About Our Staff
Director/CEO Erin Medlar
Director/CEO Erin Medlar
Director/CEO Erin Medlar
Education:
B.S. in English, Dual M.S. in Literacy/Students with Disabilities, C.A.S. in Education Administration,
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Literacy (B-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
NYS Administration Certifications:
Education:
B.S. in English, Dual M.S. in Literacy/Students with Disabilities, C.A.S. in Education Administration,
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Literacy (B-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
NYS Administration Certifications: School Building Leader (SBL), School District Leader (SDL)
Experience Working with Children:
Erin Medlar has owned and operated Imagination Childcare Academy since 2012, bringing over 20 years of experience working with children. Her background includes teaching in both private and public school settings, where she has supported children from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of needs. For Erin, working with children is more than a career—it is a core part of who she is. Each day, she is inspired by their curiosity, creativity, and unique perspectives, and she remains continually amazed by the children she has the privilege to guide and support.
Assistant Director Jessica Leuci
Director/CEO Erin Medlar
Director/CEO Erin Medlar
Education:
B.S. in English, M.S. in Literacy Education
Certifications:
Elementary Education (B-6), Literacy (B-12), Students with Disabilities (B-6)
Experience Working with Children: Jessica has over 11 years of experience in childcare, where she has worked as both a teacher and an administrator. She is passionate about creating a support
Education:
B.S. in English, M.S. in Literacy Education
Certifications:
Elementary Education (B-6), Literacy (B-12), Students with Disabilities (B-6)
Experience Working with Children: Jessica has over 11 years of experience in childcare, where she has worked as both a teacher and an administrator. She is passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where children can grow, learn, and feel confident. She loves working closely with families and staff to make sure every child has a positive and meaningful early learning experience.
Years at ICA: Since 2025
Education Coordinator Miranda Goodwin
Director/CEO Erin Medlar
Pyramid Model Coach Gina Gayford
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education. M.S. in Special Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children: Miranda began working with children at the age of 11 as a babysitter. During her college years, she
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education. M.S. in Special Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children: Miranda began working with children at the age of 11 as a babysitter. During her college years, she expanded her experience by working as a nanny and in various daycare centers. Since the establishment of Imagination Childcare Academy in 2012, she has served as a dedicated teacher, contributing to the growth and development of countless students. In 2022, she stepped into the role of Education Coordinator, where she continues to support both students and staff through her leadership and expertise.
Years at ICA: Since 2012
Pyramid Model Coach Gina Gayford
Pyramid Model Coach Gina Gayford
Pyramid Model Coach Gina Gayford
Education:
B.S. Human Development, M.A. in Social-Emotional Learning
Certifications:
New York State Training and Technical Assistance Professional Coach Credential, certified Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool, Reliable Observer, Medication Administration (MAT) certified
Experience working with Children:
Gina has cared for and taught young
Education:
B.S. Human Development, M.A. in Social-Emotional Learning
Certifications:
New York State Training and Technical Assistance Professional Coach Credential, certified Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool, Reliable Observer, Medication Administration (MAT) certified
Experience working with Children:
Gina has cared for and taught young children (aged 6 weeks to 12 years) over a span of 40 years. Her experiences include private for-profit and non-profit programs, several regional Head Start program options, an intergenerational school-age program, and family childcare. She has worked in diverse affluent suburban communities, rural communities, and impoverished neighborhoods.
Years at ICA: Since 2016
Special Education Coordinator Stefanie Brooks
Pyramid Model Coach Gina Gayford
School-Age Coordinator Lionel Clark
Education:
BS in Psychology
Experience Working with Children: Stefanie has over 20 years of experience working with children. She started at Monroe 2 BOCES as a social behavior analyst and an applied behavior analyst for children with autism. This was primarily in a preschool setting. She was a teacher at the Westside YMCA and served pa
Education:
BS in Psychology
Experience Working with Children: Stefanie has over 20 years of experience working with children. She started at Monroe 2 BOCES as a social behavior analyst and an applied behavior analyst for children with autism. This was primarily in a preschool setting. She was a teacher at the Westside YMCA and served partially as their preschool coordinator.
