MELC’s dedicated staff work as a team to provide the highest level of care and programming for the children we serve.
Our Head Teachers and Program Managers are required to have formal education in the field of education or child development and each location has staff trained in First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration and Epi-pen Administration.
Our Administrative Team:
Jennifer Wagner, Executive Director – Jennifer@melearning.org
Jennifer began working at MELC in 1999. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University.
John Layer, Director of Operations – John@melearning.org
John has been working at MELC since 2012. John has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University.
Larisa Albrecht, Preschool Director – Larisa@melearning.org
Larisa has been working at MELC since 2002. Larisa has a master’s degree in Education from Quinnipiac University.
Allie Strauch, School – age Director – Astrauch@melearning.org
Allie began working at MELC in 2010. Allie has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UCONN.
Our Programming Team:
Ashley White, Owl Room Head Teacher – Awhite@melearning.org
Ashley began working at MELC in July 2021. Ashley has a bachelor’s degree in Child Studies from Post University.
Erin Osuna, Turtle Room Head Teacher – Eosuna@melearning.org
Erin began working at MELC in December 2019. Erin studied Early Childhood Education at Manchester Community College.
Joseph Whaley, Bennet and Verplanck Program Manager – Jwhaley@melearning.org
Joseph has been with MELC since March 2013. Joseph studied Health & Exercise Science at Manchester Community College.
Jackie Olson, Bowers Program Manager – Jkenefick@melearning.org
Jackie began working at MELC in March 2021. Jackie has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the UCONN.
Annie Sullivan, Buckley Program Manager – Asullivan@melearning.org
Annie started at MELC in September of 2020. Annie has a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with a concentration in Community and Youth Development from Southern Connecticut State University.
Emma Judy, Highland Park Program Manager – Ejudy@melearning.org
Emma has been with MELC since March 2017. Emma has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Southern Connecticut State University.
Miles Thomas, Martin Program Manager – Mthomas@melearning.org
Miles began working at MELC in March 2021. Miles has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University.
Ben Carlson, Waddell Program Manager – Bcarlson@melearning.org
Ben started at MELC in August 2018. Ben has a bachelor’s degree in Community Recreation and Youth Development with a psychology minor from Southern Connecticut State University.
Stephanie Santiago, Odyssey Program Manager – Ssantiago@melearning.org
Stephanie Santiago began working at MELC in September 2021. Stephanie has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boricua College.
MELC’s Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of members who are responsible for governance of our organization. Board members come from widely diverse backgrounds within the community. They bring with them a wealth of varied expertise, giving the Board a broad perspective in providing direction to our agency and overseeing our programs. If you are interested in joining our board please contact our Executive Director, Jennifer Wagner at Jennifer@melearning.org.
Tanya Gill, Board President
Emanuel Jiminez, Vice President
Mark Stiner, Treasurer and Secretary
Bethany Babbitt, Board Member
Kristian Thomas, Board Member
Pari Ghetia, Board Member