Chickadee Toddler Care & Preschool Team

Alex has been in the childcare field for over ten years.  Starting as a teacher she gained experience in all ages through forest model schools with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Woldorf inspiration.  She soon started curriculum directing leading to Chickadee.  Alex's favorite part of this setting is experiencing development and expanding each child's individuality.  In free time she loves to hike with her dogs or head up the mountain to snowboard.

Favorite Book: The Book With No Pictures

by BJ Novak

Brianna has been in the Early Childhood Education field for just over 12 years.  She graduated from Eastern Connecticut State with a Bachelor's degree in Child Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis and Movement.  Her background includes Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and open-play inspired schools.  Brianna's favorite part of teaching is forming those special bonds with all of her students and their families.

Favorite Book: Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown

After traveling to many different places, Katija returned to Maine and graduated with a degree in psychology.  She has worked with a huge range of children from infants to elementary age.  She loves working with families while teaching kindness to all.

Favorite book: The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

Lydia has always enjoyed spending time with all aged children. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, she is passionate about encouraging the curiosity of children as they continue to develop and make sense of the world around them. Previously, Lydia has worked as an advocate with K-5 students, teaching respect, autonomy and boundaries of others. She is committed to fostering a safe, kind, and caring environment for all students. 

Favorite book: The Paper Bag Princess 

by Robert Munsch

Ashely has been an educator for the last 17 years with a Bachelor's in Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching.  She has a background in both formal and informal education and has worked with a variety of age groups. She worked as a conservation educator at facilities such as The California Wolf Center and SeaWorld before transitioning to formal education as a biology teacher. She enjoys working with children and aiding them explore the living world around them. 

Favorite book series: Harry Potter

Gabbie has been in the Early Education field for over 15 years.  She has experience with newborns up to middle school aged children. She moved to Maine from Massachusetts with her husband and their two children, Charlotte and Colton. She received her associates in Early Childhood Education from Fischer College, and hopes to soon finish her Bachelor’s degree. 

Favorite Book: The Rainbow Fish 

by Marcus Pfister

Ana has a background in teaching child development.  With 4 little sisters her passion to work with children started when she was just 10, after teaching one to read.  Her favorite part while in this field are the special bonds formed with both the children and families.

Favorite book: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”

by Bill Martin, Jr.

Britney has been in the early childhood education field for 2 years and graduated high school in 2017. She was born and raised in Maine, and spends her time at the beach and taking walks with her dog! Her favorite thing about teaching is being a part of each child’s learning experience. Britney is excited to welcome her first son soon as well!

Favorite book: Green Eggs & Ham 

by Dr. Suess

Ocean is a recent graduate from USM with a bachelors in communications and public relations. She has almost ten years experience as an elementary school teacher, teacher’s aid, and nanny for young ones.  She loves hiking and swimming in lakes and is always on the hunt for a new book.

Favorite book: Blueberries for Sal

by Robert McCloskey

Madison is a senior at Saint Joseph’s College majoring in Health and Wellness  promotion. Following graduation, she will attend graduate school to earn her Masters of occupational therapy.  In her free time she likes to camp, fish, and bring her dogs to the beach. 

Favorite book: “Love You Forever”

by Robert Munsch

Calla recently relocated to Maine from the tiny town in Colorado she grew up in.  She plans to return to school after becoming more established in the area.  She fell in love with working with kids at a very young age, and has been working in childcare since she was just 10 years old! In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing a variety of games, and spending time with the people she loves.

Favorite book: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? 

by Mo Willems

Sophia has previous experience with babysitting and helping in the children’s ministry with 3-4 year olds.  Her favorite part of working with children is watching their personalities develop while forming a relationship with them and their families.  Creating a comforting environment away from home.   Favorite Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Alana is very bubbly, energetic and outgoing!  She has always worked with children after growing up with such a huge family.  Babysitting siblings and cousins turned into center interest.  She loves hiking, gym sessions and hanging out with friends.

Taylor is a South Portland High School graduate of 2020. She is currently attending the University of Southern Maine with the hope to apply her Social & Behavioral Sciences major to the classroom. She looks forward to seeing the kids' personalities evolve and flourish as they transition from one room to another.

Favorite Book: Where The Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak