We are proud of our exceptional and dedicated teaching staff at Little Farmers. Our team is comprised of compassionate, experienced, and highly qualified individuals who are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment for your child. Many of our staff members have been with us for years, demonstrating their dedication and passion for early childhood education.
Our hiring process is thorough. Upon joining our team, all teachers undergo a comprehensive background check conducted by the Office of Early Childhood. Additionally, we conduct "working interviews" to observe their interactions with the children, ensuring that they are the perfect fit for our program. This careful selection process ensures that we maintain the highest standards of quality and care for your child's education and well-being.
Our four boys have made their way through Little Farmers (insert tears here) and we have countless memories with Miss Jessica, Miss Natalie, Miss Deanna and Miss Terri that we will cherish always. I want you all to know how incredibly grateful and appreciative we are that you loved our boys the way that you did. For being part of our village and helping raise them. Your special care helped build the foundation of the young boys they are now and adults they will be in the future. I am hopeful there will be a day that you come across our boys again and see them doing something brave or kind or courageous. And I hope you'll feel proud knowing that you played such an important part in that!
-Singh Family
We as a family also truly appreciate the time, energy and care that you all put into helping build amazing future humans! We see such a difference in how our child interacts with the world since starting school. Thank you for providing an exciting environment for all of the children to learn and grow. Teachers in general, but this group especially, are amazing and unique individuals. Seeing the product of your efforts in the actions and excitement of our child only solidifies how important you all are. Thank you all so very much!
-Johnston Family
Little farmer’s means so much to our child. He is so excited every school day to get ready to go see his favorite teachers, classmates and animals! When he doesn’t have a school day and he watches his sister go off to school he becomes very sad as he truly loves his school so much. We are so appreciative of what every teacher brings to Little Farmers and all their love and dedication they give to their jobs and the children they teach! Thank you everyone for all you do in making our son’s introduction into schooling so wonderful!!
-Quinn Family
We feel so welcome every time we come to drop off or pick up our children at Little Farmers. He loves to start his day with a knock on the door and is always greeted with smiles. We hear great stories of all the fun throughout the day and many special experiences with the farm animals. Whether Huey needs a haircut or the turkey tried to eat me it is always a memorable day. Thank you for all your kindness and support for our family!!
-Carney Family
Our child is a drop-in student but always loves to see his friends and all the teachers and we are so thankful for the wonderful community at Little Farmers that allows him to feel so loved and connected even though he does not attend regularly. All of the teachers he interacts with are all so loving, kind, and supportive and as parents we can not think of better caregivers for our child. So THANK ALL OF YOU at Little Farmers. :)
-Goldman Family
Our child lights up when we tell him he’s going to school. Our family is so thankful for the teachers that truly create such a special environment. He can be our shy boy, but we’ve seen him open up and blossom over this past year. We are so grateful for each and every one of the teachers who have had an impact on his experience. You make such a difference! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. XOXO
-Dallaire Family
Dear Miss Chelsea, Miss Jessica, Miss Natalie, and all teachers, Thank you for everything you've done to make Emma's first experience in childcare a positive and memorable one. We were worried about how our "COVID baby" would transition, and whether she was even ready at all. But, Emma flourished there. We're seen her grow up a lot and in ways we're sure as a direct result of her schooling, including learning to play a little bit by herself, play with others, build relationships, adapt to changes, and respect and care for animals. There are no words to express our appreciation for the special care you took of our Emma. Miss Chelsea, thank you for being attentive to Emma's every need on a daily basis. Emma talked about you and the kids in your classroom every day, and she had so many fun activities to share with us. Miss Jessica, Miss Chelsea, and Miss Natalie, thank you for working together and with me and Jeremy to get Emma acclimated to the aspects of school we hadn't anticipated being a challenge. I can't imagine there's anyone at any other institution in the world that would have gone to the lengths that you did to get Emma to go to the bathroom there. Thank you Miss Jessica for guiding and educating us inexperienced parents who had a million questions as we learned the childcare ropes, and for your flexibility with Emma's attendance issues. And thank you to all of the teachers who had Emma on her make-up days. I always worried that the change in routine would throw Emma off, but you must have made her right at home because it never did. She came home just as happy and with just as many stories as on any other day. It really did take a village to lead Emma their her first year of school and her first ever experience with childcare outside of our (and her grandparents') home. Despite all the sickness, it was worth it for Emma to have all of the enriching experiences and learning & growth opportunities she had in your care. Our only regret is that she missed so much time! We're looking forward to going into next year with fortified immune systems and everything we've learned this year. "Thank you for everything" feels like an understatement, but what else can we say? Thank you. We deeply appreciate you and everything you've done for our Emma.
