Board of Directors

 
 
PRESIDENT
Carole Mahady

PRESIDENT

- Carole Mahady -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Carole Mahady, LMI's capital infrastructure and real estate practice area lead, brings a 20+years of expertise to Main Street CDC's board. With a background in land development and wireless telecommunications, she excels in managing, coordinating, and designing projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and innovation. Carole's strong leadership and commitment to safety, critical schedules, and community involvement make her a valuable asset to our organization. She holds a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo and an MBA from Iona College. She is passionate about closing the gap for women in salary, leadership, and wealth and providing opportunities for individuals to leverage their passions and skills to improve society’s biggest problems. She is a graduate of Leadership Fairfax 2023 class, and she holds a BA in Religious Studies from Florida International University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University.

VICE PRESIDENT
Susan Baker

BOARD MEMBER

- Susan Baker -
Continuous Improvement Officer, DC Government

Susan Baker has been connected with Main Street for many years, having served on the Board previously from 2021-2016. Susan is a retired HR professional that has worked extensively with government and noprofit organizations. Susan was essential in building human capital strategic plans and supporting the growth of organizations. Susan is excited to continue her service to Main Street.

TREASURER

- Patricia Wilcox -
Vice President, Commercial Banking

Tricia Wilcox is a Vice President at PNC Bank. With over 15 years in commercial banking, she helps businesses and nonprofits achieve their financial goals and pursue their corporate missions. She also has experience with process improvement projects, strategic planning, and sales development. She holds a BS in Marketing and a BA in Hispanic Languages and Literatures from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as an MBA from George Washington University. With three young children of her own, she is personally invested in early childhood education.

 
MEMBER
Elif Tulgar Ekingen

BOARD MEMBER

- Elif Tulgar Ekingen -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Elif is the Chief Financial Officer for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), where she leads a team of 42 individuals who support the work of the agency. During her ten years working for Fairfax County, she has been dedicated to ensuring equitable financial decisions are made so that everyone in our community has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Elif has contributed to multiple projects promoting equity, diversion and inclusion at the county, including the Equity Ambassadors Program and the county-wide strategic planning process, where she served as a core member of the Health and the Environment Team.

BOARD MEMBER

- Ana Hoover -
ESOL Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools

Ana Hoover is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over 39 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators. She has worked in a wide range of roles, including teacher, coach, mentor, and college instructor, and currently teaches courses at Northern Virginia Community College. Ana is deeply committed to inclusive practices, family engagement, and high-quality early learning experiences. Throughout her career, she has provided coaching and professional development for Early Head Start Family Child Care educators, supported CDA® candidates, and contributed to local and regional early childhood initiatives. Ana is known for her collaborative approach, her passion for mentoring adult learners, and her ability to translate research into meaningful, practical strategies. Beyond her professional work, Ana enjoys gardening, cooking, baking bread, traveling, and spending time with her husband, three adult children, and two grandchildren. Her work is grounded in both deep expertise and a genuine love for supporting others, making a lasting impact on the early childhood community.

BOARD MEMBER

- Andrea Martinez -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Andrea Martinez is a first generation American, native Spanish speaker, and a mom to a wonderful little boy. Professionally she is a Program Manager at Stand Together Fellowships, a nonprofit supporting social entrepreneurs across society working in education, communities, business, and government. Prior to joining the Stand Together Community, Andrea was at the American Association of University Women working on issues of pay equity and economic security and delivering AAUW’s economic security and leadership programs, including Work Smart, Money Smart, and Empower with partners across the U.S. including, Women.NYC and the City of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about closing the gap for women in salary, leadership, and wealth and providing opportunities for individuals to leverage their passions and skills to improve society’s biggest problems. She is a graduate of Leadership Fairfax 2023 class, and she holds a BA in Religious Studies from Florida International University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University.

BOARD MEMBER
Mackenzie Mastal

BOARD MEMBER

- Mackenzie Mastal -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Mackenzie is a Senior Consultant at CGI Federal, where she supports project management and communications across multiple initiatives. Her passion for service and community engagement is shaped by three key influences: leading her sector’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, which strengthened her commitment to impact driven work; her studies in Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Virginia, which reinforced her focus on mission oriented solutions; and the example set by her mom, a former preschool teacher, whose lifelong dedication to children inspired Mackenzie’s interest in early childhood education.

 
   

BOARD MEMBER

- Christine Schull -
Professor, Early Childhood Education Program, Northern Virginia Community College

Christine Schull is a professor in the Early Childhood Education program at Northern Virginia Community College where she trains students who are currently in the early childhood field, or looking to enter it. Prior to her work at NOVA, she was a research fellow for the Rural Poverty Research Institute, where she examined school readiness and physical health. At various points, she has taught infants, toddlers and preschoolers in child care settings. She also taught first grade in the Spanish immersion program in Fairfax County Public Schools. Christine believes that a crucial part of addressing children's school readiness is by supporting the workforce through professional development. Her most recent work has focused on professional development pathways. She also recently coauthored a textbook on language and literacy from birth to age 5, and along with Dr. La Croix and other colleagues, published it in a free online repository: https://viva.pressbooks.pub/earlychildhoodliteracy/ 

Christine attained her MA in Child Development at Michigan State University and her PhD at the University of Maryland. She served as a member of Virginia School Readiness Committee from 2016-2020. 

