Meet the Staff

Cindy Maher - Owner/Director

I currently live in Toledo with my husband and two sons.  I graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  While attending the university I took several courses in the Education Department,.  I am currently taking Continuing Education Courses in Early Childhood  to comply with State Licensing Rules for Directors.  I have worked with children most of my adult life and knew early on that working with children was what I was meant to do.  I love watching children come into the center as infants and grow and develop with the center as they go onto each of the classrooms.  It is always hard to see children leave because I get so attached to the children who attend BCDC, but knowing that those children have been in my care, even if it is for a short period of time, makes me feel good about what we do at BCDC.  Each one of the children who attends the facility has touched my life - making me a better person.

Elizabeth Samples (Tubbs) - Lead Caregiver - Preschool

I am the new Head Teacher for the Preschool Room this school year.  Most of the children who were in the Older Toddlers Room last year with me are moving up to Preschool so I chose to move up with them.  I currently live in Temperance Michigan with my husband - a very loving and supportive man.  I love working with children because I have so much fun.  Everyday seems like play day!  I get to sing silly songs, dance, play outside, read books, paint and a myriad of other fun stuff!  I get to watch children grow and learn and that's very satisfying.  Originally I went to school for business, but I am so glad I changed my mind in order to pursue early childhood education.  I have extension training and continuing education credits in early childhood and look forward to this upcoming school year! 

Velma Gaddis - Lead Caregiver - Young Toddler Room

My name is Velma and I am happily married and the mother of twin girls and a son.  I am sure I would have had more if permitted.  I come from a large family of 7 brothers and sisters.  I am the head teacher for the Young Toddler Room.  It is said that toddlers are the hardest children to teach, but I believe differently.  I love the time that I spend with the children teaching new things, including sign language.  To see them grow and discover their self is a joy.  Having fun learning and exploring new things keeps smiles on their faces.  I’ve gone to school for nursing in the medical field, but coming back to being with children is where I want to be.  Knowing that I am doing something to help mold a child at such an early age is a blessing for me.

Abby Huffman (Wernimont) - Lead Caregiver - Older Toddler Room

Melinda Kujawa - Lead Caregiver - Infant Room

Originally, I started off at Bedford Child Development Center as a parent for two of my children who attended the center.  I am now the head teacher in the Infant Room.  I currently live in Lambertville Michigan with my husband  and three children.  I have worked in preschools and day care centers for 12 years.  I have taught at almost every age.  I have a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University.  When asked what I enjoy most about my career, I would say I love to watch children as they learn and practice new skills.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, counted cross-stitch, logic and jigsaw puzzles. 

 Assistant Teachers - Bethany Younglove, Ashley Ramirez and Jenna Rice

 

Would you like to join our Staff? 
 

Bedford Child Development Center currently has the following employment opportunities available in the following classrooms:  

Assistant Teacher (Preschool Room):  This candidate must be an energetic, organized individual who loves to work with children.  This candidate must have at least two years experience working with preschool children.  This candidate must have current Infant, Child and Adult CPR as well as First Aid.  This position is available for the upcoming school year. 

Assistant Teacher (Young Toddler Room):  This candidate must be energetic individual who loves to work with children.  This candidate must have at least two years experience working in a day care setting as well as have current Infant, Child and Adult CPR and First Aid.    

If you feel you are qualified for either of these positions and would like to apply, please send your resume to:  CynthiaMaher@bedfordchildcare.com.   Both of these positions must be filled prior to the upcoming school year.  Our school year begins September 2, 2008.