-Babiec Family
To the wonderful teachers of Little Farmers, a thank you will never be enough! I dreamed of sending my kids to this school instantly when I found out about it. When I walked in it was warm, and all the teachers were comforting. I knew it was the perfect fit. You guys have lived up to every expectation I had of a wonderful preschool, and far exceeded that! The reason behind all of this is because of you, the teachers! We watched our daughter grow SO much over the past year. From Not only an educational standpoint, but also as a tiny little person. The confidence is what has amazed me most. She went from being anxious and crying daily, to making so many friends and loving school and her teachers. You guys have helped her work through her problems, and guided her every step of the way. When she plays school at home and likes to be the teacher (we all get to be students 😂) I can't help but smile knowing you guys have made such a positive impact on her. Your efforts are appreciated daily knowing our daughter is in the best hands possible, and truly thriving! We cannot thank you enough for all you do not only this week but every single day! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our first year of preschool the most wonderful experience we could have asked for! We are forever grateful for each and every one of you!
- Jarvis Family
At the age of 16, I became the youngest person hired at the Tolland Family Resource Center. Just weeks into the job, I realized how much I enjoyed working with both children and parents alike. I quickly became a one-on-one to majority of the special needs children enrolled in the program, which continued for several years following the beginning of my employment. I worked with children ages 3-12, bouncing between the primary and elementary schools.
Meanwhile, my father began creating a Mobile Petting Zoo Service. While working full time at the FRC during the week, I became fully involved in our Petting Zoo's weekend operations. By the time I was 20, I was on the road driving our 36 ft trailer to 3-5 schools in a day with the help of an employee. I successfully introduced thousands of CT children to our farm animals at daycares, birthday parties, festivals and more in our eight years of operation! My passion for animals developed at a very young age, however, little did I know that working with children would be an even more rewarding path.
After high school, I attended Saint Joseph College while continuing to run the Mobile Petting Zoo. I created programs that met the needs of each client throughout the years. While pursuing my education and becoming more knowledgeable of the business industry, I felt that a more consistent and educational program could be established where I could work with both children and animals on a daily basis without having to travel across the state. After purchasing the property where Little Farmers is now located, my father and I spent two years reconstructing the 1810 structure into what is now a beautiful licensed child care center. Just a walk next door, the children get to visit the Sharon Family Farm every other week for barn lessons and animal interaction. My passion for working with children and animals together has grown tremendously! Nothing is more rewarding at the end of the day than walking away from your job knowing that not only did you make an impact on a child, but you (unknowingly in their eyes) taught them responsibility. I have finally pursued my dream of operating my own preschool program! Little Farmers opened July 2015. Thank you for considering my program for your child's education!
At eleven years old, I began babysitting when I became an aunt! I have two nieces and a nephew. As they've grown older, I've enjoyed going to escape rooms with them and supporting them at sports and school events. My fun-loving "auntie" side has helped me build strong relationships with the children at Little Farmers!
My journey into early childhood education was sparked by an incredible teacher I had in grade school. Their influence inspired me to become who I am today! While in high school, I volunteered in my niece's kindergarten classroom, which is when I first considered teaching preschool. During college, I volunteered at the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester, CT. Their hands-on teaching and family-involved approach to early learning piqued my interest in lifespan development.
In 2017, I graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2018, I received my Head Teacher Certification from the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, and in 2022, I completed the CT Early Childhood Administration course to become a Director.
Since joining Little Farmers in 2018, I have been captivated by the center's charm and the community we serve. After receiving my Head Teacher Certification, I eagerly began planning lessons and activities for the center. I have cherished every moment of creating valuable lessons, engaging learning experiences, and a fun-filled day for the children who come through our doors. Their excitement fuels my passion, and I find great joy in planning parties, summer camp, and events that create lasting memories. I am always here to support your child's learning, growth, and well-being , and I am committed to making their time at Little Farmers as enriching and enjoyable as possible.
In my spare time, I love cooking, baking, hiking, and reading. Also, I worked as an ice cream scooper for five years at Fish Family Farm in Bolton, CT. During that time, I developed a love for farm animals, and I am proud to say there are twin cows named after me: Nattie and Tallie!
* Miss Natalie overlooks all program operations, creates our curriculum and summer camp program activities, communicates with our families on a daily basis.
Four's/Five's Teacher
I have a BA in psychology from UMASS Amherst, an MA in Elementary Education, and an MA in Child and Developmental Psychology, both from UCONN. I was an at-home mom with my 3 children - identical twin daughters and a son, all grown up! I love being Grammy to my granddaughter!!