 
 
MEMBER
Colleen Vesely

BOARD MEMBER

- Colleen Vesely -
President, Marketing & Business Solutions

Colleen K. Vesely, Ph.D., is an associate professor and graduate Academic Program Coordinator (APC) of Inclusive Early Childhood Education in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Vesely’s scholarship uses Family-centered Participatory Action Research (FCPAR) and Community-based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) approaches to transform systems of oppression and injustice within early care and education to create equity. Dr. Vesely is the creator of the Raising Unicorns website (www.raisingunicorns.org) focused on raising gender expansive children in a gender binary world. Raising Unicorns provides resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers to support and affirm gender expansive children. Dr. Vesely received her PhD in Family Science from the University of Maryland-College Park in 2011.

Our Administrative Staff

 
 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

- Susan Keightley-

Susan comes to Main Street with over 25 years of experience in the early childhood field! Most recently from the Child and Family Network Centers in Alexandria, VA, Susan served as the Director of Partners and Engagement She led a team of educators and family support personnel to best provide for the children and families - much like here at Main Street! At heart, Susan is a great supporter of educators. She’s worked at the University of Maryland, where she worked to provide students with the support needed to excel in their own early childhood teaching careers.
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DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

- Katherine Pardo Polo -

Katherine Pardo has steadily advanced through key leadership roles within the organization. She was promoted to Office Manager in the fall of 2015, became Director of Finance & Administration in 2019, and served as Assistant Director beginning in 2022. Today, Katherine holds the position of Director of Finance, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy and oversees fiscal operations with precision and integrity. She holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Her educational background, paired with extensive leadership experience, enables her to guide the organization’s financial strategy and streamline operations with confidence and precision. “My faith is a guiding force in how I lead—with integrity, compassion, and purpose.” Fun Fact: Katherine is originally from Bolivia and has a deep appreciation for the small joys in life—quite literally. She’s especially fond of the Alasitas Festival, a beloved Bolivian tradition where people purchase miniature versions of their dreams as symbolic wishes for the future. Whether it’s a tiny house representing hopes for a loving home or a miniature business symbolizing entrepreneurial success, Katherine finds inspiration in the idea that even the smallest things can carry big meaning. Katherine says “It is an honor to be part of this beautiful organization. I feel especially proud to witness the growth and empowerment of our families throughout their time with us. Watching them find their voice—advocating for their children and embracing a sense of belonging within our Main Street family—is deeply inspiring. This connection fosters a strong support system that uplifts not only the individual but the entire community”. Katherine’s favorite thing to do is go on nature walks with her family. “I cherish spending quality time with my loved ones, especially through meaningful experiences and connections with nature and new places. These moments not only bring us closer together but also create lasting memories that nourish the soul.”

TEACHER MENTOR & COACH

- Susan Rismiller -

Susan Rismiller comes to Main Street after 25 years teaching young primary aged students in Fairfax County Public Schools’ special education classes. Susan founded and led her school’s first collegial support program, mentored over 12 pre-service and new teachers, and for over 7 years, collaborated as clinical faculty with George Mason University’s Special Education cohort. Susan served as Education Director at Main Street before taking on the new role of Teacher Mentor & Coach.

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Development Manager

- Christi Schwarten -

Christi Schwarten joined Main Street in 2018. She earned her Grants Professional Certification (GPC) in 2022. Prior to joining Main Street, Ms. Christi was the Cultural Arts and Marketing Specialist for the City of Fairfax for 2 years, and the Executive Director of the Fairfax Choral Society for nearly 8 years. Ms. Christi’s passion for children started early, through volunteerism in a preschool for children with disabilities while in college. She has taught theatre to kindergarten students, as well as vacation bible school and Sunday school.

Administrative Assistant

- Ruth Martinez -

Ruth Martinez joined Main Street Child Development Center in 2014 with over 30 years as an Administrative Assistant. Originally from El Salvador, Ms. Ruth graduated as a Bilingual Secretary in Public Relations. Before Main Street, she worked as the Administrative Assistant of the Presidency for ALDECA, an American company in El Salvador.

 
 

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

- Karla Albracht -

A native of Nicaragua. Karla is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker whose career spans over 30 years and has involved working with children ages 2 through 12 years old and their families. Past practice settings include the Health Department, Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health, and a public school preschool. I am currently in private practice in Fairfax. Karla is a big proponent of early intervention using a biopsychosocial framework. It makes perfect sense to get the families back on track so they may live optimally. Karla uses multiple treatment modalities including talk, play and sand therapy. It is a pleasure to be working with preschool children again.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

- Diana Iarussi -

Diana joined Mainstreet in Spring of 2024, excited to use her extensive experience, knowledge, and skills to assist our Mainstreet families. Born in Cali, Colombia, Diana is a native speaker of both Spanish and English. She graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Immigration Studies. Prior to graduating, Diana worked in multiple preschools and has seven years of experience working in childcare, specifically with children between the ages of 1 to 3 years old and with special-needs toddlers. Aside from her experience in childcare, Diana worked as an Administrative Assistant at NatureServe, a non-profit located in Arlington that helps collect data for biodiversity, and she also worked in the Provost's office at George Mason University.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

- Veronica Ruanova -

Veronica’s journey with Main Street began as a student when the center was still located in a church. As a teenager, she returned to volunteer for two years before joining the staff as an Assistant Teacher in 2012.
In 2019, Veronica became a Lead Teacher, and in 2024 she was appointed as the Education Coordinator. She has earned her CDA certification and is currently pursuing her associate's degree in early childhood education at NOVA.

