Our Team

Get to know us

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Marianne Appleby

Director

I have been with Lenox Children’s Center since 1999. I first started as a teacher, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with all age groups. I was promoted to Director in 2007. Prior to LCC, I worked at another local childcare facility for three years, and successfully owned and operated my own family childcare business. I have been in the field of early education since 1994. I am the mother of two daughters, one 14 and the other 24. As LCC’s Director, I have an expectation from my staff that they treat all with respect and keep people’s precious babies safe! I also encourage diversity and feel that if children are exposed to a variety of differences, whether it is race, ethnic background, languages or disabilities, there will be a lot more tolerance in the world. I make it a priority to get to know all the children and their families. The Center can accommodate up to 81 children per day, and there is not one child here that I do not know. My goal is to provide families with a safe, nurturing, educational, quality program where parents feel comfortable leaving their children with us.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Director-certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care; B.A. in Early Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; “Train the Trainer” for both the Massachusetts Core Competencies and the Massachusetts Preschool Learning Guidelines; Developed training programs such as Infant/Toddler Curriculum and Educator Professionalism, and have trained many early childhood educators in Berkshire County and beyond; QRIS Tools – ITERS / ECERS and Arnett; Trained in Business Expertise for early childhood education

 

Donna Lamke

Assistant Director / Billing Specialist

I have worked in the field since 1982, beginning as a preschool classroom teacher. I ran a family childcare program for several years, and before joining LCC in 2006, worked as a billing specialist and placement coordinator for a five-site program in Pittsfield, MA. 

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  B.A. in Elementary Education, Westfield State College; Berkshire Community College, Human Services, and Certificate in Business & Admin; Certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care as a teacher of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 

 

Jennifer McCubbin

Lead Teacher, Preschool

I am a Lead Teacher here at Lenox Children’s Center. Currently I have the pleasure of working with the “big kids” implementing LCC’s kindergarten-readiness program. I reached my 15-year anniversary this April, and look forward to many more years. I was born in Baltimore Maryland, raised outside of Chicago, Illinois until age 12, and then lived in the Philadelphia, PA area. I attended UMass, Amherst where I earned my degree and met my husband. Before coming to LCC, I taught at a small private preschool, working for the most amazing and inspiring early childhood educator I have ever met. After 10 years there, I moved with my husband back to his hometown of Great Barrington, MA. I worked in the preschool program at Morris School in Lenox for the 1999-2000 school year while simultaneously working part-time at LCC. I took a full-time position with the Center in the summer of 2000, and I have been here ever since! In addition to my very rewarding 26 years of working with preschoolers and their families, I have also worked at Tanglewood at the private donor clubs and in private functions for 24 years. 

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  B.A., University of Massachusetts, Amherst

 

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Kori Tetrault

Lead Teacher, Preschool

I was born and raised in upstate New York, and I currently live in Adams with my husband and our 3-year-old son. I have been teaching preschool since 2005 and have been a part of the LCC family since 2008. I enjoy coming to work each day to play and learn with my class. My teaching style is very hands-on and supportive., and I believe in treating each child as a unique individual.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Associates Degree in Early Education from FMCC; B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, minor in Education, MCLA

 

Alyssa Peebles

Lead Teacher, Preschool

My name is Alyssa and I am 26 years old. I live in Housatonic with my husband Chris and son Colton. After graduating from college, I was a lead teacher in a small group preschool. I have been teaching at Lenox Children’s Center since February 2012. 

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Berkshire Community College, 2008; B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 2011.

 

Deborah Mizia

Lead Teacher, Toddler Program

I joined LCC in 2008. I live in Pittsfield with my husband and have three grown children. I have many years of experience in early childhood education, including working as a reading specialist in the public schools. In  my free time I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with my family.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Reading, Lesley College.

 

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Alicia Starsja

Lead Teacher, Toddler Program

Hi, I am Alicia, and I work as a co-teacher in LCC’s Toddler program. I began interning my junior and senior years of high school in 2006-2008. I was then offered an assistant teaching position. During my time here I have been an assistant teacher in many rooms, and was also a “floater” throughout the Center working with all ages. In 2009, I took a leave to have my daughter, but stayed on as a substitute teacher. Since 2012 I have been a lead teacher here at LCC, and currently co-teach in the Toddler Program. My job is such a huge part of my life and I love it. I knew ever since I was a child that this is what I was always meant to be. I enjoy coming to work each morning, and spending the time with each and every one of the children. When I am not at work I enjoy walking, cooking, baking, volleyball, soccer, spending time with friends and family, and coming up with new fun activities for the classroom. I also spend part of my time as Vice President of “The Berkshire Benevolent Association For The Blind”. I live in Lee, MA with my husband and 4-year-old daughter Autumn.

 

Kristina Hallock

Teacher, Preschool Program

I have been working with the preschoolers at Lenox Children’s Center for almost two years now. During my free time I enjoy the outdoors and exercising, as well as spending time with my family and friends. I graduated from Monument Mountain High School and currently attend Berkshire Community College, majoring in Early Childhood Education.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Berkshire Community College, Early Childhood Education program

 

Pennie Walsh

Teacher, Toddler Program

My name is Pennie and I am one of the teachers in Lenox Children’s Center’s Toddler Transition Program. I have two sons, one a graduate of LCC, and the other attends preschool here currently. I have worked at the Center since 2011, but have been in the childcare field for over 12 years. I began interning and substitute teaching in the Undermountain Elementary preschool program, and then worked for three years as a child care provider at Studio 21 fitness center. During this time I also became a nanny for three children and stayed with them for ten years. Early on in my experience with this family, one of the boys was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, leading me to a background in physical therapy. I additionally provided babysitting services for many families across the Berkshires, New York City, New Jersey and Florida. I am also a licensed Movie Projectionist for the Berkshire Museum. In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and sewing/knitting.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Certificate in Early Childhood Education; currently pursuing degree program.

