My name is Julie Fairbank. I live in Fruitland, MD, and I am a proud native of the Eastern Shore. I began working at WDS in 1991, when our “school” was a small preschool with approximately 30 students. At the time, it was known as Buttons & Bows.

Over the years, the school underwent four major renovations and additions, gradually expanding by adding a grade each year. As our mission evolved, the name was changed to Wicomico Day School to better reflect the vision of our founder, Shelia Zimmer. Her passion for quality, affordable education and a rigorous curriculum continues to guide us today.

After 21 years, I left to explore other opportunities, but I never found the same happiness and fulfillment that WDS brought me—so I returned. 

I have three children: two boys and one girl. I am fortunate to have two of them living nearby, while the third resides in Indiana. In my free time, I enjoy country music concerts, campfires, swimming, and a good book. And, of course, my favorite animal is the otter! 

Audra Phippin is a lifelong resident of Salisbury, Maryland, where she was born and raised. She and her husband currently live in Salisbury with their two dogs and enjoy spending quality time with their family, including their two daughters and grandson.

Audra dedicated 30 years to educating children in Wicomico County Public Schools. She earned both her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University, building a strong foundation for her career in education and child development.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Audra was actively involved with Camp Odyssey for 21 years, serving 18 of those years as a Director. Her leadership and commitment helped create meaningful experiences and opportunities for countless children and families in the community.

Audra is also passionate about service and community involvement. She serves as a Board Member for Behind the Line, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of first responders and veterans. Further extending her commitment to helping others, she serves as a Therapy Dog Coordinator, helping facilitate therapeutic support and positive connections within the community.

Ms. Crystal is a native of the Eastern Shore, having lived in Salisbury for the past forty years. She has a Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Studies/Education & Music from Salisbury College. Her many certifications include Child Care from Wor-Wic Community College, Certified Pre-K CLASS Observer, and CPR & First Aid. She has been in the Child Care field for over thirty-five years, working with children from infants to school age and their families. Her career started in a small childcare center as a preschool teacher and then director. She then spent twenty-five years as a supervisor and then Director of Peninsula Regional Medical Center Child Care before moving on to the role of a Site Coordinator with SHOREUP! Inc. Head Start. After working as a Site Coordinator for two years, she became the Operations Supervisor for the Upper Shore Head Starts. She has been the Preschool Director at Wicomico Day School since October 2017.

Cindy Jones has been in Salisbury for nearly her whole life and is a graduate of Parkside High School. She worked as an Ophthalmic Technician and Clinical Director at Peninsula Eye Center for 11 years.  For over 15 years, she has worked at Wicomico Day School as an Administrative Assistant, the Admissions Coordinator, and has now taken on the role of Operations & IT Manager. She looks forward to continuing to work with the staff, children and families at WDS!

Brandi Houlihan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury University with a major in Elementary Education. She has been employed at Wicomico Day School for over 20 years, where she has taught K4, First, and Second Grade. Brandi Houlihan resides in Fruitland, Maryland, with her husband, Mark, her son, Quinn, and her daughter, Delaney.

Nikki has been with WDS since 2019. She has two children that have attended WDS since they were infants.  Outside of school, Ms. Nikki enjoys spending time with family and reading. You will not find her far from drinking a good cup of coffee and watching her girls live their best dance life!