Our Staff

Mona is the Chief Operations Officer of the JCC and oversees the Early Childhood, Camp and Youth departments, Aquatics, Fitness and Recreation. She has been at the J for 22 years, starting as a Pre-K teacher in the ECC and moving into her current position 5 years ago. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering and recently earned an Executive Master’s Degree at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Mona’s husband, Ron, works for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and plays Pickleball at the J every week. She has two children, Ron, who recently moved back from Japan where he was teaching English and Cathy, who works for CIGNA in Athens, Georgia. She is also the proud grandma of 5 beautiful children - Maverick, Emmelyn, Ren, Millie & Haru. In addition to LOVING the J, she loves football, Pokémon, Pickleball, and being a grandma!

Hi, my name is Beth Ann Short, and I am the ECC Director of Administration. I have been working at the J since 2006. My husband Adam and I have two children, Luke and Hailey, who both attend the University of Kentucky. In my spare time I enjoy playing pickleball, reading, shopping, and going to Bethany Beach! I absolutely LOVE working at the J and especially interacting with all of the sweet families here at the ECC!

My name is Erin Strickland and I have been an employee of the JCC since 2000. I have a degree with honors in Early Childhood Education, and I am extremely passionate about the field of Early Childhood. My educational goals for the students in my class and all students is to foster a lifelong love of learning. On a personal note, I have two beautiful daughters, Meredith (15) and Charlotte (11). My hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking, biking, beach days, pool days, gym days, and spending time with my family!

Hi! My name is Megan Lechette, and I’ve been at the ECC since 2021. I started as a Pre-K floater, and I am now the Administrative Assistant. I love being part of this amazing team and wonderful community! I am married and have a 13-year-old son, a dog, and 2 cats. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, being active, and traveling.

Hi! My name is Amber Lynch, and I am the assistant teacher in Room 2. I have been in the childcare field since I was fifteen and I am so excited to continue my journey here at the ECC. I am a student at Wilmington University, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. When I am home, I love running and hiking with my dog Rocky at the local state parks. In the classroom, my favorite activities are singing and reading; my favorite children’s stories to share are the Llama Llama stories and anything written by Eric Carle. I am looking forward to a great school year!

My name is Amy Skammer, and this is my 17th year teaching at the ECC. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University in Public Health Education. I previously worked for the American Red Cross for ten years. I am married to Tim and have 2 children ages 28 and 25. Both of my children attended the J preschool and camps. I enjoy traveling, cooking, biking, theatre, and watching football.

My name is Aniya! I’ve been in the childcare field for going on 5 years. I have been with the ECC for a year now and have loved the experience the JCC provides not only for its students but staff as well. I love watching my students grow and bloom into the beautiful flowers they are. I am a mom to a precious baby boy; motherhood has been a wonderful journey. During my free time I enjoy reading, trips to the beach and walks in the park with my little one.

My name is Catrina Baise. I’m 42 years old I have one 18-year-old daughter. I’ve worked in childcare for over 20 years I love children. I have a TECE 1&2, a CDA, and am considering going back to school for my associates degree.

Hi! My name is Connie Lipson. I’m a floater at the ECC, which means I have the privilege of getting to know all the children here. I've been a member of the J since 2001, and my own children went through the entire ECC program, from the infant room all the way to graduation. They continued their connection by attending camp at the J and most recently were camp counselors here. The atmosphere at both the ECC and the J is something I’ve always loved, and even years later, many of my closest friends are parents I met while my children were attending the ECC.

Hi families, my name is Debbie Bosarge-Lux, I have been in childcare 30 plus years. Children has always been my passion, since I was a little girl, I currently work in the infant room, I love helping the little ones grow, to teach, love and cuddle, their first year is a very special one, and I love being there for every minute of it. I have two wonderful daughters; in my spare time I love walking and spending time with my family and friends.

Hi, my name is Estefani Garcia. I've been working here at the J since 2021, I love being part of this amazing team & community. I have my degree in Early Childhood education. I have been in this field for 7 years now & loving everything about my job. In my spare time I love spending time with my family & friends.

Hello, my name Geraldine and I am a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator with over 18 years of experience in the field. My teaching philosophy is centered around Fostering a positive learning experience.  I graduated from Delaware technical community college in 2011 with early childhood education. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, going to the gym and watching basketball and traveling. 

