Meet Our Staff
Director
Aprill Bates
Aprill graduated with her degree in Criminal Justice & minored in Psychology. She began her career in Early childhood in 2013 at just the age of 19 and has had a passion for teaching ever since! She has a love for creating curriculum and watching her students learn & Grow! Ever since accepting Jesus into her heart, she has shared his Word through preaching the Word of God on social media platform and at her local Church. She has been the leader her youth group Sunday school and her church Women Bible study group at her church! She is excited to continue sharing the Word of God as Director of Learn and Play. Her Favorite scripture is all scripture but if she had to choose, she would choose. 1 john 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the World!” “You have the Holy spirit at work in you, so therefor its impossible for you to fail. You will Win every time because the greater one lives in you and that is the Holy Spirit!” Aprill is honored to serve as the Director of Learn & Play as she continues to grow in Christ.
To contact Aprill, you can:
Call: (203) 488-4028
Email: learnandplay@snet.net
Michele Almeida
Infant Room
Michele has been working at Learn & Play for nine years! She received her CDA from Acres and has a lifetime of experience in the early childhood industry. Her favorite part about being a teacher are the endless hugs she receives on a day to day basis. In 2018, Michele joined the Learn & Play Infant room and has not turned back since – each time that she receives a smile from one of her precious little ones, her heart melts. Michele has several beloved Bible verses but two of her favorites would have to be Psalm27:4-8 and Psalm 28:1-2!Trena Duclos
Infant Room
Trena has been working in the early childhood field since 2014 – she has been enamored with children, their families, and co-workers ever since! She is currently pursing her CDA, and says that her favorite part of teaching is watching children grow and develop their individual personalities. Since joining Learn & Play, Trena feels that she is part of a team with a strong sense of comradery & community. Her goal is for each child to feel safe and secure, and to know that they are loved.
Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13!
Tracy D’Amico
Waddler Room
Tracy has worked in child care for 21 years and is working towards receiving her CDA. Her creativity has helped Learn & Play to flourish in all artistic aspects of the center!
Tracy finds it rewarding to help each child in her classroom grow, as she witnesses the progress they make throughout the year. She finds teaching fun, exciting, and filled with laughter! Tracy says that there is never a bad day with the children’s little smiles and with the constant hugs that she receives daily. Her go to Bible verse is found in Matthew 7:12!
Megan Rodgers
Waddler Room
Megan is working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working with all age groups: from 6 weeks to 5 years old – she is able to help out in each classroom and connect with every child. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the growth from the beginning of the year, being able to witness them walk (or waddle) into the classroom for the first time vs move up to the next level by the end of the school year. She finds it fulfilling to be a part of their development. Megan’s favorite Bible verse is John 3:16!
Antonia Dondero
Toddler Room
Antonia has been teaching and caring for children for over 20 years. She has been a lead teacher in both preschool and toddlers. She thoroughly enjoys spending time with little people. She has her Bachelors decree in both Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Bay Path College in Longmeadow Ma. She lives on the shoreline with her son and her English bulldog. In the her spare time she enjoys being a soccer mom! Going for hikes, walking on the beach, gardening and just being a mom to a great young man!Kamir Galarce
Preschool
Kamir has experience working with children for over 15 years. She have a BA in Education Teaching has been a pure joy for her as she gets to see the joys on the children’s faces as they enjoyed the classroom every day. Being able to welcome students into the room lights up her world. Kamir’s go to Bible verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me..
Santella Germe
Toddler Room
I have been teaching in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2004. I studied ECE at Gateway Community College and have a preschool CDA & Head Teacher certificate. I have experience teaching infants through pre-k, assistant teaching in kindergarten and as an ABA paraprofessional with 1st &2nd grade children with special needs/autism. Building a safe and trusting relationship with the children & their families, being a part of caring for & teaching the children, and seeing them reach their milestones is all very important to me. I’m especially glad that I am able to teach & share the Love of Jesus Christ to the little ones in my work place! One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Cheryl Tardif
Preschool
I am a mom of two beautiful Children. I have been taking care of Children since the age of 13. I love being greeted with smiles and hugs each day! My goal is to provide a safety and trusting environment for each child that enters my classroom. My favorite Bible verse is “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127: 3
Pre-K
Lisa Harrison
Hello All, at Learn and Play! My name is Ms. Lisa I have been teaching for over 30 years! I have been drawn to children all my life! It brings me Joy to teach them something new, sing and dance with them and to give them the courage to try new things! I Love each and every one that comes through my classroom door.
