A childcare center is only as good as its staff. It can have the very best in facilities and equipment, but come up short if the staff is not dedicated and well trained. We are proud of our staff and are fortunate to have some core, veteran teachers who have been with us for a long time. Since all of our teachers are carefully chosen, they must exceed the qualifications set forth by the Department of Public Health, and all teachers must meet the highest standards which are set by NAEYC. At Discovery Zone Learning Center we strive to hire the very best – we currently have in each of our classrooms, at both locations, a teacher who either has their Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Below is a brief biographical sketch of our administrators.
Robin Green
Executive Director & Owner
Columbia & Marlborough
Robin has her Bachelor's in Human Services with a minor in Early Childhood Development. She has spent the last eighteen of her twenty-six career working with Socially Maladjusted and Dually Diagnosed children in all types of settings (mostly non-profits). Robin spent 12 years working with the mentally challenged & dually diagnosed at CREC- River Street School as a Group Home Supervisor. Robin also spent six years employed at the Village for Families and Children in Hartford as their Activities Coordinator and the Assistant Supervisor for their Extended Day Treatment Program. Robin is the Certified Head Teacher for Discovery Zone Learning Center. Robin has had extensive training in the Connecticut Preschool Benchmarks and also NAEYC (National Association Education of Young Children) standards. She is certified in First Aid / CPR and administration of medication. Robin has two children and resides in Marlborough, Connecticut.
Christine Bassett – Education Director
Columbia
Christine has worked in early childhood for the past 10 years. Christine has her Associations Degree in Early Childhood Education. Christine brings many years of experience with her - she has worked at Bright Horizon and KinderCare. Christine has had extensive training in the Connecticut Preschool Benchmarks and also NAEYC (National Association Education of Young Children) standards. Christine is medication certified / CPR and First Aid.
Stacey Sargenti- Assistant Director
Columbia
Stacey has worked in the early childhood field for the past ten years. In 2008, Stacey made a strong commitment to obtain her CDA (Child Development Associates). She completed her course work and portfolio in 2009 and was awarded a CDA. Stacey has had extensive training in the Connecticut Preschool Benchmarks and also NAEYC (National Association Education of Young Children) standards. During the summer months the afterschool programs (Columbia & Marlborough) converts to…Camp Discovery. Stacey has supervisored Camp Discovery for the past three years. Camp Discovery’s average enrollment is 50 children. Stacey is CPR and First Aid trained and also medication certified.
Amanda Strong – Director
Marlborough
Amanda has been employed at Discovery Zone Learning Center since 2001. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently attending Eastern University seeking her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Amanda has worked with every age group: infant, toddler, preschool, afterschool and Camp Discovery. Amanda has had extensive training in the Connecticut Preschool Benchmarks and also NAEYC (National Association Education of Young Children) standards. Amanda is CPR & First Aid trained as well as being certified in medication.