A Landmark Organization

Founded in 1989, Children of the World Co-op, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Co-op runs a gently-structured playgroup for families with children ages 6 months to 4 years old. We welcome new members, including those new to Baltimore and those new to the United States.

Our Mission

The mission of Children of the World Co-op is to provide a nurturing, safe and fun environment where international and American families come together in Baltimore to join in friendship, cooperation and mutual support while building a sense of community. We offer an early-education playgroup program that is affordable, promotes tolerance and celebrates cultural diversity. We also offer parenting resources and adult English language instruction.

Program Director

Christina Gay

The daughter of teachers for Department Of Defense Dependent Services in Spain, Christina spent her childhood traveling to Morocco and camping through Europe. She has lived in Baltimore’s Pen Lucy neighborhood since 1998, and has been a member of COTW since 2019. Her son is beginning his preschool journey at First English Lutheran Preschool, so she is glad to be able to continue to work with small children.

Christina is looking forward to continuing the COTW mission of fostering a fun and safe playgroup for all members of the community. 

Favorite color: Yellow 

Favorite craft: Card making (http://cg-says.blogspot.com)

Favorite activity: Walking to the Waverly library with her son

ESL Teacher

Jeff Crabtree

Mr Jeff has been working with our English learners since January of 2023. He is well loved in our community and his students recommend him to all of their friends. He tailors lessons to the English level of his students, sometimes splitting instruction time to meet each student at their appropriate level. Prior to teaching with us, he taught English via zoom and has a certificate in teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Outside of teaching English, Mr Jeff is retired and loves spending time with his grandchildren.

Charities Administrator

Caitlin Brauer

Caitlin has been on the board of directors since October 2017, a member since May 2017. She served first as secretary and then has been the President of the Board since October of 2018. In October 2023, she was offered an administrative position in the organization to help maintain institutional knowledge and support the new board leadership as well as continue to support our program and assume responsibility for all 501(c)3 filings and other administrative tasks associated with being a registered nonprofit. She has 3 children, all of whom have grown up going to Children of the World Co-op from infancy through elementary school.

Board of Directors

The business and affairs of Children of the World Co-op, Inc. are managed by its Board of Directors, each serving a one year renewable term. Directors are elected by the General Membership at the Annual Meeting of the Corporation, held in October of each year. Regular meetings are open to all Co-op members.

The Current Board Officers (Term Ending October 2024)

Officers:
Bethan McGarry, President

Taylor Du, Vice President
Johanna Seymour, Treasurer

Julia Tilghman, Secretary

Marmie Fishel, Member Representative

Rifat Rifa, Member Representative

Lindsey Nieberlein, Member Representative

Juistina Chiapelli, Member Representative

Sidra Hadi, Member Representative

Angela Pinaglia, Member Representative

Jenny Acosta, Member Representative

Advisors:
Alicia Morgan-Cooper, M.D.