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May 19, 2020Longtime Genesis ECP Director Mary Davis was set to retire after 24 years this month, but in true Mary fashion, she has decided to stay on staff on a limited basis to assist in various ways. Assistant Director Melanie Gehrt will assume the director position beginning June 7, and Mary will continue to come to the school 1-2 days a week to help with HR, licensing, payroll and volunteer compliance work in addition to subbing.
Mary has been a member of CtR since 1992 and began her ministry teaching Religious Education classes. In 1997, she started working for Genesis, then called the CtR Prep School, as a 4-year-old teacher. The prep school was actually founded in 1996, which will make 2020-2021 its 25th year! It started out upstairs in the Administrative Building with a two-day-a-week program, about 40 students and eight staff members. She became the program director in 2005.
"I have watched it grow right along with the tremendous growth of the Parish," Mary said.
In 2013, after the completion of the Parish Life Center, Genesis moved to its current home. Over the years it has blossomed into a five-day-a-week school, with 2, 3, 4, and 5-day options for children from 18 months to 5 years. It serves over 200 children and their families and employs 40 staff members.
"I have loved the enthusiasm, playfulness, and excitement the children have about life and learning," Mary said. "I have been blessed and humbled to watch the children of Genesis grow up and honored to know their families."
"I am very proud of Genesis and what it has become. A large part of its success is the hard work of my Co-director Melanie Gehrt. Melanie's vision has made Genesis a place that encourages and develops children that prepares them for school and beyond. It also nurtures their learning of God and being part of a faith community, even at a young age. Genesis has a creativity, joy, and consistency that makes me confident that it is left in good hands and will continue to flourish."
The Genesis staff held a retirement presentation for Mary on May 15 where shew was presented with a quilt made from Genesis t-shirts of years past and Melanie Gehrt spoke on Mary's dedication and influence on the program over the years.
"I know we all want to thank her for her 24 years at Genesis (formerly CtR Prep School). During this time, she helped to grow the program to what it is today. This required self-sacrifice in stretching herself and surrendering to God's will. We will never have a more compassionate, kind, and loyal director. I have learned so much about how to be a good human being from Mary. I will sincerely miss seeing her each day and her constant friendship."
