Our Principal - Ms. Sharon Harris

Birthplace: New York, New York

Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science and studio art from Manhattanville College

                     Master of Arts in teaching from Manhattanville College

                     Master of Science in administration and supervision from The College of New Rochelle.

Tenure in BCPS: 2 years, most recently as assistant principal at Windsor Mill Middle School

Key educational experience: “I was blessed to have an amazing high school math teacher who taught his lessons in such an excellent manner that I found myself seeking a career in the educational field. I wanted to become the role model he was to me. He was engaging and animated – involving my fellow students and me in math problems and equations with such ease that we didn’t realize we were actually working. In addition, my first teaching experience was under an amazing principal who later became my mentor. He had a fair but firm attitude, was very professional, and had a teaching style, which again, was so engaging to students that I again flourished with a renewed desire to be a part of the community of learning. He encouraged me to take my passion to higher heights, obtain a Master’s degree, and complete my doctorate.”


The Teachers –Every one of us at Imagine Discovery is expected to be a model of what we want our students to become. That means living out our shared values of integrity, justice and fun…not just in the classroom, but also in relationships with other school staff, with parents, and in the community Here’s a little about our teachers in their own words.  To send an email to a teacher, click on the teacher’s name.

Kindergarten

Margo Bruesewitz

Stacy Gordon - I believe that it is important to set the foundation for learning and leadership at a young age.  I am a graduate of Stevenson University in Stevenson, MD and am pursing a Masters Degree at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD.  My favorite poem is “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum. I am committed to educating and empowering children and their families.

Leslie Hayes

Katherine Kessinger

Dana Miceli has been teaching kindergarten for over 15 years and continues to share her love of learning. With a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, she  considers learning a daily adventure and a lifelong joy. Kindergarten is a year of huge growth and setting the foundation for the future. We work together, share ideas, and begin the journey of learning at school.

Tonya White - Graduated from the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) with a degree in Early Childhood Education.    I have been teaching in Baltimore County since 1998 (with a few years off to start a family).  I enjoy teaching kindergarten because I love to watch the faces of the children as they explore and experience new things!  I also believe that having a positive kindergarten experience  is crucial to "setting the stage" for future years.

First Grade

Rebekah Baer - This year will be my second year teaching first grade at Imagine Discovery.  I graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.S. in Elementary Education and English.  Teaching is an exciting profession to me because I am forever fascinated with how children learn!

Rhonda Elliott-Hall - Hometown: Baltimore, MD – Years of Service: 16; Years in BCPS: 12; Inspired by my own mother, a retired teacher, and the love of learning forever I believe all children can learn.  They simply need compassionate, skilled adults who passionately believe they can be leaders of greatness and followers of giants.

Laurel Green - I have taught first grade for three years and will continue to do so this coming year. My philosophy of education can be summed up with this quote: "Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh, and the greatness which does not bow before children." - Kahlil Gibran.

Jamie Ferguson -  I was born in Cape May, New Jersey and have lived in Virginia, Louisiana and Maryland.  I am a proud alumnus of the University of Maryland at College Park where I was a cheerleader for 3 years.  I am currently a graduate student at Towson University to receive my Masters in Reading Education.  I am also a proud daughter, sister, and friend.  I value spending time with the people I love, and I would do anything for them.  In my free time, my favorite things to do are traveling and exercising!  I also enjoy music, playing/watching sports and reading.  Children are my passion, and I intend to impact many during my career as an educator.

Second Grade

Sara Becker - I grew up in the Baltimore area, but went to college at California University of Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, PA where I received my B.S in Elementary Education. I also received my master’s degree from Walden University in Reading and Literacy. I have been teaching second grade since Imagine Discovery opened with a great team of teachers!

Kacey Hardee

Leah Kahl-Devine

Leah Petito

 

Third Grade

 

Rachel Kajfasz

Barbara Livingstone

Rachael Mayer - I graduated from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY with a BA in English and certifications in Elementary and Special Education.  I obtained my Masters degree in Elementary Education from Elmira College in Elmira, New York.  I really love teaching at Imagine Discovery because we are like one big family. It is a joy to come to school every day!

 

Rebecca Peace - I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I attended Lehigh University where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Art and Social Psychology and my Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I am proud to be a classroom teacher at Imagine Discovery and I strive to make learning fun and challenging.  

 

Fourth Grade

Candice Barnes

 

Marcia Carlson

Genevieve Fitzgerald

Rachel Turbiak

 

Fifth Grade

 

Virginia Ellis

 

Larry Keemer

 

Sherwood Lennon

 

Stacey Royal

 

Support Staff

 

 

Jewel Adiele – Special Ed

Jennifer Brumbalow – Music

Melanie Townsend Diggs - Library Media Specialist - I am returning to Baltimore County Public Schools after a three-year hiatus. I have over ten years of experience as a Children’s Librarian and Branch Manager with the Enoch Pratt Free Library System in Baltimore.  My decision to leave the public library resulted in helping many children who came to the library without a parent or guardian to assist them in finding information for homework and projects, assigned literature, and leisure reading material.  I love the opportunity to teach young people how to access accurate information and to appreciate the written word, whether digital, electronic, or print.

Alexis Evans - Speech-Language Pathologist - I am been a speech/language pathologist for almost 15 years, always working with kids.  I have a Master's Degree from the University of Virginia, my Certificate of Clinical Competence and Maryland State Licensure.  I love doing speech therapy and take great pleasure from watching the progress that students make in and out of the classroom!  I strongly believe in family involvement in the therapy process - stop in if you have any questions.

Jennifer Mesaros – Art

 

Catherine Paradiso – Nurse

 

Christina Sargent – Professional School Counselor - I have been the school counselor at Imagine Discovery since it opened.  It is quite a different yet exciting experience for me and I feel it is helping me to learn and grow in my profession.  Prior to coming to Imagine, I was a high school counselor and before earning my master’s degree, I was a high school special education teacher.  My background is in psychology which I majored in at York College as an undergrad.  I then went on to graduate school at Johns Hopkins University where I majored in and became certified in school counseling, PreK-12.  I love empowering youth to set and reach goals to help them be as successful as they can be!

 

Jaclyn Schultz – Phys Ed – I am the physical education teacher at Imagine.  I believe in teaching the whole child, which includes physical activity.  I like to incorporate academics with physical activity as much as possible. 

 

If you are interested in joining the Imagine Discovery
team, please send your resume electronically to
ajohnson2@bcps.org

    Ms. Harris serving at a tea party honoring special students.

      Ms. Harris serving at a tea party honoring special students.