Pumpkin Patch Child Care Center

8 Corporate Circle
Albany New York 12203
(518) 452-0984
(518) 452-3786

Our Staff

Name: Christine M. Rinella
Title: Owner/Director
Bio: Christine is a graduate of SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in Early Childhood. She opened the PUMPKIN PATCH Nursery School in Cohoes, New York in January, 1975. Seeing the need for full day child care she opened the PUMPKIN PATCH Child Care Center in Guilderland in July, 1989. In addition to directing both child care sites for over 33 years, (the Cohoes site closed in June, 2006), Christine develops and regularly presents professional trainings with an emphasis on child care administration,  marketing, program and staff development and parent communication. She has presented programs in New York City; Binghamton; Saratoga Springs; Boston; Richmond, Virginia and Anchorage, Alaska. Infant/Child First Aid and CPR trained.


Name: Meghan Leddick
Title: Assistant Director/Floater
Bio:

Meghan is a Pumpkin Patch Alumni. Meghan began working with us while in high school and is now a sophmore at The College of St. Rose majoring in Early Childhood Education and Special Ed. Meghan can work in any room and acts as Assistant Director. Meghan is a volunteer firefighter at the McKownville Fire Dept. and is also Infant/ Child CPR and First Aid Trained.



Name: Barbara Munro
Title: Asst. Director/Infant Teacher
Bio:

Barb started working at the PATCH in January 2000. Although she started as an Infant teacher, Barb is trained to work at all levels in the Center. She is presently a permanent fixture in the Infant room and has recently taken on the responsibility of co-assistant director. Barb is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.



Name: Ginae Warner
Title: Infant Teacher
Bio: Ginae began teaching with us in August 2001. She attended SUNY Cobleskill with an emphasis in Early Childhood. She has been working in the childcare field for 18 years and now has a family of her own. When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her own 2 kids and take family trips. Ginae is also Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Alyssa Bencivengo
Title: Waddler Teacher
Bio: Alyssa is a graduate of SUNY Albany with a dual degree in Psychology and Education. She is presently enrolled at the College of St. Rose studying Early Childhood.  Alyssa is originally from Long Island and has worked at the Montessori Magnet school in Albany. She has also been involved in the Big Brother’s, Big Sister program.  Alyssa is Infant/Child CPR and first aid trained.


Name: Andrea Benetiz
Title: Waddler Teacher
Bio: Andrea came to us from working as a 1:1 Aide in a Special Education pre-school.  She has completed the BOCES course in Early Childhood Education and is a wonderful asset to our center. Recently Andrea obtained her CDA. Andrea is also Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Trained.


Name: Shari Pelletier
Title: Toddler Teacher
Bio: Shari is a graduate of Siena College with a BA in Psychology.  She is originally from Connecticut and has come to the Albany area to pursue her Masters in Early Childhood Education. Shari is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Caitlin Roddy
Title: Toddler Teacher
Bio: Caitlin is a graduate with honors from Mount Saint Mary College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has worked as a substitute teacher in the capital district and has interned at Unity House of Troy working with the domestic violence unit. While in college she worked with Project Life and oversaw daily activities. Caitlin has fit right into our toddler room and has made a wonderful addition to our center. Caitlin is also Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Gail Tidmarsh
Title: Toddler Teacher
Bio: Gail started working at the PATCH when she was in high school.  Over the years she has worked as a full time teacher in every room at one time or another and received her associates degree from SUNY Cobleskill.  About 3 years ago Gail left us to extend her family from one child to two and recently returned to work for us part time.  Gail is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Trained.


Name: Colleen Donnelly
Title: Preschool Teacher
Bio: Colleen is the co-teacher in the Preschool Room. She has her BA and teaching certificates from Utica College of Syracuse University and has worked as a nanny for children of all ages. Colleen is currently enrolled at Russell Sage College pursuing her Masters degree in Special Ed. and Literacy. Colleen is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Julia Mangold
Title: Preschool Teacher
Bio: Julia has worked in the child care field for 13 years. She has taken care of children in all age groups but currently teaches in the preschool room.  Julia is a wonderful asset to the center and she makes us laugh daily. Julia's has recently obtained her CDA. She is also Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Trained.


Name: Jen Denny
Title: Floater
Bio: Jen is a Graduate of Schalmont High School and is currently enrolled at the University of Albany pursuing her bachelors degree in psychology. Jen takes great care of our infants here and just recently had a baby of her own. Jen is a great asset to our center and were happy to have her. Jen will be working primarily in the Infant and Waddler rooms. She is also Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Taylor LaDu
Title: Floater
Bio: Taylor is a Guilderland High School student who will be floating throughout the center after school.  Taylor has shown amazing natural ability in this field and we are lucky to have her.


Name: Ashley Markellos
Title: Floater
Bio: Ashley is a graduate from Guilderland High School and is currently enrolled at Hudson Valley Community College with an undeclared major. She is actively involved in community theatre and has a passion for singing and performing. Ashley is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: April Martin
Title: Floater
Bio: April attended Saint Rose College in Albany and has received her Masters in Education.  She has been a substitute for Scotia -Glenville and Averill Park school districts.  We are very happy to have her as part of our team.  Infant/ Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Sara Milano
Title: Floater
Bio:

Sara is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a BA in studio art.  She is also a certified Visual Arts teacher. She has 6 years experience working with children and has tons to add to our program! Sara is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.



Name: Amanda Pouchak
Title: Floater
Bio: Amanda is currently attending school at St. Rose majoring in Childhood Education.  She works as a part time floater in all rooms during the school year but she especially loves the Toddler Room. Amanda is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Abigail Rose
Title: Floater
Bio: Abbys a graduate of Cazenovia College with a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She has worked at many daycares in Vermont and has recently moved back to the area. Abbyill be working as a floater, you will see her primarily in the infant room. Abby is alos Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


Name: Annalora Schwartz
Title: Floater
Bio: Anna is a graduate from Guilderland High School and is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Hudson Valley Community College. Anna first came to us as an intern, and is now working here as a part time teacher. She will be seen working primarily in the Infant and Waddler rooms. Anna is Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.


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