Marissa Connors joined the Children's Garden Preschool and Learning Center as Director in October of 2017. She received her Degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice from East Stroudsburg University, and Marissa's career accomplishments are from both the academic and managerial sectors of education. For more than ten years she provided intensive treatment centering on behavioral and ABA therapy for children. Marissa specialized in Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy, specifically for deaf children with Autism. Prior to her position at Children’s Garden, she was a Program Specialist for a non-profit organization; overseeing and directing the care, development, and treatment services of people with Developmental Disabilities across Delaware County. In her free time, Marissa is an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her niece and nephews. Marissa is excited to have the opportunity to prepare your children for success in school and for their futures!
Lauren Barnes has been a staff member of Children’s Garden for over 23 years! She received her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, and has been devoted to teaching children since! Lauren started at Children’s Garden in 1993, where she began her career as a teacher in the infant and two year old rooms for seven years. She was then promoted to Assistant Director, she has established exceptional curriculum development, parental communication, and positive relationships with families and staff. Lauren loves Philly sports, and has a yellow lab named Utley! She enjoys spending time with her husband and son, whether it is on the beach or watching her son on the basketball court or lacrosse field! Lauren is committed to working with the teachers to ensure a safe and loving atmosphere for your children to learn and grow.
Rose started as our Toddler Teacher at Children's Garden in April of 2018. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Fordham University in 2017, and has been working with children since 2009. Rose has a passion for helping children develop and grow through curiosity and education. She loves watching children learn new things on a daily basis. In her free time, Rose enjoys spending time with friends and family!
Elma has been a teacher at Children's Garden for 17 years. She started her career in the infant and toddler rooms, and has now been in the two year old room for 7 years. Elma has a passion for teaching children and loves watching them develop and grow throughout their years at Children's Garden. During her free time, Elma enjoys time with her family and summer days at the beach!
Sue has worked at Children's Garden for 15 years. She began her career in the infant and toddler classrooms, and now works with the children in the 2 year old room. Sue loves teaching, and takes pleasure in watching her students absorb information like a sponge! Sue enjoys reading and jigsaw puzzles, and loves going to the shore and spending time with her family.
Julie has been a teacher at Children's Garden since 2001. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Widener University, and would like to achieve a Master's in Speech Therapy for children. She has been teaching the 3 and 4 year old students for 16 years, with her passion for children coming from watching them learn and grow through their experiences. In her free time, Julie enjoys reading and enjoying time with her family.
Cami began teaching at Children's Garden in October of 2017 and is beyond ecstatic to be our Pre-K teacher! She achieved a Bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in Women’s Studies with a minor in Psychology, and has over 10 years of childcare experience! Cami loves infusing the arts into her teaching, for she believes it encourages the children to be creative and use their imagination! In her free time, Cami loves to keep up with her hobbies; acting (film and theater) writing, and playing the piano and drums.
Caitlin has been working at Children's Garden for 4 years teaching in the infant room, and is currently earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. Caitlin loves being around children and seeing them happy and laughing. She believes that learning should always be fun and enjoyable. In her spare time, she loves raising her two daughters, Emma and Erin, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Sophie joined Children's Garden Preschool and Learning Center in April of 2018 as a toddler teacher after moving from North Carolina. She graduated with her Master's Degree from Qingdao University in China. She has been teaching for over 5 years, and most recently was working with Kindergarten students in North Carolina. Sophie loves teaching, encouraging her students to continue to explore their classroom surroundings, and watching her students grow and continue to express themselves as individuals. During her free time, Sophie loves to play tennis, badminton, and explore National Parks. She is also a huge Philly sports fan!
Erin has been working at Children's Garden since January of 2018 as a teacher in the infant room. Throughout her life, Erin always aspired to work with children as they give her great joy! She loves to watch them grow and explore within her classroom and develop skills they will need as toddlers. Erin has over 6 years experience working with infants and children. In her spare time, Erin loves spending time with her friends and family, as well as being outdoors; whether it is horse back riding or vacations at the beach!