I have spent my entire professional career as an advocate for Early Childhood Education. With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from California University of PA, I held various positions with Head Start, Early Head Start, PA Pre-K Counts and Early Intervention. When the opportunity to work as a Quality Coach with the Early Learning Resource Center, ELRC Region 4, presented itself, I gladly accepted. I am excited to meet and work with providers to share my knowledge and experience to guide staff through the STAR process. |
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Bobbie Shultz Family Child Care/Quality Support Specialist For 14 years I served as our agency's Information/Resource & Referral Specialist. I worked on the parent side of the Child Care Works Program sending out applications to parents requesting financial assistance and linking them with child care providers in their area. I also partnered with many agencies for outreach events and community networking. It was a top priority that families needing services beyond just childcare assistance could always be directed to the right place. In July of 2024, I accepted the new position of Family Child Care/Quality Support Specialist. I hope to take my years of networking and resources and direct it towards specifically supporting our in-home child care providers. I have a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State University in Human Development & Family Studies and hold my Private Preschool/Kindergarten Certificate through the state of Pennsylvania. I live with my husband, Ken and our two children Kenny & Anna. |