Years at ICA: Since 2019
School-Age Coordinator Lionel Clark
Pyramid Model Coach Gina Gayford
School-Age Coordinator Lionel Clark
Education:
B.A. in World History
Certifications:
Finishing Children's Program Administrator Credential (CPAC)
Experience Working with Children: Lionel has worked with children for over 15 years. He was a summer camp counselor at Long Point Salvation Army Camp his Junior and Senior years of high school. Once he graduated from college in
Education:
B.A. in World History
Certifications:
Finishing Children's Program Administrator Credential (CPAC)
Experience Working with Children: Lionel has worked with children for over 15 years. He was a summer camp counselor at Long Point Salvation Army Camp his Junior and Senior years of high school. Once he graduated from college in 2016, he was a 1 to 1 at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES in his hometown of Williamson, NY. After becoming a summer camp counselor again in 2017, he got hired to lead a school age program at Expressive Beginnings childcare center in Webster. Then in 2019, he joined the Imagination team.
Years at ICA: Since 2019
JPK1 Teacher Samantha Clark
JPK2 Teacher Desiree Brown
JPK1 Assistant Teacher Sarah Piotrowitz
Education:
High School Diploma, some collage credits
Certifications:
DUAL Childhood Development Associate (CDA) in Infant/Toddler and Preschool
Experience working with Children:
Sam has been working with young children, ages 3-5 years, for over 16 years in center based childcare facilities.
Years at ICA: Since 2021
JPK1 Assistant Teacher Sarah Piotrowitz
JPK2 Teacher Desiree Brown
JPK1 Assistant Teacher Sarah Piotrowitz
Education:
High School Diploma, hoping to pursue a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education
Certifications:
Childhood Development Associate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Sarah has over 3 years of experience in early childhood education and she believes that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring environment
Education:
High School Diploma, hoping to pursue a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education
Certifications:
Childhood Development Associate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Sarah has over 3 years of experience in early childhood education and she believes that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring environment that is both stimulating and nurturing. She is passionate about encouraging students to become curious, lifelong learners.
Years at ICA: Since 2024
JPK2 Teacher Desiree Brown
JPK2 Teacher Desiree Brown
JPK2 Teacher Desiree Brown
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
Experience working with children: Desiree brings over 10 years of experience working with preschool-aged children. She previously spent several years at Liberty POST, where she worked as an assistant teacher in an integrated classroom. In 2019, she joined the ICA team as a teacher assistant and
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
Experience working with children: Desiree brings over 10 years of experience working with preschool-aged children. She previously spent several years at Liberty POST, where she worked as an assistant teacher in an integrated classroom. In 2019, she joined the ICA team as a teacher assistant and, through her dedication and growth, stepped into the role of lead teacher in 2024.
Years at ICA: Since 2019
JPK2 Assistant Teacher Samantha Lamotte-Gravante
JPK3 Teacher Elizabeth Porterfield
JPK2 Teacher Desiree Brown
Education:
High School Diploma, currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology
Certifications:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children:
Sam has over five years of experience working with children, primarily ages 3–5, in early childhood settings. She focuses on creating a safe, engaging environment that su
Education:
High School Diploma, currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology
Certifications:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children:
Sam has over five years of experience working with children, primarily ages 3–5, in early childhood settings. She focuses on creating a safe, engaging environment that supports social, emotional, and early learning development. Sam is patient, caring, and adaptable, and she strives to build strong relationships with both children and families. She is passionate about helping children grow in confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
Years at ICA: Since 2021
JPK3 Teacher Elizabeth Porterfield
JPK3 Teacher Elizabeth Porterfield
JPK3 Teacher Elizabeth Porterfield
Education:
A.S. in Liberal Arts
Certifications:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Elizabeth brings over 25 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings, including as a licensed home daycare provider and in both public and private schools. She has also dedicated her time
Education:
A.S. in Liberal Arts
Certifications:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Elizabeth brings over 25 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings, including as a licensed home daycare provider and in both public and private schools. She has also dedicated her time to volunteering with programs such as Children’s Community Outreach, Girls on the Run (GOTR), and the Girl Scouts. Elizabeth believes in making a positive impact and lives by the philosophy of leaving the world a better place than we found it.
