Staff Picture Breakfast with Santa 201 1

 

 

 

Director: Christina Maxwell 

                My name is Christina Grayzeck Maxwell, I currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland with my husband and three sons.  I graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park where I received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies.  Over the course of the last ten years my career has focused on child care and child education.  I spent several years as a Maryland Public School teacher where I was enriched by my students and learned invaluable lessons from my fellow teachers.  I have also worked as a teacher in several private Day Care facilities giving me a diverse perspective on the nuances between public and private education.  Over the last few years of my career I have had the pleasure of being the Director of a Bright Horizons Center in Washington DC. 
                 Throughout my career working with children it has been my focus to create a positive and happy environment for children.  I firmly believe that fostering a strong relationship with the families of all the students is the key to a successful program.  The staff, students and parents here at Chesterbrook have created a safe, happy and positive learning environment.   This is my first year as the Director of the Chesterbrook UMC Preschool & After Care.  In my decision to return to the work force, after spending the past year raising my third son, I was determined to find a “home away from home” that would be the perfect fit for my family.  I full heartedly believe that I have found that fit in the Chesterbrook United Methodist Church Preschool. 

 

      Administrative Assistant/After Care Program Co-Ordinator:
Amanda Kraemer        

 

 My name is Amanda Kraemer and this is my second year at Chesterbrook UMC Preschool.  I attended college in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which is also where I am from. At La Roche College I received my B.A. in both Elementary and Special Education.  At Chesterbrook I work as the administrative assistant to our wonderful director Christina, I also design and implement the activities for our after-care program. When I am not working I like to read, cook, exercise, and hang out with friends and family.   Someday I would like to go to graduate school for School Counseling.  Working with children is a huge passion of mine and being able to do so at CUMC Preschool has been a fantastic opportunity!

 

 

Butterfly 2 Year Old Teacher & After Care Provider:
Mary Rose Gaygay
                

                   Hi! My name is Mary Rose aka Miss. Mary. I’m 26 years young and take pleasure in eating out, fishing, the beach, board games, reading, and quality time with my love, best friends, family, and my dog, Lubdub. I’m currently working on my Early Childhood Education Degree and aspire to one day open up my own preschool.
                  I’m the Lead Teacher in the 2’s class and afternoon childcare program, and I also work in the 3’s class as an assistant teacher. The best part about my job are all the little children with their big personalities and the endless hugs and laughs they give. I’ve been with CUMC since Fall 2009, and continue to enjoy every day of it.

 

Bumblebee 3 Year Old Teacher:
Mayra Martinez

                 Hi, my name is Mayra Martinez and I am the teacher for the bumblebees class. I have been working at Chesterbrook Preschool for 3 1/2 years. We have amazing beautiful smart kids every year. I enjoy teaching them and watching them grow. Every child is different, and it is amazing to watch the differences and the unique qualities that make them who they are.
                   I am currently working on my nurse practitionist in mental health, specializing in child psychology. I also have a 15 month old son who will be joining us at Chesterbrook next year.  I love to read and write in my spare time, and enjoy outdoor activities in the summer.

  

Lions 4 Year Old Pre-K Teacher:  Teresa Mattick

               My name is Teresa Mattick and I am the Pre-K teacher at Chesterbrook. I started teaching the Pre-K class (4 and 5 – year-olds) in 2009 after a long career as a writer and communications specialist. I love my teaching job! Teaching is sometimes challenging (like herding cats), but always rewarding because it is truly amazing to help young children learn, develop and grow over the school year. There is not much in life that compares to getting a big, sincere hug each morning from children who love and trust you. And our preschool is full of love and respect between the staff and children in our care.
               I started teaching after becoming a volunteer in my own children’s’ preschool classes. I have a boy and a girl in public elementary school. I try to volunteer with various activities at my kids’ school, including such things as being the troop leader for Girl Scouts. Together with my husband and crazy Boxer dog, we live in Falls Church and love our community. It’s a great place to raise a family.
               I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. I am also an Army and National Guard veteran. When I’m not teaching or serving as my family’s social and activities director (and chauffeur), I enjoy reading, traveling, and outdoor activities, especially hiking and exploring all the great places in Northern Virginia.

Lions 4 Year Old Pre-K Co-Teacher:  June Lee

                 My name is June Lee and I am the lead teacher for the Younger Pre-k Bears class.  Currently I live in Falls Church with my husband and teenage daughter who is getting ready to attend college.  I graduated from the Ehwa Women’s College in Korea and then received my MFA in Architectural Lighting Design from the Parsons School of Design.   I have been working with preschool age children for the last ten years.  During that time I have taken numerous training courses and CDA classes.  I began working here at Chesterbrook when it opened in September of 2008.  In my free time I enjoy traveling, going to concerts and walking my dog “Tony”.  I truly enjoy working with young children because I love their laughing, imagination and mistakes.  It is my pleasure to help all of the children in my class continue to develop and grow as they prepare for their Elementary Careers. 

