The teaching staff is the most important component of any early childhood education program.

19th century educator Maria Montessori wrote “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” These dedicated staff members strive to achieve this in every classroom, every day!

Julie Wasson, Operations Director

Julie Wasson joined MCP in July of 2025.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s +15 in Reading.  Julie taught one year as a Reading Specialist at Bucktail High School in Renovo, PA, where she was also a tenth grade class advisor and a cheerleading coach.  She taught 12 years as a kindergarten teacher at both Neason Hill Elementary School and East End Elementary School.  She then taught 17 years as a sixth grade teacher at Neason Hill Elementary School and then 1 1/2 years as a second grade teacher at Neason Hill Elementary School.  She retired after 31 1/2 years of teaching at the beginning of 2024.  She is the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Nichole and Ashley who also work for Crawford Central School District.  Her proudest accomplishment in life is being a grandmother to her grandson, Crue Hershelman.

Valerie Button, Education Director

Valerie joined MCP in 2022. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood.  She has also completed most of her Masters in Reading Specialist.  Valerie has been teaching Early Childhood for 31 years and loves the energy and enthusiasm young children bring to her life. She also created episodes for 2 seasons of a TV Show for Pre K on WQLN called PBS Homeroom (available on youtube). She also teaches POUND, a drumming inspired fitness class at Studio Fit.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, travel, gardening, cooking, scrapbooking, and Zumba. She lives in Conneaut Lake with her husband, Keith and their four cats.  Her son Daniel (MCP Alumni 2009/10) is a student at the University of Alabama and her older son Nate lives in Copenhagen, NY. 

Sarah Bean

Sarah began working at MCP in 2019. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Laurel Technical Institute. She grew up in Cochranton and now lives in Meadville with her husband. She loves spending time with her family.

Karen Moody

Karen has been at MCP since 2018. She lives in Blooming Valley with her husband and 2 children, Brianna and Oliver. She enjoys spending time with family and going to Steeler games.

Michelle Beers

Kelsey Agnew

Kelsey joined MCP in the Spring of 2024. She has been working with children since 2019. She recently updated her Child Development Associate Credential and plans to go back to school for her Bachelor’s degree. She lives in Saegertown with her boyfriend, dogs and cat. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, being outside and spending time with family.

Christina Clark

Christina Clark has spent the last 7+ years working with students in PreK classrooms, working with Life Skills students and students with Emotional Support needs. She attended Liberty University for a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in special education During her free time, Christina enjoys reading, baking, gardening, spending time with family and 4 dogs, as well as hosting craft shows to raise money for charity.

Cathy Jones

Hello! My name is Catherine Jones but I go by Cathy. I am new to MCP this year.  I grew up in this area. Prior to joining MCP’s staff,  I began working with the Penncrest Head Start Program as a substitute, then an Instructional Aide, and later an Assistant Teacher.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren.  I am looking forward to working with children again and looking toward a new and exciting year.

Laura Lehman

Laura joined MCP in the Spring of 2023. Before coming to MCP, she worked in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade for 12 years. Laura believes free play is essential for children to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially and is excited to be a part of the work at MCP!  Laura lives in Guys Mills with her husband and her two golden retrievers. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and decorating AirBnBs on the side. 

Sammantha McCall

Mary Stewart, Director Emerita

Mary Stewart, was with MCP since 2001 and retired in 2022. Previously, she was an assistant and a lead teacher in the classroom. Mary and her husband, Tim, have three children, Maura, Katie, and Daniel, who are all past alumni of MCP.