Meet Our Family

Decades of Dedicated Care

A Legacy of Love & Learning, Spanning Generations

At Robin's Nest, 'family' isn't just a word – it's our foundation. Now in our second generation of ownership, our story began in 1983 with Robin Rice’s dream to create a nurturing space for her own children. Over 33 years ago, that dream blossomed into our current North Potomac home. Today, Robin's daughter, Renee, along with her husband Ben and their three daughters, proudly continue this cherished family business. We are simply thrilled to introduce ourselves and welcome you to the Robin's Nest family!

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Second-Generation
Family Business

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Exceptional Staff Retention

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Maryland Excels Rated & Pursuing Accreditation.

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Renee Shuman | Owner & Director

“Watch us grow into our best" isn't just a slogan—it's Renee's life. Having spent her own childhood in Robin's Nest, Renee is now the second-generation owner and operator. She is director-qualified for infants/toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Renee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and proudly has her three daughters (Aveline, Colette, and Haley) attending Robin's Nest. Her family, including husband Ben, lives on the property, embodying our commitment to community.

MCCCP Level 6 | Director-Qualified

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Robin Rice Ackad | Founder

Driven by the needs of her own four children (including Renee!). For over thirty years, she tirelessly grew the business into the thriving, family-oriented center it is today. Robin is director-qualified for infants/toddlers, preschool, and school-age children and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Northeastern University.

MCCCP Level 4 Admin | Director-Qualified

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Don Ackad | Founder

Don brings an unparalleled commitment to safety and reliability to Robin's Nest. He retired from a distinguished career as the Safety and Health Manager for the United States Secret Service and served as a volunteer fireman for twenty-five years. A licensed Maryland contractor, Don holds a Master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Illinois State University. He is director-qualified for infants & toddlers, preschool, and school-age children and is the proud grandfather of Aveline and Colette, who attend the Nest

MCCCP Level 3 | Director-Qualified

Our Dedicated Staff

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Our staff isn't just experienced – they're exceptional. Every team member at Robin's Nest is carefully vetted and highly qualified to provide the best care. We proudly go beyond State of Maryland requirements by actively participating in the voluntary Maryland Child Care Credential Program, with many of our team members holding advanced credentials. Furthermore, we are highly rated in the Maryland Excels program and are actively working towards full accreditation, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and providing the highest standards of early childhood education.

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Briana W. | Assistant Director &
Pre-School Teacher

Briana, a vibrant and enthusiastic teacher, joined Robin’s Nest in 2021 and has seamlessly transitioned from 2s & 3s to support all age groups. She's an expert in our Experience Learning curriculum, enriching all our kids. Her engaging personality makes her an ideal and valued member of the Nest.

MCCCP Level 4 | Lead Teacher Certified

Hela G. | Infant Teacher

Hela joined Robin's Nest in 2015. Originally from Tunisia, she is fluent in French, Arabic, and some Italian. As the mother of two young adults, she cherishes spending her days with our little ones.

MCCCP Level 4 | Lead Teacher Certified

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Jessica W. | Toddler Teacher

Jessica has been a beloved part of the Robin's Nest team since 2012. She is qualified to teach infants/toddlers and preschool children, having focused her pre-collegiate studies on early childhood education and earning an Associate's degree in the field. Jessica is also fluent in Cantonese.

MCCCP Level 5 | Lead Teacher Certified

Liga F. | Toddler Teacher

Liga's passion for childcare is evident in her goal to earn a degree in the field and her philosophy of providing abundant love and care. Her dedication and natural skill are also clear from her rapid advancement at Robin's Nest. In just one year, Liga progressed from an aide to a Lead Teacher, qualified for both preschool and infant/toddler classrooms.

Lead Teacher Certified

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Makayla K. | Aide

We are thrilled to have Makayla join us as an intern from her high school's child development program. She brings a strong background to our team, with two years of program experience and over three years of nannying. Makayla is channeling her passion for children into her studies, as she majors in Early Childhood Education.

Child Development Intern

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Clara C. | Toddler Teacher

Clara brings over 4 years of dedicated childcare experience to Robin's Nest. Rooted in patience and dedication, she excels at creating nurturing environments and building trusting relationships. Clara holds a B.A. in History and key certifications, including 45-Hour Child Growth & Development and 45-Hour Preschool Method & Materials.

Lead Teacher Certified

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Nyo K. | Aide

Nyo's passion in child development is clear with her 7+ years of diverse experience, from homeschooling to K-2 classrooms. Nyo is certified in Phonics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Critical Thinking. She is dedicated to contributing to our learning environment and advancing her skills in early childhood education.

Everyday Parenting: ABCs Certified

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Melanie L. | Aide

Melanie's journey with us has come full circle! She and her sister were both students here at Robin's Nest when they were young. Now in high school, Melanie has returned to join our staff, bringing her unique, firsthand experience and warm personality back to the Nest. We are thrilled to have her on the team.

Certified “Comeback Kid”

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