Staff Members
All staff members at Good Shepherd Preschool meet or exceed the educational requirements of the Maryland State Department of Education.
All teachers of Early Pre-Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten classes have bachelor's or master's degrees, experience working with young children, and additional training and coursework in early childhood education. Assistant teachers have at minimum high school diplomas, experience working with young children, and additional training and coursework in early childhood education.
The directors, teachers, and assistant teachers participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential program, which requires extensive continuing education in child development, early childhood curriculum, special needs, professionalism, communication, and health, safety, and nutrition. Staff members are certified in First Aid and CPR and are active members of area Christian congregations.
Mrs. Jennifer Coxson
Administrative Director
My job at GSLP is: I work with parents on school forms and tuition, and keep track of the budget and other administrative jobs.
About me: I am an Army brat and moved a lot when I was a child. I still love to travel and to read books. I have 3 tall sons and am told that I am now the shrimp of the family. I have a Master of Business Administration degree as well as college-level coursework in child development, early childhood curriculum, and administration of child care programs. I spent three years working in our classrooms before becoming co-director in 2014.
What I like most about working at GSLP is: I love seeing the little kids. I also love all of the events and service opportunities that are available.
When I'm not at GSLP, I am: Reading, doing water aerobics, grocery shopping and dreaming of future trips!
Mrs. Sandra Lawson
Educational Program Director
My job at GSLP is: I help children explore and understand their world as they make new discoveries about who they are, what they like, and learn new things. My job is to give my students a sense of safety, purpose, awe, and comfort as they go on the journey of growing up.
About me: I'm originally from Los Angeles, California, but I have been a Maryland transplant for 17 years. I have always been in the education field, even peripherally — I worked for a tutoring company through college, then as a high school teacher, and then as a program manager that worked closely with school on grants and character programs. I have two wonderful kiddos: an 11-year-old son, who did 3 years at GSLP, and a 9-year-old daughter, who did 2 years at GSLP. I was a stay-at-home mom after my son was born, and I was blessed to join the GSLP team in 2018!
What I like most about working at GSLP is: There are so many wonderful things about working at GSLP. The sense of wonder a child brings to the class is contagious! I have amazing coworkers who help each other, find plenty of reasons to laugh and are always building each other up! I love getting to know each child and watching them shine!
When I'm not at GSLP, I am: Outside of GSLP I love to cook — it's my love language, so I am always exploring new recipes or baking a sweet treat for my friends and family. I enjoy reading, shopping, sewing, volunteering at our elementary school, planning playdates for my kids, hiking and writing. I have just discovered running and have coupled that with an active gym life. My favorite thing to do it to hang out with my kids exploring the DC and Baltimore area.