Meet our experienced and dedicated group of teachers and administrators…
Jody Brooks, Director
Jody’s first teaching position was in 2006 and has been part of Anchor’s-A-Wee,
as a parent, since 2013 before joining our staff, in 2017. She has experience
leading a team as well as a broad range of preschool experience. She has taught
all ages for preschool and is looking forward to her new role as Anchor’s-A-Wee
Preschool Director!
When Jody is not chasing her older two kids around the Lacrosse fields, coaching
swimming, or playing with her youngest – she enjoys down time with her family,
hanging out on or by the water and sure loves sitting under palm trees soaking up
the warm sunshine and salty breezes!
Jen Deal, 2’s and AM 3’s Teacher
Hi, my name is Jen Deal. I grew up on the Broadneck Peninsula. I gradutated from Broadneck High School and recieved my assiciate degree in Early Childhood Education. I started working at the Severna Park KinderCare as a Toddler teacher and Trainer for ten years. I was also a Pre K teacher assistant at Freetown Elemenrary.
In 2009, I became a mom and was blessed to be able to stay at home with my two sons, Aiden and Alexander. I have been actively involved with the church and preschool by being a member of the preschool board, a Sunday school teacher, and the co-director of Vacation Bible School. Aiden and Alexander both attended AAW. I started teaching at here in 2014 and I love being a teacher at AAW. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, and friends, traveling, scrapbooking and making crafts.
Cindy DiPietro, PreK5 Assistant Teacher
Hi, My name is Cindy DiPietro. I grew up on the Broadneck Penninsula and moved back here in 1998 with my husband, Larry. We have twin 20 year old sons and a 15 year old daughter. My children have all attended and graduated from Anchor-A-Wee Preschool. My family and I loved the teachers and the program at Anchors! I am so excited to be working with Mrs. Weaver and our PreK class.
Just a little bit about me… I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and taught Kindergarten and 1st grade before my twins were born. I have been able to stay home with my children while volunteering at their schools and teaching Sunday School. I also taught a few of the kids in college summer classes at AACC. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also
enjoy reading, taking pictures and scrapbooking.
PJ Gilbert, 4’s Teacher
I am the mother of three children, two daughters sandwich my son. Watching them grow has been the greatest joy of my life. I grew up in the Midwest and attended Iowa State University where I met my husband. We moved to moved to Arnold in 1998. It didn’t take me long to find Christ Our Anchor and Anchors-A-Wee Preschool. I have been an active Church member for 20 years and have been working at Anchors-A-Wee for 11 years.
My favorite hobby is taking photos….lots of photos! Being a part of your children’s lives brings me great joy and I feel blessed to be part of the Anchors-A-Wee family.
Michele Gish, PreK3 Teacher
Hello, my name is Michele Gish and I am so thankful to be a part of the Anchors-A-Wee team! I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. I graduated from the US Naval Academy and served 5 years as an Intelligence Officer. My husband, also a USNA grad, is still on active duty and teaching in the Ocean Engineering Department. We are happy to be back in Maryland and living in Arnold with our two children.
Our youngest, Drew attended AAW and loved it! I have been so blessed to have been the Teacher Assistant for Mrs. Clark’s 3 Day Pre-K class for the last few years and am excited to join Mrs. LaHart in her January 2’s class. The children and teachers here bring me such joy and I truly love coming to work! I am thrilled to work with your children and watch them learn and grow!
Jen LaHart, 2’s and PM3’s Teacher
Hi, my name is Jen LaHart and I am the mother of three children, all of whom have attended Anchors-A-Wee. I spent nine years as a parent at AAW, and I am so excited to now be a part of the wonderful staff. I love the small, family-like atmosphere of Anchors-A-Wee, and am so grateful for the experiences that the school provided for my kids while they build friendships and learned the skills needed for kindergarten.
I have a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of MD – College Park, and worked as a Psychologist for three years in Anne Arundel County Public Schools before having my children. I am so happy to be back in a school setting working with children. I find it so rewarding to help kids feel good about themselves! I live on the Broadneck Peninsula with my husband and three children. My kids keep me pretty bust with their activities including softball, basketball and gymnastics. If I do have any free-time, I enjoy reading, exercising, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
Brooke Long, AM 3’s Teacher
Hello, my name is Brooke Long. I live on the Broadneck Peninsula with my husband and two children. Both of my children attended Anchors A Wee and loved it. Therefore I was thrilled to become a part of this great school five years ago. I have a BA degree in History and I’m certified in Early Education. Prior to having my first child in 2008 I worked at another school for ten years as a teacher and then Assistant Director. Once my children were old enough I was able to get myself back in the preschool world not just as a mother, but professionally as well. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the AAW family.
Megan Ostwind, PreK3 Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Megan Ostwind. I grew up in Anne Arundel County and have lived in Cape St Claire for the last 8 years with my husband and our two children. My daughter graduated from Anchors-A-Wee and is now in elementary school while my son is currently a student here. I have a BA in French and worked for Anne Arundel County Public Schools as an ESOL teacher and Spanish interpreter before becoming a stay at home mom. I am currently the coordinator for a local MOPS group as well. In my spare time, I love to read, spend time on the water, play music, and cook. I love having your kids in art class and enjoy seeing their creativity with each project! I’m very grateful to be a part of the AAW family!
