Monkton Country Day Care and Preschool Program
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.
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 webmaster and 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 & 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!
Rachel Carter - Teacher, PreK
My name is Rachel Carter and I’m a PreK teacher here at Monkton Country Day Care. I was born and raised in the Hereford Zone and now live just over the Pennsylvania line in Glen Rock with my husband, Eric. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. This will be my 9th year at Monkton. I have my 90 hours Core of Knowledge Early Child Care Certification and am currently credentialed at MSDE Excels level 4. I love my job and all the wonderful children I teach! I look forward to watching them grow every year!
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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 four 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
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 school over the years and am currently the 2s teacher. I love being able to give back to the community where I grew up.