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.

Kayla “Andy” Anderson

Kayla A. (Andy) was born and raised in New York City, and moved to Connecticut three years ago. Andy has been working with kids since she was 16 years old and where she has found her passion. She loves to see kids smile, watch them grow into their individual selves, and be creative through art and storytelling. A fun thing Andy loves to do on weekends is build legos. Now, she is working on her goal to be a Program/Afterschool Director to have a place for advocacy and support for families in which she is excited to learn and grow within the FCfC community. 

Kiyla Anderson

Kiyla was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, before relocating to Connecticut in 2021. She is passionate about working with children, particularly in teaching them fundamental skills, and finds it rewarding to witness their growth as they learn to express themselves within their communities. Looking ahead, Kiyla plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy to further her dedication to helping children become better, more engaged members of society. She is enthusiastic about joining the FCfC community and contributing to its mission.

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.

Timisha Carr

Timisha is a wife and mother to three beautiful children, Zane 5, Zaniah 19 months,  and Zhuri 12 weeks old.  Timisha is an Albertus Magus alumni where she earned her bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 2016, and a Master of Business Administration concentrating in Project Management in 2019. She has been in the finance and accounting field for almost a decade and spent the last several years at Yale University. Timisha has always had a love for numbers and has enjoyed her career. Timisha finds it very rewarding to be in this field in collaboration with the community to help enrich and empower children. She is honored to be in a position where her main focus is to ensure the longevity of this service. She is very family-oriented, so in her spare time, she is intentional about spending whatever available time she has with them. She loves to cook and always encourages others around her to follow their dreams fearlessly. Her motto is: put the work in, and you will always be rewarded!

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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 received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Charter Oak State College in 2016 and has accumulated 12 years of experience. During her childhood, Katherine lived with her mother and father in Honduras, and at 11 years old, moved to Connecticut. Coming from a foreign country, she developed a sense of community appreciation for education. Her experience began as a volunteer at her younger brother’s preschool, St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima. Her bilingual skills and her natural gifts for teaching earned her a promotion as an assistant teacher. In 2015, Katherine began her work at Friends Center for Children as a head teacher. Throughout her time at FCfC, Katherine has proven to be an efficient worker and determined to do her part in serving her community, all while developing a more deep-rooted passion for teaching. In 2020, Katherine expanded her role in supporting her community further as site director for FCfC’s Blake St. location. This year, Katherine is excited to join the Flint St. team and share her time in the classroom and the community as Infant Toddler Program Manager. Throughout her time at FCfC, Katherine shares with us her love of books, her love for her family, and her uplifting, humorous personality.

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.

Patrice Harrison

Lewis ‘Lulu’ Johnson III

Hello, everyone! My name is Lewis, but everyone calls me Lulu. I am 21 years old and proud to be from New Haven. As a sophomore in college, I’ve embraced the journey of teaching at the graduate level at Hillhouse High School since 2022. Ranking in the Top 10 of my class, I initially pursued a nursing degree, but I discovered that my true passion lies in teaching children. So, I courageously switched my major and embarked on a fulfilling path.

Though new to a classroom environment with children, as the oldest of three siblings, I bring a wealth of experience with infants and toddlers. 

My commitment to this field shines through my interactions with fellow educators and families. Throughout my adolescent years, I realized that I treasure programs that foster human connection, promote learning through play, creativity, kindness, and prioritize ongoing growth and professional development. I believe in starting each day with positivity and mindfulness, treating every interaction with respect and the intention to understand, and embracing the opportunity to learn something new every day. In my spare time, I find joy in exploring my creativity, singing, dancing, listening to music, reading, and creating magical moments with my friends and family.

