Administrative Staff…

MS. ASTRID – DIRECTOR

Astrid Crookshank has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of California and additional coursework in Early Childhood Administration and Curriculum Planning. She joined St. James’ in September 1993. Astrid has many years of experience teaching infants to three-year-olds, served as Assistant Director for 22 years, and has been Director since 2015.

MS. SONIA – ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Sonia Schwartz is our full-time Assistant Director, supporting teachers with curriculum planning and Maryland EXCELS standards. She has over 30 years of experience in the childcare field and has taught age groups from infants to school-age children. Sonia also has several years of experience as a Preschool Director. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Ryerson University in Toronto and joined St. James’ in August 2002.

MS. JENNIFER – PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Jennifer Chandler is an afternoon Administrative Assistant and also serves as the Pre-K/Kindergarten Head Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has over 23 years of experience working with infants through school-age children. Jennifer joined St. James’ in September 2001.

Lead Staff…

MS. SHARON – INFANTS LEAD TEACHER

Sharon Herft is the Lead Teacher in our Infant program. She has worked at St. James’ for over 25 years and is Lead qualified for all age groups, from infants through school age. Sharon brings a wealth of personal experience to support our youngest students and their families.

MS. MARISOL – OLDER INFANTS LEAD TEACHER

Marisol Castro is the morning Lead Teacher in our Older Infant program. She has over 24 years of experience with children from infancy to pre-K and is currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery College. Marisol joined St. James’ in April 2000.

MS. KIM – TODDLERS LEAD TEACHER

Kim Belcher is the morning Lead Teacher in our Toddlers program. She has completed the 90-hour Preschool certification and is currently working toward an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. With over 26 years of experience with infants and toddlers, Kim has been part of St. James’ since July 1998.

MS. DANA – TWOS HEAD TEACHER

Dana Stafford is the Head Teacher in our Twos class. She has more than 28 years of experience teaching toddlers and two-year-olds. Dana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland and joined St. James’ in September 1996.

MS. RITA – THREES HEAD TEACHER

Rita Harrell is the Head Teacher in our Threes class. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Virginia Union University and has completed additional coursework in Curriculum and Child Development. Rita has many years of experience with children from infancy to school age and joined St. James’ in August 2017.

MS. ANTHONIA – PRE-K/FOURS HEAD TEACHER

Anthonia Agwamba is the Head Teacher in our Pre-K/Fours classroom. She has over 24 years of experience teaching preschool to elementary-aged students and previously ran her own center for 13 years. Anthonia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education, a Master’s Degree in Health and Wellness in Education, and additional coursework in Early Childhood Education. She joined St. James’ in August 2023.

MS. JENNIFER – PRE-K/KINDERGARTEN HEAD TEACHER

Jennifer Chandler also serves as the Pre-K/Kindergarten Head Teacher. She brings extensive Kindergarten experience to help ensure her students are prepared for the next level. With over 23 years of experience in early childhood education, Jennifer has been with St. James’ since September 2001.