My name is Joselyn Castellanos. I am from Guatemala. I came to the United States when I was 9 years old, since then I am still here. I have two brothers and we all graduated the same High School but in different years. I Graduated North Western High School back in 2012. After graduating, I started working with my dad and older brother in construction, remodeling houses and building them from scratch. It was fun until it last. I am happily married and a first time mother of 8 month old baby. I am an Early Childhood Educator. I have been in my career field for 11 years. In January of 2013 I started working at Bright Start Early Care & Preschool. I have been at Bright Start for 11 years now. Back them I did not had any experience working with children, besides taking care of my cousins. I was able to obtain my CDA and got more experience as I was working. I started working with the infants as an Assistant Teacher. Years have passed when I decided to go back to school and It was with that first position that I knew that Early Childhood Education was the right career choice for me. In May of 2020 I Graduated Trinity Washington University with an Associate Degree on Early Childhood Education and as of right now I continue with my educational journey. I am Currently enrolled at Trinity Washington University; I am on my last semester so that I can obtain my Bachelor’s Degree on Early Childhood Education.
My name is Brittany Antonia Smith, and I am a new Associate Teacher at Bright Start Early Care and Preschool. I am from Washington DC! I graduated from Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School, I am currently attending University of the District of Columbia where I plan to pursue a Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been in the education field for a little over 10 years both in the classroom and as an Administrative assistant/ Office Manager. I love working with children of all ages and watching them grow from babies to young adults. I am very excited to start this journey with Bright start Early Care Preschool. In my free time I enjoy working, shopping and spending time with my family and friends.
I am Necy Aquino, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education major in Mathematics from the Philippine Air Force College of Aeronautics in 1987 and rendered 19 years of service at Pasay City North High School. I’m married with two kids and the year 2009 when I decided to move to the US as an early childhood educator. I worked in Children’s Hut from 2009 to 2015, transferred to Happy Faces Academy and worked from 2015 to 2023 and decided to move to Bright Start this school year 2023-2024. Some highlights from my current and past teaching experience include:
Beyond my teaching experience and classroom management skills,I believe my enthusiasm makes me fit as a Pre-K teacher. Because of having had a lifelong passion for education, I received an award as monthly employee, quarterly employee and the highest award as an employee of the year in 2019. All glory to God. I’m planning to enroll to earn units in early childhood soon.
Hi, my name is Grace Burrell. I have a Bsc in Economics, I am currently working on my Child Development Associate credential. I was born and raised in Nigeria. I am married with two little boys under4. I have 9years experience working with young children as a Book club facilitator and in various child centered volunteer positions.
I moved to Washington DC in 2016 and immediately started volunteering in my local community’s weekly gatherings for Toddler’s and preschoolers. I recently joined the Bright Start Team and I am looking forward to being a part of the success story of all of the children at this facility.
My hobbies include reading, listening to music, and outdoor activities
Hi, my name is Rebecca Murdock. I have an Associates degree in Accounting and I am currently working on my CDA- Child Development Associate. I was born in Lynchburg VA and I came to Washington DC when I was 3 years old. I am a Widow with two kids; a son and a daughter, also four grandchildren. My hobbies are bowling and walking.I worked in the federal Government for 31 years where I retired in 2015. I started my second career in Child Care in 2015 and have been in the field ever since. I have worked both in the Public Charter School system, as well as in various child care centers in the District. In addition, I also spent time with Early Autism Solutions where I received certifications to work with children with autism and behavioral problems. I am now a part of the Bright Start family. Children are our future and I am passionate about nurturing them. I would describe myself as very patient, kind and understanding of all ages. I have extensive experience in helping children learn and grow through educational activities. I look forward to the opportunity to join your family and care for your child!
My name is Selas Shibeshi. I am from Ethiopia and came to USA in December 2004. I have three young sons. When I first got a job at a childcare in 2005, I was just doing it as a way of making money to support myself and my family back home. I can remember not having an idea what it truly meant to work with children. However, a year later working with children in childcare, I found myself happy to be with them all day and every moment I stayed with the children was very memorable. At that point I realized that I am very passionate about working with children and this passion led me to continue my education.
I enrolled and attended school to get my CDA then my associate degree in early childhood education.