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.

Debra Anne Henegar, Lead teacher/Mentor, Preschool

Ms. Henegar spent 27 wonderful years as a kindergarten teacher with Rutherford County Schools.  She earned her Master of Arts Degree from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee and a BS degree from Middle Tennessee State University.  In her tenure as kindergarten teacher she was 2005 Who's Who among American Teachers, 2004 Teacher of the year for Smyrna Primary School, and Reading Renaissance Model Classroom Teacher for four years in a row.  Ms. Debbie is trained as a Dibels team member, Gesell Development Examiner, Science Kit Trainer, Renaissance Cooperative teacher.  She has also participated in  Peabody Vanderbilt Mentoring Program, Writer's Academy, and the Touch Math Program.  Ms. Debbie is married to Fred Henegar and has a beautiful daughter Beth, who attends MTSU.  She will serve as mentor and guide to MTSU students, and full time preschool classroom teacher beginning in Spring 2013.