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We have 11 professional staff members, including a director, program assistant, nutrition coordinator, 6 head teachers and 2 assistant teachers. All head teachers have a Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Early Childhood, experience working with young children and their families, and American Red Cross Certification in First Aid and CPR. The staff enjoys and is committed to working with young children. They understand how young children grow and learn and respond with sensitivity to each child's individual needs, interests, and curiosities.

Karen Sanders, Director, came to the Center in 1998. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Studies and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration from PSU. Karen has taught at the Center in the Kindergarten and Preschool programs. She is also an instructor for the Early Childhood Studies program at PSU.

Nancy C. Aldrich, Program Assistant, has a B.S. in Business Education and was on the Parent Advisory Committee when the Center first opened. Nancy came to Plymouth State University in 1979 and has been at the Child Development and Family Center since 1991. She is actively involved in committee work to benefit the community and enjoys photography. Her son Matthew and daughters Andrea and Laura all attended the Center.

Karen McDonough began teaching at the Center in 2000. Karen graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA with a B.A. in English and an Elementary School Teacher's certification. Karen is currently working towards a Masters Degree in Education. In her free time Karen enjoys the outdoors with her husband, Pat, and two children. Karen is currently continuing her educating at the Plymouth State University in the Masters of Education program. She is working towards becoming a Reading and Writing Specialist.

Meredith Leighton came to the Center in 2001. She graduated from Plymouth State University in December 2001 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Studies. She has a minor in Child Development and options in both Special Eduation and Teacher Certification. Meredith is orginally from Northern N.H. and loves spending time with her family. Most recently Mere is the proud mother of her new son Brady!

Kayla Roper joined the Center’s team in August 2005. She graduated from Plymouth State University in 2000 with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing in Early Childhood Studies, Special Education and Social Work. She continued her studies in Colorado at the University of CO at Denver majoring in Early Childhood Special Education. Kayla and her family live in Waterville Valley and enjoy the New England mountain lifestyle.

Robert F. Gannett, Preschool Teacher, has been at the Center since the fall of 1989 and has been one of the head teachers in the Preschool program since the 1991-92 school year. When not being "Silly Bob" at the Center, he enjoys spending time golfing, kayaking and traveling with his wife Suzan and visiting with his two grown children, Jessie and Eben.

Wendy Hartke joined the Center in 1995. Wendy has taught in the Kindergarten, Early Preschool, and toddler rooms. She graduated from PSU with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Early Childhood Education and Math. She also holds an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from PSU.

Marcia Huckins has three sons and a daughter. Marcia has been at the Center longer than any other staff member and enjoys working with the university students.

Natalka Sywenkyj has been at the Center since 2000. She has worked as an assistant teacher in the Kindergarten and as a lead teacher in the Early Preschool and Toddler rooms. In 2000, she received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University and is currently working on her Master's degree in Education at PSU. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her son and husband, playing outdoors and hiking.

Carrie Long joined the Center’s team in August 2006. She is currently enrolled in her last semester at Plymouth State University earning a degree in Early Childhood Studies and a minor in Child Welfare and Family Studies. Carrie lives in Plymouth with her fiancé and they enjoy exploring all that the beautiful outdoors has to offer.

Susan Lafreniere came to the Center in 1991. She is the Nutrition Coordinator and Assistant to the Toddler Team. Susan has three children.