Our Founders and Administrative Team
Amanda Vogel
Mrs. Vogel brings with her twelve years of experience working in the field of special education and childcare. Mrs. Vogel worked within the Baltimore County Public School system for eleven years as a para-educator and in the special education office, where she supported special education classrooms. Mrs. Vogel is an expert at collaborating with many stakeholders to create individualized plans to support students' unique learning needs.
Additionally, Mrs. Vogel holds certification as a Behavior Technician and is experienced in providing direct ABA services to children on the autism spectrum. Her skills are specialized to develop language and social communication through developmentally appropriate play activities. She believes that children learn best when it is fun, playful, and interactive.
Mrs. Vogel's true passion lies in working with the two-year-olds in a preschool program. In her classroom, Mrs. Vogel works collaboratively to provide an inclusive, interactive environment that focuses on a child’s sense of self.
Contact Mrs. Vogel at avogel@embarkeducationmd.com
Kelly Pucillo
Ms. Pucillo has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for the past twenty-three years. During this time, she has worn several hats including classroom teacher, Science Instructor, and with her most recent decade as a member of the administrative team at Davenport Towson and Hunt Valley.
As a classroom teacher, Ms. Pucillo is an expert in the development of children between the ages of 2-3. Understanding that young children learn best through modeling and exploration, she excels in the art of purposeful play with children. Through this “play” she teaches valuable life skills such as active listening, turn taking, empathy, patience, and self-regulation all the while addressing early academics. Ms. Pucillo also brings with her years of experience with building successful plans for toilet training, and working with parents to establish basic routines and independence within the home.
In her roll as an administrator, Ms. Pucillo partners with parents and families to provide successful education and life skills to the children in her care. She works closely with parents to address difficult topics such as family crisis, divorce, behavior management, educational assessments, and preparation for entering kindergarten. Ms. Pucillo is often a contributing member of many team meetings assessing the needs for special accommodations within classroom settings (IEP and IFSP). In addition, she works to mentor faculty both in and out of the classroom to meet the needs of their individual class of children. Finally, she brings with her years of experience in the daily operations of a preschool environment, as well as how to hire successful quality educators.
Contact Ms. Pucillo at kpucillo@embarkeducationmd.com
Becca Roberts
Mrs. Roberts started teaching in a classroom when she was only 15 years old. Through her many roles as teaching assistant, camp counselor, youth educator, family education, teacher, and mom, Mrs. Roberts brings a unique perspective to the preschool classroom and to young parents.
Through her years in formal and informal education, Mrs. Roberts is consistently recognized for her creativity in the learning environment. Utilizing different classroom designs, unconventional toys, and sensory play, she opens the children's mind to discovery, creativity, and critical-thinking skills. Mrs. Roberts consistently reinforces language and math literacy through play by modeling skills and providing opportunities that encourage children to practice early literacy skills and persevere through tough challenges.
In her various roles, counselor, educator and mom, Mrs. Roberts has nearly fifteen years of experience working with children with extra needs, educational assessment teams, medical teams, and advocating with families to address their child's needs and abilities. Having children with extra needs herself, Mrs. Roberts is uniquely poised to help families navigate this difficult and often confusing time.
Contact Mrs. Roberts at broberts@embarkeducationmd.com