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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

Karen Serke

Center Director

I joined the Merryhill family in 2001 as a preschool teacher and 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

Abiane Barrett

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
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Tiomee Quarles

I joined the Merryhill family October 2024. It’s an excellent community-based center. I love that the needs of the students are the main priority & focus. 

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Credentials:

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  • BA in Sociology/ECE Minor 

  • ECTC Early Childhood Teacher Credential

  • CT Head Teacher Certification 

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

Head Infant Teacher
Rosie Erikson

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

Toddler Teacher
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Hermila Frutos

I first joined the Merryhill family in 1998 and worked here for 4 years. I left when I was pregnant with my third child and returned to Merryhill in 2024. Merryhill is a family-oriented child care center, and I am so happy to be back.

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Credentials:

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  • BA degree in Early Childhood Education

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

Toddler Teacher
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Lea Monaghan

I joined the Merryhill family at the beginning of 2025. I love being part of a smaller center where I can interact more closely with the children. It's incredibly rewarding to watch them learn and grow each day, and I'm grateful to work alongside such wonderful people.

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Credentials:

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  • Associate degree in Fashion, Merchandising and Management

  • Completing my Early Childhood credentials

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

Teacher's Assistant
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Khristal Wingate

I joined the Merryhill family in 2023, and I love the children, staff and environment. I enjoy getting to interact with such wonderful people and being able to learn as I go.

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Credentials:

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  • BS in History

  • Completing my Early Childhood credentials

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

Preschool Teacher
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Tracy Minchak

I first joined the Merryhill family in 2001, left when I was pregnant with my second child, and returned to Merryhill in 2023. I get so much out of developing close relationships with the children.

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Credentials:

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  • BA in Early Childhood Education

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

Teacher's Assistant
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