Staff & Teachers

Amanda Aceto

Amanda has been working with Friend Center’s I/T teams since 2014. She came to FCfC after graduating from Hamden Transitions Academy at Southern Connecticut State University. She is an accomplished equestrian and a 22-year member of the High Hopes Training Academy in Old Lyme. The beginning of the school year is most exciting for Amanda, as she loves seeing all the new faces and getting to know the children. Art projects are a favorite activity, and she is looking forward to continuing her collaboration with teachers in planning art curriculum.

Anggy Alava

Anggy began her journey in early childhood education in 2020, working as a substitute in a home daycare. It was there that she discovered her true passion: working with infants and toddlers. She loves seeing young children explore the world, discover their abilities, and celebrate every small achievement.

In 2023, Anggy joined a center as a teacher’s assistant, working directly with infants and toddlers, a truly enriching experience that has deepened her love for this stage of development. During this time, she earned her CDA specializing in this age group and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, always striving to grow professionally and provide the best care and learning experiences for the children she works with.

Anggy believes in starting each day with positivity, approaching every interaction with respect and the intention to understand, and learning something new every day. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and children, exploring new adventures, listening to music, attending concerts, and traveling—always seeking moments that bring joy and new experiences to her life.

D’Aire Barnett

D’Aire is a recent high school graduate from New Haven, CT, pursuing a career in the trades. Growing up, D’Aire gained significant hands-on experience assisting his grandfather with property maintenance, including painting, lawn care, and snow removal. He is hardworking and eager to begin a professional path in the industry. He is glad to be a part of the Friends Center for Children.

Ken Beeman

Ken’s path to Facilities Management at Friends Center for Children has been long and varied. He is a Connecticut native but spent his post college years in the investment profession in Michigan and the Information Technology industry in Missouri. 20 years ago he came back to his home State to lead a family owned construction business. His vast experiences seem to have prepared him perfectly for Friends Center. He is excited for the opportunity to build and organize all physical and IT infrastructure aspects of this growing community. Outside of work, you can find Ken working with high schoolers as a Boy’s Varsity Basketball Coach, a passion for the sport he developed as a college player himself, spending time with his rambunctious new dog and enjoying time with his partner and her two college aged children.

Yolanda Belton

Yolanda Belton was born and raised in New Haven, CT. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. She has been working in the Early Childhood Education field for over 18 years. She comes from Yale New Haven Health Child Care Center. She started there as a Teacher Assistant and furthered her career into a Head Teacher. She’s very passionate and dedicated to being a part of children’s growth and development in every aspect. In Yolanda’s free time she enjoys traveling to gain new experiences, spending time with family and friends and reading.

Tiffany Boyd

In May 2017, Tiffany graduated from Gateway Community College where she obtained her associate degree in human services. She has always had the willingness to help and nurture others and decided to continue her career path in early childhood education as she worked many different roles at Tutor Time Learning Center as a lead teacher working with children between the ages of 1-5 years old. She became very passionate about her work and decided to join the Yale New Haven Daycare as she worked in preschool to help prepare the children for their next educational goals, ensuring a fun, safe, creative space.

Tiffany has learned a lot about herself through all the interactions with families and the many relationships she has built along the way in such a diverse population. Tiffany strives to make sure her connections with others are purposeful. She takes the time to understand other people’s values and learning the key to communication is the understanding of diversity. She works hard to create a positive environment for children and families. In her spare time, she enjoys writing poetry, spending time with her family and friends, allowing herself the ability to take time out and be as creative as possible by painting, enjoying being a boy mom as she plays video games and attends football games.

Kevin Brandon

With over two decades of experience in the carpentry and contracting industry, Kevin honed skills to deliver exceptional craftsmanship and reliable service. He has a passion for building and creating beautiful, functional spaces matched by a dedication to his family. As a proud father of two, his daughter is currently navigating the challenges and triumphs of high school, while his son is actively engaged in middle school. When not on the job, Kevin cherishes his time as a husband and father, often enjoying a good movie or tackling home improvement projects around the house. His commitment to quality extends from professional work to every aspect of his life.

Panza Cherry

Panza had her birthday in August, and she turned a great year of age. She was born in Wilmington, North Carolina but raised in New Haven, CT. She is the oldest of 7, 5 biological and 2 bonus siblings. 

Panza embraced the journey of teaching after she graduated from high school and has been in this field for forty years. Panza obtained her CDA almost 25 years ago and has remained certified and up to date ever since. She has lots of love for children and believes you should start your day with a positive mindset because you don’t want the children to pick up on negative vibes.

In her free time, she loves to shop, spend time with her son, little sister, and go to church. Panza looks forward to bringing good vibes and energy to each person she encounters. 