My name is Gina Kaufman and I have been working at the J since I was in high school! I graduated from WCU with honors in the early childhood and professional studies fields. As an educator, I love helping the preschool age children learn and thrive in a creative and hands on learning environment. I have a daughter in elementary school who is my mini me, a husband and 2 crazy dogs at home who surely keep me busy. I love animals, shopping, and spending time with family. 

Hi, I’m India Hyland. I’ve been teaching for 7 years and absolutely love working at the JCC. I’m so enthusiastic about the community here that I’ve even enrolled my son, Sol, in their camp and preschool program. Being both a teacher and a mother is incredibly fulfilling for me; I truly believe that being a caretaker is my purpose in life. In my spare time, I enjoy music, trying new foods, and spending quality time with my family!

Hello! My name is Jennifer and I’m an assistant teacher here at the ECC. I’m a certified early childhood teacher with almost 5 years’ experience. I love working with children! It’s very rewarding inspiring young minds and being a positive impact in children and families’ lives. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, listening to music, crafting and spending time with my family.

Hello! My name is Joseph St Pierre or “Mr. Joey” for short, and I am thrilled to be part of the team here at the JCC. I graduated in May of 2024 with my Associate's degree of Arts in Teaching in Early Care & Education: Birth to Second from Delaware Technical Community College, where I developed a strong foundation in early childhood education. In addition to my passion for teaching, I enjoy staying active by playing volleyball and spending time with my wonderful family, including my fiancé and my 9-year-old son Xavier and my two dogs Riley and Roxie. Together, we love exploring new activities and creating lasting memories. As a dedicated educator, I believe in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning through play-based activities and hands-on experiences. I am excited to embark on this journey with your little ones and look forward to watching them learn and grow!

Hi everyone! I am Kerrie and Mr. Sam’s mom! I’m married to Myron Willey, and we have 3 boys, all who are out of high school, 2 grandchildren, and with 1 daughter (in love) on top! I just started at the J this July, and I already love it here! I am a floater so that means I get to meet and become friends with the special children and their families in all the classes. It makes my heart smile knowing I have a bunch of new friends of all sizes!  I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in my new and exciting path in life! 

Hi there, my name is Lisa Stephey. I have worked at the Early Childhood center for 28 years. I have been married for 17 years and have 2 children. My daughter Henna is a freshman cadet at Delaware Military Academy and my son Hawken just started middle school and goes to Odyssey Charter School. I am lucky enough this year to be a floater which means I get to spend time with all the children in the center, which is the best part!

Hi everyone! My name is Marisa and I am a Infant Teacher at the ECC. I previously worked here in 2021 over the summer but I am back full time and ready to create long, loving bonds with all the babies! I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for almost 5 years. In that time, I have also been a nanny. I am a certified Teacher in the state of Delaware, in addition to having my TECE 1 & 2. In my spare time, I like to craft, travel with my husband, and spend time with my pets Parker and Lola.

I have been with the ECC since January 2013. I have worked with all age groups here at the ECC and I have my degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a strong believer of children learning through play and exploration, while also providing structure and balance to the group. I have four daughters, and we love to make dance videos together. In my spare time I like to garden, make scented candles and go to the gym.

My name is Gina. I have been working at the JCC for almost a year. I have been in the Early Childhood field for the past 35 years. I have worked with all ages, infants through elementary. During my spare time I like reading and listening to music. My favorite past time is spending time with family.

My name is Sarah Kalish, and I am happy to return to the ECC as my 4 children went through the program many years ago. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and I also coach soccer and girls’ lacrosse. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Hi, my name is Sharon Webster. I’ve been at JCC for the last five years. I have three amazing children Nasir, Nevaeh, and Nolan while also being married to the most amazing man, Jarell Webster. When I am not at the JCC, I enjoy going to all of my children’s sports events and activities. I also enjoy shopping, reading and going to the gym. One fun fact about me, is I enjoy collecting Starbucks and Stanley cups. We are going to have so much fun this school year!

Hi everyone, My Name is Tytiana Lamb, I have been working in childcare for over 9 years I have experience in all age groups and developments, I love being hands on with the children bonding with the children and families is what I love most. I have an Associate's Degree in Early childhood (Birth -2bd grade) I am currently in school for my bachelor’s Behavioral science Minor case management.  I have two children Noah (9) Yantz (6) in my free time I love spending my time with my children, I love collecting poetry books, enjoy the gym and yoga.