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.
Allie Strauch, Assistant Director of Operations – Astrauch@melearning.org
Allie began working at MELC in 2010. Allie has a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from UCONN.
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.
Jackie Olson, School – age Director – Jolson@melearning.org
Jackie began working at MELC in March 2021. Jackie has a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from UCONN.
Jason Bouchard, Staff Development Coordinator – jbouchard@melearning.org
Jason has been with MELC since February 2024. Jason has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Keene State College. He has also achieved his master’s degree in education and curriculum writing from Lesley University.
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.
Heather Carey, Bird Room Head Teacher – Hcarey@melearning.org
Heather began working at MELC in August 2022. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Sabrina Perez, Turtle Room Head Teacher – sperez@melearning.org
Sabrina began working at MELC in January 2022. Sabrina has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pensacola Christian College.
Jessica Bouchard, Bear Cub Room Head Teacher – jessicabouchard@melearning.org
Jessica has been with MELC since March 2024. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Keene State College.
Jayden Regisford, Bennet Program Manager – Jregisford@melearning.org
Jayden began working at MELC in August 2022. Jayden studied political science at Western Connecticut State University.
Peter Marotto, Bowers Program Manager – pmarotto@melearning.org
Peter has been with MELC since July 2024. Peter has a master’s degree in education from Springfield College.
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 from Southern Connecticut State University.
Sarah Edgerton, Odyssey Program Manager – sedgerton@melearning.org
Sarah has been with MELC since April 2023. Sarah has studied at Springfield Technical Community College.
Nadia Rivera, Waddell Program Manager – nrivera@melearning.org
Nadia has been with MELC since November 2024. Nadia has studied at the New York City College of Technology and is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Charter Oak 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
Terrence Wain, Board Member
Jim LaTaille, Board Member
Kristian Thomas, Board Member