Our Staff:
Jody Figuerido, M.Ed
Director of The Institute for Education and Professional Development
Jody has been working in the field of early childhood education since 1987. She began her career as a director of an early education and care program which expanded from 30 children to 109 during her twelve years of employment. In 2001, Jody accepted a position as the statewide training coordinator for The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). In this capacity she provided oversight for training at the 15 CCR&Rs and developed and conducted training for EEC. In 2005, Jody joined Child Development and Education, Inc. as the director of The Institute for Education and Professional Development. She develops and provides professional development for educators throughout the state, oversees a staff of four, and participates in grant writing and implementation. Jody is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Adult Learning at Lesley University, focusing on culturally responsive professional development. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Stonehill College and a Master's Degree from Lesley University in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction.
Linda Delano Schumacher, M.Ed.
Early Education and Care Specialist
Linda holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education. With over 30 years of experience in the early education and care field, Linda has taught in public and private settings, center-based child care, and her own family child care program. Her development of training curriculum draws from her own years of teaching and includes practical tools and techniques for learners to apply in their own settings, the use online and community resources, and adult learner theories of practice. Linda has presented at state and national conferences, including EEC conferences, MassAEYC, NAEYC, and NAFCC. She also writes curriculum and articles for Quality Curriculum, published bi-monthly by IEPD. Linda is a certified instructor for Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), SpecialQuest Birth to Five, and The Center for the Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (CSEFEL). She is also an appointed member of the NAFCC Accreditation Advisory Council where she helps to develop, approve and monitor the policies which govern the NAFCC accreditation system.
Judy Battista, M.Ed
Early Education and Care Specialist
Judy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's of Education in e where Human Services. She has been involved in the early childhood profession for over 35 years. During that time she has been a teacher, program and educational director, training specialist, and a consultant in the field of early education and care. Judy currently works for the Institute for Education and Professional Development in the West Springfield office where she develops and facilitates training for early childhood educators. She has presented at many conferences such as NAEYC, MassAEYC, A View from All Sides, All Together Now, and the EEC Institute. Judy designs and facilitates trainings that will help educators advance to higher levels on the QRIS, such as Overview of QRIS, Planning Your Professional Development Using an IPDP, and Use of the QRIS Measurement Tools. Although her specialization is in curriculum development and leadership, her spectrum of topics is broad and widespread. Judy writes curriculum and articles for Quality Curriculum, published regularly by IEPD. She is certified to teach the Massachusetts Early Education and Care courses Including Children Birth to Five with Disabilities and their Families in Early Education and Care Settings, Family Child Care Orientation, MA Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences (online) and The Core Competencies (online).
Gail Epstein, M.S.Ed.
Early Education and Care Specialist
Gail holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's of Science Degree in Education with a special focus on Family Studies. Gail has a wealth of experience in the early childhood field. She has worked as an Educational Consultant for a MA Family Network program, Mental Health Coordinator at a Headstart program, and the Director of Early Childhood Education in Rhode Island. Additionally, Gail has taught early childhood classes at Quinsigamond Community College as well as serving as a Child Development Associate Council Representative conducting verification visits.
Currently, Gail works for The Institute for Education and Professional Development where she designs and facilitates trainings as well as writes articles for Quality, a bimonthly curriculum publication.
Vanity Martinez
Administrative Assistant
Vanity Martinez has been working at The Institute for Education and Professional Development as an Administrative Assistant since 2007. Her responsibilities include customer service, data collection, and scheduling. In addition, Vanity works closely with each of our trainers to prepare, plan and assure that each training meets our quality standards. Vanity teaches CPR and First Aid and is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.