Lisa Ann Dickinson has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 30 years. She has taught all levels of development from infancy through college. She spent many years in the classroom as a two-year-old teacher, pre-kindergarten teacher, and infant teacher and has worked in an administration capacity as an Assistant Director and Director. Mrs. Dickinson is currently the Education Director for the Goddard School in Owings Mills. She has served as a Board Member of the Maryland State Child Care Association, has been an active member of the Professional Development Committee since 2002, and is co-chair of the membership committee. She has served as the President of the Baltimore County Chapter of MSCCA since 2018-2021. Mrs. Dickinson was elected as 1st Vice President of MSCCA for the 22-24 term and stepped into the vacant position of President of MSCCA in MArch or 2022. She has proudly been serving the membership of MSCCA as President since that time.

Ruthi Claytor is the owner / director of Grannie Annie’s Child Care in Pasadena–Anne Arundel County. In her 33 year career, she obtained a BS in Applied Child Development and has taught every age group. She directed a large center, managed a chain of child care centers, and has owned and directed her center for the past 21 years. Ruthi has been a member of MSCCA since the mid 1990s, and has been on the Board for about 8 years, serving as a Chapter Representative and most recently as Vice President. Ruthi lives in Anne Arundel County with her husband, two teenagers, and a dog. In her down time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, ballet, and musical theater.

Imani-Angela Rose currently holds the position of Director at Joshua’s Place ELEC, a role she has dedicatedly served since 2005. In addition to her role at Joshua’s Place, she serves as a Delegating Nurse for the State of Maryland. Over the past two decades, Joshua’s Place ELEC has been a cornerstone in providing comprehensive care to numerous children. The center, offering both before and aftercare, boasts a STEM curriculum tailored for children aged 2 to 5 years.

Embracing a diverse community, the center extends its care to children with a range of abilities, placing a particular emphasis on those with distinct medical, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs. Recognizing the value of an inclusive environment, Joshua’s Place ELEC aims to foster optimal growth for all children under its care.

Imani is a staunch advocate and influential figure in the Child Care community. She holds positions on the boards of multiple child care organizations, including the Maryland State Child Care Association. In this capacity, she actively champions fundamental issues within the child care community. Additionally, her involvement with Parents Place of Maryland reflects her commitment to supporting families with children who have educational and health care needs. Serving as a member of the Baltimore City Child Care Coalition Board of Directors further underscores her dedication to shaping the childcare landscape.

Currently, Imani serves as the Co-Chair of the Baltimore City Early Childhood Advisory Council. This council plays a pivotal role in bringing together both public and private early childhood entities in Baltimore City. The primary goal is to ensure that, from pregnancy through the crucial developmental years, all children experience health, thrive, and are ready to embark on their educational journey.

Imani-Angela is an alumna of Virginia Union University and the University of Maryland Nursing Program, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Astrid Crookshank has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 30 years, as Teacher, Assistant Director and for the last 10 years as Director of St James Children’s School. Astrid and her team started attending Conference By the Sea in 2016, and she joined the MSCCA Board a few years later as the Montgomery County Chapter Leader. She accepted and served in the position of MSCCA Board Secretary for the 2 year 2023 2024 term and has chaired the Professional Development Committee since January of 2023.

Hello! My name is Kim Ritchey and I am the owner/director of Ritchey’s Totlot Child Care Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. I hold a BA in Elementary Education, AA in Early Childhood Education, and am presently working on my Masters in Educational Leadership to be Principle Qualified. I have been working in childcare for the last 35 years. I served as Washington Counter Chapter President for 2 years and Co-President for the past 2 years. I sit on the executive board as the Treasure for MSCCA.

My name is Quandra Greene and I would like to take a moment to let you know a little about myself.

Just to give a brief insight about me as it relates to child care. I have been in the early child care field for over 25 years as a preschool aide, preschool teacher, transportation driver, center director, State of Maryland Child Care Licensing Specialist, a child care consultant and as of late the owner/operator of Precious Ones Early Learning Center located in Baltimore County and Howard County. I also currently serve as the Co-President of the MSCCA for Baltimore County. I have an Associates of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Studies and working towards a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership.

My goal is to have all child care programs operate a program high in integrity, standing, and educational goals through my vast knowledge and experience within the early childhood field.

My name is Diane Mellott and I am running for the MSCCA Board position of Member at Large. Through my employer – Play Centers, Inc./Play and Learn – I have been a member of the Maryland State Child Care Association for more than 30 years. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Towson University and a graduate degree in Human Development from University of Maryland – College Park – College of Education. I have worked with Play Centers, Inc. since 1982, and have overseen the School Age Division for 30 years until my job expanded into overseeing not only our School Age Division of 20+ programs, but also our 6 Preschools. During those years I served in various capacities on the Board of the Maryland School Age Child Care Alliance, including as the President for 8 years and also as an active Committee Member and Chair, including Public Policy and Professional Development. For decades I have been an active member of the Maryland Family Network Public Policy Committee, which has included testifying in Annapolis on a variety of child-related legislative matters; an active member of the MSDE Office of Child Care Advisory Council; and an active participant in the MSDE Stakeholders Group – which was established more than 10 years ago in response to encouragement by MSCCA leadership and pockets of Provider Leaders across the State. I look forward to continuing to play an active role in MSCCA and to all of the critical and exciting differences we can all make together!