Maria Blanco, M.Ed.
Maria Blanco is an experienced early childhood specialist. Driven by a desire to help all children reach their potential, she takes pride in building the capacity of systems to provide quality early learning experiences. As an early childhood advocate, her goals include working with communities to increase access to high quality, inclusive early childhood programs and supporting professionals and families to identify developmental concerns as early as possible. In addition to developing, implementing and evaluating early childhood programs, she provides training and technical assistance in early intervention, inclusive practices, and developmental screening and surveillance. Maria represents the interests of children and families with disabilities on numerous state and local boards and commissions. Maria and her husband enjoy entertaining friends, and spending time with their three daughters (the youngest of whom has autism), four grandchildren, and two Australian shepherds.
Kisha Petty, M.Ed.
Germaine Collins
Ms. Collins has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of Southern at New Orleans. She has dedicated the last 20 year’s enriching children through teaching. Ms. Collins is also the proud mother of two daughters. Germaine enjoys shopping, eating out, and spending time with family in her spare time. She is the Lead Toddler Teacher at the LSU HDC Early Learning Center.
Maria Konolige
Maria Konolige is an Assistant Toddler Teacher at HDC’s Early Learning Center. She earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Delaware County Community College. Maria has worked in Early Childhood Education for the past 10 years. She believes that every child can succeed in life if they have a strong foundation in their early childhood education. Maria is the proud mother of two grown children. She enjoys trying new restaurants and going to the many festivals that our City has to offer.
