Marie is the President of the Arlington Steps Educators Association and has four years of child care experience. She is the first President of this new organization and is anxious to see it be successful. Marie is retired from Verizon after 30 years of service. She has a Master Degree in Speech Organizational Behavior and Management, and Project Management, a Bachelor Degree in Speech Communications. Currently, Marie is enrolled at Nova in the Early Childhood Development Associates Program. She recently earned a certificate in Infant and Toddler Programs. Prior to entering the child care field, she owned a Telecommunications Consulting Business.
Marie has a long-standing history as a volunteer within her community. For over 15 years she has served at Arlington County Office on Aging, Adult Protective Services as a Guardian/Conservator working with Senior Citizens. She was recognized by the Arlington County Board as the outstanding volunteer in 2002 and appeared in the BJS Journal recognizing volunteerism that same year. Marie also served on the Board for The National Rehabilitation Bureau of the District of Columbia, and as a Senior Consultant/Team at Lucent Technologies. Marie has proven leadership skills, with diverse business experiences, such as, negotiation, marketing, international relations, business operations and computer literacy that will come with her to the VAFCCA Board of Directors.
Her vision for the Alliance is to see the Alliance membership grow, encourage the providers of Virginia to continue to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered, brand the childcare business professionally, nationwide, and to support quality childcare. Though her participation with the Alliance as a Board Member, she will gain, new insights about the profession and will be able to use her business and professional skills to support the Alliance in the accomplishment of our mission, which is “‘promoting quality childcare’”. As provider, Marie feels she can help to prepare children to face life’s challenges as they grow in to young adults.