Amaya Jones

Amaya Jones is highly dedicated to providing children with high-quality early childhood education programs. A recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Psychology to further support young children’s holistic development. Her driving passion is empowering young learners and nurturing their curiosity to explore and learn. She is a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor society). Her dedication to community service has won her awards such as Marcia Conrad Award at Bay Path University. She is excited to join the FCFC community and the opportunity to continue positively impacting children’s lives, helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Valerie Laplume

Valerie Laplume was born in Westerly, Rhode Island but later moved to Groton, Connecticut, where she grew up. Five years ago, she moved to New Haven, CT. She’s grown to love the culture of the city and everything it has to offer. While in high school, Valerie played basketball and was the captain of her school’s field hockey team. She graduated from Gateway Community College with her associates in early childhood education, having taken courses such as “Health and Safety,” “Child, Family, School, and Community,” “Math and Science for Children,” and “Children’s Growth and Development.” These courses have helped to shape and show the love and appreciation she has for early education. While at Gateway, Valerie also took classes for exceptional learners. From these classes, she has learned how to interpret children’s feelings and how to create the positive school environment that children need. She is currently in the process of getting her Bachelors degree at Charter Oak Early Education Center. She loves teaching because she wants to make a difference by giving children a place to feel safe and loved, watch them grow and experience new things. She also can’t wait to share new information that she had learned. In addition, Valerie is also always looking for ways to improve her teaching. Outside of teaching, Valerie enjoys Arts and Crafts, Cooking, and Shopping. When she can, she also loves to spend time with her family, with whom she is very close.

Shantol Lee

Shantol L. was born and raised in Jamaica, and moved to the United States in 2016 as an international student, majoring in nursing. She has always had a passion for helping others and taking care of children. Shantol loves seeing children learn new things and the excitement that it brings. In the fall, she plans to enroll in Southern Connecticut State University’s nursing program. In her spare time, she loves listening to music, reading and spending time with her family. She is thrilled to be part of the FCFC community and feels it is a gift to help children explore the world around them.

Tanya Lee

Kenshell Mitchell

Kenshell M. was born and raised in New Haven, CT and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. After several years of contemplating what career field she wanted to go in, she became a toddler teacher and working with children became a passion of hers. She loves teaching and molding the children in her care to become confident and kind. Nothing is better to her than knowing that her care, dedication, and interactions with your children will play a huge role in who they become. She is super excited to be a part of the FCfC community.

Marcus Lee

Marcus Lee is a compassionate human service worker with over a decade of experience in providing support and assistance to individuals in need. Proven track record of building strong relationships with clients and collaborating effectively with co-workers and other agencies. Also experienced in manual labor and maintenance.

Jessica Legere

In 2004, Jessica “Jessie” Legere graduated from the University of Connecticut with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and again in 2005 with her Master’s degree in Education. From there, she worked as a Kindergarten substitute before becoming a first-grade teacher! However, Jessie soon found out that teaching at the elementary level, while incredibly rewarding, wasn’t her true passion. Teaching preschool, however, was, and it was at that moment in 2006 that she began her journey in the field of early childhood education. Jessie has been both a preschool teacher and program Director, sharing her love for this field with countless fellow educators and families. During these years, she came to realize that what she valued most are programs that celebrate human connection, that support learning through play, creativity, and kindness, and that commit to on-going growth and professional development! Jessie believes in starting each day with positivity and mindfulness, in treating each interaction she has with others with respect and the intention to understand, and in learning something new each day. In her spare time, she enjoys hopping on her bike for a spin class, hiking and being around lots of trees, shopping for anything vintage, listening to music and attending concerts, reading- especially poetry, and spending time with her nephew, Bruin, eating peanut butter and having dance parties.

Therese Luetzgendorf

Therese Luetzgendorf began working for Friends Center in 2013 as an assistant teacher with infants and toddlers. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University and completed her master’s degree in Human Services from Albertus Magnus College in 2016. She then joined the Early Childhood RULER team as a research assistant at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. In 2018 she re-joined Friends Center as one of the Emotional Wellbeing Coordinators. Therese’s passion is to apply innovative and creative ways to support children and connect and build an empathetic community. In her free time, Therese enjoys hiking and traveling.

