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 Meadville Cooperative Preschool in 2022.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, has completed most of the coursework toward a master’s degree as a Reading Specialist, and maintains a Pennsylvania Director’s Credential. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, Valerie is passionate about creating engaging, nurturing, hands-on learning experiences for young children. She especially loves the energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm preschoolers bring to the classroom each day. In addition to teaching, Valerie created and hosted two seasons of PBS Homeroom, a preschool educational television program produced by WQLN that is available on YouTube. She also enjoys sharing her passion for health and wellness as a POUND® and  POUND® Unplugged fitness instructor, leading drumming-inspired fitness classes at Studio FIT Meadville. Outside of school, Valerie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, gardening, cooking, scrapbooking, and staying active. She lives in Conneaut Lake with her husband, Keith, and their three cats. Their younger son, Daniel, a Meadville Cooperative Preschool alumnus (2009–2010), is a senior at the University of Alabama, and their older son, Nate, and his girlfriend, Cassidy, live in Copenhagen, New York. 

Sarah Bean

Sarah began working at MCP in 2019. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She grew up in Cochranton and now lives in Meadville with her husband, Jacob, daughter Lainey, a baby on the way and their dog, Bear. She loves spending time outside and being with friends and family. 

Karen Moody

Karen has been a valued member of the Meadville Cooperative Preschool team since 2018. She lives in Blooming Valley with her husband and their two children, Brianna and Oliver. Karen holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and is currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Karen loves working with preschoolers because they are full of endless wonder, curiosity, and happiness. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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.

Maja Heuchert

Maja is excited to join Meadville Cooperative Preschool for the 2026–2027 school year, returning to the preschool she attended as a child! She holds a Pennsylvania Paraprofessional Certificate, has over 10 years of experience working with children, and is currently earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (PreK–4). Maja loves that preschool is a place where children can be silly, use their imaginations, and learn through music, movement, and dramatic play. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children and families and helping every child feel safe and excited to learn.

Cathy Jones

Cathy joined the Meadville Cooperative Preschool team in 2024. A lifelong resident of the area, she brings valuable experience in early childhood education from her time with the Penncrest Head Start Program, where she served as a substitute teacher, Instructional Aide, and Assistant Teacher. Cathy enjoys helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence through meaningful classroom experiences. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her children and grandchildren and is excited to be part of another wonderful year at MCP.

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. 

Brittany Piercy

Brittany is an Assistant Teacher at Meadville Cooperative Preschool since the Fall of 2025. She’s currently attending Post University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She is married and has three amazing kids, and two of them were lucky enough to attend MCP! When she’s not at school, you’ll usually find her outside swimming, hiking, or spending time with my family. When asked what she loves about working with preschoolers, she said: “I love working with preschoolers because every day is different, and it’s so rewarding to watch them learn, grow, and discover new things. I’m excited to be part of the MCP family and look forward to another great year!”

Kylie Boring

Kylie is new to MCP this year, and joins us as an assistant preschool teacher. She graduated from Saegertown High School in 2024 and is finishing her associates degree at PennWest Edinboro in December 2026. Kylie comes to us with 3 years experience working in child care settings. She has a boyfriend of 3 years named Jordan, and they enjoy traveling, hiking, and getting 7 brew together. When asked why she enjoys working with preschoolers, she said: “I love working with preschool because it’s never a dull day with their imaginations and they are always so filled with love.”

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.