Years at ICA: Since 2015
JPK3 Assistant Teacher Molly Pendar
JPK3 Teacher Elizabeth Porterfield
JPK3 Teacher Elizabeth Porterfield
Education:
BS in Special Education
Experience Working with Children:
Molly has over 10 years of experience working with toddlers and preschool-aged children. She spent eight years at the Jewish Community Center, where she worked as an assistant teacher with two- and three-year-olds before being promoted to lead teacher in 2022. She then
Education:
BS in Special Education
Experience Working with Children:
Molly has over 10 years of experience working with toddlers and preschool-aged children. She spent eight years at the Jewish Community Center, where she worked as an assistant teacher with two- and three-year-olds before being promoted to lead teacher in 2022. She then continued her work in early childhood education at STARS Preschool, serving for a year as an assistant teacher in an integrated preschool program. In addition to her preschool experience, Molly worked as an associate teacher in a second-grade classroom at the Renaissance Charter School of the Arts within the Rochester City School District.
Years at ICA: Since 2025
PREK Teacher Melissa Lepore
PREK Teacher Melissa Lepore
PREK Teacher Melissa Lepore
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Ed & Special Education
Experience Working with Children: Melissa began her teaching journey in 2011, completing her student teaching in various school districts while working with children in grades K–6. She went on to teach a K–2 special education classroom in the West Irondequoit School District for two yea
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Ed & Special Education
Experience Working with Children: Melissa began her teaching journey in 2011, completing her student teaching in various school districts while working with children in grades K–6. She went on to teach a K–2 special education classroom in the West Irondequoit School District for two years. Prior to joining ICA, Melissa worked at Liberty POST Preschool as an Integrated Special Education Teacher for several years. She is passionate about identifying each student’s unique needs and ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed.
Years at ICA: Since 2019
PREK Assistant Teacher Teresa Dunaway
PREK Teacher Melissa Lepore
PREK Teacher Melissa Lepore
Education:
B.S. in Art Education, M.S. in Art Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certification in Art (K-12), Teaching English as a Foreign Language(TEFL)
Experience Working with Children: Teresa has experience working with a vast group of children of various ages and backgrounds. Some of her experience includes working as an assista
Education:
B.S. in Art Education, M.S. in Art Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certification in Art (K-12), Teaching English as a Foreign Language(TEFL)
Experience Working with Children: Teresa has experience working with a vast group of children of various ages and backgrounds. Some of her experience includes working as an assistant teacher in a 6:1:1and an 8:1:1 special education classroom. She has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Greece Central School District and the Pittsford Central School district teaching art for both Middle School and High School.
Years at ICA: Since 2020
UPK1 Teacher Kimberly Moyer
PREK Teacher Melissa Lepore
UPK1 Teacher Kimberly Moyer
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education, M.S. in Special Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Literacy (B-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Kim has been working in childcare since 2007. She st
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education, M.S. in Special Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Literacy (B-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Kim has been working in childcare since 2007. She started in Buffalo at a school called Discovery Kids Learning Center, where she was the lead preschool teacher in an integrated preschool classroom. She then moved to Rochester, NY in 2012 and started as the lead Preschool Teacher at Goddard School. In 2019, she started working at Imagination Childcare Academy as the lead teacher in UPK 1.
Years at ICA: Since 2019
UPK1 Assistant Teacher Tanya Dooley
UPK2 Teacher Miranda Goodwin
UPK1 Teacher Kimberly Moyer
Education:
High School diploma and one year of college
Certifications:
TCI-Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, ABA therapy training
Experience Working with Children: Tanya has worked with children for over 10 years. She worked as an assistant teacher at Hilton School District and Greece Central School district in a 6:1:1 classroom for children with autism.
