“There are three teachers of children: adults, other children, and their physical environment.”

— Loris Malaguzzi

Meet the Team

  • Jennifer Hogan

    Founder and CEO

    Jennifer brings to her role at The Learning Garden Childcare Center a background in early childhood teaching, program administration, higher education administration, and both undergraduate studies and a Masters degree in Education.

    Jennifer comes from a family of entrepreneurs and understands the importance of customer satisfaction. Jennifer sees a high demand for quality child care in the Capital Region and knows first-hand the difficulty in finding quality child care for her own children. She is a proud mother of three and is also a foster parent.

    She believes in providing children a kind, compassionate place to learn and grow. Jennifer grew up on a small family farm so time outdoors and the chance to dig in the dirt is a key part of her center’s philosophy.

    Jennifer is excited to be opening this childcare center in an area that is growing rapidly and has a very high demand for childcare. She seeks to create a brand of top-tier centers across the Capital Region and is excited to put together an amazing team of early childhood educators and get to know the families in her care.

  • Miss Britney

    Assistant Director

  • Miss Joanie

    Lead Infant Teacher

    Joanie has an abundance of experience with children of all ages in many different settings. She has spent time in a small locally owned preschool, as a substitute in a public K-12 school district, and in an infant to Pre-K daycare. Joanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis, from a small liberal arts school in the Berkshires. She has a passion for caring for children and helping them learn! She values a hands on and experience based teaching style, and encourages learning through play!

  • Miss Destiny

    Part-time Assisant Teacher

    Destiny absolutely adores working with children. She has spent many years working in the special education department of the RCS district, helping to support students with special needs. We are thrilled to have her join us at the Learning Garden, where her compassion and dedication will surely make a positive impact on the children in our care.

  • Miss Jennifer

    Lead Preschool Teacher

    Jennifer is a highly enthusiastic and creative preschool teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow. Her associates degree is in early childhood education and has a bachelors in inclusive elementary education. Jennifer has experience in a k-2 and a preschool self contained classroom settings. She believes that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. She strives to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn, and have fun. When Jennifer is not in the classroom teaching she is on a pool deck coaching swim team or swim lessons. In Jennifer’s spare time she enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time with family.

  • Miss Vanessa

    Lead Toddler Teacher

    Vanessa will be entering her third year of teaching, bringing a deep love for guiding young minds. She’s excited to bring a happy and calm environment to the classroom. As a former Army soldier, Vanessa combines discipline with compassion, creating a structured yet nurturing environment for her students. Her passion for arts and crafts shines through in her teaching, where she encourages creativity and hands-on learning. Vanessa is also known for her love of singing and dancing, which she often incorporates into her classroom to make learning fun and engaging. With her kind and welcoming nature, Vanessa ensures that every child feels valued and supported. Outside of the classroom, she's a devoted mother to a happy 3-year-old girl, who inspires her daily. Vanessa is excited to continue her journey in education, eager to watch her students' minds grow and thrive under her care.

  • Miss Ana

    Assistant Teacher

    Hi! I’m Ana and I’m an Assistant Teacher at The Learning Garden Daycare. I am passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning in children. Working with kids brings me immense joy, and I cherish every moment spent in the classroom. Currently, I am pursuing my education at Hudson Valley Community College, where I am honing my skills and expanding my knowledge in the field of teaching. My goal is to build a rewarding career in education, inspiring the next generation to reach their full potential. I am excited about the journey ahead and the impact I can make in the lives of my students.

  • Miss Robin

    Lead Infant Teacher

  • Mr. Connor

    Lead Pre-K 1 Teacher

  • Miss Chloe

    Assistant Teacher