I have always had a passion for working with children, which inspired me to dedicate my entire career to the field of Early Childhood Education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Kean University, where I studied Early Childhood Education. While attending college, I volunteered with a Head Start program and was later hired as a Head Teacher’s Assistant. After graduation, I continued to advance within the Head Start organization, serving as a Teacher, Head Teacher, and eventually a Building Administrator. I later worked at a private child care center as a Center Director and was subsequently promoted to Education Director.
Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in both education and administration. In my roles as Head Teacher, Center Director, and Building Administrator, I was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations of the programs, supervising teachers and support staff, and managing curriculum development and implementation. I also spent five years working in the New Jersey public school system in Asbury Park, where I taught both first-grade and second grade in an inclusion classroom.
Admin
Hi! My name is Nicole, and I am the Assistant Director at Jersey Child Care. I began my journey here in September 2016, and I’m excited to be celebrating nearly 10 years with our amazing school. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Preschool through 3rd Grade). Throughout my time at Jersey Child Care. These experiences have helped me grow as an educator and leader while giving me a deep understanding of our programs and the needs of our children and families. Outside of work, I am a proud mom of two wonderful children a son and a daughter and a proud stepmom, making our family wonderfully full and active. I am also a dedicated soccer mom! All three of my children play on traveling soccer teams, so you’ll often find me cheering them on from the sidelines or spending weekends at the soccer field. I truly enjoy building relationships with our families and staff and am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. I look forward to continuing to support the children and families of Jersey Child Care for many years to come.
Admin
Hi! My name is Kathryn Mendel, and I have been a proud member of the Jersey Child Care family since 2017. I am grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to learn, grow, and become the educator and administrator I am today. I started as a floater before becoming a lead teacher in the toddler and Two-Year-Old classrooms. I earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in Infant-Toddler Education and later became the lead preschool teacher. In 2023, I joined the administrative team, where I continue to learn and grow alongside an amazing group of leaders. My love for working with children began when I was 14, when I started babysitting. Throughout high school, I took child development classes and gained experience working with children in preschool and elementary school settings. Those experiences confirmed that working with children was my passion. Jersey Child Care has become so much more than a workplace it has become my second family. I am thankful for the friendships, support, and opportunities I’ve found here, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
Director
With more than 26 years of experience in early childhood education, I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn and grow. I hold a Child Development Specialist (CDS) credential in Early Childhood Education and have worked with children of all age groups throughout my career. I have also completed extensive professional training to stay current with best practices in early childhood education. In addition to my educational background, I worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for many years, providing me with valuable medical knowledge and experience that enhances my ability to ensure the health and safety of the children in my care. As both an educator and a parent, I understand the importance of providing children with a caring, supportive environment where they can thrive. Having children of my own has given me an even greater appreciation for the trust families place in us each day. I have been a proud member of this organization for nearly 15 years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally, working my way up to the role of Director. I truly enjoy supporting children, families, and staff while helping create a positive and welcoming learning community. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing at the beach, and reading a good book.