Years at ICA: Since 2024
UPK2 Teacher Miranda Goodwin
UPK2 Teacher Miranda Goodwin
UPK2 Teacher Miranda Goodwin
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education. M.S. in Special Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Miranda began working with children at the age of 11 as a babysitter. During her college years, she
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education. M.S. in Special Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Miranda began working with children at the age of 11 as a babysitter. During her college years, she expanded her experience by working as a nanny and in various daycare centers. Since the establishment of Imagination Childcare Academy in 2012, she has served as a dedicated teacher, contributing to the growth and development of countless students. In 2022, she stepped into the role of Education Coordinator, where she continues to support both students and staff through her leadership and expertise.
Years at ICA: Since 2012
UPK2 Assistant Teacher Dawn Diehl
UPK2 Teacher Miranda Goodwin
UPK2 Teacher Miranda Goodwin
Education:
High School Diploma
Experience Working with Children: Dawn has spent most of her career working as a payroll consultant for various payroll companies. However, as a mother, she has also gained valuable experience caring for and working with young children. In 2025, she decided it was time for a career change and chose to bring her skills and passion to ICA.
Years at ICA: Since 2025
UPK3 Teacher Tara Wride
UPK4 Teacher Kerri Battaglia
UPK3 Teacher Tara Wride
Education:
B.S. in Health Science, M.S. in Literacy
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Childhood Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2),Students with Disabilities (1-6), Literacy (B-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Tara has 17 years of experience working with children. She has tau
Education:
B.S. in Health Science, M.S. in Literacy
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Childhood Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2),Students with Disabilities (1-6), Literacy (B-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Tara has 17 years of experience working with children. She has taught various age groups, ranging from preschool to 6th grade. Tara has 8 years working in the preschool setting. Her passion is working with preschool aged children, because of their innate curiosity and excitement about learning. She designs engaging lessons that provide opportunities for young learners to explore and work towards new learning goals.
Years at ICA: Since 2025
UPK3 Assistant Teacher Jason Birch
UPK4 Teacher Kerri Battaglia
UPK3 Teacher Tara Wride
Education:
B.A In Interdisciplinary Arts for Children
Experience Working with Children: Jason has over 20 years of experience working with children aged three through 12 years in various childcare settings. He has spent several years working with children with special needs and enjoys thinking outside the box and trying to see things from the child's perspective.
Years at ICA: Since 2021
UPK4 Teacher Kerri Battaglia
UPK4 Teacher Kerri Battaglia
UPK4 Teacher Kerri Battaglia
Education:
B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Art, M.S. in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Kerri has over 15 years o
Education:
B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Art, M.S. in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6), Students with Disabilities (B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Kerri has over 15 years of experience working with young children, including time spent teaching in the Rochester City School District. She excels at individualizing instruction to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring every student receives the support necessary to thrive.
Years at ICA: Since 2014
UPK4 Assistant Teacher Trevor Bowllan
UPK5 Teacher Lacey Davenport
UPK4 Teacher Kerri Battaglia
Education:
High School Diploma and some college credits
Experience Working with Children: Trevor has over 10 years of experience working with children. He began in high school, babysitting for family members and friends, which sparked his passion for childcare. He later worked as an assistant teacher at Hillside Family of Agencies, where
Education:
High School Diploma and some college credits
Experience Working with Children: Trevor has over 10 years of experience working with children. He began in high school, babysitting for family members and friends, which sparked his passion for childcare. He later worked as an assistant teacher at Hillside Family of Agencies, where he supported children with severe social-emotional disorders. Trevor is dedicated to helping every child succeed and is passionate about finding effective ways to support their growth and development.
Years at ICA: Since 2018
UPK5 Teacher Lacey Davenport
UPK5 Teacher Lacey Davenport
UPK5 Teacher Lacey Davenport
Education:
B.S. Early Childhood Education and Inclusion
Certifications:
Currently working on NYS teaching certification
Experience Working with Children: Lacey has been dedicated to the field of childcare since 2011, beginning her career as a teaching assistant at Richard Guon Childcare Center on the MCC campus. She later joined Storybook
Education:
B.S. Early Childhood Education and Inclusion
Certifications:
Currently working on NYS teaching certification
Experience Working with Children: Lacey has been dedicated to the field of childcare since 2011, beginning her career as a teaching assistant at Richard Guon Childcare Center on the MCC campus. She later joined Storybook Childcare, where she advanced to the role of lead teacher and remained from 2011 to 2018. During her time there, Lacey gained experience working with children of all ages—from infants to school-age—but primarily focused on preschool and school-age groups.