Jyoti Madheshiya

Jyoti Madheshiya completed her Polytechnic (Diploma in Computer Science) in 2014 at the Govt. Girls Polytechnic College in India, and she earned her Bachelor of Technology (Information Technology) in 2017. During her graduation, she became interested in primary school teaching and, in 2019, completed a Diploma in Elementary Education. During this time, she voluntarily participated in teaching at a primary school. Subsequently, in 2024, she moved to the USA with her husband, who is working as a postdoctoral research associate at Yale University. She engaged in various activities conducted by the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS), Yale, such as joining the Bridge English classes, cooking, crafting, and painting classes. In March 2025, she joined the CERCLE’s Teacher Apprentice Program, where she participated and learned various infant and toddler teaching skills, and she was amazed by the children. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and painting.

Ava Martineau

Hi my name is Ava Martineau and I have been working in child care for 4 years now as I have a passion for teaching young children. I am currently in the process of getting a CDA and so  excited to start at Friends Center. I love teaching young children new skills and having them discover things they did not know before. I am a very enthusiastic, energetic, and versatile teacher committed to the academic and social growth of all early childhood students. My passion is creating a welcoming and positive environment in the classroom and a positive relationship with the parents as well. In my spare time, I love spending time with family, I love listening to music, coloring in adult coloring books and I also love all things musical theater.

Kharla Caicedo Montilla

 Kharla was born and raised in Colombia. Since she was young, she has been surrounded by Colombian Andean music, which led her to study music as a child. After finishing high school, she had the opportunity to graduate from the Canto por la Vida music school as a percussionist. Her love for children began at music school when she had the chance to be a tutor and assistant to the music school’s youngest children and share her knowledge about the different rhythms and music of the Colombian region. At 19, she decided to participate in a cultural exchange as an Au Pair in the United States. This exchange gave her a chance to learn a new language and get to know a different culture. It also allowed her to work with children, which is something she has always loved and has been passionate about. As a result, Kharla began taking classes in Early Childhood Education at Gateway Community College. Kharla’s love for children motivated her to finish her exchange program and extend her stay in the United States. As a requirement for some of her classes, Kharla has also completed observation hours at the Phillys Bodel childcare center. In December 2024, she will finish her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Kharla hopes to further her studies and obtain her Bachelor’s degree from SCSU to become a bilingual teacher, thus being able to help children who need to learn English as their second language. Kharla is currently working as a nanny, helping two families in Branford. She is excited to be part of the FCFC and contribute in the best positive way to the community.

Ann Moore

Ann Moore was born and raised in New Haven. She has been working in Early Childhood Development for the past 38 years. What she enjoys the most is making strong and genuine connections with the children and watching them learn and grow. She is very happy about joining Friends Center for Children and looks forward to developing new relationships with children and their families.

Trey Moore

Trey is a multidisciplinary artist, creative director, event coordinator, & community organizer from New Haven, CT with a passion for actualizing creative visions and pushing ideas forward. Born to professional musicians George and Lucinda Moore, his creative journey began during early childhood development where he would discover his love for music and art. This would eventually lead him into the world of live performance, music production, & curation. A product of New Haven Magnet Schools, he leveraged his passion for the arts to cultivate a creative ecosystem within the communities that shaped him.

In 2021, he founded Seeing Sounds, a creative brand & cultural hub with the mission to produce spaces that create equitable opportunities for under-represented communities. This includes an indie music festival and a number of recurring events with a focus on music, live performance, and film. Additionally, Trey is the founder of Anti, a New Haven-based nonprofit dedicated to providing critical support and resources to artists facing unexpected challenges. His commitment to community engagement and curation stems from a profound dedication to fostering connection, empowerment, and positive change for those working to make a difference. Trey aspires to leave a legacy that inspires others to take action, cultivate their voices, and create inclusive spaces. Through the power of the creative arts, he strives to uplift those who are committed to creating positive change, ensuring that our collective efforts echo through generations.

