Meet Our Staff

Our staff is dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.

When choosing teachers for each program area, we seek out qualifications and traits essential in providing quality childcare, including previous child care experience, a high level of education, maturity, friendliness, patience, and a nurturing heart.

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Our teachers are actively involved in training seminars and are required to dedicate a percentage of their work hours each year to further their education. Each member of our staff is given the opportunity to plan exciting and creative programs for our children using the CT ELDS (Early Learning and Development Standards) and CT DOTS (Documentation and Observation for Teaching System).

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Karen Serke

Center Director

I joined the Merryhill family in 2001 as a preschool teacher, and I became the Center Director in 2005. Merryhill has been a part of the Newtown community for over 30 years. I love coming to work each day and feel fortunate to be a part of Merryhill's past, present, and future.

 

Credentials:

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  • BA in Early Childhood Education

  • CT Head Teacher's Certificate

  • Professional training in childcare administration and management, supervision, and finance

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Alicia Vega

I joined the Merryhill family in 2013 and became a Preschool Teacher in 2019. My favorite thing about working at Merryhill is our small, tight-knit community. The parents, children, and staff are so wonderful and it's a bright, cheerful environment!

 

Credentials:

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  • BA in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies

  • CT Head Teacher's Certificate

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Head Preschool Teacher

Abiane Barrett

I joined the Merryhill family in 2017 as a teacher's assistant and became a preschool teacher in 2020. We have fun here every day, and it’s such a pleasure coming to work! I love the warm feeling inside our center and the beautiful, scenic outdoor space.

 

Credentials:

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  • Completing my Early Childhood Education credentials

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Preschool Teacher

Meghan Feli

I joined the Merryhill family as Head Toddler Teacher about six years ago and I have over 20 years experience in the child care field. I love working with children of all ages, every day is a new adventure for them!

 

Credentials:

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  • Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

  • CT Head Teacher's Certificate

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Head Toddler Teacher

Hannah Card

I joined the Merryhill family six years ago as a Teacher’s Assistant and I have been a Teacher in the toddler room for about two years now. The staff is so dedicated to our children and families, and to making Merryhill feel like home.

 

Credentials:

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  • Completing my degree in Early Childhood Education

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Toddler Teacher

Jennifer Wilson

I joined the Merryhill family in 2004 and have taught in both the infant and toddler rooms. I love the smaller, more personalized setting Merryhill offers. It's a wonderful environment to work in, and I adore the children!

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Credentials:

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  • Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

  • CT Head Teacher's Certificate

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Infant Teacher

I joined the Merryhill family as a Teacher's Assistant about two years ago, and it has been an amazing experience in so many ways. My favorite thing about coming to work is seeing the kids! They make me smile every day!

 

Credentials:

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  • Completing my Early Childhood Education credentials

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Molly Layda

Teacher's Assistant

I joined the Merryhill family in 2020, and I am so excited to be part of such a great community! I love the cozy atmosphere and relationships I've formed with the children, families, and staff.

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Credentials:

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  • Completing my Early Childhood Education credentials

  • Tutor for children and young adults

  • Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables

Rosie Erikson

Teacher's Assistant