Deb McDaniels named Columbia’s top staff member

MADISON – Her co-workers, the staff and faculty at Columbia Elementary School have selected Deb McDaniels as 2018 “Staff Member of the Year.” McDaniels’ main priority each day at Columbia is to help in confirming the well-being of students.

“My first priority is ensuring the safety of our children. It is important to provide a welcoming environment to all who enter our school,” McDaniels said. “Our teachers have so much on their plate, and therefore I try to provide as much support as possible.”

“I do love working at Columbia, where I get to see the children, and I work with our amazing teachers,” McDaniels said.

McDaniels graduated Millersville State College in Millersville, Penn. (now Millersville University of Pennsylvania) with a bachelor’s degree in social work. “I have been working at the front office at Columbia Elementary School for 12 years,” she said.

The McDaniels family has lived in Madison for 20 years. “My husband retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 after serving 27 years,” she said. “He is currently working for a small company called Bowhead.”

“My son Ryan is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is employed as an accountant for the City of Huntsville,” she said. “My daughter Erin is currently getting her master’s degree for voice performance at Pennsylvania State University. My daughter Morgan is employed at Redstone Federal Credit Union.”

Deb McDaniels has been a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for 20 years. At Messiah, she continues in her service on the Altar Guild. “On the third Sunday of the month, I organize ‘Donut Sunday,’ which makes me the most popular person in church on that day,” she said.

“I enjoy spending time with my four grandchildren and attending their sport activities,” McDaniels said.