Ann Collins
Ann Collins (Ms. Ann) is SCPC's Director and 4's Extended Day Teacher. She lives and breathes SCPC's mantra of "a child's play is his work" and believes that children learn and retain through songs and fun activities. Ms. Ann brings her background in fine arts to the classroom every day, teaching the children about the creative world of colors, painting, crafts and more. SCPC has been lucky to have her since 1993!
Through teaching, Ms. Ann is helping to fulfill her objectives as a little girl: to be a mommy, teacher, and artist. In addition to her work at SCPC, Ms. Ann teaches at her Children's Church preschool program and offers an Art Camp each summer at SCPC. Her Extended Day program on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons is a reflection of her passion, filled with art, music, stories and fun. Ms. Ann brings in special guests once per month from different areas, including musicians, storytellers, archaeologists, paleontologists, scientists, and artists.
The only one in her family born in the United States (her father born in Hungary and mother and sister in Austria), Ms. Ann has lived in Riva, MD since 1980. Her husband of 30 years, Ty, is a concrete mixer driver and is a big hit with the students when he brings his mixer truck to school during SCPC's "Community Helpers" unit. Ms. Ann also loves spending time with her two sons, daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren, who all live close by. Her hobbies include counted cross stitch, sewing, drawing, painting, gardening, and baking.
She holds an Associates of Fine Arts Degree from Montgomery College, her 90-hour certification in Child Development and Curriculum and the 45-hour certification in administration to be a Director. She has been a mainstay in prekindergarten education in the South County area for 35 years and we couldn't be prouder to have her.
A note from Ms. Ann: Even after over 30 years of teaching, I still learn from my students, my co-workers, and the wonderful parents I am fortunate to work with. I am still constantly amazed by what "my kids" say and do and their boundless love and energy! I look forward to many more years of making sure your children have "a whale of a time!" We are so lucky to have Ms. Diana, Ms. Sharon and Ms. Alicia at our sweet school. The four of us make a great team!
DIANA GASCH
Diana Gasch (Ms. Diana) is SCPC’s Assistant Teacher. She is passionate about being a part of children’s growth, watching them learn through exploration and from each other. SCPC was fortunate to find Ms. Diana during the 2018-2019 school year.
Beginning her early childhood work at St. Anne’s school of Annapolis, Ms. Diana worked there for three years prior to being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, Jackson and Arianna.
Ms. Diana grew up in Bowie, MD and attended Bowie High School. She enjoys traveling and loves to cook. Her time outside of school is dedicated to her family, including her two children and husband Blaine. She spends much of her time being a shuttle service for their children!
Ms. Diana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in both Sociology and Spanish, from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She also holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland.
Sharon Gott
Sharon Gott (Ms. Sharon) is SCPC’s Teacher’s Aide for the 4's class. Sharon is a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County, pursuing a career as a registered dental assistant in Annapolis before starting a family with her high school sweetheart. Her two youngest children and, so far, two oldest grandchildren, all attended SCPC. Her love for SCPC grew through her children’s experience at the school, parent helping, the wonderful teachers, and lasting friendships formed there.
Sharon spent many years serving in her church as the co-director for its Vacation Bible school, overseeing more than 300 elementary school-aged children and managing over 150 volunteers. More recently she joined the church’s mission team, traveling to Scotland each summer to help run a summer day camp for young children and overnight camp for older kids.
When she finds some spare time, Sharon enjoys crafting, reading, interior design, learning more about Scottish history and culture, and spending time with her family. She loves nothing more than getting in some quality snuggles and one-on-one time with any of her grandchildren. She has completed her 90-hour certification in Child Development.
Alicia Alford
Alicia Alford (Ms. Alicia) is SCPC's Teacher's Aide for the 3's class. She grew up in southern Virginia, and has been raising infants and children for more than half of her life! Alicia started out assisting a respite care family for foster children, nannied throughout college, and took a full-time live-in nanny position right out of college. She has remained with that family through two kids and two moves over the course of 11 years, and they’re who brought her here to Davidsonville! She has been married to her best friend for 10 years and they have a spunky 6 year old daughter.
Alicia's daughter attended both the 3s and 4s classes here at SCPC and Alicia just couldn’t bring herself to leave. Alicia notes, "The relationships I’ve formed with the other families and the teachers here at SCPC have meant the world to me and my family. I’m incredibly excited to be here at the co-op continuing to do what I love!"
