Announcements
SERK Honor Roll
Public Health Management Corporation’s Southeast Regional Key began its operation on July 1, 2010: nearly one year ago. As we take a moment to celebrate our first anniversary, we wanted to thank the southeast early childhood education community for your support and assistance – it has meant a lot to each of us.
The entire SERK team is very proud of the successes we achieved in our first year of operation and we know that a vital part of our successes are the many individuals and organizations that have assisted us in doing our jobs.
In order to recognize a few “STARS” who “shine bright” to SERK’s staff, each member of the SERK team has identified a SERK honor roll nominee(s). The nominee(s) are individuals or organization that stood out for various reasons in the eyes of the SERK staff member and, therefore, that we want to recognize and commend for their work.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the honor roll nominees and to all of you that work with us to serve the children of the southeast region.
Fondly,
The SERK Team
Nominees
Click on the names of the nominees below to learn about who nominated them and why:
Sandra Adams
My Honey's Childcare
Nominated by: Vanetta Alexander, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Why: I nominate My Honey's Childcare for their dedication, commitment, and follow through with strategies and recommendations provided by ECMHC. This center has fully accepted their role and responsibility of the ECMHC project.
Tamika Thomas
Director, Little Bible Buddies
Nominated by: Kristin Anderson, STARS Designator
Why: I would like to nominate Tamika Thomas the Director of Little Bible Buddies for her great comprehensive CQI plan
Johnny Lloyd and Mike Fiordimondo
PHMC
Nominated by: Amanda Atkinson, Grants and Contracts Coordinator
Why: I am nominating Johnny Lloyd and Mike Fiordimondo from the PHMC Mailroom because they have been indispensible to the success of the Southeast Regional Key’s first year with PHMC. The SERK relies heavily on mailings for many aspects of our business; the 1300 grant packages that included postage paid envelopes, the dozens of boxes of paper necessary to print hundreds of copies of Keystone STARS documents, and last but certainly not least, the computers and learning equipment ordered by the SERK that will ultimately end up in the hands of the childcare practitioners throughout the Southeast Region. During this year, we have all come to look forward to their daily visits and friendly faces. Thanks so much!
Sherell Hamilton
Nicetown Boys and Girls Club
Nominated by: Jennifer Bradshaw, Infant Toddler Specialist
I am nominating Sherell Hamilton for her hard work and dedication to provide quality childcare to the children at the Nicetown Boys and Girls Club. She is open to suggestions and willing to impalement change. She is a pleasure to work with.
Caerine Thomas
FCCH
Nominated by: Erika Rooney, Accounts Payable/ Collections Clerk
Why: I nominate Caerine Thomas; she was the first family practitioner paid with ACH.
Lois Pharr
Lois's Learning Tree
Nominated by: Robin Cheeseborough, Operations Assistant
Why: I nominate Lois Pharr from Lois's Learning Tree for the SERK Honor Roll. Ms. Pharr has been teaching in her community for over 30 years. She has taught generations of children. Some of the children she is teaching now, she has taught their mothers and grandmothers. Ms Pharr is always pleasant and I admire her dedication to quality child care, so for those reasons and so many more, I nominate Lois Pharr.
Nominated by: Sarah Payne, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Mrs. Lois Pharr of Lois Learning Tree for Director of the Year for many reasons, but especially for providing practical examples of excellence in the field of early childhood education. Lois Pharr has worked in day care for over 30 + years as founder, director, and now prominent member of the West Philadelphia community in Philadelphia PA. Mrs. Pharr is largely self-educated, having attended training in child development and early childhood education. The fact that she is eighty-one years young and earned an associate degree from Temple University in 1986 is just a small part of her broad knowledge and reputation in the field. Mrs. Pharr often speaks of retiring from the field but I would love to see her become a lifelong mentor, one who speaks at early childhood conferences. She believes that staying active keeps her young and current for the many children past and present she continues to educate.
