My name is Amanda Pack. I have been teaching at The Caring Center for the last twelve wonderful years. Along with my time at The Caring Center I have worked with all ages and have experience with children of all kinds. I have also earned my undergraduate degree at Temple University and my teaching certification all while being a mother to two lovely little boys. In addition, 

I believe this cohort will fulfill the missing component with my diversity knowledge being a recreational leader at my second job. With that being said, I Can not wait to begin this learning experience with all of you! 

My name is Ariel Vicchairelli and I have worked at the Caring Center for over 21 years.  I am the head teacher a young toddler classroom and work with children ranging in age from 12-24 months.  I have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Philadelphia. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, and I hold my PA teaching certification in Pre-K- 4.  In my spare time I enjoy completing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles and running in marathons and other long-distance races.  I have two cats named Abby and Black Cat.

My name is Deardra Blow. I am the owner/operator of Magic Moments Family Child Care in Philadelphia. My program is rated Keystone STARS 4, NAFCC nationally accredited. My program has been in operation since July 2011. I opened my childcare program after taking an early retirement from Verizon in 2010. I am also an Early Head Start partner site. I am a mother of 3 young adults and grandmother of 2.

Over the years I have taken various training courses for professional development. I became interested in PRIDE sometime last year when I joined a webinar on the topic. I shared a personal experience on the last webinar and look forward to engaging and gaining knowledge in this program.

I was born and grew up in “Azazga” which is a beautiful town in Tizi-Ouzou province in northern Algeria. I am a Kabylian woman (Amazigh). My native language is Kabyle (Tamazight). I speak English, Arabic and French as well.

I got my associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Philadelphia. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in management that I obtained in my home country. I am holding a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education that I obtained from Arcadia University.

LaToya Monroe is a multifaceted leader renowned for her dedication to community empowerment and education. Monroe is the founder and CEO of three early childhood learning centers throughout the city of Philadelphia. With a heart of service, she is dedicated to providing the highest quality education and learning environment for Philadelphia's youngest children. She is a witness to the educational process, having spent the majority of her career in education, her mission in creating Early Literacy Academy Childcare Center is to provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for children six weeks to five years old.

Her centers provide children with research-based learning opportunities designed through inquiry and play that capitalize on a child’s natural curiosity and excitement. The centers focus on all aspects of a child’s development including language, social, emotional, physical and cognitive behaviors, while fostering partnerships with families and the surrounding community that set the founda0on for lifelong learning, health, and well-being.

My name is Milagros Diaz and I have a deep passion for Early Childhood Education. I have over 30 years of experience in the field and for the past 23 years, I have worked as lead toddler teacher at Children’s Village Childcare Center. Children’s Village is a NAEYC accredited center serving over 450 children located in the Chinatown section of Philadelphia. I actively work to create a developmentally appropriate inclusive learning environment. Where cultural awareness is embraced and every child feels loved, safe, seen, valued, and empowered. I am currently pursuing my teaching certification as I work toward my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern University. Additionally, I am deeply engaged in ECE public policy initiatives, and I advocate for policies that support high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all children. As I continue to grow as an educator and advocate, I remain dedicated to empowering young learners, supporting their families, and contributing to meaningful change in the field of early childhood education. 

Shineal Hunter (she/her) is a 4th generation child care professional with 17+ years in ECE field and 10+ years in Human & Behavioral Health Service field. She is the CEO, owner and operator of a high quality child care center located in Philadelphia, PA. She attended Lincoln University and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Psychology and a dual M.S.Education Administration and Adult Continuing Education from Cheyney University.  

She plays a significant role in advocacy and organizing locally, statewide and on the federal level. She is a founding member of Family Child Care Coalition, the Voice of ECE, two provider-led initiatives that developed a For Us, By Us philosophy. As a volunteer member of the Southern Eastern Pennsylvania Early Childhood Coalition she co-chairs the advocacy committee. In addition she is a member of Pennsylvania Statewide Provider Advisory Council and PA NDWA member and works with Community Change Action’s Childcare Changemakers national campaign.

I was born and raised in "Delco", where I still reside and work, always a block away from Philadelphia and Montgomery County. I have provided childcare to families from all three areas since I started my career in 2012, during which I have been a Nanny, Teacher, Group Supervisor, Center Admin, Enrollment Specialist, and Director. I completed my bachelor's degree in 2016 with a study focus in Culture and Diversity.  I have written both an Infant-Toddler and Preschool curriculum for my current center, The Llanerch Day School. I currently homeschool my two children, now going into 4th and 9th grade in the 2025-2026 school year. I consider myself a child advocate first and foremost and a student second. This is the philosophy I carry with me as a homeschooling parent and childcare professional. I have enjoyed the network of other childcare professionals I have met through First Up and look forward to learning through further engagements together in the 2025 Philly Teacher Village.