Our Teachers & Educators

Dedicated & Experienced

The North Haven Child Development Center is passionate about your child’s happiness and development and devoted to providing them with a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn and grow.
You can rest easy knowing your child is in the best hands with our dedicated and experienced educators.

When it comes to our teachers, our standards are as high as yours.

Prior to hiring, all employees are background checked and complete a state and federal fingerprint card which is submitted to the department for a State Police Bureau of Identification and a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Records check.

The North Haven Child Development Center employs highly qualified staff with education and experience specific to the age groups in which they work.

The Directors and Head Teachers at the North Haven Child Development Center all hold Degrees in Early Childhood Education and all of our staff members are CPR Certified, First Aid, Medication Administration and EpiPen trained.

The North Haven Child Development Center is committed to providing your child with the best educational services possible by enhancing staff’s skills and knowledge around Early Childhood Education.

Our staff is required to earn professional development credits and are encouraged to continue their education towards a higher degree in Early Childhood Education.

Staff receives ongoing training throughout the year on site by the director and consultants. Such training includes but are not limited to Early Childhood Education, Curriculum, Health and Nutrition, SIDS, Mandated Reporting, Special Education, Team Work, Diversity etc.

Staff is also encouraged and supported to continue their education outside of training to complete credited coursework in Early Childhood Education.

Meet the Team

The staff at the North Haven Child Development Center is a team of credentialed professionals who facilitate learning.
Get to know our dedicated and experienced Director, Assistant Director, Head Teachers and Assistant Teachers.

  • Owner & Director

    Welcome! I am the Owner of North Haven Child Development Center. I am a mom of two amazing girls who inspired me to create a nurturing environment for young children to thrive, grow and just be little. I am fortunate to have an extremely supportive husband that not only believed in me but continues to support this journey. Growing up in North Haven myself it is an honor to not only raise my family here, but, operate a business in which we are able to be a part of so many other family’s lives. In 2014, while I was expecting my second child, I had a vision of creating what is now a reality here at NHCD Center. I hope to provide a safe and nurturing space within our community while offering high quality early childhood education for working families. At the end of the day, we hope that you see us as your extended family as well. When I am not working I enjoy spending with my family and friends. I have a secret love for cooking, planning parties and being active.

    I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree at Southern Connecticut State University in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education. Through my graduate degree I received my State Certification in Special Education for children Birth through Five years old and Special Education Pre-K to Third Grade. I have been working in the Early Childhood field for over 10 years. I have been a classroom teacher, a classroom coach and manager throughout this time span, worked for small privately-owned centers as well as a large Federal and State Funded Program serving just over three hundred children throughout the New Haven area. In addition, I am an active member of National Association for the Education of Young Children and also a board member of the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children.

    More recently I have begun to consult for various Early Childhood Programs. As a professional in the field, I have an obligation and desire to share my knowledge and understanding with each family and staff member that enters the center. I have extensive training around The Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies GOLD, Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards, Ages and Stages Questionnaire, ITERS/ECERS and CLASS as well as Social and Emotional development for children ages birth thru five years old. Personally, I am passionate about the rapid growth and development that occurs during the first three years of life and importance of children being exposed to high quality education at a very young age in a loving environment. I truly believe that Early Childhood Education sets the foundation for children and helps them develop a love for learning.

  • Preschool Teacher

    My name is Debbie and I have been working the field of Early Childhood Education for 8 years. I have been working here at NHCD Center since 2017 with the Preschool Classroom. I have my Child Development Associates with a concentration in ages 3-5 years old. I also enjoy attending new workshops and trainings being offered to bring new ideas and concepts to the classroom. It is exciting to work with children this age because of their eagerness to learn new things. I love to see a child try something new and accomplish a task for the first time. Their excitement is contagious. When I am not working with young children my family and I enjoy camping together on the weekends. I have two daughters and one son and am a dog mom as well! I also love doing crafts and making decorations!

  • Infant & Toddler Teacher

    My name is Jocelyn and I have been working in the field of ECE for about 5 years. I began my studies in Early Childhood Education simultaneously while working in the field which I found to be very helpful. I was able to apply exactly what I was learning at college to my classroom with the children and families. During the course of my studies I focused much of my interest in Early Language and Literacy as it is the foundation for all social interactions and positive learning environment. The first three years of life are important to the brain’s development, this means making the learning process fun and exciting is critical to their growth and development. I am dedication to the social and emotional development of each child and making it my goal to ensure each child received the best care, opportunities and love they all deserve from me. I have always worked with Infants and Toddlers and prefer this age group. Children of this age are so passionate about playing and learning that I feel honored to be a part of their development and set a solid foundation for them. My favorite part is being able to witness all the firsts with each child. I began working at NHCD Center when Room #2 opened in 2016. Being here with my group of children from the beginning has allowed me to see their growth and development over the past few years. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two year old, doing arts and crafts, swimming, hiking and visiting new places.

  • Infant & Toddler Teacher

    My name is Mckenna and I have been working with children ages birth to five for a little over three years. I started as a preschool teacher in New Haven and eventually transitioned to Infants and Toddlers when I started working here at NHCD Center in 2016. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Connecticut State University with a concentration in Psychology. In addition, I have completed many trainings in Early Childhood Education, specifically Infants and Toddlers. I originally majored in Education and developed a passion for bother learning and teaching. I became interested in early childhood education because teaching the foundation for social emotional development helps prepare children for a positive learning experience. To be part of that development is very rewarding and exciting for me. Outside of teaching, I love hiking, drawing and pottery making. I am also an avid animal lover and enjoy spending time with my dog and two cats!

  • Preschool Teacher

    Hello my name is Renee Kamienski. I have been working in the early education field for ten years. I received my Early Childhood Education Degree from Gateway Community College. I enjoy working with this age group because they are so eager to learn about any and everything. When I'm not working I enjoy kayaking, skiing, and traveling with my family.