Brenda Ortega
PHMC
Nominated by: Zachary Cohen, Trainer/Curriculum Specialist
Why: I nominate Brenda Ortega. She works at PHMC's front desk. She is the first face that practitioners see when they arrive on the 18th floor. She remains professional at all times especially when practitioners are irate. Brenda directs individuals to the training rooms with a smile and always is willing to help out where needed.
Nominated by: Natalie Renew, PD/TA Manager
Why: I nominate Brenda Ortega from PHMC because Brenda is the friendly face that providers and partners greet when arriving at PHMC. Brenda is always pleasant, helpful and ready to lend a hand or solve a problem. The SERK PD department holds several trainings a week at our offices and Brenda helps us keep it all straight. Brenda directs providers, helps instructors and supports our PD staff. We appreciate all you do for SERK!
Natalie M. Ortiga
Owner, Ortiga's Child Care Group
Nominated by: Allison Constable, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Natalie M. Ortiga, Owner, Ortiga's Child Care Group. Natalie is a dedicated owner and director of her group home. For the past few months she was has been working to become a STAR 2. She is always excited to attend a training and loves learning. She never complains, but instead, works towards each new standard with enthusiasm. She is always interested in open dialogue about quality and finding ways to implement best practice in her program. She is never late for an appointment and always welcomes me to her program. She and her one staff member recently returned to school to earn their CDA. She is anxiously awaiting her exam this summer. Her love for the field of early childhood, her dedication to the children and families she serves, the support she provides her staff, and her commitment to having a quality program makes her my nominee.
Angela Ludwig
The Holland School
Nominated by: Chad Doberstein, Data Manager
Why: I would like to nominate Angela Ludwig of The Holland School for the honor role. Angela was the first person to submit the Long Term Goals survey with all fields filled out completely and correctly. She used full names for staff persons and proper capitalization and punctuation for text entries; making my life as data manager that much easier. Angela did this despite having a relatively large amount of classroom and staff data to enter, and I am pleased to be able to express my appreciation!
Kathy Miah
Kidz 1st
Nominated by: Kate Duffy, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I would like to nominate Kathy Miah from Kidz 1st Early Learning Center in Chester. She is very committed to improving the quality at her center, and has continually demonstrated that she comprehends and institutes STARS standards effectively, and teaches and models implementation of said standards to staff. Her eagerness to embrace the importance of Early Childhood Education is truly an inspiration for us all!
Nominated by: Lisa Reinhard, Keystone STARS Manager
Why: I am nominating Kathy Miah of Kidz 1st in Chester, PA. They recently moved to a STAR 2. Kathy was extremely organized for the designation visit, and seems very motivated to do what needs to be done to make quality improvements at their site. One of the follow up items was to begin doing observations on the small school age population. Not only did she set up a system for observing, she got the observations done, AND they were really good, objective observations!
Tanya Bardliving
Director, Kidsville Learning Center
Nominated by: Elaine Evans, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I am nominating Tanya Bardliving for her outstanding performance as a Director because she is personally and professionally committed to doing her best and being her best for the children, parents and staff of her program. Tanya was the program coordinator at Kidsville Learning Center and in January 2010 was promoted to Director of the site as the director/owner decided to semi-retire. When I called Tanya in January, she was ready to meet with me and begin working on moving her site from STAR 1 to STAR 2. Each meeting we set new goals and each follow up meeting Tanya met those goals. By April the site was ready for their STAR 2 designation visit. Almost immediately after moving to STAR 2, Tanya was ready to begin working on moving the site to STAR 3. It looks like the site will move up to STAR 3 by September 2011. Tanya is diligent, hard working and trustworthy in my dealings with her and in her desire to accomplish greater levels of quality and to ensure that the quality is embedded in her program and not just on paper. In addition, she went back to school to obtain her PA Director’s Credential which sets a great example for her staff.
Dhayany (Dee) Bautista
Director, Little Eden Day Care Center Inc.