 

Sarah Nichols

Teacher, Toddler Program

I have been employed by the Lenox Children’s Center for the past four years. When I started at the Center I worked as an assistant in one of our preschool rooms, then in our young toddler classroom, as well as in the infant program. I am currently a co-teacher in LCC’s young toddler room. Guiding children in their everyday growth and development is so special to me. In addition to working full time at the Lenox Children’s Center, I am also a live-in private caretaker for two young men with developmental delays. I have been a part of their lives for the past 23 years and am considered a family member. In this role, I assist these individuals with their everyday life skills. This role can be challenging but is extremely rewarding!

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Teacher and Lead Teacher Certifications in the care of preschoolers, infants and toddlers; Berkshire Community College, Early Childhood Education classes.

 

Tracy Gordon

Assistant Teacher

I grew up in Dalton, MA and have lived in this area my entire life. I currently live in Pittsfield, and have one daughter. I have always had a passion for working with children and started babysitting at a young age, while also volunteering at a local daycare. At sixteen I was a nanny for a family for three years until I began working in the Daycare at Berkshire West Athletic Club while attending college. I then worked in retail for a brief time, but quickly discovered that working with children was what I needed to be doing. I started working at Lenox Children’s Center in September of 2013. 

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Mildred Elley, 2014; Berkshire Community College, Early Childhood Education program.

 

Courtney Buratto

Assistant Teacher, Preschool

Hello everyone! I’m Courtney, and I have been an assistant teacher at LCC for a little over a year now – starting in the summer program. I am a 2008 Lee High School graduate, and recently received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education from Westfield State University. I am happy to be a member of the team here at LCC and am thankful to be a part of such an important stage in a young child’s growth and development.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  B.A. in Elementary Education, with a minor in Science, Westfield State University.

 

Amanda Rocca

Assistant Teacher, Preschool

I began as an intern at Lenox Children’s Center in the summer of 2013, and was hired soon after as an Assistant Teacher. I was born and raised in The Berkshires. I am the mother of a 4-year-old, captivating little guy named Quincy, who happily attends preschool here at LCC. I was a stay-at-home mother for over two years. It was during that time, while attending a variety of playgroups with my son, that I discovered my passion for working with young children. I believe every child is unique, and they all deserve sincerity and respect. I have a love of the outdoors; hiking, gardening, and swimming are favorite hobbies of mine, and I enjoy spending time with my family. Books of all kinds are an everyday staple in my home, as well as in my classroom, and I plan to write children’s books someday.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Mildred Elley, 2013; Berkshire Community College, Certificate in Graphic Arts in 2006; Taconic High School, Culinary Arts, 2002; Briefly attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI; Certified in CPR &AED; First Aid; and Blood-borne & Airborne Pathogens.

 

Miriam Hickson

Teacher, Infant Program

Hi, my name is Miriam, and I am one of LCC’s infant teachers.  I am a mother of two, one of whom is about to journey off to college this year. I have always had a passion for working with children, especially infants. I was previously employed by Lenox Children’s Center from 2002-2009, working with various ages, mainly infants and toddlers. After leaving for a brief career change, I’ve come to the realization that my true calling is working with children, especially babies. I am so grateful to be back at LCC and doing what I love!

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Berkshire Community College, Early Childhood Education; Infant & Toddler Certified through the Massachusetts Dept. of Early Education and Care. 

 

Nicole Russell

Assistant Teacher

I am 23 years old, and currently work in the Toddler program here at the Lenox Children’s Center. I am also a student at Mildred Elley in the Early Childhood Education program. In my free time I enjoy nature and many outdoor activities. While hiking I often collect feathers, bark and other interesting natural items to keep or use in craft projects. As a hobby I make jewelry, headbands, purses and belts.  I’m a huge animal lover, especially cats.  I’m very happy to be working at the Center helping to teach these wonderful children!

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Currently pursuing Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Mildred Elley

 

Kelsey Brunell

Assistant Teacher

I graduated from Lee High School in 2012, and have lived in Lee my entire life. Throughout high school I worked every day (except when I had sports) in the after school program at the LYA (Lee Youth Association). In 2013, during spring break my freshman year in college, I started working at Lenox Children’s Center. I am now a junior at Westfield State University and have been working part time at LCC for over a year and plan to be there full time again in the summers.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:  Westfield State University, Early Childhood Education major

 

Carly Wheeler

Assistant Teacher

Hi, I’m Carly. I am 18 years old, and I graduated from Lenox Memorial High School in 2014. I attended the Lenox Children’s Center as a child and have been working here since January of this year.

 

 

Janelle Miller

Assistant Teacher

I’m Janelle and I am a graduate of Lenox Memorial High School. I started working at Lenox Children’s Center this past January.  I will be attending college this year, but will continue working at LCC in the summer programs.

 

 

Rosa Lea Chapman

Head of Housekeeping & Supplies

Hi, I’m Roe, and I have been working at the Lenox Children’s Center for 17 years. I am in charge of housekeeping for the entire building, and maintenance of all storage and toy areas, as well as supply ordering. Both my grandsons attended LCC and they are now 18 and 16 years of age. One is a freshman in college, and the other a junior in high school.