Cristine Velez Morales

Cristine Vélez Morales was born and raised in Puerto Rico and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in 2020. Her passion for working with children began while tutoring in college, where she discovered how rewarding it was to help each child learn in ways that fit their unique needs. Over the years, she has worked as a Behavior Technician supporting children’s developmental goals, an Intake Coordinator helping families access early education resources, and an Assistant Residence Director fostering independence and life skills. Through these roles, Cristine has developed a strong foundation in child development, family engagement, and creative learning experiences. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three cats, doing arts and crafts with her best friends, reading, and going to concer

Leah Pepe

Leah P. was born and raised in Hamden, CT and has been part of the New Haven community her entire life. After a period working in corporate development and start ups, she started a small design business that allowed her creative side to flourish. Leah is thrilled to join the FCfc community where she looks forward to focusing on growth, development, events, and community collaboration. On the weekends Leah can usually be found needlepointing or out walking her dog!

Keila Perez

Keila Perez brings over 10 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as assistant teacher at Friends Center.  Her daughter Alexa attended Friends Center for preschool and has moved on to Kindergarten.  She was born and raised in New York and attended Borough Manhattan Community College where she graduated with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. During her time in college, she worked for organizations, such as Boys Scouts of America and Children’s Aid, where she developed leadership skills as she helped young adults and young children build character.  She is currently pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Keila has a passion for children and education, especially the individual learning process of each child.

Paris Pierce

Paris joined Friends Center’s preschool program as a support teacher in January of 2019.  Previously, she worked in early childhood for two years and developed a deep passion for it. Paris enjoys helping children learn in new ways and being a part of breakthroughs in their development. She recently moved back to Connecticut from Ohio, where she started her childcare journey. She has two beautiful children, Londyn and Ryan who keep her on her toes at all times.  Ryan attends Friends Center and will be entering our preschool classroom this year.

David Quinn

David Quinn is a hardworking professional who takes pride in getting the job done right. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, David is always looking for ways to grow personally and professionally through new experiences and learning opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, spending quality time with his goddaughters, and reading books.

Zaima Ramirez

Zaima Ramirez was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Connecticut at the age of 21. She has been working in the early childhood field for 20 years. She currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Zaima has one daughter and one son. She and her husband own a food truck where they sell Puerto Rican street food. Zaima loves traveling to Puerto Rico to see her family and friends. She enjoys teaching and watching children learn and grow. Zaima is excited to be a part of Friends Center for Children.

Tiffany L. Robinson

Tiffany L. Robinson is stimulated by knowledge and is committed to living a purpose-driven life. A lifelong learner, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Communications (2012), a Master of Business Administration with dual concentrations in Leadership and Human Resources (2017), and a Master’s Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership, Innovation, and Organizational Sustainability (2022). She has also completed community-based leadership programs, including the Community Leadership Program (2018), Resident Leadership Program (2019), and Listening to Lead (2023). 

With over 15 years of experience in business management and leadership development, Tiffany has worked across retail corporations, social service organizations, and startups. In 2018, she transitioned from the for-profit sector to the nonprofit field to create meaningful, long-term impact. She is known for managing complex projects, guiding diverse teams, and leading with a collaborative, detail-oriented approach. 

Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Tiffany is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders. Since 2015, she has volunteered to teach K-12 students, and in 2017, she founded Eloquent Ingenuity™, a social enterprise dedicated to helping emerging leaders maximize their potential as business owners and changemakers. 

Tiffany is excited to bring her strategic mindset, leadership passion, and equity lens to support the mission and vision of Friends Center for Children. She also makes time to enjoy dancing, singing along to great music, and creating new memories while traveling—especially in Paris!

Karina Rojas

Karina came to our beautiful country in 2015 with her husband and son. Karina was born in Maracay-Venezuela and obtained a degree in Administration and Accounting in her country. Karina left the numbers and calculators to dedicate herself to doing what she likes to do with her vocation, and that is working with children. Five years ago Karina began this adventure of preparing herself at a professional level to give the best of  herself  to children, at the same time she started as a volunteer and quickly became employed in centers accredited by NAEYC. Karina obtained her CDA in 2016 and is currently studying for her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Proudly Hispanic, Karina enjoys offering children an additional foundation in a second language. In Karinas free time photography is her passion, she likes to capture the best angle of the places she visits.