Yajaira Churai Pitiur

Yajaira Churai Pitiur is beginning her journey in early childhood education with a strong foundation in social science and a passion for nurturing young children. After completing her basic studies focusing on Social Science, she graduated from The Havenly Fellowship in 2023. This year, she is taking the next step in her professional path by beginning her studies toward the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and entering an apprenticeship in early childhood education.

As a devoted mother to her young son Cristopher, Yajaira has experienced firsthand the joys and challenges of early development. Her decision to pursue a childcare career is rooted in personal experience and a deep sense of purpose. She looks forward to growing in this field and positively impacting the lives of children and families.

Johanna Colon-Davila

Johanna is from Puerto Rico and has been in early childhood since 2017. Johanna holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Post University and is enrolled in a Master of Education program at Post University. Prior to joining Friend Center for Children, she worked at several established centers, including serving as Center Director of an accredited early childhood center in Connecticut. Johanna is the proud mother of two daughters who are the inspiration to continue providing the best service and care to all our children. Her hobbies are traveling and gardening. She feels so fortunate to be able to work with young children and their families. It has been an amazing journey! She finds it a blessing and a privilege to spend her days with all her children.

She believes children are our future, they deserve the best education and care and she would not change working with them for the world!

Aurora Coon

Aurora has always loved working with young children. As a teenager, her first job was babysitting, and she has continued to work at least part-time as a childcare provider ever since (18 years and counting!). Aurora earned her B.A. and Elementary Teaching certification from Dartmouth College, and her Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked in diverse roles in education in Vermont, Philadelphia and New Haven, including teaching elementary school, leading nutrition education at multiple schools, directing after school and summer programs, and managing development and communications at an education-focused nonprofit. Aurora is thrilled to bring her passion and experience to FCfC’s amazing community! Outside of work, Aurora loves spending time with her family, friends and cats, being outside, making art, and trying new foods.

Justin Cross

 Justin Cross grew up in New Haven, CT. Going through the New Haven school system inspired him to give back to his community. When he attended college, Justin decided to pursue a degree in family therapy as it afforded him the opportunity to work with many different demographics. Justin joined the FCfC community with enthusiasm to explore the minds of children and develop communication and teaching skills with them. Justin is also pursuing a MS degree in Counseling and Human Services and looks forward to amassing more knowledge and experience through his studies and his time and Friends Center.

Nia Cruz

Nia D. Cruz is a preschool teacher with a strong vocation for early childhood education and child development. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences in 2011, and later, in 2019, obtained her Child Development Associate (CDA) in Preschool Education, further strengthening her training and expertise in early learning.

Throughout her career, she has shown a deep commitment to supporting the holistic development of young children by creating safe, inclusive, and creative learning environments. Her teaching approach is based on play, exploration, and socio-emotional development, recognizing in each child a unique potential that deserves to be nurtured and encouraged.

Her mission as an educator is not only to teach but also to inspire and guide children and their families throughout the learning and growth process. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, doing crafts, music, and exploring the outdoors, activities she often incorporates into her teaching to enrich her students’ learning experiences.

Fanya Cutler

Fanya Cutler has been an Early Childhood teacher of Pre-K/K for over 30 years in an inclusive school setting. She worked at a small emergent play-based nursery school for all of her years teaching. She currently holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Mercy College.

Over the years, Fanya has designed and implemented emergent curriculum based on the interests and needs of her students. She has worked cooperatively with other teachers to create projects and lessons incorporating many forms of art-making, literacy, and STEM projects. She went to art school for her undergraduate degree. She believes that arts should be incorporated into the curriculum in the classroom because it is an important part of exploration and expression for children.

Fanya made the move from New York City to Connecticut recently to be closer to family.

Fanya is looking forward to living and teaching in New Haven, and is excited to begin her journey at Friends Center for Children!

Dianna Delohery

Dianna has had a passion for early childhood education for many years, and it has remained a meaningful part of her life and career. She began her journey in the field as an assistant infant/toddler teacher and, through dedication and experience, worked her way into roles including preschool teacher, lead teacher, assistant director, and director. Along
the way, she earned both her associate degree, with a concentration in Child Studies, and bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, with a concentration in Program Administration and Leadership, from Charter Oak State College.

Throughout her career, Dianna has developed a deep appreciation for the incredible impact early childhood educators have during the critical years from birth through age five. She believes these early years lay the foundation for confidence, curiosity, emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning. Supporting children as they discover the world around them, while building strong relationships with families and educators, continues to inspire her every day. By creating nurturing and inclusive environments where children, families, and staff feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow, learn, and build meaningful connections, Dianna believes strong and positive communities can thrive.

Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time in nature, and enjoys photography and watercolor painting. She also values spending quality time with family and friends and finding joy in the simple moments and experiences that bring balance, creativity, and connection to everyday life.

