Admin Team
Director, Child Development Center
Shira Kulok
Shira joined the GMU CDC team in August of 2016. Having spent the past 12 years with international early care and education provider, Bright Horizons, nine of which she served as Center Director, Shira brings a wealth of experience and expertise in areas of child development, parent partnerships, client relations, and early childhood curriculum.
Shira earned her MS.Ed in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City, and has worked with young children and families for over 20 years. She is excited to share her knowledge and creativity with the CDC team, and develop new and exciting partnerships on the Mason campus to enhance and further develop the education program of the CDC, while meeting the diverse needs of Mason families.
In addition to her passion to support the development of young children in the classroom, Shira believes in nurturing the growth of each child from within. Having personally experienced the benefits of yoga and mindfulness, Shira obtained her certification in teaching yoga and mindfulness to children from Budding Yogis at Circle Yoga in Chevy Chase, MD. Through fun, child-centered games and activities, children develop skills that promote emotional awareness, conflict resolution and compassion for others. When not practicing yoga, Shira enjoys time with her husband and 2 children in their Falls Church City home and neighborhood, as well as hiking, writing, and cooking.
Assistant Director - Coming Soon!
Fiscal and Administrative Assistant
Karen Prodo
Miss Karen joined the CDC in March 2015 as the Fiscal and Administrative Assistant. She has a B.S. in Management Science from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Miss Karen worked in human resources for twelve years before becoming a full-time stay at home mom. Prior to coming to the CDC, she spent the last six years as an administrative assistant at a local area preschool. In her spare time, Miss Karen enjoys reading, cooking, knitting and spending time with her family.