Our Staff

Christy LaBarge

Center Manager

Christy has been working with young children for nearly ten years, beginning her formal career in Massachusetts as an Elementary Teacher, where she received her K - Grade 6 certification.  Coming to Albany in 2004, Christy was first a manager of a Head Start Center with CEO - our parent organization - moving to Stepping Stones II in 2006.  Currently, Christy holds a New York State Teaching Certificate for Birth - Grade 2.

Kimberly Alix

Assistant Center Manager

Kim has been working on behalf of children for over twenty years.  She feels a quality childcare setting is one that promotes acceptance, self-esteem, respect for others, and fosters ongoing learning through developmentally appropriate play.  Holding a degree in Early Childhood Education, Kim owned and operated a NYS Licensed Day Care from May 1992 to June 2008.  She joined the staff of Stepping Stones II in November 2008.

Stella

Program Assistant

Stella works with small children because she feels it is such a rewarding job.  Her philosophy regarding quality childcare is to treat each child with respect in a safe and nurturing environment.  Stella has been with Stepping Stones II since 2007.

Megan

Teacher, Infant 1

Megan has been a teacher with Stepping Stones II since 2007.  She loves her work, and feels that a quality childcare setting allows children to have fun while encouraging them to be successful.  Currently, she is working toward her Child Development Credential.

Rochelle

Assistant Teacher, Infant 1

Rochelle joined the center in 2008 and is very committed to creating an environment where children learn while being nurtured.  Rochelle loves working with young children and finds it very rewarding. 

Halee

Teacher, Infant 2

Halee has worked at Stepping Stones II since 2007.  She truly enjoys her job.  She feels a quality childcare setting offers a loving, happy environment where children can flourish.  Currently, she is working toward her Child Development Credential.

Nichole

Teacher, Infant 3

Nichole has worked for Stepping Stones II since 2006.  Choosing this field because she loves working with children, her passion for providing a safe, nurturing setting is evident in her classroom.  Currently, she is working toward her Child Development Credential.

Angela

Teacher Asssistant, Infant 3

Angela has worked with Stepping Stones II since April 2009.  She loves working with children, and believes it is important to keep children busy with fun activities.

Jenny

Teacher, Toddler 1
Jenny has been working with children professionally since 2003.  She has recently joined the staff of SSII.  Holding a Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Jenny feels a quality childcare program is one that provides a safe, loving, and nurturing environment while meeting the developmental needs of the children and families.

Tori

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 1

Tori has been working with children since 2006.  She believes that education is a rewarding field because she is able to be a positive influence and provide support to the family structure.  She feels it is important for children to feel respected and nurtured.

Amy

Teacher, Toddler 2

Amy began her work with children in 1997.  She loves to watch her children grow as she guides them to be little explorers.  She feels a quality program creates a warm loving environment with lots of hands on activities for children to have fun.

Barbara

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 2

Barb has worked in childcare since 1997.  Her love for children allows her to provide a loving, nurturing atmosphere, while forming a special bond with each of her students.

Megan

Teacher, Toddler 3

Megan has been working with children since 2004.  Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, she believes each child is a special individual.  She strives to provide an active learning environment, which supports their curiosity and interests.

Barbie

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 3
Barbie joined the staff of Stepping Stones II in May 2007.  Believing it is vital to treat children with respect, she loves coming to work each day and strives to teach valuable lessons her students can carry with them throughout their lives.

Lindsey

Teacher, Toddler 4

Lindsay has worked in the childcare field since 2000.  She holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and enjoys working with children and helping them learn.  She believes a quality childcare setting is caring and nurturing, allowing children to be creative and explore the world around them.

Amber

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 4
Amber has worked with children for many years and joined the staff at Stepping Stones II in 2010.  She believes that children can be successful in life with a solid foundation of education.  She hopes to finish school to become a teacher.

Shannon

Teacher, Preschool 1

Shannon enjoys working with children and their families.  She believes a quality setting allows children to feel safe and loved, while being challenged to learn through new experiences.  Shannon has been with Stepping Stones II since 1997, and she holds an AAS in Early Childhood Education.

Emylie

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 1

Emylie began her work at Stepping Stones II in 2008.  She chose this field to help provide a loving environment for children where they can explore and gain knowledge.  She truly feels that children are the future.  She is currently working towards her Child Development Credential

Teresa

Teacher, Preschool 2

Teresa’s work with children began in 1982.  She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education.  She chose this field to help children strive to their full potential.  She feels a successful program provides children with a firm foundation for learning.

Bonnie

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 2

Bonnie has been in the childcare field since 1984.  She believes that a quality program offers children a safe and loving environment as they learn about their world and grow to be self-sufficient.

Maria

Teacher, Preschool 3

Maria has recently chosen the field of childcare, as she believes that a quality preschool classroom fosters creativity and self-awareness.  She makes a daily effort to promote reading and literacy with the children in her care, holding a Bachelors Degree in English and Education.

Jennifer

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 3

Jennifer joined our infant classroom in Fall 2009.  She hopes to make working with children a life long journey.   She plans to continue her work towards her Child Development Credential.

Jess

Teacher, Preschool 4

Jessica has worked with children since 2006.  She holds a Child Day Care Management Certificate and is currently working towards her Child Development Credential.  Her love for children has brought her to Stepping Stones II.  She feels a program that allows her to see children grow and change on a daily basis is truly rewarding.

Debbie

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 4
Debbie began working at Stepping Stones II in August 2009, however, she has volunteered at different child care sites since 2003.  Debbie thinks it is important to give children unconditional love, security, and a consistent routine daily. 

Quamialla

Floating Teacher Assistant

Quamialla came to the center in 2008.  She chose this field because she feels children are a joy to be around.  Quamialla believes a quality program consists of a clean environment, with a reliable and dedicated staff.  She loves her job!

Stacie

Floating Teacher Assistant

Stacie began her work at Stepping Stones II in 2006.  She believes a safe, loving atmosphere will make for happy children, and strives to keep a stress free environment.

Billie

Floating Teacher Assistant

Billie has enjoyed working with children for many years.  At Stepping Stones II, she is living a childhood dream of teaching children and meeting their individual needs.  She feels her room provides a safe setting where children are cared for and loved.

Priscilla

Floating Teacher Assistant

Priscilla enjoys working with the children from the various age groups in our program.  She began her work with children in 2004 and works hard every day to foster a caring learning environment for all.

Dolores

Floating Teacher Assistant
Dolores joined Stepping Stones II in March 2010, although she has been working with children since 2007.  Dolores feels children need to explore their world while guided by caring adults. 

Mike

Cook

Mike has been in the cooking professionally since December 2000.  He loves to provide great nourishing meals for all of the children at Stepping Stones II.

Jenn

Dietary Aide

Jenn has been working at the Stepping Stones II in May of 2004 and loves that she is able to help children eat nutritionally which helps them to grow into healthy, strong adults.

Eddie

Custodian
Eddie began working in the custodial field in 1995.  During his career, he has acquired much experience.  He came to SSII in July of 2009.

Yari

Custodian

Yari came to SSII in August of 2009.  She thinks it is very important to have a safe and clean building for the health and safety of our children.

 

©Stepping Stones II Early Learning Center
(518) 286-0139
300 Valley View Blvd
Rensselaer, NY 12144