Our Family
Passion. Experience. Trust.
Debbie Hungerford, Founder, Owner
Paige Kepner, Owner and Executive Director
Mary Winston, Director of Education
Hattie LaRochelle, Director of Avenues and Camp Jubilee
Ashley Shepherd, Director of Customer Relations
Barbara Schenkein, Founding Director
Teacher Spotlight
Meet our team
Ms. Perla
Ms. Perla has devoted nine years to teaching at CDCW, starting as an assistant teacher before earning the Lead Forest teacher position four years ago. Working with 2- year-olds is her passion; they remind her each day of how beautiful and important the simplest moments can be. Ms. Perla is constantly inspired by the imagination and determination of the children she works with. Outside of CDCW, she cherishes moments with her family, including her seven-month-old daughter, Camilla, and her furry companion. Ms. Perla loves to travel, read, and explore the world through the pages of a good book!
Ms. Shelby
Born and raised in Richmond, VA, Ms. Shelby is the proud mother of two teenage boys, Miller kitty, and her dogs. Ms. Shelby has worked at CDCW for over 14 years as our Lead Junior Kindergarten teacher in the Desert room. In the words of Ms. Shelby, "I truly love working with this age group as they have such a thirst for learning. I get the best of both worlds with my job; I get to have fun every day and teach!". When Ms. Shelby isn't teaching or leading an exciting celebration at CDCW, you can probably find her going all out and decorating for the next holiday!!
Ms. Donna
Ms. Donna has been teaching at CDCW for 18 years, and has been the Lead Teacher in the Jungle Room for 17 years. She has three grown children and says raising them was her greatest joy. Ms. Donna reveals that, "Working with 4 year olds can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding!". In addition to being a Lead Teacher, Ms. Donna is the Health and Safety Assistant which allows her to assist administration with the policies and procedures that help CDCW maintain a safe and healthy environment. When Ms. Donna is not at school, you can likely find her relaxing at the beach, watching the sunset.
Ms. Carol
Ms. Carol is one of CDCW's original employees and has been a part of our family for over 25 years! Ms. Carol started the first day CDCW opened as a lead teacher in our preschool program and has advanced to her current position as the Art Specialist at CDCW. Ms. Carol runs an outstanding art program in the Avenues building with both our preschool and afterschool children. Ms. Carol has two beautiful grandchildren that bring her joy each day. She also has a passion for quilting and will never turn down an invitation for tea!
Ms. Malu
Originally from Columbia with over 15 years experience in early childhood education, Ms. Malu joined the CDCW family in 2018 and teaches our youngest children, the infants. Ms. Malu's gentle and kind spirit allows her to give the babies (and the new parents) a feeling of comfort and security. Ms. Malu has two grown daughters who attend NYU, one in law school and the other studying computer design. Ms. Malu enjoys watching movies and being with her family in her spare time.
Join Our Family
Learn more about how you can be part of the CDCW family.