In addition to her childcare experience, Lacey completed her student teaching in a first-grade classroom at Wheatland-Chili School District and has worked as a substitute teacher in several school districts. Her enthusiasm and passion for working with young children are truly contagious, creating a positive and engaging environment wherever she teaches.
Years at ICA: Since 2018
UPK5 Assistant Teacher Anya Rosien
UPK5 Teacher Lacey Davenport
UPK5 Teacher Lacey Davenport
Education:
High School Diploma (graduated in 2017)
Certification:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA) since December 2017
Experience Working with Children:
Anya comes from a large family, which has given her a lifelong familiarity with and passion for working with children. She began gaining hands-on experience early through
Education:
High School Diploma (graduated in 2017)
Certification:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA) since December 2017
Experience Working with Children:
Anya comes from a large family, which has given her a lifelong familiarity with and passion for working with children. She began gaining hands-on experience early through babysitting and continued to build her skills while in high school, where she worked in a BOCES half-day preschool program supporting preschool-aged students with special needs. Anya has also worked at St. Pius X Elementary School in the Before and After School program, where she cared for children ranging from preschool through fifth grade. In addition, she has been an integral part of her church’s religious education ministry, serving as both an assistant teacher and a lead teacher for various classes.
Years at ICA: Since 2017
UPK6 Teacher Katie Banta
UPK7 Teacher Tara Paige
UPK6 Teacher Katie Banta
Education:
BA in Early Childhood Education
Certifications:
NYS Teacher Certifications: Early childhood education (B-2) and Elementary Education (1-6)
Experience Working with Children: Katie’s first teaching job was at Concordia University's early childhood center in River Forest, Illinois. She was a teacher's assistant there for two year
Education:
BA in Early Childhood Education
Certifications:
NYS Teacher Certifications: Early childhood education (B-2) and Elementary Education (1-6)
Experience Working with Children: Katie’s first teaching job was at Concordia University's early childhood center in River Forest, Illinois. She was a teacher's assistant there for two years while working towards her undergraduate degree. She then taught Kindergarten in Florida for a year before moving to Maryland to live with her new husband. In Maryland she taught 3rd grade for two years and Kindergarten for a year. She and her husband then moved to Athens, Ohio where she went back to school for her Masters. She completed two semesters of school while nannying for two families before focusing on her own growing family. Three years later they moved to Rochester with their two young children. After having their third child Katie began teaching at Ellwanger Barry Nursery School first as an assistant for a year and then as the lead teacher for 3 years.
Years at ICA: Since 2025
UPK6 Assistant Teacher Paige Stump
UPK7 Teacher Tara Paige
UPK6 Teacher Katie Banta
Education:
High School Diploma, some college credits
Certifications:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Paige has been working with children—from infants to school-aged—since 2013. She began her career as a teacher at Generations Childcare, where she spent five years building a strong foundati
Education:
High School Diploma, some college credits
Certifications:
Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Paige has been working with children—from infants to school-aged—since 2013. She began her career as a teacher at Generations Childcare, where she spent five years building a strong foundation in early childhood education. After a brief time at a childcare facility in California, she returned home and continued her work with young children, teaching two-year-olds at The Goddard School. She later accepted a position as a teaching assistant at ICA. Paige is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children feel supported as they learn, grow, and thrive.
Years at ICA: Since 2021
UPK7 Teacher Tara Paige
UPK7 Teacher Tara Paige
UPK7 Teacher Tara Paige
Education:
B.S. in Early Childhood Education, M.S. in Multicultural Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Tara has over 15 years of experience working with young children, including time spent teaching in the Rochester City School
Education:
B.S. in Early Childhood Education, M.S. in Multicultural Education
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Elementary Education (1-6)
Experience Working with Children:
Tara has over 15 years of experience working with young children, including time spent teaching in the Rochester City School District. She goes above and beyond to truly get to know her students and their families, and she is dedicated to building strong, collaborative partnerships that support each child’s growth and success.
