Monkton Country Day Care

Monkton Country Day Care is an outreach program of the Monkton United Methodist Church, dedicated to serving families in our community by offering high-quality educational programs for children aged two through five. Our mission is to provide a safe, healthy, nurturing, and cognitively stimulating environment where children can develop socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. We believe that each child is unique and deserves respect and positive encouragement to grow at their own pace.

Our program is designed to foster 'play with a purpose, ' where children can engage in both self-directed and teacher-directed activities that promote school readiness skills. Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate, and our teachers act as facilitators of active learning, encouraging each child to reach their full potential.

Our Staff

Our staff is composed of experienced and dedicated early childhood educators who are committed to providing the best care and education for your child. We voluntarily participate in the Maryland State Child Care Credentialing program known as EXCELS, which sets standards that go beyond standard licensing requirements. Our staff members strive to meet these standards, and our credentials are proudly displayed in the upstairs hallway.

Leadership Team

• Lisa Rufo - Director

Lisa Rufo has been with Monkton Country Day Care since 1992 and has been the director since 2012. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Villa Julie College and is credentialed at level 5 in the MSDE Excels program. Lisa lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Jeff, and their energetic border collie, Sheldon. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, hiking, eating out, and photography.

• Amanda Fishpaw - Assistant Director

Amanda Fishpaw has been involved in the education field for over 20 years and has been with Monkton Country Day Care since 2015. She holds an Associate degree in early childhood education and is passionate about working with children. Amanda lives with her husband, Josh, two dogs, Titus and Pepper, and one cat named Dixie Mae. She loves crafting, crocheting, drawing, and enjoys drag racing, car shows, and carnivals.

Teaching Staff

• Barbara Bemis - Teacher, PreK

Barbara Bemis has been with Monkton Country Day Care since its inception. She has a long history with the school, starting as a parent, then a substitute, an aide, and finally a lead teacher since 2013. Barbara holds an AA degree in Data Processing from CCBC and her 90 Hour Core of Knowledge Early Child Care Certificate. She is also credentialed at level 4 in the MSDE Excels program. Barbara enjoys genealogy, exploring, and camping with her husband, Scott, and spending time with her grandchildren.

• Judy Ober - Teacher, 4/5s & PreK

Judy Ober has been working with children for over 40 years and has been with Monkton Country Day Care since 2017. She loves watching children learn new things and form friendships. Judy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University and is credentialed at level 6 in the MSDE Excels program. Her family consists of three children, Shelly, Mandy, and Michael, and three grandchildren, Jake, Kole, and Spencer.