Welcome New Staff

Please Welcome Katelyn Sanders to the Child Care Choices Team.

I am very excited to join the Early Childhood Specialist team as a PERKS coach! I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intelligence Studies (with a concentration in Intelligence Analysis) and a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I have spent my career working in Frederick County as a teacher in child care centers and for Frederick County’s Head Start program. I have a passion for helping other teachers learn how to be more effective classroom leaders. I am eager to use my love of learning and analysis background to help local providers in any way that I can. I love going on adventures with my husband and our very spunky dog especially if it involves camping or a lighthouse! In my spare time I enjoy playing TTRPGs, painting, and watching hockey (Go Caps!). I can’t wait to connect with the many wonderful providers in our area!

Please Welcome Kim Petty to the Child Care Choices Team. Please Welcome Darlene Schmidt to the Child Care Choices Team.

I am very happy to be able to work with Child Care Choices and to be able to continue to work with the providers in Garrett and Allegany Co. I am coming with experience as a Maryland EXCELS Quality Assurance Specialist. I am going to enjoy being closer home since I live in Garrett County and having less travel across the state. I worked in Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties as a QAS for over eight years, so I am familiar with the providers in Western Maryland. I graduated from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education for grades K-6. Later I went to Garrett College to complete an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I have taught Kindergarten in Garrett Co. and substituted in all grade levels. I am a former Garrett Co. Community Action Head Start teacher. I live on a beef farm with my husband, John. I am also a 4-H leader in my community where my three grandchildren are very active. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, crafting and camping with my family. I enjoy working with children, their families and with their providers. I believe every child should have the chance to receive a quality education. I hope to be able to continue to promote quality in Early Childhood in Garrett and Allegany Co.

I am excited to join the Child Care Choices team as an Early Childhood Coach. I have had experience teaching pre-k and K in public schools, 3’s and 4’s in a private preschool, and mixedage classes at Head Start. I am passionate about early intervention, sparking a love of learning, and getting families engaged.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Frostburg State University and then went to Hood College to earn my Masters’ Degree in Special Education. As a lifelong learner, I have taken continuing education classes at Frederick Community College and Montgomery College as well as numerous hours of online training.

I live in Frederick and have 2 sons. My oldest is a jazz studies major at University of North Texas. My youngest will be graduating high school this year and will be heading to Towson State University to study Photography. My parents live close by and we enjoy spending time together. My free time is spent crafting and my current passion is quilting. I also am a steward of a Little Free Library and am able to share my love of books with my community. Please Welcome Crystal Bowens to the Child Care Choices Team.

I am the new Family Resources Specialist. I’m excited to be part of a team that cares about families and growth of our child care professionals in our community. I began my career in child care in 1992 as a teacher and then management. I have an Associates in Early Childhood and a Bachelors in Human Services.

I’m blessed with an amazing family. My husband Michael and I have two adult sons, Derwin and Darius. I have a beautiful daughter–in-law, Judami, and then there’s our precious grandson, Kaleo. I enjoy every opportunity I get to spend with my family and friends! In my spare time I enjoy reading, church activities, watching the Dallas Cowboys and traveling! I am delighted for this new opportunity and look forward to working with the families.