Owner/Director
Amy Bennett
Educational Background:
B.S. East Stroudsburg University
Why I love working with children:
I laugh often and much, I smile almost all day long, I win the respect and affection of truly amazing little beings, I am able to play and get dirty, I am able to be creative and I surround myself with honest people. Who else would I want to work with?
Our Team
Tina Haldeman
Position:
Assistant Director
Educational Background:
A.A. in Early Childhood Education from HACC
Why I love working with children:
I love working with children because they are the future. I enjoy teaching them, watching them grow and develop and, encouraging them to be independent and simply loving them. In many ways, they actually end up teaching me!
Ellen Myers
Position:
Teacher – Preschool
Educational Background:
Studying for Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education
Why I love working with children:
I love opening children’s eyes to the world and helping them discover new things. Teaching them gives me such gratitude and positivity. Watching them grow fills my heart and has taught me so much about every aspect of life. I am so thankful that Bright Beginnings has given me the opportunity to do what I love!
Irma Vandercolff
Position:
Floater
Jaciona Mauldin
Position:
Teacher – Young Preschool
Educational Background:
Graduated Susquenita High School
Why I love working with children:
Being able to experience and help children through some of their most important developmental years means the world to me!
Janelle Bushong
Position:
After School Care
Educational Background:
Bachelors Degree Special Education
Why I love working with children:
I enjoy working with children because they are full of curiosity, energy and potential. Every day is different and their honesty and enthusiasm make the work both meaningful and enjoyable.
Lori Farling
Position:
Teacher – Infant
Educational Background:
AS in Travel and Tourism
Why I love working with children:
I love watching their personalities develop and helping with their needs to blossom and grow.
Loureen Shafik
Position:
Floater
Madison Wagner
Position:
Infant Caregiver
Educational Background:
Studying Early Childhood Education
Why I love working with children:
I enjoy the roller coaster of every day! I also love the snuggles, laughter and messes.
Megan Krieger
Position:
Floater
Educational Background:
B.A. Elementary Education Penn State University
Why I love working with children:
I love helping and watching children grow!
Mya Macfarlane
Position:
Teacher – Toddler
Educational Background:
Bachelor Degree Communications Sciences and Disorders
Why I love working with children:
I love working with children because it is so fun to see each child grow and develop. I love how everyday is different and exciting. Working with kids is a fulfilling job and I love being able to make a positive impact on their lives.
RoseAnne Horan
Position:
Cook
Educational Background:
B.S. Business/Marketing Bloomsburg University
Why I love working with children:
I chose to work here because it’s a very friendly and positive environment; close to home. My job is very fulfilling.
Tami Macfarlane
Position:
Teacher – Kindergarten Enrichment
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from The Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in Elementary Education ( K-8)
Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education (N-3)
1st Grade Teacher in the Central Dauphin School District for 33 years
(North Side and West Hanover Elementary)
Why I love working with children:
I love working with children because I find it incredibly rewarding to help build their confidence, make a positive impact and instill a true joy of learning. The children’s energy, curiosity, and creativity bring excitement to everything we learn each day.
Tiffany French
Position:
Teacher – PreK
Educational Background:
A.A. Early Childhood Education Keystone Technical Institute
Why I love working with children:
EVERY day is a new and exciting adventure!
Team Qualifications
Bright Beginnings Child Development Center staff meets and exceeds the requirements of the PA Department of Human Services regulations. Staff members are required to continue their professional growth through participation in workshops and credit courses related to the education and development of children. All staff undergoes three background clearances; Child Abuse History Report, Pennsylvania State Criminal History Record, and FBI Criminal History Record.