Nominated by: Vickie Forker, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Little Eden Day Care Center Inc. Director Dhayany (Dee) Bautista for an award. This director has shown patience and perseverance all the while not losing her sense of humor when applying for a SWS grant. This provider stayed committed to the STARS program despite administrative difficulties which mean that it took over four months for the site to achieve eligibility for a grant. All through this ordeal Dee never once showed any signs of irritation although I am sure she was totally frustrated with the entire system. I do believe Dee's unwavering professionalism is award worthy.
The SERK Staff
Nominated by: Jennifer Friedman, Keystone STARS Director
Why: I nominate the entire SERK staff for their dedication and hard work through out the year. The SERK staff is a wonderful group of individuals and more importantly a tremendous team. Thank you for all of your efforts this past year and I am looking forward to FY 11-12!
Lynn Biddle
Director, A Step Ahead Day Care
Nominated by: Loyda Guzman, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Lynn Biddle Director of A Step Ahead Day Care. Lynn is not only a wonderful, responsible and motivated person but she is in the ECE field for the right reason - to provide all children the greatest education they can get no matter in which program they are participating. A few weeks ago, I was contacted by an individual who is opening a new center. He informed me that the reason his site is so well equipped is that Lynn Biddle assisted him in obtaining quality materials including a box of new cots so his children will have a proper space to nap. I want to thank Lynn for being not only a great provider and director but for giving back to others so children have the best where ever they are!
Gloria Gordon and her staff
Lucky Stars Academy
Nominated by: Terry Hayes, Infant Toddler Specialist
Why: I am nominating Gloria Gordon and her staff at Lucky Stars Academy for Most Motivated Program. Lucky Stars Academy joined Keystone STARS in November, 2009 at the Start with STARS level. Three months later they moved up to STAR 1 and within a year they were designated at STAR 2. Gloria is completing her coursework to attain her Director’s Credential in preparation for a move up to STAR 3, with STAR 4 being the ultimate goal. Gloria and her team of four staff have fully embraced Keystone STARS’ philosophy of Continuous Quality Improvement. In fact, they have a wall dedicated to the STARS’ standards! They are receiving TA through the Infant-Toddler Initiative to improve the quality of care for their youngest children, participate in many professional development events, and are now looking to move to a new location this summer so that they can expand their program to accommodate more lucky children. I am inspired by this program’s dedication to quality care for our neediest children and am proud to nominate them for this award.
Barbara Allison
STAR 4A FCCC
Nominated by: Todd Hopkins, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Barbara Allison, STAR 4A FCCC for her 30 plus years in the field and her continuous mentoring of younger family day care providers
Shineal Andrews
Nominated by: Carolyn Leak-Mills, Grants Specialist
Why: I would like to nominate Shineal Andrews FCCH. This site was the first SWS grant application submitted that was completed correctly. Therefore her application was reviewed and approved on the same date, grant agreement mailed and returned promptly. This enable the site to receive her check within 30 days.
Libby Ungvary
ECELS Director
Nominated by: Roxana Leon, Child Care Health Consultant
Why: I would like to nominate Libby Ungvary from ECELS. We have been communicating via email and she's been a wonderful resource in regards to the CCHC role. She has been very accommodating in answering any questions/ concerns that I've had.
Mary Dougherty
Honeyland CC Star 2
Nominated by: Alison Leshan, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: When I met Mary she was convinced that she was never going to move up because of the career lattice and a few other issues she was experiencing. However, with lots of cheering, support and encouragement she was able to make it happen. She had been at Star 1 for two years. Once she saw that her staff did meet the career lattice she worked quickly to make a few minor changes in her documentation, worked hard to meet the standards and she moved up! Mary has been wonderful to work with and it was exciting to see her program shine.
Jessica Mellon
Nominated by: Bernadette Lewis, Early Childhood Mental Health Cons
Why: I nominate Jessica Mellon because every recommendation and strategy we have discussed she has implemented in her classroom, not only for the children I work with, but with the entire class
Patti Hannon
Goddard School, Sanatoga
Nominated by: Sharon McClafferty, Early Childhood Mental Health Cons.
