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Theresa Rawlings, 2’s Teacher
“Do you enjoy playing with children and having a good time?” Nine years ago, these very words seemed to jump out at me as I was skimming through the Help Wanted section of the Capital. “Well, of course I like children; after all I do have four of my own,” I thought to myself. Curiosity got the best of me. I had to call the number listed at the bottom of the ad. The rest is history…
Hello, my name is Theresa Rawlings. I began working at Anchors-A-Wee in 2002, and have loved every minute of it. Over the years I have had the privilege of working with some amazing teachers and children in our 3’s and 4’s classes. My true passion has become working with AAW’s youngest enrollees, the two-year-olds. To be invited into a small child’s world; yes, I have found the best job in the world.
I have lived in the Annapolis area since I was 4 years old. Lots of family and friends live close by. I have four children; Amanda and Christopher (adults), Eric and Cody (think they’re adults!). Home is in Edgewater for Eric and Cody. In my free time I enjoy reading, boating, and traveling.
Erin Howell, 2’s Teacher and Music Teacher
I began as a mother of two young boys here at Anchors-A-Wee. I became involved with the school and loved it. After my boys graduated from the program, I was asked if I would like to be the music teacher, I do not have a background in music, but I do have a background in early childhood education and special education, so I was a little tentative, but I said… Yes, and it’s been the best decision ever. I am able to work with all the teachers and students here at AAW, and there is nothing as special as seeing the smile on a child’s face during our music class.
I was given another opportunity to teach the two year old class, and it has been another great experience for me to become involved. The two year old class is a wonderful and loving environment for me to participate in. The children are all eager to learn, play and grow.
In my free time, I am busy in my sons' activities…martial arts, baseball, flag football, dodgeball, basketball and swimming. I also enjoy volunteering in their elementary school. When I have time I also enjoy skiing, boating and socializing with friends.
Marguerite Stevens, 2’s Assistant Teacher
I love the babies of the school, or should I say…my babies! This is truly a wonderful place to spend my days. I love watching your children grow and flourish in this fun environment. Every year we get a new group of great little kids, they come to us shy and timid, and we help them master skills and develop a sense of confidence and independence. I love to help children learn to follow simple directions and watch them develop pride in the things they have created and learned in class.
I love to garden, and last year I created a beautiful garden outside of our classroom for the two’s and other children to enjoy. I recruited the help of my husband, and we turned an area of overgrown brush into a lovely garden in the back of the building next to the playground.
I reside in Cape St Claire and I have three children, two grown and my youngest who is still in school. I enjoy children of all ages, and love to have the neighborhood kids over at our house, where we have a pool and enjoy swimming and relaxing. I also enjoy watching and cheering my son on in his football and basketball games, along with enjoying his musical talents.
Leslie Coble, 2’s and 3’s Assistant Teacher
My name is Leslie Coble, and I began working at Anchors-A-Wee in 2008. I am the aide to Mrs. Howell in the Friday 2 year old class and an aide to Mrs. Ruden in the Tuesday/Thursday am 3 year old class. Even though I am a fairly new employee, Anchors-A-Wee has been a big part of my life since 2003, when my children, now in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, starting attending here. All three of my children (two boys and one girl) are graduates of Anchors-A-Wee, and between them I have been able to experience all of the wonderful programs Anchors-A-Wee has to offer. When my youngest child was nearing graduation, I was so sad at the prospect of not having Anchors-A-Wee in my life. So when the opportunity to work here arised I jumped on it! I feel so blessed to be a part of this fantastic preschool. Anchors-A-Wee is filled with wonderful children and awesome parents, and an incredible staff! I have learned so much working here, and I look forward to many, many more years here at Anchors-A-Wee. When I’m not working here, I enjoy volunteering at my children’s schools, reading, and spending time with my husband and children (and our two golden retrievers too, of course), whether it’s boating or playing on the beach or at home.
Brenda Ruden, 3’s and 4’s Teacher
I began teaching in 2003 at Anchors-A-Wee. My background is in early childhood education and special education. I have taught in the 3 yr. old class for the past 7 years and just added a 4 yr. old class to my schedule this year. I truly enjoy being a part of both age groups, and helping children grow and learn at all the stages of development. Previously, I taught special education in the public schools, working with students in grades K-12.
My husband and I have lived in Arnold for 15 years after relocating from Indiana. We have 3 children, ages 17, 17 and 15 who all attend Broadneck High School and one guinea pig name Cappuccino.
Melanie Dean, 3’s and 4’s Teacher
I’m Mrs. Dean. I have been a part of Anchors-A-Wee since 1997. That is when my middle daughter, Samantha started here. Funny story, my oldest daughter, Madeline went to a different preschool and was taught by Miss Gibbs. If you didn’t know, Miss Gibbs is now Mrs. (Laura) Carty. Small world. My youngest daughter, Sylvia also learned here at Anchors-A-Wee, and the year after she graduated, I started teaching here, in 2002. As for me – I grew up in Crownsville and married the man I have had a crush on since I was in middle school. We have lived in the Annapolis area since 1993. While my daughters are at college and in high school, I stay busy going to Navy games with my husband. I enjoy that when my kids go to school to work and learn – I get to come to school and play – and I love it!
Katie Brusgard, 3’s and Pre-K Assistant Teacher
Hi my name is Katie Brusgard. This will be my 8th year as an assistant teacher at Anchors-A-Wee Preschool. I have had the opportunity to work in all the different age groups. I’m currently working as an assistant teacher in the morning 3 year olds and the afternoon Pre-K.