Elizabeth Russell

Elizabeth Russell was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where she was raised and received an academic education. In 2020, she migrated to the United States and began a beautiful new chapter with husband, Ivor, daughter, Brianna, and our beloved furry friend. She graduated from UTESA University in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, with a Bachelor’s in Tourism Business Administration in 2011.

Elizabeth’s journey into early childhood education began in 2022, and it was then that she discovered her true calling: to teach, nurture, and respect the special little ones entrusted to our care. She is deeply committed to providing a safe, loving, and enriching environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.

She shares “I love what I do, which is why I continue to pursue growth and development in this field. I am currently in the process of earning my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential to further advance my skills and commitment to excellence in early childhood education. My goal is to continue serving my community with quality, professionalism, love, and dedication.”

As Confucius once said, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That is exactly how Elizabeth feels every day as an educator.

Allyx Schiavone

Allyx Schiavone is the driving force behind Friends Center for Children’s rapid growth and innovation. Under her leadership as Executive Director since 2009, Friends Center has grown to three locations across New Haven and serves as a national model for what is possible in transforming a national childcare system that is underfunded and overburdened. Allyx is a passionate advocate for access and equity in early care and education, committed to advancing educators’ compensation and well-being. 

To address the childcare crisis, Allyx has developed several initiatives at Friends Center that serve as a model to the early care and education industry nationwide. Under her leadership, the organization has established programs to supplement teacher salaries and provide holistic support to staff, parents, and children. In 2014, Friends Center launched its Emotional Wellbeing Program which prioritizes the wellbeing of the adults caring for the community’s children. Under Allyx’s leadership, Friends Center established its Teacher Leadership Program, a paid professional learning opportunity for its educators, designed to disrupt systems of marginalization by creating space for educators to nurture their leadership abilities and prepare them to advance to the role of head teacher.

In the midst of the pandemic in 2020, Allyx launched Friends Center’s innovative Free Teacher Housing Initiative, a first-of-its-kind program that offers eligible teachers free housing as a salaried benefit to help them build financial security. The program has been featured by The New York Times, CBS Sunday Morning and Univision. Allyx partnered with the Yale School of Architecture’s Jim Vlock First Year Building Project to design and build family homes for the initiative. 

As an expert in early childhood development and elementary education, Allyx is an experienced author of curricula for preschool, elementary and high school students with an emphasis on multidisciplinary studies. She has served as a teacher and administrator in Connecticut and New York schools.

A third-generation New Haven native, Allyx has 25 years of experience in mixed-use commercial and residential development and management. She is responsible for founding six successful businesses and four non-profit entities to date, including two summer programs for children in New York.

Allyx serves as co-chair of Child Care for Connecticut’s Future, a non-partisan coalition representing parents, providers, business leaders, advocates, and community leaders who want to transform how early care and education is funded in Connecticut. In that role, in 2020, she helped launch the now annual Morning Without Child Care across the state, which inspired an annual national Day Without Child Care. 

She currently serves as a member of the National Ideal Learning Roundtable, a group of early childhood education experts who work collectively toward equitable expansion of ideal learning for underserved young children, families, and communities; the mayoral-appointed New Haven Early Childhood Council; and the External Stakeholders Steering Committee for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), to which she was appointed by OEC Commissioner Beth Bye. She is a recipient of the Bank Street College of Education Alumni Association Recognition Award, presented annually to Bank Street graduates honoring outstanding career accomplishments in the field of education that exemplify the spirit and philosophy of Bank Street College; the Southern Black Nurses Association Community Service Award; the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Stars Align Award; the Amity Club Distinguished Italian-American Lifetime Achievement Award; Exchange Magazine’s Master Leader award; and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s Marvin Maurer Spotlight Award. Under Allyx’s leadership, Friends Center for Children was recognized with the 2024 Yale University Seton Elm-Ivy Award.

Allyx is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is a former board member of Connecticut Voices for Children; appointee to the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Reading; leader of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund Community Leadership Program; and co-founder of the Quinnipiac River Community Group. She holds dual Master’s degrees from Bank Street College of Education in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s degree from Union College. 

Allyx is the mother of two amazing adult children and lives in New Haven with her partner and their dog, Tuck.