Why: I nominate Patti Hannon, preschool teacher at the Goddard School, Sanatoga for successful participation in ECMHC based on her consistent use of positive, social emotional strategies through the day. Ms Patti encourages her children through regularly modeling problem solving skills, use of emotional language and understanding the unique needs of the individual children in her classroom. Ms Patti is always open to new approaches and strategies and gave consistent effort to achieve success and help the children in the classroom thrive, based on their individual strengths.
Caroline Herrera
Director, St. Stephen’s Day Care Center and After School Program
Nominated by: Katie Meister, Keystone STARS Coordinator
Why: Caroline Herrera, experienced preschool teacher, dived into the world of directing in the Fall of 2010 head first. It was time to renew their STAR designation and I had the pleasure of visiting with her at St. Stephen’s, a STAR Three center with a Pre K Counts program in Philadelphia. Over the course of our conversations, I was struck by how thoughtfully she implemented the STAR Three standards, especially as a new director. It was evident that she was interested in what she needed to do to make real and lasting improvements that made an impact on the children, families and staff she worked with. She’s enthusiastic, inquisitive, energetic and insightful. I’m excited to see what she will bring to the center and the community in the years to come as an emerging leader. Congratulations, Caroline! You are truly a STAR!
Dionne Jennings
Let Us Shine Childcare Center
Nominated by: Linsey Moore, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Dionne Jennings from Let Us Shine Childcare Center because she is a very motivated to move throughout the STARS program. She is prompt with submitting information and has been great to work with as a new Specialist.
Ms. Cynthia Devoe, FCCH
Nominated by: Luanda Morris, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate one of my accredited family practitioners, Ms. Cynthia Devoe for the SERK honor roll. Ms. Cynthia has shown tremendous strength and determination through trying times and she has continually demonstrated a commitment to quality care. She completed the NAFCC accreditation process and became accredited in Fall 2010. She is an active participant in the DVAEYC accredited family learning circles (and even hosted a learning circle at her home). When you visit Ms. Cynthia, she will show you her PD binder filled with an abundance of training certificates completed throughout the year. She even completed parenting classes at NIM to empower and educate her enrolled families. Ms. Cynthia also serves as a mentor to family practitioners in the Mount Airy/Germantown area.
To show a commitment to continuing education, Ms. Cynthia recently enrolled at CCP and began to complete coursework towards her Associate’s degree in ECE. Ms. Cynthia demonstrates a commitment to quality care, early education, professional development, and personal growth. I proudly nominate Ms. Cynthia Devoe to SERK honor roll.
Gwendolyn Goode
Smiley Kidz FCCH
Nominated by: Heather Mosley, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Gwendolyn Goode of Smiley Kidz FCCH. This decision is based on her commitment with working with children and being a foster mother.
Sharon Kimbrell
The Children's School at St. John's
Nominated by: Susan Moylan, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Sharon Kimbrell based on her sweet manor, unsurpassed organizational skills, and quick response to all and any information we may need. Also, when time for renewal came, all of her documentation was easy to find and allowed for a quick and painless designation.
Ann Nicholas
Director, Community Concern 13 Multi-Purpose Learning
Nominated by: Antoine Murray, Community Outreach Manager
Why: I nominate Ann Nicholas, Director of Community Concern 13 Multi-Purpose Learning. Ann is a champion in the early childhood field. Although Ann runs a STAR 3 center, she finds time to be very active on many ECE committees and is extremely passionate about quality child care and giving back to the community.
Thomasina Roberts
Nominated by: Anastasia Nikolopoulos, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: Thomasina Roberts is a provider who understand the importance of quality child care, further information and best practices. Last August she was a Start with Stars and Heather has just put in her Star 2 Designation request.
Valencia Herndon
Munchkinland Christian Childcare Learning FCCH
Nominated by: Alexandra Patterson, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Valencia Herndon of Munchkinland Christian Childcare Learning FCCH. Valencia was the very first provider I met with as a new Keystone Stars Specialist and from day one she has been a pleasure to work with. Valencia has the most pleasant disposition, she is easy going and she is always ready and willing to work.. Valencia has a strong commitment to the children and families in her care and she continues to bring joy and vibrancy to her work each day.