Patrick Doyle

Patrick is excited to gain experience working with the children of Friends Center as a Support Assistant volunteer in the Infant/Toddler classrooms. Additionally he will  assist with inventory needs. When he is not volunteering, Patrick enjoys serving as a Student Ambassador at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center. He also likes to travel.

Christal Dunnaville-Wingate

Christal Dunnaville-Wingate began her career in Early Childhood while attending Gateway Community College, where she gained hands-on experience working in preschool classrooms at The Early Learning Center. She graduated in 2012 with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2013, Christal joined the Yale New Haven Healthcare Child Care Center as a preschool teacher, quickly advancing to the role of Head Teacher. Though she enjoyed working with preschoolers, an exciting opportunity arose, and she transitioned into the role of Infant and Toddler Head Teacher.

Christal’s passion for early childhood education is fueled by the “AHA” moments she witnesses on children’s faces when they grasp new concepts they’ve been working on. She believes children thrive in environments filled with love, care, and warmth, and that these elements are crucial for fostering their growth and development. Her time at The Resiliency Center deepened her approach, teaching her to be more mindful of the needs of both children and families, asking, “What is happening, and how can I help?”

Christal also understands the importance of secure attachments in a child’s development, noting that these bonds are foundational to building resilience. Outside of her work, Christal enjoys traveling with her husband, Robert, children, Jared,  Nicole, Christian, Jordan, exploring new adventures, reading historical fiction novels and mysteries, listening to music, and spending her time with her grandchildren, Morgan, Dimitri, Nyla and Maleah. 

Kawther Elhassan

Kawther Elhassan is a passionate and adaptable professional whose journey reflects a deep commitment to learning, service, and community care. Born and raised in Khartoum, Sudan, Kawther began her career as a receptionist at Wafaa Cosmetology Center, where she honed her skills in customer service and front desk management. Her love for working with people eventually led her to Yathrib Childcare Center, where she spent three years supporting children’s growth and well-being in a nurturing and structured environment. In 2025, Kawther joined Havenly in New Haven, Connecticut. Kawther values teamwork, kindness, and continuous growth. She believes in showing up with integrity each day and learning from every experience. In her free time, she enjoys cooking traditional dishes, spending time with family, and improving her English skills.

Mavis Evans

Mavis Evans is a native of New Haven, Connecticut. She is excited to join FCfC bringing with her over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with children across all age groups, from infants to pre-K. She prides herself on her adaptability within the classroom, driven by her diverse passion for curriculum implementation. She eagerly anticipates the start of her journey at Friends Center, supporting both current and future young learners. Additionally, she looks forward to the opportunity to give back to the community through the center’s many partnerships and to build meaningful relationships with everyone.

Carina Figueroa

Since 2018, Carina Figueroa has been working with children and has discovered a true passion for supporting their growth, curiosity, and creativity. Although she studied Criminal Justice at Nyack College, her heart led her to early childhood education, where she finds joy in helping young learners explore, imagine, and build confidence each day.

Carina believes the classroom should feel like a second home, a safe, welcoming space where children feel valued, encouraged, and inspired to learn. She loves creating hands-on activities, celebrating milestones, and fostering a sense of independence, curiosity, and fun in every child she works with.

When she’s not in the classroom, Carina enjoys spending time with her family, journaling, traveling, taking nature walks, and finding cozy coffee shops to relax and recharge.

Eleni Filintarakis

Eleni has worked in childcare since 2008. After receiving her associates degree in Early childhood education, she knew the next step would be her bachelor degree, which she completed in 2023. She has recently taken on crocheting in her spare time. She has been a head teacher for the last 8 years and is excited to bring her love, passion, and joy for early childcare to Friends Center!

Katherine Flores

Katherine Flores earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Charter Oak State College in 2016 and brings more than 12 years of experience in the field. Born in Honduras, Katherine moved to Connecticut with her family at age 11. Her experience as an immigrant and bilingual educator shaped her deep appreciation for education, community, and creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Katherine began her career as a volunteer at her younger brother’s preschool, St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima. Her bilingual skills and natural ability to connect with children and families led to an opportunity as an assistant teacher. In 2015, she joined Friends Center for Children as a Head Teacher. Since then, she has served in several leadership roles, including School Director and Infant/Toddler Program Manager.

Today, Katherine serves as School Operations Assistant, supporting programs, staff, and organizational initiatives across Friends Center’s growing community. Throughout her time at FCfC, she has remained committed to serving children, families, and educators with care, creativity, and dedication. Katherine is also known for her love of books and family, her uplifting sense of humor, and her ability to bring warmth and joy to those around her.