Years at ICA: Since 2013
UPK7 Assistant Teacher Lisa Rhoden
Support Staff Charis Edmonds
UPK7 Teacher Tara Paige
Education:
A.S. Graphic Design
Experience Working with Children: Besides being a mom and babysitting for many neighborhood kids starting at the age of 13, her first job was as a Summer Camp leader for the town of Gates Chili. From there, she moved on to ICA where she has been working since 2017. She works with our UPK students and our school-age children.
Years at ICA: Since 2017
UPK7 Assistant Teacher Breanna Dauphinee
Support Staff Charis Edmonds
Support Staff Charis Edmonds
Education:
B.A. in Religious Studies and a minor in Music Education
Experience working with Children: Breanna's experience working in a childcare setting is split evenly between infants, toddlers, and preschool. She also has years of experience directing and coordinating youth (12 and under) and family faith formation programming includ
Education:
B.A. in Religious Studies and a minor in Music Education
Experience working with Children: Breanna's experience working in a childcare setting is split evenly between infants, toddlers, and preschool. She also has years of experience directing and coordinating youth (12 and under) and family faith formation programming including vacation Bible school and kindergarten, first and second grade level faith formation.
Years at ICA: Since 2025
Support Staff Charis Edmonds
Support Staff Charis Edmonds
Support Staff Charis Edmonds
Education:
High School Diploma, some college credits
Experience Working with Children: Charis began her early childhood career at ICA in 2023. She supports all preschool classrooms, assisting wherever she is needed. With a keen understanding of children’s needs, she has a natural ability to provide just the right support to help each child thrive.
Years at ICA: Since 2023
Support Staff Kellie McHale
Support Staff Kellie McHale
Support Staff Kellie McHale
Education:
High School Diploma
Certifications:
Pursuing a Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Kellie has been an assistant teacher at ICA since 2017, supporting all classrooms and stepping in wherever she’s needed throughout the building. She is dedicated to building strong, meaningful relation
Education:
High School Diploma
Certifications:
Pursuing a Child Development Associates Certificate (CDA)
Experience Working with Children: Kellie has been an assistant teacher at ICA since 2017, supporting all classrooms and stepping in wherever she’s needed throughout the building. She is dedicated to building strong, meaningful relationships with each child and takes the time to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and valued.
Years at ICA: Since 2017
Support Staff Katherine Merola
Support Staff Kellie McHale
Support Staff Kellie McHale
Education:
B.S in Childhood Inclusive Education, M.S. Reading & Literacy
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Early Childhood Education Students With Disabilities (B-2), Childhood Education (1-6), Childhood Education Students With Disabilities (1-6), Literacy (birth-12)
Experience working with Ch
Education:
B.S in Childhood Inclusive Education, M.S. Reading & Literacy
Certifications:
NYS Teaching Certifications: Early Childhood Education (B-2), Early Childhood Education Students With Disabilities (B-2), Childhood Education (1-6), Childhood Education Students With Disabilities (1-6), Literacy (birth-12)
Experience working with Children: Katherine taught fifth grade reading and writing for a year, worked as a third and fourth grade special education teacher in a self-contained classroom, taught study skills as a sixth grade teacher for a year, and worked as an elementary reading specialist for 3 years. She loves working with young children because early childhood is a time of extraordinary growth, curiosity, and possibility. There’s something powerful about being part of those first steps—helping a child find their voice, build confidence, and discover joy in learning. Katherine is drawn to the way young children approach the world with honesty and wonder; they invite you to be fully present, creative, and responsive.
Years at ICA: Since 2024
Custodian Chris Banker
Support Staff Kellie McHale
Custodian Chris Banker
Experience: Chris has worked with the NYS Housing Authority as a Housing Inspector since 2007. In 2021, he joined the ICA team, where he serves part-time as the custodian and handles maintenance responsibilities.
Years at ICA: Since 2021