Our Team

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our dedicated childcare professionals at the DLC are here to help your child thrive in our care.

Philicia Leftwich

Assistant Director

Philicia Leftwich is a loving, devoted mother of 5. She started her journey with young children while working in a summer program for the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department in arts and crafts at the age of 14. While in high school, she entered a Co-op program that allowed her to get out of school early and work at a daycare at the age 16. She continued to work there for five more years after receiving her high school diploma.

Philicia started at the Developmental Learning Center in 1998 and has worked with all age group classrooms as a teacher. She served as a lead teacher for over 15 years before being promoted to Assistant Director. Her favorite classroom is the preschoolers because they are always full of joy, laughter, and love, and there’s never a dull moment.

Philicia began her education at Eastfield Community College and has completed many child development classes. She currently holds a CDA credential in preschool and a Director’s Certificate. She is currently finishing up her associate’s degree in early childhood education and is set to graduate in 2024.

Philicia enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, watching football, going to movies, and shopping. Her favorite bible scripture is PSALMS 23 because growing up, her mother taught her that no matter what they’re facing, God is always with them.

Morgan Shabay

Director

Mrs. Morgan Shabay serves as the Director of the Developmental Learning Center and brings over 17 years of experience in childcare and public school education. Throughout her career, she has worked with children across a wide range of developmental stages, from early childhood to elementary, including 5th grade Special Education. This diverse background has given her a deep understanding of how children grow, learn, and thrive at every stage.

In addition to her work in education, Morgan spent five years in social services as a Child Protective Specialist, supporting families and children in meaningful ways and strengthening her passion for community-centered care and support.

Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Education with a focus in School Counseling. Her continued studies reflect her commitment to supporting not only children’s academic development, but also their emotional and social well-being.

Morgan believes that high-quality childcare is about much more than supervision; it is a place where children build confidence, develop friendships, explore their curiosity, and grow into capable and compassionate individuals. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, supported, and excited to learn.

Outside of her professional life, Morgan is a proud mom to her daughter Beckham and is married to her husband, Chris. As a family, they enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and hosting gatherings at their home with friends and family. These experiences reflect Morgan’s love for building community.

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." — Willy Wonka
This quote reflects Morgan’s belief that every child has the potential to create, explore, and dream in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Meet Our Lead Teachers

  • Ms. Maria

    Infant A
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Lindsey

    Infant B
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Barbara

    Pre-Toddler
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Carla

    Toddlers
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Tisha

    2’s
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Nadyah

    Preschool
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Sylvia

    4’s
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Melissa

    4’s
    Lead Teacher

  • Ms. Elina

    Kinder-Ready
    Lead Teacher

About Our Teachers

Our early childhood education teachers provide children with a safe, loving and nurturing environment, ensuring that we meet children’s needs in all areas physical, emotional, social and cognitive.

Our lead teachers have at least three years of childcare experience and a Child Development Associates Credential or an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from an accredited college or university. Every employee must maintain 24 hours or more of training in the areas of child development or early childhood education on a yearly basis. All teachers are required to have FBI fingerprinting, Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) background check, CPR certification, first aid training, and 24 hours of pre-service training in the following areas: recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome and understanding early child brain development. In addition, our Director must maintain 30 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from an accredited college or university and 5 business management hours annually.

Supporting the Growth of Our Teachers

The DLC is a host site for the Camp Fire First Texas Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP). This is a teacher training opportunity to earn a CDA and college courses.

Learn more

Contact Us

If you have more questions or would like to speak with someone from the DLC, please let us know. We’ll be happy to help.