Food Manager

- Aymee Robles -

Aymee, originally from El Salvador, has called the US home for over 23 years. She holds her Food Manager Certificate in Northern Virginia and has worked with children for many years. She takes pride in ensuring that all meals served at Main Street meet USDA requirements, helping children stay well-nourished and ready to learn every day. Aymee is also responsible for training teachers in USDA standards as well as organizing and supporting teachers for the morning shift, to ensure everyone is present and engaged in the classrooms.

Office Assistant

- Carlos Quiroz -

Carlos joined Main Street in 2022.

 
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Our Teaching Staff

 
Ruma Afrose
Eagles Lead Teacher

Eagles Teacher

- Ruma Afrose -

Ruma Afrose joined Main Street in 2024 as Program Support and then became the Teacher for the Eagles. Ruma is originally from Bangladesh, Dhaka and recently moved to the USA. Previously, she worked as an assistant professor in Dhaka. She worked in early childhood education in Toronto for over seven years. She enjoys working with children because they are a joy.

Leslee Aguilar
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Leslee Aguilar -

Leslee Aguilar started at Main Street in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher.

Lead Teacher

- Leigh Colbert-Martin -

Leigh Colbert-Martin joined Main Street Child Development Center in 2024. Previously she was a licensed home child care provider for 24 years. In 2005 she earned her career studies certificate in Infant and Toddler Care from Northern Virginia Community College. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading and making jewelry.

Assistant Teacher

- Daniela Carpio -

Daniela joined Main Street in 2025.

Christopher Cueller
Eagles Assistant Teacher

Eagles Assistant Teacher

- Christopher Cueller -

Christopher joined Main Street in 2025.

 
 
Mingyeong Dong
Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

- Mingyeong Dong -

Mingyeong Dong joined Main Street in 2006. Min is an Early Childhood Educator with extensive experience in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and HighScope settings, serving children from Pre-K through Grade 2. She is skilled in designing play-based, hands-on curriculum that integrates literacy and supports diverse learners. Min is committed to creating safe, nurturing environments and building strong partnerships with families. Min is bilingual in Korean and English. She holds a Masters of Eductation Degree from George Mason University in Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education - Diverse Learners).

Alcira Espinoza
Program Support

Program Support

- Alcira Espinoza -

Alcira Espinoza joined Main Street in 2023.

Jissela Galvis
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Jissela Galvis -

Jissela first joined Main Street in Program Support in 2024 and then as an Assistant Teacher.

Colleen Herbert
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Colleen Herbert -

Ms. Colleen Herbert has been with Main Street Child Development Center since 1999. Ms. Colleen has her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from Radford University. She was originally from Washington, DC and has lived here in Northern Virginia ever since. She has two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and swimming.

Blanca Herrera
Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

- Blanca Herrera -

Blanca joined Main Street in 2024. She brings over 25 years of experience from Alexandria, Va. to Main Street Child Development Center as a Preschool Teacher with a Master's degree in Systems of Education and CDA in Bilingual Education. She believes in the concept of superb quality childcare and effective teachers by Implementing Teaching Strategies Gold Curriculum, applying VKRP assessments, Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program, PALS-K Assessment Program (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) and the Implementation of the High/Scope curriculum, educational and recreational programs.

 
 
Ali Mahmuti
Program Support

Program Support

- Ali Mahmuti -

Mr. Ali joined Main Street in 2024.

Rosa Perez
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Rosa Perez -

Rosa Perez joined Main Street in 2018.

Yanis Otalora
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Yanis Otalora -

Yanis Otalora joined Main Street in 2026.

Maggie Quiroz
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Maggie Quiroz -

Maggie Quiroz joined Main Street as an Assistant Teacher in 2023.

 
 
Jose Rivas
Music Teacher

Music Teacher

- Jose Rivas -

Jose Rivas joined Main Street in 2018 and teaches Kindermusik as well as provides support in the classrooms.

Tizeta Seifu
Program Support

Program Support

- Tizeta Seifu -

Tizeta Seifu joined Main Street in 2026.

Piper Summers
Lead Teacher

Lead Teacher

- Piper Summers -

Piper Summers joined Main Street in 2026.

Virginia Susano
Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

- Virginia Susano -

Virginia Susano started at Main Street in 2016. She has her Early Childhod Education Certificate from The Early Childhood Institute as well as a Northern Virginia Food Handler Certificate.

 
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