"When it comes to working with children, I value my time spent with each child. At the end of the day, we realize we aren't only teaching our children, we are learning from them as well."
- Celia Wade
Director
Key People
The faces and knowledge behind the teaching and care at Lighthouse Early Childhood Center
Celia Wade
Co-Director
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I grew up in Staunton, a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Mary Baldwin University and Ashworth College. I have more than 32 years of experience working with children from preschool age through fifth grade. I have 7 years experience working with children with special needs and have my CLM certification with CDA endorsement. I've worked as assistant director of a preschool in Staunton for 2 years and have previously directed this preschool for 6 years. My husband and I have 3 grown children and 4 precious grandchildren.
Arantxa Wade
Co Director
and Lead Teacher
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I grew up here, a graduate from Buffalo Gap High School. I've attended Richard Bland, the College of William and Mary in Petersburg, VA, and am currently working towards my bachelor's degree in education. I have worked with children for over 10 years, both in daycare facilities and public schools. Most recently, I worked for 7 years in August County Schools as an aide in elementary and EL classrooms. I am fluent in Spanish, certified in CPR and early childhood care. I have three young children of my own, a wonderful husband and a lovely pup named Lola. I recently graduated from Blue Ridge Community College with an associates degree. Currently, I am enrolled at James Madison University where I plan to get my bachelors.
"When it comes to working with children, I value their uniqueness. Each child brings their own individual creativity to every aspect of our day, making every day a new adventure."
- Arantxa Wade
Co-Director