I have always enjoyed working with children, starting with babysitting when I was 12. I worked with preschoolers in college, served as a Community Residence counselor at a group home for developmentally delayed children and teens, student taught second graders in Ashford, and served as the 4-year-old teacher at Mount Olive Daycare Programs in Hartford. I have also volunteered in several roles with children, including the Teen Mom Mentor Program at Rockville Hospital, teaching Sunday school, running her church nursery program, and
acting as a Sunday School Superintendent.
I really enjoy working with preschoolers, this is my 8th year at Little Farmers! I loved being home with my own children, and feel that I can offer the perspective of an experienced mom, grandmother and teacher. I've seen the stages and experienced the joys and challenges of young children. Although my MA is in elementary education, when I worked at Mt Olive, I realized that the little ones were my real interest- they are so lively and active, creative and loving. I'm excited to continue to learn and grow along with the children and staff here at Little Farmers!
Three's Teacher
Updated Bio Coming soon!
Five's Teacher
Updated Bio Coming soon!
Three's Teacher
Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher! My mom teaches 2nd grade so I grew up playing in her classroom with her materials.
I graduated from the University of Saint Joseph in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Child Studies and then received my K-6 CT Elementary Teaching license. After graduating, I gained experience as a substitute teacher for multiple grades and subjects until I went on to teach first grade and then kindergarten in surrounding districts.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me out and about hiking with my black lab Murphy and golden retriever puppy Finley. I also enjoy going for long runs and I’m a big New England sports fan!
Four's/Five's Teacher
I am so excited to help your children grow, explore and develop into the awesome little human beings they are meant to be! I have a Masters degree in School Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. For the past five years I was an Elementary School Counselor and although I enjoyed my job my heart was calling me to a quieter, slower life that allowed me to focus more on my family. I worked as a Substitute Teacher and enjoyed working in the classroom with all grade levels.
I have always carried a passion in my heart for working with children. In my previous years I have been a camp director, nanny, pre-k teacher, basketball coach and so much more. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering and singing at our local church, baking new recipes with my sourdough starter, going for walks with my husband and reading outside with my dog Gypsy.
Barn Teacher
I have owned and worked with farm animals most of my life. I’m a 7th generation farmer and when I’m not at Little Farmers I’m working on my family’s produce, cut flower and maple syrup farm. As a teen I volunteered at my church’s vacation bible school and my favorite part was helping with pre-k games. I also helped my horseback riding instructor with her summer camp, helping kids learn to interact safely with the horses. I believe learning how to care for animals and safely interact with them are great ways for kids to learn responsibility and compassion. I love helping kids overcome their fear or nervousness with animals and seeing how that builds self confidence.
I was homeschooled from 5th grade through high school where I developed a love of history and animal facts. I graduated college with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in film production and use my degree to do some freelance editing.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, crocheting, and needle felting. I also love spending time with my sheep Willow, my horse Odin, and all my other animals.
Substitute Teacher
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to work with children. To this day, my parents still tell me how I was always helping with my younger brother growing up (we're only 2 1/2 years apart!). I started babysitting neighborhood children at a young age, and got my first job at a daycare when I was 16. I worked there all through high school and college and found that I loved working with the preschoolers the most! I attended Eastern Connecticut State University and received a Bachelor's Degree in English and Psychology, and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I am certified to teach PreK-Grade 3, and have 10 years of experience as a Public School Teacher, with most of my time spent teaching 2nd and 3rd grade.
I am a huge animal lover and would love to have my own dog rescue/sanctuary one day (maybe when I retire!) In my spare time, I love to read, exercise, and go to the beach! I have two young daughters of my own and wanted to take a step back from the busy public school setting in order to spend more time with them.
Preschool & 6-7 Age Group
Updated Bio Coming soon!
Preschool Age
Updated Bio Coming soon!
Preschool & School Age
Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher! My mom teaches 2nd grade so I grew up playing in her classroom with her materials.
I graduated from the University of Saint Joseph in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Child Studies and then received my K-6 CT Elementary Teaching license. After graduating, I gained experience as a substitute teacher for multiple grades and subjects until I went on to teach first grade and then kindergarten in surrounding districts.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me out and about hiking with my black lab Murphy and golden retriever puppy Finley. I also enjoy going for long runs and I’m a big New England sports fan!
Camp Substitute
I am so excited to help your children grow, explore and develop into the awesome little human beings they are meant to be! I have a Masters degree in School Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. For the past five years I was an Elementary School Counselor and although I enjoyed my job my heart was calling me to a quieter, slower life that allowed me to focus more on my family. I worked as a Substitute Teacher and enjoyed working in the classroom with all grade levels.