Mara Schick

Mara was born and raised here in Connecticut.  She is currently a resident of New Haven where she has lived for the past 10 years.  She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary education and her master’s degree in Special Education at Assumption College in Worcester, MA.  She has been a special education teacher in Bridgeport working with students with Autism.  She found FCfC when looking for a place for her son to learn and develop while at work.  She was a part of the FCfC team last summer as an intern and is thrilled to be able to have a more permanent place with the community for the upcoming year!

Valerie Shaw

Val Shaw has been a part of the Friends Center community since 2013. Val has attended Charter Oak college for early childhood education, and has been working in the early childhood education field for over 20 years. She was inspired to open and operate her own home daycare for 15 years. Her passion in teaching young children is evident, in her calm and nurturing interactions with children. Through research, Val discovered the benefits of incorporating American Sign Language in the classroom environment. She is certified in ASL and her goal is to become a certified interpreter in ASL.

Val is delighted to be a part of the community, where she continues to help our youngest friends at Friends Center flourish!

Tanya Shively

Tanya Shively comes to Friends Center with a broad international background. Born in Hong Kong, where she received her primary school education, Tanya later attended secondary school in England before settling in the United States as a young adult. Most of her years in England were spent at Sidcot School, a Quaker boarding school in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, which she remembers very fondly. She has also lived in Australia and Canada and feels most at home among an international community.

Tanya holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition with a minor in Computer Science from the University of the Pacific and a Master of Music from the Hartt School of Music. Although no longer performing, she remains active in the musical world through administrative work with local organizations and by arranging scores on a regular basis. Classical music continues to be her deepest passion.

For 20 years, Tanya owned and operated The Sandwich Maestro, a gourmet sandwich shop and catering business in Stamford with a classical music theme, which she sold in December 2017. A self-described foodie, she loves cooking, entertaining, and discovering new restaurants. During the pandemic, she took up tennis and has been an avid player ever since.

Rachel Sotland

Rachel has been at Friends Center for one year serving as a flexible Support Assistant to both infant/toddler and preschool. She previously spent 3 years working with preschoolers and helping them to learn their primary skills. Rachel has completed all of her CDA education and training (Child Development Associate).  She is very intuitive towards children’s feelings and has a special ability to understand and connect with them. Working at Friends Center for Children has allowed her to continue to work with them on their development. Her hobbies include Tae Kwon Do, bowling, puzzles and running Spartan races.

Aundrea Tabbs-Smith

Aundrea attended Temple University where she obtained a bachelor’s in Early and Elementary Education and later earned her master’s in Special Education from Bank Street College of Education in Manhattan. Reflecting on her experiences in middle and high school, as the only or one of a handful of students of color, she published her first book in 2018, learning that even though others may not see our value we have a purpose. Aundrea wrote “For the Quiet Black Girl Trying to Find Her Voice in a Predominately White Space” for little girls like her who needed the reminder that they matter. Her second book is a picture book published in May of 2024 titled, “Never Too Much”, which highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking a look at the words people say that may make us question ourselves.

Aundrea was a classroom teacher at Rye Country Day School for 12 years — teaching 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade and was the Lower School Diversity Coordinator and a member of the Social Justice Committee. Throughout her teaching career, it has been her mission to not only educate the minds of her students but also enrich their souls. After leaving the classroom she was Director of Admissions for an independent school in Stamford, CT for two years. Aundrea enjoys being a part of the Emotional Well-being team, working together to liberate and empower families, educators and children.

Dr. Ginger Tillman

Dr. Ginger L. Tillman, MSW, DSW or simply “Dr. T”, has provided school based therapeutic services to students within various educational settings including early childcare facilities, grades K – 12, and higher education. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Tillman has supported the social emotional wellbeing of all children and she believes that providing children with the necessary tools to be successful within any educational environment is not only her job but her passion.

