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, Co-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 College and is a NY and NJ certified nursery and elementary school teacher. Doreen has over twenty five years of experience teaching young children, and taught in public school, nursery school and day care settings before coming to Bucks.

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.

MICHELE SEXTON, Co-Teacher, pre-k program

Michele is a proud BCCC graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with the ELC since 2001, when she began as a student teacher here and has bee the toddler program co-teacher since 2006. She was the lead teacher of the Franklin Playground program before coming to Bucks.

Michelle believes that getting to know each toddler as an individual and planning activities to help each child grow of cognitively and socially are the most rewarding aspects of her job.

JESSICA MULLER, Assistant Teacher, pre-k program

Jessy started her career at the ELC as a work student in Fall 2007. She student taught in the pre-k program here in Fall 2008, and began working as an assistant pre-k teacher in Spring 2009. Jessy received her early childhood education degree from Bucks in 2009. She was an officer of the Future Teachers Organization during her time as a student, and has a special interest in ecology and environmental issues.