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

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.

Business Director

Renata Filiaci is a seasoned professional with a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering holistic development in children. Renata's journey in childcare began at the tender age of 13, laying the foundation for her deep understanding of the needs and dynamics of childhood. Armed with a Master of Science degree in Health and Wellness, Renata brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being in early childhood education. Renata's dedication to supporting families extends beyond traditional childcare roles. As a Certified Doula specializing in prenatal and postpartum care, she has provided invaluable support to numerous families, further solidifying her commitment to holistic family wellness. With a rich background in business management, Renata possesses the strategic acumen and operational expertise necessary to excel in the role of Business Director at The Learning Garden Childcare Center. Her experience in managing multiple businesses has honed her leadership skills and instilled in her a keen sense of organizational efficiency. What truly sets Renata apart is her unwavering dedication to creating a nurturing environment where each child is valued as a unique individual.

Assistant Director

McKenna Stephens is a dedicated individual with a passion for working with children. For over a decade, she has devoted herself to the well-being and development of young minds. Currently, she is pursuing her education in child advocacy, with the ultimate goal of becoming a children's attorney. Her aspiration is to represent and advocate for children who come from troubled backgrounds. Throughout her years of working with children, she has come to understand the importance of providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. She firmly believes that every child deserves to grow up in a loving and supportive community. She is thrilled to embark on her new journey at The Learning Garden. This role presents an exciting opportunity for her to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. She is committed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where children can thrive and flourish. With her experience and expertise, she is confident that she can help lead the center towards excellence in early childhood education and development.

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!

Assistant Teacher

Miranda is a compassionate and caring individual. One of her greatest joys in life is caring for others, whether it is her sweet bunny or her 88-year-old grandma. She had previously worked in the healthcare field for three years and found immense satisfaction in helping those in need. She is currently in the process of pursuing her dream of becoming a social worker. She believes that everyone deserves to have someone who cares about them and supports them, and she hopes to be that person for those who need it most. She hopes to become a foster mom in the future and provide a loving and stable home for children who may not have had that in their lives.

In addition to her passion for caregiving and helping others, she also has a deep love for nature. Spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking through the mountains or simply sitting in a park, brings her a sense of peace and tranquility. She believes that nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of life.

She strives to make a positive impact on the world around her, whether it be through work in healthcare, a future career as a social worker, or her dream of becoming a foster mom. She believe that kindness, compassion, and love are some of the most powerful forces in the world, and she is committed to spreading those values wherever she goes.

Assistant Teacher

Brianna has always had a special connection with children. For the past four years, she has dedicated her time and passion to working with children of all ages, helping them grow and develop.

Her approach to teaching is hands-on and visual, as she believes that children learn best through interactive experiences. She enjoys creating activities that engage the children and encourage them to explore and discover new things.

Brianna takes great pride in watching children reach new milestones and achieve their goals. Whether it’s a child taking their first steps, learning to read, or mastering a new skill, she is there every step of the way, supporting and encouraging them to do their best. She is very excited to start her journey at The Learning Garden.

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.

Lead Pre-K Teacher

Isabella is a dedicated educator who has spent many years working with children, most recently in a K-2 self-contained classroom. She brings a wealth of unique skills and knowledge to the table due to her experience. Isabella's passion for working with children is evident in everything she does, from her engaging lesson plans to her compassionate demeanor. Beyond her professional life, Isabella is also a mother of two children who are the center of her world. Her love and dedication to her own children serve as a strong foundation for her work with other young learners. Isabella's personal experience as a parent gives her a deep understanding of the complexities of child development and allows her to connect with both her students and their families on a deeper level. She is excited to start her new journey as Lead Pre-K teacher at The Learning Garden.

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.

Floating Assistant Teacher

Lead Toddler Teacher

Alecia has always had a passion for working with children. From a young age, she found joy in caring for and nurturing young minds. Her journey in the field of childcare began when she started babysitting at the age of 16. Over the years, she gained valuable experience caring for children of all ages, from newborns to 13-year-olds. After graduating from high school, Alecia decided to pursue a career in education. She got a job as a 1:1 assistant teacher at an elementary school, where she worked with children who had significant needs. This experience opened her eyes to the diverse needs of children and the importance of individualized care and attention. Alecia's dedication did not go unnoticed, and she was soon promoted to the position of lead teacher in an infant room. She enjoyed creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for the little ones, watching them grow and develop each day. She found fulfillment in being able to make a positive impact on their lives and help them reach their full potential. Currently, Alecia is pursuing a degree in Human Services with the goal of becoming a part of Child Protective Services. She is passionate about providing support to children, and she hopes to make a difference in their lives. Her experiences in childcare have prepared her for this role, giving her a deep understanding of the unique needs of children and the importance of their well-being. As a mother of two daughters, aged two and three, Alecia knows firsthand the joys and challenges of parenting. She cherishes the time she spends with her little ones and finds toddlers to be her favorite age group. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless energy never fail to bring a smile to her face. Alecia is excited and eager to continue her journey in childcare and education at The Learning Garden. She is eager to apply her knowledge and skills to help shape and mold young minds.

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.

Assistant Teacher

Colleen has always adored working with children. Starting as a babysitter at age 15 before becoming a summer camp counselor, she understands the importance of creativity and curiosity in a child’s development. Because of this, Colleen is incredibly passionate about creative expression in the classroom and organizing artistic, hands-on programming. After studying communications at a liberal arts college in New York City, she has returned home to spend time with family and give back to her community. Knowing that every child is unique, she is enthusiastic about individual development and strives to create a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment. In her spare time, Colleen loves to read, write, swim, and spend time with her loved ones. She can’t wait to continue her journey in childcare and education at The Learning Garden.

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.

Lead Infant Teacher

I have worked in daycare for 3 years now but have been babysitting since I was 13 years old. I’ve worked with children from age infant to age 14. . I want to own my own daycare one day and take everything I’ve learned with me. I come from a very large family and love kids. My favorite activities to do are art, sensory play and book time.

Lead Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hello everyone! My name is Miss Heather and I have been teaching and caring for young children for over 10 years. I have many years of experience working with ages 12 weeks-7 years old in a variety of educational settings. I have experience teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grades, as well. In our classroom you can expect scholars to engage in hands-on activities to give them opportunities to explore, create, and learn about a variety of topics and help them develop important skills needed for Kindergarten. We will also be dancing, singing, drawing, writing, and reading together as we explore new topics and find different ways we can show what we know. My goal is to help every child shine for who they are and help hem feel smart, strong, and confident. In our class we will help support and encourage every chid in their learning journey and help them become someone who has a love for learning and tries their best every day.

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Assistant Teacher

Lead Infant Teacher

Ms. Kristina has been a lead infant teacher for three years. She is certified in Infant and Toddler Development. She comes from a large family and has been caring for children for twenty four years. She is also a mother to two children, ages five and ten. Her main teaching philosophy follows Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The basic needs are fundamental, followed by safety, security, love and belonging. Kristina believes strongly that when a child is confident that they are important, they can truly thrive! She enjoys incorporating diversity into her classroom through language, music, and art. She also encourages family participation so that they can work together to accomplish goals and meet the babies' needs. She is very thankful for the parents' trust they place in her caring for and educating their children.

Assistant Teacher

Lead Infant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

Lead Toddler Teacher

Assistant Teacher

Assistant Teacher

Lead Infant Teacher