In addition to providing school based therapeutic services to children, Dr. T has also supported staff culture, professional development and well being as well as support to families. Dr.Tillman’s career also includes a new found love in supporting, teaching, and guiding graduate level social work students as an adjunct professor for both Quinnipiac University and The University of Massachusetts. Dr. Tillman’s most recent milestone is receiving her certification in Educational Leadership (092) in 2024, from Sacred Heart University.

Dr. Tillman’s educational background also includes an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Masters degree of Social Work from Springfield College, and a Doctorate degree in Social Work from Capella University. In her downtime you can catch Dr. T expressing her love for fashion, cooking one of her favorite recipes, or taking a long walk with her four legged bestie “Zena”.

Keegan Sagnelli

Keegan Sagnelli is a graduate of Purchase College, where he received a B.A. in Arts Management and Creative Writing in 2020. Over the course of his career, he’s worked primarily in arts organizations from the performing and visual arts to arts education. While working in the arts, he found a passion for nonprofit administration and supporting mission-driven organizations in telling their stories. Keegan brings a community-centered approach to his work. He believes that through advocacy and education, we can embolden people to live their lives to the fullest while promoting accessibility and care. As a practiced poet as well, Keegan’s writing has been featured in Genre: Urban Arts and Italics Mine, and in 2019, he was awarded the Ginny Wray Prize in Poetry at Purchase College

Caroline T. Smith

A 15 year resident of New Haven, Caroline Tanbee Smith is committed to supporting neighbors and families in her community in New Haven. Prior to joining Friends Center, she was a Co-Founder of Collab, a community accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Greater New Haven. She currently serves on the City of New Haven Board of Alders as the Alder for Ward 9, which includes portions of the Fair Haven and East Rock neighborhoods.

Caroline lives in New Haven with her partner, Megan, and plays pickup basketball in the summers at Wilbur Cross courts. She graduated from Yale College (2014) and the Yale School of Management (2025). ​

Chevanne Spencer

Abby Spiegel

Abby was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. She graduated from the Sound School in 2019 and obtained a Future Farmers of America (FFA) certificate.She is in the process of obtaining her Professional Baker Certificate at Gateway Community College. Abby’s love for children developed when she was selected to be a part of the LEA ( leader in making) program at Camp Hazen YMCA. She is excited to work with children again as part of the FCFC community. Abby loves to see children smile and laugh as they learn through open ended, hands-on learning.

She tends to their wants and needs by being kind, patient, organized, respectful, and resolving conflict. In her free time she enjoys thrifting for unique treasures, craft projects like making origami flower bouquets, baking, taking long walks with her dog Piper and playing golf.

Miriam Sutton

Miriam Sutton is Program Director of Friends Center for Children in New Haven, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the institution’s three early care and education facilities.

Miriam has more than two decades of experience working with young children and families and first came to Friends Center as a parent. Her career at Friends Center began as an Emotional Well-Being coordinator responsible for providing individualized services to families and teachers, and is trained in trauma-informed care for families with children up to age five. 

Miriam was part of the Friends Center team that won the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s 2024 Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge Audience Choice award.

Her passion and expertise in early care and education stems from her understanding of how essential those early years are to children’s future health and well-being. Miriam’s experience in early care and education fuels her ongoing work, creating environments where children learn to honor differences and treat others with respect. She believes that high-quality child care means building a community around a child. 

In a 2023 Hartford Courant opinion piece, “Connecticut can’t afford to let our child care system fail,” Miriam conveys her perspective as an educator and a parent, calling on Connecticut officials to secure federal funding for the early care and education system.

Miriam serves as a co-chair of the Ideal Learning Head Start Network Practice Committee, a national group of early care and education leaders strengthening pedagogical practices across diverse childcare settings. She is also a founding board member of Wealth Beacon, a New Haven Connecticut-based program working to bridge families from being unhoused to becoming homeowners.

Miriam holds a degree in early childhood education from Gateway Community College and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in human services from Albertus Magnus College.  

Miriam has two children and enjoys family gatherings, music, watching crime mysteries, and pottery.

