Faculty and Staff

Elaine Mitchell Palmore, Director

Ms. Palmore has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, elementary school principal, and director of aftercare services in both public and private schools for the last 30 years. Her background and education are in The Montessori Method of Education and she has earned Montessori certification in both early childhood (3-5 years) and elementary education. Ms. Elaine's Masters Degree in Teaching is from Belmont University in Nashville where she received training and teaching experience in traditional teaching methods. In her role of director, Ms. Palmore's door is always open to counsel parents of enrolled CDC students, children, and MTSU students as needed.

Marzee Woodward, Lead teacher/Mentor, Infant/Toddler Program

Ms. Woodward serves as a model/mentor to MTSU students enrolled in CDFS 4380 and as lead teacher in the Infant/Toddler Program. She lectures on Fridays and counsels MTSU students throughout their semester on developmentally appropriate practices and professional teaching methods. Ms. Woodward holds a license to teach from the Tennessee Department of Education, a B.S degree in Elementary Education from MTSU, and a Masters Degree in Education from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. Ms. Woodward played an integral part in the CDC obtaining accreditation from the NAEYC.

Jackie Hamilton, Lead teacher/Mentor, Preschool Program

Ms. Hamilton serves as a model/mentor to the MTSU students enrolled in CDFS 4300 and as the lead teacher for the two sections of preschool students. She plans activities that are developmentally appropriate, simulating, challenging, and in compliance with NAEYC and DHS guidelines. Ms. Jackie lectures on Fridays and monitors and responds to needs of both CDC children and their parents. Ms. Hamilton is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education and holds a Masters Degree in Education from MTSU in Special Education and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from MTSU. Ms. Hamilton played and integral role in the NAEYC accreditation process as well as leading her team of teachers to earn the 3-Star Quality Rating from the Department of Human Services.