 

Assistant Teachers

 

Shannon Collier:  Lions Assistant Teacher & After Care

               My name is Shannon Collier. I am the assistant teacher in the Lions class.   I have been with Chesterbrook Preschool since the day they opened there doors 3 years ago. I am married and the mother of 2 boys, ages 14 and 11. I enjoy shopping, traveling, and spending time with my family. I enjoy working with young kids because they are fun, and when talking to them you will most likely be surprised at what they have to say!!  I enjoy seeing the look on a child’s face when they realize what you have just taught them.

 

Kathy Lewis: Lions Assistant Teacher

             Hi, my name is Kathy and I am the assistant teacher in the Lions classroom.  This is my second year working as an assistant teacher here at Chesterbrook.  I graduated from George Mason with a degree in English Literature which led me to a career in editing for 15 years.  Once I decided to pursue working with children as a second career I began taking courses in Early Child Development through NOVA.  I really enjoy working with children and seeing them develop and grow throughout the year.  My hobbies include traveling, reading and playing with my Labradoodle “Sonny”.  I look forward to coming to work everyday and believe that the children in my class are wonderful and fun to interact with on a daily basis. 

              

Mihye Yoon:  Butterfly Assistant Teacher & After Care Provider

               Hi my name is Miyhe Yoon and I work as the assistant teacher in the Butterfly and Bumblebee class, as well a teacher during the  After Care sessions.   I began working here at Chesterbrook when it opened in September 2008.  During my time working with young children I have particpated in many training seminars and I am looking into programs related to Early Childood Education.  In my spare time I enjoy shopping, traveling, trying new foods and spending time with my friends.   Another passion of mine is photography and I continue to perfect my techinques in this field.  I love working with children because their laughter and happiness make my job fun. 

Alex Gregg: After Care Provider

               My name is Alex and I work with the older Badgers and Bisons.  In the  summer of 2009, I had an amazing opportunity to particpate  on a mission trip to New Hampshire.  During this mission I worked with Elementary age children in Church.  It was this experience that helped me realize  how fun it was working with kids and what  accomplishment I had from knowing that I made a difference in life of a child.   I have been working here at Chesterbrook since the fall of 2009 and have had the pleasure of helping organize activities for the younger kids and getting the older kids outside playing sports.   I love being active outside of work whether it be going to hockey/soccer games, jogging etc… So I really enjoy running around with the kids and working on sports skills.   I’m currently going to school for Elementary Education.   My dream job would be teaching History and possibly traveling to Europe to teach children overseas.   There’s so much I want to do, but I’m taking it one step at a time and seeing where the wind blows me.

Anne Himelfarb: After Care Provider

               Hi, my name is Anne and I work on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30-6:30 with the younger bisons.  By the time I arrive at CUMC the academic portion of their day has been completed.  While I am there I supervise interactive play, do projects, read and play games with the children.  I especially enjoy being outside with them (especially in the warm weather).  I graduated from Virginia Tech in 1980 with a BS degree in Human Nutrition and Foods.  For the last 16 years I have worked for Fairfax County Schools as a cafeteria manger.   This is my fourth year at Colvin Run in Vienna.  In my free time I enjoy working in the yard, walking my dog Buddy with friends and family, dancing, and exercise classes such as zumba and jazzercise.  I also love to read.   Working and being with children is my passion.  Our children are 21 and 25 so they fortunately don’t require much attention at this point.  Both at Colvin Run and CUMC I love interacting with the kids.  The are so much fun, and keep me feeling young.

Kim Sayer-Marsh: Before Care Provider

                   My name is Kim Sayer-Marsh and I primarily work in the Early Birds session here at Chesterbrook.   I’m a Assistant Pre-School Teacher with many years of volunteering and working with children of all ages.  I am also a Nursery Supervisor at Andrew Chapel UMC in Vienna and have been so for 11 years.  My experience with teaching children also stems from my large family and the in-home daycare that I did for several years.  I am currently working on a degree in education and hope to continue working with children.

 

Alice Daniel: Before Care Provider, Classroom Floater    

                   My name is Alice Daniels and I was born and grew up in Pakistan.  I have a degree in Education and taught in Pakistan for about 15 years.  When I moved to the United States I was a nanny for a family in the Virginia area for ten years.  I began working for Chesterbrook UMC Preschool in September of 2009.  Currently I work in the Early Birds program and I am a classroom floater assisting with all sessions.  I truly enjoy working here and hope to continue my education in the future to gain more opportunities in this field.