A Word About Our Staff:  2009 -2010

Executive Director 

Patricia Castle

Pat and her husband of 19 years have resided in Mt. Airy for ten years.  She is the mother of two boys, ages nine and thirteen.  She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from Northern Virginia Community College, a Bachelors Degree from UMBC in American Studies and Early Childhood Education, and a Masters Degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education.  She has worked as an early childhood program director for ten years and has taught many classes at the college and university level.  She has also taught numerous workshops and seminars.  Pat has over 20 years experience working in early childhood education.  She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and enjoyed attending the national conference two years ago.  She is an active member of the Early Childhood Educator's Association of Carroll County.   Pat is currently credentialed at the level six through the Maryland State Department of Education Child Care Credentialing Program.  Pat is an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.  She enjoys going RVing, reading historical and science fiction literature and collecting children's books.  This is her sixth year as St. James' Nursery School's Director.

Business Manager/Assistant Director

Sharon Hansen

Sharon and her husband have lived in Mt. Airy for 34 years.  Their family consists of two grown children, three grandchildren, their dachshund!  Sharon has been a member of St. James' Church for 29 years, and a dedicated Nursery employee for the last 24 years.   She has a BA from Hood College.  Sharon enjoys bicycling, baking, card making, reading, and needlework.

Teachers & Teaching Assistants

Susan Basham - 3's Teacher (Main Street)

Susan, her husband, and their three children (16, 13, and 6 years old) have lived in Mt. Airy for the past five years.  She has a BA degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.  Her experience includes teaching for 13 years in the public school systems of WV and VA.  Susan is a member of FaithPoint United Methodist Church, where she is actively involved in Children's Ministry.  She enjoys running, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Karla Boss - 2's Teacher (Main Street)

Karla is a graduate from Frederick Community College with a Secretarial Degree. Karla has completed the 90-hour certification for early childhood at Carroll Community College.  She holds a current certification in First Aid and CPR.  This will be Karla's seventh year working at St. James' Nursery School.   She and her husband of 28 years reside in Woodbine, Maryland and have three daughters.  Karla is an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church.  In her spare time she enjoys running and walking.

Chris Calka - 3's and Pre-K 4's Teaching Assistant (Main Street)

Chris Calka, her husband, and their two daughters have lived in Mt. Airy since 1988.  After Amanda (19) and Michelle (15) graduated from St. James Chris joined our staff in 1998.  Chris holds a current certification in First Aid and CPR.  She is credentialed through the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing Program.  Chris is involved in her daughters activities, whether its Girl scouts, 4-H or as a high school chaperone.  The Calka family are members of St. Michael's Catholic Church.  Chris enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, swimming and, playing with big and miniature horses.

 Debbie Clas - 3's Teacher and Teaching Assistant (Main Street) and Staff Coverage (Annex)

Debbie and her husband have lived in Sykesville their entire lives.  She is the mother of four daughters, ages 19, 14, 10 and 5.  Debbie attended Villa Julie College and received her 90 hour certification from Catonsville Community College.  She has over 20 years of experience working with children.  She enjoys cooking and doing crafts and spending time with her family and friends.

Phyllis Garnand - Pre-K 4's Teacher (Main Street)

Phyllis and her husband of 40 years are also long time residents of Mt. Airy.  They have two daughters, both of whom attended St. James' Nursery School.  She is the very proud grandmother of her first grandchild, Jackson! Phyllis attended Montgomery College and has received her 90 Hour Early Childhood Certificate.  She holds a current certification in First Aid and CPR.  Phyllis is credentialed through the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing Program.  She has been a devoted member of the Nursery staff for 24 years.  In her spare time, Phyllis loves to collect Santas and snowmen.

Jenny Glock - 2's and 3's Teaching Assistant (Main Street)

Jenny and her husband Mike, of 11 years, have lived in Mt. Airy their entire lives.  They have three daughters, ages 10, 8 and 4.  All three attended St. James' Nursery School.  Jenny, herself, graduated from St. James!! She is a graduate of Linganore High School and brings with her many years of experience working with young children. She worked as a nanny for six years for a local family and more recently enjoyed being a stay-at-home-mom.  She enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the Redskins and collecting Longaberger baskets.

Kim Miller - 3's and Pre-K 4's Teacher (Main Street)

Kim Miller, her husband and their four children have lived in Mt. Airy for 18 years.  Kim is a graduate of Laurel High School, has received the 90 hour Early Childhood certificate, and has completed some college level courses through the University of Maryland.  Kim is beginning her 11th year working at St. James' Nursery School.  She also holds a current certification in First Aid and CPR. Kim is credentialed through the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing Program.  Kim is a member of St. James' Church.  She enjoys nature, swimming, reading, and being with her children when she can.

 Christine Pullen - Floating Teaching Assistant & Office Administrative Assistant

Christine attended Towson University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.  She has completed some course work towards a Masters degree in Elementary Education at Trinity College in Washington, D.C.  She taught Kindergarten at St. Elizabeth's Catholic School for eight years before staying home with her children.  Christine lives with her husband and two daughters in Monrovia and are active members of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Damascus.  Both daughters are alumni of St. James'. Christine enjoys spending time with family and friends. 

Tracy Stouffer - 3's Teaching Assistant (Main Street)

Tracy Stouffer, her husband and two children have lived in Mt. Airy for 13 years.  Both children are graduates of St. James and currently excel in public schools. Tracy has a Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University in Interior Design.  She is an active volunteer at Twin Ridge Elementary School, and is has been a teacher's aide for the 3 year old Sunday School class at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Damascus for the past 6 years. Tracy also has a home business creating scrapbook pages, note cards, and embellishments to sell at craft shows.  She enjoys scrapbooking, reading, and playing with her children.

Shirley Thomas - 3's & Pre-K 4/5's Teacher (Annex)

Shirley holds a BS degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a current certification in First Aid and CPR. Shirley taught for five years in the Montgomery County Public School system and is now celebrating 24 years of service with us here at St. James' Nursery School.  Shirley is credentialed through the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing Program. She and her husband have been married for 41 years and have been residents of Mt. Airy for 33 of those years. Shirley has two adult children, Ron and Jennifer, a three grandchildren!  She is a big Washington Redskin and University of Maryland Terrapin fan and loves to sing and read.

Linda Virostek -3's & Pre-K 4's Teaching Assistant (Main Street)

Linda is starting her eighth year at St. James' Nursery School.  She and her husband of 34 years live in Winfield. Linda received her Early Childhood certification from Howard Community College and holds a current CPR and First Aid certification.  is credentialed through the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing Program. She has a wealth of experience in early childhood education.

Dona Wilson - 3's Teacher (Main Street)

Dona is beginning her fifth year on our staff and brings with her years of experience with children.  She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from University College and a Masters in Educational Management and Supervision from Loyola.  Dona is a retired Howard County School teacher.  Twenty-three of her twenty-seven years of teaching were with first grade children.  She has three grown children and six grandchildren.  She enjoys reading, writing and painting.