ECEC Staff Information

Interim Director

Stephanie Schillero

Ms. Stephanie has worked at the ECEC since February 2014. Stephanie has a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Master's Degree in Forensic Science. She received her CDA in 2018 and received her Early Childhood Development Certificate from NVCC in December 2020. Stephanie also received her Virginia Early Childhood Administrator Professional Credential in 2022. 

Morning Supervisor

 Maritza Guerra

Ms. Maritza has been working at St. John's Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) since 1994. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She is currently serving as the morning supervisor and temporary lead teacher in the Shining Stars classroom.

Afternoon Supervisor

Vania Amao

Ms. Vania worked at the ECEC for 20 years previously, serving as lead teacher and supervisor. She is serving as temporary afternoon lead teacher in the Shining Stars room and afternoon supervisor to help close the center. She has her Master's degree in Social Work.

Supervisor

Kimberly Galarza 

Ms. Kimmy has been working at the ECEC since November 2015. She is the lead teacher in the Teddy Bear classroom. Ms. Kimmy obtained her CDA in 2018 and is currently working on her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development from NVCC. Ms. Kimmy also serves as a supervisor for the school.

Rebeca Leon

Ms. Rebeca has been working at the ECEC since 2018. She is the lead teacher in the Busy Bees classroom. She has her CDA in preschool and is working towards her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Development from NVCC.

 Liz Banks

Ms. Liz began working at the ECEC in July 2022. She is the lead teacher in the Wise Owls Room. She has her AA in Early Childhood Development and her Bachelor degree in Human Services. She is currently working towards her Master's in Public Administration (non-profit).

Katia Portillo 

Ms. Katia has been working at the ECEC since February 2018. She is a teacher assistant in the Teddy Bear classroom. She received her Child Development Associate (CDA) in 2019.

Teresa Castro 

Ms. Teresa has been working at the ECEC since August 2015. She has her Food Manager License and is our kitchen manager. She also assists teachers in all classrooms.

Margarita Mendez 

Ms. Margarita has been at the ECEC since August 2016. She has her CDA and continues to receive training in Early Childhood Education each year. She is a teacher assistant in the Busy Bees room.

 Maria Mangona

Ms. Maria has been working at the ECEC since August 2021 as a floater/aide. Ms. Maria ran her own state-licensed in-home daycare for over 25 years before joining us. Ms. Maria helps in all the classrooms. 

 Deborah Hawkins

Ms. Deborah has worked at the ECEC since April 2021. She has been working in the early childhood field for several years and has her preschool CDA. She is also working toward her Master's degree in education.

 Julie Bayona

Ms. Julie has worked at the ECEC since early 2020. She serves as a floater/assistant and helps in all the classrooms. 

Rebecca Schneider

Ms. Rebecca has worked at the ECEC since 2019. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from The University of Maryland at College Park and her Master’s degree in Community Health Education from Towson University. She serves as a substitute/floater and helps in all the classrooms. She continues to receive training in Early Childhood Education each year.

Isabelle Guerra

Ms. Izzy has been working at the ECEC since August 2021. She serves as a floater/assistant and helps in all the rooms, but primarily helps the Shining Stars in the mornings.

Brenda Peralta

Ms. Brenda has been working at the ECEC since June 2021. She serves as a floater/assistant and helps in all the classrooms. She is currently studying at NVCC.

Glenda Rivas Portillo

Ms. Glenda has been working at the ECEC since May 2022. She serves as a floater/assistant and helps in all the classrooms. She is currently studying Education at NVCC. 

Martha Sanchez

Ms. Martha started working at the ECEC in August 2022. She serves as a floater/assistant and helps in all of the classrooms.

Susanna Butler

Ms. Susanna works in the office as our admin assistant. She helps maintain the children's files, the website, and she is usually the one to greet families in the morning!