Brenda Ward-Kelley
Brenda holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in Liberal Studies with minors in Psychology and Studio Art. She holds current Connecticut State Elementary Teaching Certification and has college credits in Early Childhood Education Administration, Management and Finance. She has many years experience as a family day care provider and worked as a preschool teacher in the Wallingford School System. Brenda began at 1st Church Preschool in 2004 as Afternoon Head Teacher and then taught in the 4’s Room classroom. Brenda became director of the program in December of 2010.
Jenifer Popolizio
Jenifer has been working in the field of early childhood since 2012. She worked as a Lead Teacher at the Hamden Early Learning Program for 8 years before joining the 1st Church Preschool in the fall of 2022. Jenifer holds several degrees—A.S. in Early Childhood, B.S. in Child Studies, M.A. in Education and Curriculum and has almost completed her Med in Special Education. When Jenifer is not working she loves spending time with her two children and husband, attending concerts, reading any book she can get her hands on, and hiking through Sleeping Giant. Fun facts: Jenifer has met two of her favorite authors, she enjoys all things Disney, and her favorite food is nachos (especially the ones from Aunt Chilada’s in Hamden)!
Kamaya Bilheimer
Kamaya has been working in the field of early childhood since 2016. She holds a BS in Special Education K-12, a BS in Education K-6 and a BA in French. Kamaya joined 1st Church Preschool in March of 2024. Kamaya speaks several languages--English, French, Mandarin, Spanish as well as ASL Sign Language.
Melanie Perreault
Melanie holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a state certified Head Teacher and has been working with young children since 1996. Melanie has experience with infants through preschool age and began as Head Teacher of the 4’s Room Program in 2012-2017. Melanie took a brief leave to be home with her young children and returned as Teacher in the Orange Room in September 2021.
Karen Wu
Karen Helgeson Wu has worked in the field of early childhood for over thirty years. She has a bachelor’s degree in education and psychology and a master’s degree in early childhood education. Karen also holds a Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Karen joined the 1st Church Preschool Red Pre-K teaching team in August 2023. She is a native New Yorker who transplanted into Connecticut. Karen is married with two daughters and two pugs. She is an avid hiker, biker, and swimmer who also loves to read and do crossword puzzles.
Amy Duque
Amy enjoys working with children and joined our 1st Church Preschool staff in September 2024.
Cindy Cavallaro
Cindy holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and is a state certified Head Teacher. She has been working with young children since 1986. Cindy joined the staff of 1st Church Preschool in 1998 and also serves as the school’s Summer Program Coordinator.
Stacy Maida
Stacy has 10 years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked with infants through preschool age children, worked as a Head Teacher, and also as an Assistant Director. Stacy holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in Addictions. Stacy joined our 1st Church Preschool staff in September 2024.
Tracy Colberg
Tracy has over 20 years experience working in three preschool centers. She holds a Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate and has 49 credits in Early Childhood Education. Tracy has also taught in her church's Sunday School program for 10 years and worked with preschool age children. Tracy joined 1st Church Preschool in September 2023.
Audra Boccardi
Audra holds an A.S. in Early Childhood Education. She is a state certified Head Teacher and a state certified Educational Consultant. Audra has been working with young children since 1992. She operated a home daycare and has experience as both a preschool teacher and program director. Audra joined our staff in 2010. She enjoys camping, playing her flute and traveling to Maine to visit her family.
Sarah Bellucci
Sarah has been working in the field of early childhood since 2014. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree from Albertus Magnus College in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling & Mental Health. She joined the Orange Room teaching team in the fall of 2022. Sarah enjoys singing, writing poetry, and photography. When she is not singing or writing poetry, she can be found taking pictures of flowers, sunsets, or loved ones. She self-published a poetry book called Heartbeats: A Collection of Love Poetry in April of 2022 and married her husband David in May of 2024.
Heaven Javier
Heaven joined the 1st Church Preschool staff in October 2023. She enjoys working with young children and has helped care for her younger siblings. Heaven is interested in pursuing a degree in Early Childhood and has enrolled in college courses.