Monkton Country Day Care, Monkton, MD 410-472-9122

Leadership

Lisa Rufo - Director

My name is Lisa Rufo. I have worked at Monkton since February of 1992. Prior to becoming director at MCDC, I was a lead teacher for twenty-one years. I earned my Associates of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Villa Julie College. I am credentialed at level 5 in the MSDE Excels program. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, Jeff and our energetic border collie, Sheldon. My spare time is spent with family, and friends, especially delighting in the time spent with my grandchildren! I enjoy hiking, eating out and photography. "It takes a BIG heart to shape a LITTLE mind".

Amanda Fishpaw - Assistant Director

Hello friends of all ages. My name is Mandy Fishpaw. I have my Associate degree in early childhood education and have been involved in the education field for over 20 years. I live with my husband Josh, two dogs, Titus and Pepper, and one cat named Dixie Mae. I love to craft, crochet, and draw. Drag racing is one of my favorite activities as well as car shows and carnivals. Working with children has always been my passion and I am happy I can enjoy it at MCDC.

Teachers

Barbara Bemis - Teacher, PreK

I have a long history with MCDC. My daughter enrolled when the school first opened and my son attended as well. Eventually I became a substitute, an aide, and have been a lead teacher since 2013. I am also social media coordinator. I hold an AA degree in Data Processing from CCBC, and my 90 Hour Core of Knowledge Early Child Care Certificate. I am also credentialed at level 4 in the MSDE Excels program. I enjoy genealogy, exploring and camping with my husband Scott, and spending time with my grandchildren. From my home, I can see the Monkton church steeple across the valley. I love the sense of community and family that connects us all at Monkton school. We think we are the teachers but I learn something every day from my wonderful students!

Judy Ober - Teacher, 4/5s & PreK

I have been working with children for over 40 years. I love watching little people learn new things. I love watching friendships form and watching them learn to work together. My family consists of three children, Shelly, Mandy and Michael. I also have three grandchildren, Jake, Kole and Spencer and two son in laws, Joe and Josh. We have three dogs, Izzy, Tippy and Asher and two cats Brat and Missy. I love working at Monkton Country Daycare and my goal this year is to meet new folks, and make new friendships "big and small"! I look forward to learning and laughing every day!

Jessica Ayers - Teacher, 4/5s & PreK

I grew up in Monkton and am a 2002 Hereford High graduate. Currently, I live in Harford County with my husband and two children, Riley and Natalie. I enjoy time spent outdoors, game nights, and reading the latest historical fiction novel. I am a 2012 graduate of Towson University and hold a bachelor’s degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education. For five years, I taught for Harford County Public Schools in first, fourth and fifth grades. After the birth of my second child, I left the classroom to stay home with my daughter. I didn’t stay away from the classroom for long! I started as an aide in early 2019 and became a lead teacher the next year. I hold my 90-hour Early Child Care Certificate and am credentialed at level six in the MSDE Excels program. I am thrilled to be back in “the Zone” and part of the MCDC family!

Katelyn Quashne - Teacher, 3s

Farrah Erculiani - Teacher, 2/3s

Hi, I'm Farrah! I strive to provide and loving, nurturing environment in which my students can play, learn, and thrive! And, most importantly, to have fun while they do it. I have been working with children for 16 years. I love working with children because no two days are ever the same. When I'm not teaching at MCDC, I enjoy spending time with my husband David, three daughters Alice, Jane, and Josephine, and our dog Lily. I look forward to seeing my students growth from the beginning to the end of the school year - And they grow a lot!

Danielle Troxel - Teacher, Young 2s

My name is Danielle Troxel. I started working at Monkton Country Daycare in 2000. I am a Hereford High School graduate and I hold my 90 Hours Core of Knowledge Early Child Care Certificate. I am currently credentialed at level 1 Administrator of the MSDE Excels program and I am continuing my education in the Administration Level Credentialing. I have held multiple positions at Monkton Country Daycare over the years and am currently the 2s teacher. I love being able to give back to the community where I grew up.