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.
Maura Federico
Maura holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Art and has been working with young children since 1995. Her previous teaching experience includes the Children's Preschool in New Haven. Maura has been teaching at 1st Church Preschool in the 3’s Room since 2004.
Diane Miller
Diane has 5 years of experience as an Assistant Preschool Teacher and as a one-on-one paraprofessional teaching children ages 3 to 7 years old. Diane served as a Sunday School Director for many years working with children from birth to 10 years old. Diane joined our Blue Room Teaching Team in September 2019.
Sue Murphy
Sue holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in English as well as an A.S. in Early Childhood Education with state certification as a Head Teacher. Sue previously taught at Scooter School and has been teaching preschool children since 1998. She joined our Red Pre-K Room teaching team in 2015.
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 3’s Room teaching team in 2010.
Nina Vianese
Nina holds a B.S. Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a M.S. Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Nina has worked as a Speech/Language Pathologist and has many years of experience working with young children as both a preschool teacher and as a sports and fitness coach. Nina joined our 1st Church Preschool teaching staff in September 2020.
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.
Haleigh DePalmer
Haleigh is currently pursuing her A.S. Degree in Early Childhood at Southern Connecticut State University. She has worked as a substitute teacher at 1st Church Preschool and joined our staff as Assistant Teacher in our afternoon Yellow Pre-K Classroom in September 2020.
Katie Thomas
Katie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. She has 3 years experience as a paraprofessional in the Hamden Public Schools working with children in grades 1 and 2. Katie also has several years experience working with pre-kindergarten children as an After School Teacher and Camp Counselor. Katie joined our 1st Church Preschool Staff in February 2019.
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