I have always carried a passion in my heart for working with children. In my previous years I have been a camp director, nanny, pre-k teacher, basketball coach and so much more. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering and singing at our local church, baking new recipes with my sourdough starter, going for walks with my husband and reading outside with my dog Gypsy.
8-12 Year Age Group
Ever since I could remember, I always wanted to work with kids. I was the oldest sibling of four and was always the one to help with the babies in the family. Often, I was the one at any family function that you could find entertaining the kids. When I was 14 years old, I started working at a dance studio in my town as an assistant teacher in preschool classes and not long after did I have classes of my own. Soon after that I was running summer camps based on dance as well with all different ages. I have taught dance for 11 years now and love the bond I get to make with students and parents each year. When I was in high school, I worked at a daycare in the toddler room after school and through the summer of my senior year. For the past three years I have worked in the public school’s system as a Paraprofessional in special education. Working in my profession is never easy but it is the most rewarding, I strive each day to help make a difference in any child’s life.
In my free time I love to explore new places, I hope to one day visit the Grand Canyon. I also love to go to the beach and spend time with family and friends. My fur baby, Milo is my pride and joy and I like to think I am his too.
8-12 Year Age Group
I’m currently a Senior at Westfield State University and grew up in Tolland. I started babysitting at sixteen and instantly loved spending time with children, helping them and being involved in their day to day activities.
My major at school is Health Science and I hope to someday be a Physician’s Assistant with a focus in Pediatrics, and working at Little Farmers Childcare Center has given me a great opportunity to work with kids while I’m not in school! I enjoy being outside and have been a student-athlete my entire life. I’ve played hockey, lacrosse, track and field, and was a competitive dancer for fifteen years, and currently play for the Westfield State Lacrosse team.
In my free time I enjoy painting and drawing, spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and hanging out with my dog and cat! I’m super excited to be joining the Little Farmers team this summer and meeting everyone! It seems like a great place for kids to be active and have a unique experience.
Camp Substitute
Ever since I was little, I have always loved playing school with my siblings and friends. I knew I wanted to work with kids and have a classroom of my own one day.
When I studied at the University of Connecticut, I experienced a rollercoaster of decisions, trying to figure out what kind of educator I wanted to be when I graduated. I began my journey as a music education student, studying voice as my concentration and, soon after, realized I wanted to have a career in educating students on the subject of English Language Arts. I studied elementary education for a while and finally realized I wanted to devote myself to secondary education!
I currently teach grade 8 English Language Arts at Tolland Middle School and I am absolutely in love with my job! I also really enjoy working with kids of all ages. I spent much of my teen years babysitting my nieces and nephews and during the past two summers, I have enjoyed teaching 3rd - 5th graders during Tolland’s Extended School Year program.
Assistant Staff
My name is Julia and I am 15 years old. I attend Tolland High School, and I am excited to join the Little Farmers staff this summer! I enjoy working with both children and animals.
I first met Miss Jessica and the barn animals from Little Farmers when they came to my house for my 4th birthday party!
I love to babysit, and have also volunteered many hours working with small children at camps, my church and student teaching dance classes. I have been dancing for 10 years, having competed the last 2 years, and I also play volleyball for THS.
I hope to one day work with young children, maybe as a teacher or physical/speech therapist.
Assistant Staff
Throughout my childhood and adolescence years, I have loved working with children and animals. I am presently in high school at Tolland High and hope to pursue a career in pediatric medicine upon graduation. I thoroughly enjoy working with children, watching them grow, learning and understanding the world around them. I have had the honor to be part of the Little Farmers community as a volunteer over the last couple of summers.
Prior to this, I would attend Little Farmers as a camper where my love of animals flourished.
As a high school student, I am diligent with my studies and participate in athletics. I play on the Tolland soccer and basketball teams. Sports have been an important part of my life and have shaped me to be the best version of myself as l have understood the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
I am really looking forward to the upcoming summer at Little Farmers - to learn, play and grow together.
Assistant Staff
When I turned 11 years old I knew I wanted to start babysitting. I received my babysitting license that year and started watching my little neighbor all summer. I love being around kids and little farmers gave me that opportunity over the school year and this summer camp.
I’m in my junior year of high school, playing lacrosse and running cross country. I’ve done multiple sports throughout my life including dance, karate, basketball, soccer, and track and field. I have a strong passion for music and I’ve been playing the flute since fourth grade. I love spending time with my family, being with my little brother, enjoying my dog, hanging out with friends and going on runs.
When I was in Tolland Intermediate School I went to Little Farmers throughout the school years and over the summer. I loved being outside and in the barn spending time with all the animals and making new friends. I’m so excited to be a part of the Little Farmers summer camp this year and meeting everyone!
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