Meet the Staff
DEE SHORT, Director
Dee joined The Early Learning Center staff as director in October,
2000. She received her BA in Psychology from Villanova University
and completed her teacher certification requirements at Immaculata
College. Dee is a PA certified nursery school and kindergarten
teacher, and has more than twenty years of experience in the early
childhood education field. Her most recent positions before
coming to Bucks were that of toddler-preschool-kindergarten program
coordinator at the McNeil Consumer Products Child Development Center
in Fort Washington and director of the Child Development Center
at Chandler Hall in Newtown.
Dee's favorite saying "Whether you think you can, or you think
you can't, you're probably right", motivates her to strive
for programs for children that empower and build confidence.
MARY FARRINGTON Teacher, pre- k program
Mary began working with preschoolers at the ELC as a classroom aide
in 1998. She became the teacher of the four and five year old group
in Fall, 2002. She has a BA in English from HH Lehman College in
New York, studied Home Economics at Hunter College, and has an MS
in Clinical Nutrition from NYU. Mary volunteers in numerous parent
and community organizations.
Mary feels that "working with young children adds so much texture
to my life. Their laughter, enthusiasm, insights, and of course
their hugs make my job very rewarding. It is a joy to be able to
coach them as they discover and master their ever-widening world."
DOREEN MEGNA, Teacher, toddler program
Doreen has been a toddler teacher at The Early Learning Center since
1991, has served as acting director of the center and an adjunct
instructor at BC3. She received her MS in education from Queens
Doreen believes that her
work is child's play!
MARY ELLEN WRIGHT, Teacher, preschool program
Mary Ellen was born and raised in Philadelphia, and graduated from
St. Hubert's High in 1974. She moved to Bucks County about 20 years
ago and has three adult daughters. Mary Ellen graduated from BC3
with an AA in elementary education, and has been working at the
ELC since 1998.
Mary
Ellen believes that young children learn best through playing in
a safe and nurturing environment such as the ELC.
MARY McLAUGHLIN, Assistant Teacher, preschool program
Mary has been teaching at the ELC since 2003. She previously worked as a kindergarten teacher's assistant at St. Michael's School in Levittown. She is an active volunteer at her parish church, and in her children's schools.
MARGARET NASTA, Assistant Teacher, preschool program
Peggy started working at the ELC in September, 2003. She previously worked as a kindergarten teacher's assistant at St. Michael's School in Levittown. She is the mom of four, and she and her husband, Damian, who also works here at Bucks, are very involved in volunteering at their parish church and school. Peggy enjoys traveling, cake decorating and photography.
DEBRA O'BRIEN, Assistant Teacher, toddler and preschool
programs
Debra has worked at the center since May, 2000. She is a proud graduate
of BC3, and worked at the Ken-Crest School and in family child care
before coming to the ELC. Debra has a part-time e-bay business selling
collectibles and used/rare books, and frequents flea markets and
auctions when she's not working. She enjoys reading and taking trips
with her family, and collects Halloween memorabilia and vintage
Valentine cards.
PATTI ROSSO, Assistant Teacher, toddler program
Patti has been teaching toddlers at the ELC since 1988. She has an associate degree from Manor Junior College . Patti enjoys seeing the children and young adults, that she taught as toddlers, and hearing their stories about what they're up to currently. She and her husband enjoy spending their weekends at the shore with their three adult children.
Patti feels that school is a journey, and the she helps children to enjoy the ride right from the beginning!
JENNIFER ROYACK, Assistant Teacher, pre-k program
Jen is a proud BCCC graduate, and began her ELC career as a student teacher in Fall, 2004. She is the president of the BCCC Future Teachers Organization, a Sunday School Teacher and a community volunteer.
MICHELE SEXTON, Assistant Teacher, pre-k program
Michele is a current BCCC student, and has been with the ELC since 2001, when she began as a student teacher here. She was the lead teacher of the Franklin Playground program before coming to Bucks.
