Bright Beginnings Childcare
Meet Our Staff
We have a great team of educated teachers to help your children in their early development!
Jennifer Whittington, Director and Owner
Director and Owner Jennifer Whittington, started Bright Beginnings Childcare out of her family home. Jen's commitment to quality childcare evolved when her own children were infants and needed care. Jen values family time and enjoys outdoor activities including the beach, kayaking, swimming, baseball, and traveling with her husband, Josh, and their children Kaleb, Madison, and Chase.
Jen has over 15 years of experience working with children in both the corporate and family home childcare environments. Jen has a certificate in childcare Administration, Certificate in Early Childhood Development, Infant/Toddler, CPR/First Aid, Level 5 credentialed by MSDE and many other annual training classes. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. We are an Accredited Childcare Center and at a level 5 in Maryland Excels. We have a great team of educated teachers to help your children in their early development.
Ms. Kellie Humphrey
Ms. Kellie Humphrey is a Lead twos teacher . She has a certificate in Early Childhood Development 90 clock hour, 45 hour Infant/Toddler, School Age, Basic Health and Safety, ADA, CPR First Aid and many other trainings. She Maryland State Credentialed at a level 3. Ms. Kellie is very creative in the classroom and nurturing with the children. Ms. Kellie has been teaching all ages for more than 15 years. Ms. Kellie has a daughter, Karleigh and a son Colbey. Ms. Kellie enjoys motocross and sprint car racing and spend time with her kids on the weekends.
Mrs. Keleigh Chaney
Mrs. Keleigh Chaney is our Lead Infant Teacher. She is certified in Child Development 90 hour, and Infant/Toddler 45 Hour, School Age, CPR and First Aid, Medication Administration, Emergency Preparedness, is Maryland State credentialed at Level 4, and many more trainings. Mrs. Keleigh has been in childcare for 17 years and has worked with children of all ages. Mrs. Keleigh is excited to help your children with their first year milestones! Mrs. Keleigh is married and has a daughter, Matilda.
Ms. Crystal Whittington
Ms. Aubree Seal
Ms. Aubree Seal is the Lead preschool teacher. She is Maryland credentialed at a level 3. She is certified in CPR and First Aid, American Disability Act, Basic Health and Safety, Supporting Breastfeeding, and Infant/Toddler Development. Ms. Aubree has been in childcare for 2 years. Ms. Aubree is nurturing and enjoys helping them grow in their toddler years. Ms. Aubree has a daughter Paisley and son Parker . In her spare time she loves to watch disney movies with Paisley and Parker. She also likes to play the piano.
Ms. Morgan Hough
Ms. Morgan Hough is our Aide in the Infant room. She is Maryland credentialed. She is certified in CPR and First Aid, American Disability Act, Basic Health and Safety, Supporting Breastfeeding, Child Development 90 hour, and Infant/Toddler 45 Hour. Ms. Morgan has been in childcare for 2 years. She enjoys working with our younger children. Ms. Morgan has a son Wyatt. She loves spending time with Wyatt and their 3 dogs.
Ms. Amaya Shirley
Ms. Amaya is a twos aide. She went to tech high for early childhood education. She has a AA degree in Psychology. She has worked in all age groups. She is credentialed and has many other trainings. Ms. Amaya has been in childcare for 1 year. She enjoys helping them learn and grow to prepare for school. Ms. Amaya enjoys nature, music, art, and spending time with family.
Mrs. Stephanie Shank
Ms. Stephanie is a lead preschool teacher. She holds her AA degree in Early Childhood Education, along with the 90 hour course, Infant/Toddler training, CPR, First Aide, Medication Administration, Emergency preparedness, and is Maryland Credentialed level 5. She has been working in childcare for 30 years. Ms. Stephanie is passionate about sharing her love for each child's learning growth and development. Ms. Stephanie is married and has three grown children: Cory, Cara, and Connor. Ms. Stephanie enjoys spending time with family, their dog, gardening, antique shopping, and recently learning to love traveling.
Ms. Patricia Arlet
Ms. Patricia is a Lead Twos teacher. Patricia studied Psychology and Biology at St. John's University for 3 years. She has worked with children of all ages in various settings for 20 years. She is originally from NYC. She is MD credentialed at a level 3 and CPR and First Aid certified and has many childcare trainings. She enjoys reading, learning about philosophy, and spirituality.
Ms. Dawn Stickles
Ms. Dawn is our substitute in all the classes. Dawn has over 30 years of experience with children in a childcare center as well as home daycare. She has a certificate in Childhood Development 90 clock hour, 45 hour Infant/ Toddler, School Age, CPR, First Aide, Medication Administration and many other trainings over the years. Ms. Dawn loves that she is able to work with all the different ages of children. Dawn is married and has a son William and a daughter Lillian.
Ms. Amari Latham
Ms. Amari is our substitute in all the classes. Amari has 1 year of experience with us working with all ages. She graduated from Williamsport High School in 2023. She is currently attending HCC to pursue a degree in Human Services. She volunteers at Discovery Station in Hagerstown, MD. Ms. Amari enjoys spending time with family and friends, and reading in her free time.
Ms. Grace Haney
Ms. Grace is a Twos Aide. She has experience working with children at a summer camp. She is currently going to HCC to pursue an AA degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys watching kids grow and learn new things everyday. Ms. Grace enjoys cooking/baking and spending time with family.
Ms. Aaliyah Jackson
Ms. Aaliyah is a substitute for all classrooms. She graduated High School in 2022 with her child development certificate. I have a lot of experience working with children including but not limited to intellectually disabled children. I enjoy getting to be apart of fostering children’s growth by providing emotional support, creating a safe place for children, and modeling positive behavior. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews. My plans for the future are to continue my journey in child development by completing an associates degree in early childhood education.