Rathana Touch

Rathana was born in Cambodia and moved to the USA in 1992. She has lived in Bridgeport for the majority of the time, but recently moved to East Haven. She has been in the early childhood field for 14 years and has been in the education field for 17 years. Rathana loves working with children and watching them get excited about learning and playing. She currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Rathana loves spending time with her family, especially her nephew, Jace, and being outdoors.

Kristina Valente

Kristina joined the Friends Center community in August of 2018 and brought with her 10 years of experience working with children ages preschool through 5th grade. Preschool has become her favorite age group to work with because of the ages’ significant potential for growth and development. Kristina holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Kristina loves gardening, cooking with her husband, Michael, and playing with their dogs Poppy, Tasha, Pippa, Rosie, Marley and Taco.

Lanecia Vollano

Lanecia Vollano became a part of Christian Community Action’s work search program beginning in the year 2023, which led her to find an interest in the Cercle program. In 2024, Christian Community Actions ICan banquet gave her the knowledge on how to go about following her dream of becoming a teacher. Lanecia then joined the CERCLE program in 2024, earning a certification of completion in 2025. Currently, Lanecia is taking steps in her teaching career path by becoming a student in the Atlas CDA training class online, which she started in 2025 while training with the CERCLE program. During her learning period in the CERCLE program, Lanecia became very knowledgeable in how to manage newborn to preschool classrooms, which she loves to do very much. Lanecia believes in treating others how she likes to be treated, which is with love and dignity. In her spare time, she loves attending her children’s recitals, school activity invites, sports practices, swimming, shopping with her daughters, cooking for parties and clients, and enjoying the state parks.

Tyler Carillo- Wagonner

Tyler Carillo-Wagonner  graduated from Bennington College focusing on social justice and literature in 2020. She recently moved back to New Haven in July and will be starting a master’s program in early childhood at the end of August. Tyler has worked in many childcare centers in three different states. Starting her early childhood journey in Vermont she moved to Memphis after graduating from Bennington College and worked with elementary aged children at a Montessori school. Although loving the methodology, she left to follow her true passion in early childhood education and subsequently worked for three years as an early childhood educator. Tyler anchors her interactions with children in the belief that early childhood is the foundation of human development. She believes this period of their lives is essential in shaping the children who will become the leaders of tomorrow and thus deserves mindful guidance and care. In her free time, she loves to write in her journal and creatively, read, draw, and bike. She is completing a forty-mile ride in the beginning of September, Closer to Free Ride, in support of cancer research.

Maryann Williams

Maryann has dedicated her career to shaping the lives of young children through her passion for early childhood education and development. She began her professional career in 2000, earning her Early Childhood Development Associate credentials from All Our Kin. This foundational achievement set the stage for a lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Over the past 25 years, Maryann has amassed a wealth of experience as a daycare professional, working with esteemed facilities such as Montessori on Edgewood, and the JCC of Greater New Haven. At each institution, she honed her skills in child development, classroom management, and collaborative teaching. Her adaptability and commitment to excellence allowed her to grow into leadership roles, ultimately earning her the position of head teacher in several classrooms. Throughout her career, Maryann has demonstrated a profound ability to create engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. She has consistently prioritized building strong connections with children, parents, and colleagues to foster a supportive and dynamic educational community. Her hands-on approach to teaching has inspired countless children, empowering them with the confidence and skills to succeed academically and socially. Her passion for lifelong learning matches Maryann’s dedication to her profession. She has continuously sought opportunities to expand her knowledge of early childhood education trends and best practices, ensuring that her teaching methods remain innovative and effective. With her extensive experience, leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds, Maryann is eager to bring her expertise to a new role where she can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. In her spare time, she enjoys interior decorating, spending time with her grandchildren, and vacationing with her husband. Maryann is excited about joining Friends Center for Children’s family and yours.

Alexia Zuniga

Alexia Zuniga was born and raised in Lima, Peru, and moved to Connecticut at the age of 14. Alexia is a dedicated teacher with over a decade of early childhood experience. She has a passion for nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She loves watching children grow into smart little individuals. Alexia holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Studies. Beyond the classroom, Alexia is a proud mother of three who ensures to keep her busy. She is excited to be a part of the FCfC family!