Kiana Flores

Kiana is a recent graduate of Yale University, where she majored in Political Science. Kiana was born and raised in New Haven and is grateful to have had her experience in the city center around community, advocacy, and service.
Kiana attended Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, where she played clarinet in the band. At this time, she enrolled in Neighborhood Music School’s scholarship program, Developing and Empowering Leadership Through the Arts (DELTA). There, she received private lessons and participated in various ensembles while attending seminars on leadership through music. At this time, Kiana co-founded the New Haven Climate Movement (NHCM)’s youth action team, pushing for the passage of a Climate Emergency Resolution, which the city’s mayor and Board of Alders unanimously passed in 2019.Since then, NHCM has served as a leader in pushing for environmental and climate policy reform in the city while fostering leadership among local youth.
During her time at Yale, Kiana served as the Alder for Ward 1 of New Haven. In this role, Kiana participated in several city committees, connected constituents to city services, and helped pass key legislation at the local level. As a student, Kiana served as an office and events aide for her residential college, Pierson. She worked as the head office aide, coordinating schedules and helping manage the college office, while also helping to set up and run college-wide speakers and special events. As a senior, Kiana served as a First-Year Counselor for Pierson College, otherwise known as a FroCo. In a team of eight, Kiana was responsible for a group of fourteen first-year students in Pierson, helping them to adjust to academics and social life, while promoting well-being and belonging at Yale.
Kiana aspires to explore the social work and legal field, specifically to work with children and families surrounding immigration issues. She plans to start her Master’s of Social Work in the fall of 2027. On her days off, Kiana loves going on long walks, listening to podcasts, checking out new cafés for a matcha latte or freshly brewed tea, going to the movies with friends, and spending time with family.

Monique Ford

Monique is a New Haven native and a Fair Haven resident all her life. She has more than 25 years experience in Early Childhood. She has held positions as a Teacher Assistant, a Teacher, a Head teacher, and most recently as a manger, who supported classrooms and managed infant/toddler teachers at YNHH Early Childhood Learning Center GS in New Haven, CT for 7 years before coming to Friends Center on Grand Avenue.

Monique has experience working in both the preschool and the infant/toddler classrooms. She began her career in Early Childhood Education while studying as an undergraduate at Marist College. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and majored in Social Work. Monique enjoys spending time with her sons, husband, and family watching movies, traveling when she can, and reading daily scriptures and affirmations. Two of her favorite Maya Angelou quotes that she lives by are, “At our best, we are teachers,” and “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Chris Gay

Chris Gay born and raised in New Haven, is and married with 3 kids, a 20yr old son who attends Iona university and has 8yr old twins. He recently started his own handyman business called traveling toolbox that he is very excited about. Chris is also the second shift supervisor for drill master eldorado tools where he has been working since 2013. He also helps out Community Partners in Action to Hamden regions in the little spare time that he has. Chris is dedicated and hardworking and hopes he can become a colleague everyone can depend on.

Crystal Gethers

Crystal Gethers was born and raised in New Haven, CT and grew up in daycare, as she grew older she realized she never talked about doing anything else other than working with children. Crystal has worked in the child care field with children of all ages for over 5 years at the very daycare she grew up in and loved it. Over the course of life Crystal left working in child care to pursue a different career and became unhappy. She realized  her true PASSION and PURPOSE is working with children. Crystal has finally decided to step out  to join the Early Childhood field and further her career. Crystal loves painting, skating, bowling, going to the movies and spending time with her friends and family during her free time. Crystal is excited and honored to be part of the Friends Center educators and prepare the young minds of the next generation.

Eric Gil

Eric Gil comes from Brooklyn, NY and grew up in the Dominican Republic. After 17 years away, he returned to the US at 18. His first language is Spanish, and he learned English through ESL programs. Right now, he’s studying at Southern Connecticut State University for his Bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Elementary Education. He is very excited to be part of the FCfC family. Eric enjoys sports, music, and spending time with friends and family. As a teacher, he wants to make learning fun and exciting for kids while helping them be nice and curious. He also aims to create a friendly classroom where each child feels joyful, safe, and ready to learn. After he finishes school, he hopes to use his language skills and love for teaching to make a good difference in the classroom.

Marianne Godfrey

Marianne came to Friends Center through her co-op role for her oldest granddaughter in 2009. She continued doing co-op for the next four years and then became a full-time employee when the program expanded in 2013. During the past seven years of working at Friends Center, Marianne has been involved with administrative support, admissions, office management and many financial responsibilities of the center. With a background in real estate and administrative service, Marianne brings a wide variety of skills to the administrative team. She is best known for her knitting projects and her love of her grandchildren. Marianne is excited to watch Friends Center continue to grow and see many more families experience the exceptional program where both her grandchildren thrived.