Doreen Yeremian
Delco
Nominated by: Barbara Price, Keystone STARS Assistant
Why: I am nominating Doreen Yeremian of Delco. She is very good at getting in her paperwork whenever I call.
Donna Lynn-Truitt
Children's Castle
Nominated by: Amy Rush, PD Assistant
Why: I nominate Donna of Children's Castle. I have spoken to her a few times since I have been here and she is always very pleasant and knows exactly what she needs. We have had a few good laughs on the phone and I had the pleasure of meeting her when she hand delivered her PD Conference registration form. She is a pleasure to work with!
Laura Williamson FCCH
Nominated by: LaToshia Sanders, Grant Specialist
Why: I nominate Ms. Laura Williamson, a STAR 3 family child care practitioner. She was very patient and remained in correspondence with her Grants Specialist and submitted all necessary grant paperwork, meeting all deadlines.
Paula Cosden
Margaret George School
Nominated by: Monica Sheffer, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Paula Cosden from the Margaret George School, a STAR 4 facility in King of Prussia. She is a dedicated director/owner who goes above and beyond for her staff by providing them with boots in the winter and flip flops in the summer so they have appropriate footwear for the playground.
Sara Bruning
Contract-Information Coordinator, Southeastern Pennsylvania School Age Child Care Project
Montgomery Early Learning Centers
Nominated by: Melissa Stueck, PD/TA Coordinator
Why: Sara Bruning works quietly behind the scenes at SEPA SACC MELC, (a SERK STARS TA partner), but has made a big footprint in the STARS Technical Assistance (TA) world this year. In 2010-2011, STARS TA became part of the PELICAN State database system. This means that all data from this year and moving forward must be entered in the PELICAN...a huge undertaking and big transition time. Sara really stepped up to the plate, spending many days this fall in Harrisburg taking part in testing the system before it went live. She willingly donned a new hat as PD instructor as she masterfully trained a dozen STARS TA consultants at MELC in how to use the PELICAN. As the "PELICAN guru" at MELC she does an outstanding job entering information, ensuring consultants' data is correct; keeping the data clean and current. Thank you Sara for making my job (and many other's) easier!
Glendora Bellamy
Lubel's House of Learning & Christian Academy
Nominated by: Zaira Velez, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Glendora Belllamy the director of Lubel's House of Learning for her enthusiasm and commitment with her program and the Keystone STARS program. She works really hard in accomplish her goals. She is also vey open to suggestions. Glendora takes pride in what she does. We were able to move up the program from STAR 1 to STAR 2 in the first attempt.
Donnetta Hill-Hooks
Donnetta’s FCCH
Nominated by: Denece Vereen, Keystone STARS Specialist
Why: I nominate Donnetta Hill-Hooks of Donnetta’s FCCH, director and owner. I have worked with Donnetta as a STARS participant for 3 years. This year I have found her to be dedicated in accomplishing her goals to becoming a Star 3, getting her CDA and as she moves through the continuous quality improvement program to become a star 4 facility. Donnetta Hill- Hooks is a true professional with a passion of caring for children in efforts to maintain a quality program that has a healthy /safe environment and that is developmentally appropriate for young children. She continuously encourages quality improvement by attending various professional developments and continued education in early childhood education. Donnetta is always willing to go the “extra mile” to be able to provide adequate care for the children in her care.
Regina Schaefer
KinderCare (FunKids)
Nominated by: Danielle Winckler, Senior Grants Specialist
Why: For the short time I've worked at the SERK, Regina Schaefer w/KinderCare, has been responsive and willing to do what was asked of her to fulfill the requirements within her organization and from the SERK. When there was a slight issue with documentation, Regina drove down to 260 to correct the issue. She's a pleasure to do business with.
Philadelphia, PA 19102