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!
Cole LaMarco
Position:
Teacher – PreK
Educational Background:
Studying Elementary Education at HACC
Why I love working with children:
Because everything is new to them and you can introduce them to new learning opportunities for the first time.
Courtney Foltz
Position:
Teacher – Young Toddler
Educational Background:
High School Diploma
Why I love working with children:
I love watching them learn and grow. The cuddles are always a plus!
Darrian Pry
Position:
Teacher – Young Toddler
Educational Background:
2 years undergrad and 2 years Nursing at HACC
Why I love working with children:
They crack me up and they’re like little sponges with all of the constant new knowledge they absorb! So impressive!
Ellen Zitko
Position:
Teacher – Infant
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!
Iza Gatbonton
Position:
Teacher – Older Toddler
Educational Background:
Early Childhood Education
Why I love working with children:
They’re all different. It’s different everyday. I just love seeing things from their eyes and seeing them grow.
Linda Boyer
Position:
Teacher – Older Preschool
Educational Background:
A.A. Early Childhood Education HACC
Why I love working with children:
Because every day is different. I like to plan activities and see what each child discovers. It is very rewarding!
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.
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!
Irma Vandercolff
Position:
Floater
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!
Nicole Demczak
Position:
Floater
Educational Background:
Studying Education at HACC
Why I love working with children:
Because all of the laughs, hugs and smiles make it worth it!
Peyton Heard
Position:
Floater
Educational Background:
Studying Elementary Education at HACC
Why I love working with children:
There is certainly a lot to love about working with children. It’s a pleasure to watch them develop their individual personalities and interests, and to potentially make a big impact in 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.
Loureen Shafik
Position:
Co-Op
MacKenzie Straining
Position:
Co-Op
Educational Background:
Lower Dauphin High School Senior
Why I love working with children:
I love working with children because I love to see them grow and reach milestones, and their smiles make my day.
Morgan Stumpf
Position:
Co-Op
Educational Background:
Lower Dauphin High School
Why I love working with children:
I love working with children because it is extremely gratifying. Every day is different and I get to be a part of helping the children learn, grow, and develop.
Shaine McMonagle
Position:
Co-Op
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.