I have been married to my husband Tom for 30 years and we have 2 adult children. Jennifer, who is 27, works at Aberdeen Proving Ground in the training department. Eric is 25 and he works for the Department of Defense.
My husband and I love to travel. We enjoy boating and vacationing with our children to the Outer Banks. One of our favorite vacations is cruising in the Caribbean.
I am looking forward to another great year at Anchors-A-Wee. I am so blessed to be able to work with such a great staff and wonderful parents and children.
Donna Brown, 3’s Assistant Teacher
My name is Donna Brown. I was born in Annapolis and have grown up in Cape St. Claire. I graduated from Broadneck High School in 2009 where I participated in the Child Development completer program. AAW was the preschool I attended when I was 3 and 4 years old!
I completed an internship at AAW during my high school years and once a position was available, they hired me as a Teacher’s Aide. I have learned so much from all of the great teachers here, they aren’t just a role model for the children, but also for me. I now work with the three year olds who are a lot of fun! I absolutely love it and I am so grateful for my position here. I have always loved being around young children and love being able to have the chance to work with them. I also enjoy helping my mom with her in-home daycare, having the chance to work and play with children ranging in ages from newborns to school age children.
I have been attending AACC and will soon graduate with my Assoc. of Arts in Teaching Degree and then I hope to transfer to a four-year college where I will earn my Bachelors in Teaching. I love animals, arts and crafts and watching football – my team is the Steelers.
PJ Gilbert, 4’s Assistant Teacher
I am the mother of three children, two girls sandwich a boy. Watching them grow has been my greatest adventure. I grew up in the Midwest, my husband and I moved several times around the country until we moved to Arnold in 1998. After a year of searching for a church home, I became a member of Christ Our Anchor and have taught Sunday School since I joined.
When I am not on an athletic field watching my children I enjoy boating, snow skiing, running, reading and my very favorite pastime, taking photos.
Being a part of your children’s lives brings me great joy and I feel blessed to be a part of the Anchors-A-Wee team.
Liz Wolin, 4’s Assistant Teacher
I am originally from New York, but I have resided in Maryland for the past 17 years, and the Broadneck peninsula is a wonderful place to be raising my family. I have 3 children that keep me busy, I have one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school. On the weekends you will often find me on the soccer field rooting on my children and sometimes yours! I enjoy volunteering my time in the public school classroom and afterschool activities. I found myself at Anchors-A-Wee after all three of my kids had completed their tour of duty. You will find me working with the morning four year old class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and loving it, at other times you may see me helping out in another classroom, because I enjoy subbing in all areas of the school.
Karen Weissinger, Pre-K Teacher
I have a passion for teaching little ones with over 20 years of teaching experience. I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones that looks forward to getting to work each day where I can see the smiling faces, hear their stories, and help them love to learn. I grew up in Broadneck, having attended Belvedere Elementary and Severna Park HS. I have gone away for periods of time, but always seem to come back to this area to be surrounded by family. Although my educational background was in Elementary Education, when my husband and I moved to a small, country town in upstate New York, I took a job in a Nursery School. Since discovering the love that comes from 3-5 year olds, I have not looked back. I also love spending time with my husband, our 10 year old son and our 13 year old daughter. We enjoy traveling together most anywhere. But I especially look forward to snow skiing out west, exploring our National Parks and relaxing at the beach.
Grace Hamel, Pre-K Spanish Teacher
Hola! My name is Grace M. Hamel and I have been a teacher at Anchors-A-Wee since 2003, and loving it. I fulfilled my wishes of being a Pre-K teacher’s aide and Spanish teacher. Recently an empty nester, I have one son in college and another who is out in the “grown-up” world now. I am happy to be back at Anchors-A-Wee with the 4 and 5 year old children and one of my favorite teachers, Mrs. Weissinger!
I love watching Spanish Soaps, reading a good book and going to Puerto Rico to visit my elderly mom at the Veterans House.
Mikaely Hentnick, Director’s Assistant
I have loved Anchors-A-Wee since I moved to the neighborhood in 2002 and saw the sign with the super cute name! When my children turned 3, I signed them up here and haven’t looked back. I dreamed of working here since they started and luckily that dream came true! I love working here – it’s truly a fun job!
I have a boy and a girl and they both attend Cape St. Claire elementary school. They have both been through the programs here and it has been so wonderful!
I love to hang out with my husband and kids, whether we are at the beach (we love the Outer Banks), snowmobiling in Vermont, or swimming in our pool. We have lots of fun together! As well as loving my job here, I also have fun being a Stella & Dot Stylist, super cute jewelry!
Laura Carty, Director
I was born and raised on the Broadneck Peninsula and my husband and I are now raising our two children in the same community. I have both a daughter and a son, so I am lucky to be able to experience and understand the boy/girl and nature versus nurture firsthand on the home front. Both of my children have attended and graduated from Anchors-A-Wee Preschool!
I’ve been the Director at Anchors-A-Wee since 2004 and I love it! I’ve worked in the preschool field for 20 years, and I am truly blessed to work with the families here on the Broadneck peninsula, what a great community! I have passion for working in early childhood education; I truly enjoy working with children, teachers and their parents. My goal for our school is to lay the foundation of children loving to learn! If children want to come to school…then we have done our jobs! I cannot think of a better group of women than the teachers that I am surrounded by daily… myself and your children are lucky to be a part of this great environment.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love to steal a quiet moment and read, or enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors. With that said, I often spend most of my time hauling children from one sporting event to another, and I truly enjoy watching not only my children but all children grow and flourish.
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