Our Teachers
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Our dedicated faculty (or teachers) is committed to providing an early childhood program that embraces the individual child’s unique learning style. Each teacher tailors our play-based curriculum so that each child will love to learn and seek to find deeper meaning in their play. They regularly participate in professional development to deepen their knowledge and find fresh ways to engage and inspire the children in their care.
Meet the St. Mary's Faculty and Staff
Susan Rawls
Director
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Credentials
- Family and Child Development with an emphasis in Elementary Education - Virginia Tech
- M.Ed, Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction - Virginia Commonwealth University
Favorite Quote
“It’s the things we play with and the people who help us to play that make a great difference in our lives.” – Fred Rogers
Wendy Dixon
Assistant Director
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Credentials
- B.S. Early Childhood Education - Radford University
- Reading Endorsement K-12 - Radford University
Favorite Quote
“If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in” – Rachel Carson
Beth Phipps
Lead Teacher
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Credentials
- BA in Journalism - University of Richmond
Favorite Quote
“Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.” – Erin Kenny
Christy Thompson
Assistant Teacher
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Credentials
- B.A. Early Childhood Education K-7 - University of Richmond
Favorite Quote
“I like being part of a child’s first experience away from home and helping them tell their story.”
Mary Curtis Powell
Lead Teacher
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Credentials
- BS in Sociology - James Madison University
- Elementary Education Certification - California State University North Ridge
- Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Virginia Commonwealth University
Favorite Quote
“Know all the questions instead of the answers. Look for the different instead of the same. Don’t walk where there’s room for running. Don’t do anything that can’t be a game.” – Zilpha Keatly Snyder
Mary Lewis
Assistant Teacher
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Credentials
- BS Communication Studies - The University of Texas at Austin
- Certified Level I Catechist - Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Favorite Quote
“Birds in the treetops sing their songs.
The angels watch over us while we play.
Flowers, they bloom all day long,
So why shouldn’t we praise God all day?”
– Unknown Hymn
Eileen Beane
Assistant Teacher
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Credentials
- BS Elementary Education, K-7 - University of Richmond
- M. Ed. Early Childhood Education - Virginia Commonwealth University
Favorite Quote
“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.”
Shannon Daly
Lead Teacher
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Credentials
- B.S. Psychology - Randolph-Macon Women's College
- Master in Early Childhood Education - Virginia Commonwealth University
Favorite Quote
“When we treat children’s play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that’s to be found in the creative spirit. It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.” – Fred Rogers