Wendy Rhoe, AM 3’s Assistant Teacher
Hello! I grew up on the Broadneck Peninsula and attended Severn School and James Madison University. My husband, Kris, is an engineer with Northrop Grumman and we have one son, Collins. As a family we enjoy boating, going to Bethany Beach and working on our new home on Kent Island. Collins along with my nephews attended Anchors-A-Wee and we loved the environment.
When the opportunity became available to become a part of the AAW faculty I jumped at the chance. I enjoy working with the children and getting to experience each day through their eyes. It is wonderful to be a part of such a caring faculty and staff.
Jennifer Weaver, PreK5 Teacher, Senior Staff Designee
My name is Jen Weaver. I have a degree in elementary education from Salisbury University and joined the Anchors-A-Wee team in 2015. I live in Arnold with my husband, two daughters (both attended Anchors-A-Wee!), and two beagles. While I previously taught 2nd and 3rd grades, I enjoy the preschool setting the most! I love coming to work to teach and prepare the children for success in Kindergarten!
Nikki Zdun, 3’s Assistant Teacher
Hi my name is Nikki Zdun. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked in a wide variety of child care fields. I have lived on the Broadneck Peninsula for 17 years now. I’m married and my husband and I have 3 active boys. Two of my boys graduated from Anchors-A-Wee. I absolutely fell in love with AAW while they attended. So when I was offered a position, I eagerly accepted it. It has been a big transition for me since I had been a stay-at-home mom for a little over 12 years. I’m absolutely loving working with your littles!
Laura Superczyski, 2’s Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Laura Superczynski. I grew up in Cape St. Claire, and just love that I still call Annapolis my hometown. My husband, Bill, and I have three daughters, all of whom attended Anchors-A-Wee. It was then that I fell in love with our sweet school, and was thrilled when the opportunity arose to come join the AAW family as a teacher.
I have a bachelors in Elementary Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Master of Library Science from the University of Maryland-College Park. Prior to having my girls, born in 2005, 2006, and 2011, I worked as an elementary school media specialist with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. I adored the years I was able to be at home with my daughters, and those years certainly did go by fast! When I am not serving as their mom Uber driver, I enjoy cooking, singing, and finding a good Netflix binge! I am truly thankful to be here at AAW, and look forward to an amazing year ahead.
Beth Perry, 4’s Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Beth Perry. I was a former preschool teacher at Heritage learning center in Annapolis for 18 years. I’m very excited to be part of Anchors-A-Wee Preschool. My daughter Alyssa, who is now 16, is AAW Alumni. I have experience teaching 2s, 3s, 4s, PreK, and enrichment programs. I love seeing the kids go through the year and master new adventures and just watching them grow through the year. I truly enjoy art work and glitter. I have been married 30 years. I have a 27 year old son Christopher and a daughter in law Whitney. I am a proud Noni “ grandma “ of my 3 year old grandson, Jaxson and I have a 16 year old daughter Alyssa. Im looking forward to start my new adventure with my new AAW family.
Coree Cornelius, Teacher
Hello! My name is Coree Cornelius. While I’m not from Maryland originally, the Broadneck Peninsula is the place my family decided to call our “forever home” once my husband retired from 25 years of active duty service in the military. Throughout our 12 Navy moves, which brought us to California, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Virginia to name just a few of the states where we’ve lived, I worked as a high school and middle school certified special education teacher, and also had the opportunity to work with first grade students.
When our daughter was in preschool and elementary school, I had the privilege of being able to volunteer regularly at her schools. Working with preschool age students is a joy, and watching their excitement as they make friends, learn, sing, dance, create art, and play makes me smile
Ellie Thorne, Art Teacher
Hello, my name is Ellie Thorne, and I am so excited to teach art at Anchors-A-Wee. I grew up on the Broadneck Peninsula where I met my husband. We have three amazing kids, two boys and a girl that we decided to raise in our hometown. Both my sons attended preschool at Anchor’s-A-Wee, and our daughter will too when she is old enough. Prior to teaching art at Anchors-A-Wee, I taught third and fourth grade at Broadneck Elementary. I have a Master’s Degree in Differentiated Instruction and 13 years experience teaching in the classroom. In addition to teaching art and raising my three kids, I also tutor children in Anne Arundel County. I am very excited to join the Anchor’s-A-Wee family and share my love of art with your children.
Jill Mahoney, Teacher
Hello! My name is Jill Mahoney. I grew up in Anne Arundel County and have lived in Arnold since 2003. My first teaching position was in 2001 in Anne Arundel County Schools. I taught for 8 years there until the birth of my second child when I took off to stay at home with my family. I now have a child in high school, one in middle school and the youngest is still in elementary school. When I am not driving my children from activity to activity I enjoy reading, and digging in the garden. I am excited to join the staff at AAW and very excited to have the opportunity of working with the children at AAW.