Kiddie Academy^® of Henderson

We can't wait to meet you

• Kellie Walsh, Academy Director

  

  Kellie Walsh, Academy Director

• Chelsey Mcnees, Academy Staff Manager

  

    Chelsey has earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Music and is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Chelsey...   Read More

  Chelsey Mcnees, Academy Staff Manager

    Chelsey has earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Music and is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Chelsey has been employed with Kiddie Academy since 2016 and has flourished as a teacher, coach, and curricular advisor. Kiddie Academy was her first working experience in a childcare facility, but Chelsey has been babysitting for ten years. She has shown a consistent passion for creating a nuturing environment conducive to learning , not only for our students but for our staff and families. She is an esteemed member of our team and we are so proud of her growth and commitment to our academy and all of our families, students, and staff.   Her favorite thing about working at Kiddie Academy is the fact that it’s never boring. There is always something new to learn and her outgoing personality is a direct reflection of this.Chelsey is also an animal lover! She has a dog named Charlie and a cat named Greyson.  Her favorite color is green and her favorite food is burgers, pizza, and chocolate.  Something you may not know about her is she is from Kalamazoo, MI.  

• Tyera Black-Davis, Academy Enrollment Specialist

  

  Tyera Black-Davis, Academy Enrollment Specialist

    Chelsey has earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Music and is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Chelsey has been employed with Kiddie Academy since 2016 and has flourished as a teacher, coach, and curricular advisor. Kiddie Academy was her first working experience in a childcare facility, but Chelsey has been babysitting for ten years. She has shown a consistent passion for creating a nuturing environment conducive to learning , not only for our students but for our staff and families. She is an esteemed member of our team and we are so proud of her growth and commitment to our academy and all of our families, students, and staff.   Her favorite thing about working at Kiddie Academy is the fact that it’s never boring. There is always something new to learn and her outgoing personality is a direct reflection of this.Chelsey is also an animal lover! She has a dog named Charlie and a cat named Greyson.  Her favorite color is green and her favorite food is burgers, pizza, and chocolate.  Something you may not know about her is she is from Kalamazoo, MI.  

• Aisha Washington, Classroom Coordinator

  

  Aisha Washington, Classroom Coordinator

    Chelsey has earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Music and is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Chelsey has been employed with Kiddie Academy since 2016 and has flourished as a teacher, coach, and curricular advisor. Kiddie Academy was her first working experience in a childcare facility, but Chelsey has been babysitting for ten years. She has shown a consistent passion for creating a nuturing environment conducive to learning , not only for our students but for our staff and families. She is an esteemed member of our team and we are so proud of her growth and commitment to our academy and all of our families, students, and staff.   Her favorite thing about working at Kiddie Academy is the fact that it’s never boring. There is always something new to learn and her outgoing personality is a direct reflection of this.Chelsey is also an animal lover! She has a dog named Charlie and a cat named Greyson.  Her favorite color is green and her favorite food is burgers, pizza, and chocolate.  Something you may not know about her is she is from Kalamazoo, MI.  

• Nicole Jones, Lead Teacher (Bobcats)

  

  Nicole Jones, Lead Teacher (Bobcats)

    Chelsey has earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Music and is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Chelsey has been employed with Kiddie Academy since 2016 and has flourished as a teacher, coach, and curricular advisor. Kiddie Academy was her first working experience in a childcare facility, but Chelsey has been babysitting for ten years. She has shown a consistent passion for creating a nuturing environment conducive to learning , not only for our students but for our staff and families. She is an esteemed member of our team and we are so proud of her growth and commitment to our academy and all of our families, students, and staff.   Her favorite thing about working at Kiddie Academy is the fact that it’s never boring. There is always something new to learn and her outgoing personality is a direct reflection of this.Chelsey is also an animal lover! She has a dog named Charlie and a cat named Greyson.  Her favorite color is green and her favorite food is burgers, pizza, and chocolate.  Something you may not know about her is she is from Kalamazoo, MI.  

• Josie McLaughlin, Office Assistant

  

  Josie McLaughlin, Office Assistant

    Chelsey has earned her Bachelor’s in Business and Music and is currently working on a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Chelsey has been employed with Kiddie Academy since 2016 and has flourished as a teacher, coach, and curricular advisor. Kiddie Academy was her first working experience in a childcare facility, but Chelsey has been babysitting for ten years. She has shown a consistent passion for creating a nuturing environment conducive to learning , not only for our students but for our staff and families. She is an esteemed member of our team and we are so proud of her growth and commitment to our academy and all of our families, students, and staff.   Her favorite thing about working at Kiddie Academy is the fact that it’s never boring. There is always something new to learn and her outgoing personality is a direct reflection of this.Chelsey is also an animal lover! She has a dog named Charlie and a cat named Greyson.  Her favorite color is green and her favorite food is burgers, pizza, and chocolate.  Something you may not know about her is she is from Kalamazoo, MI.  

• Cecelia Brennen, Culinary Expert

    Cecilia has been working in a kitchen for childcare facilities for twenty years.  Her favorite thing about working for Kiddie Academy...   Read More

  Cecelia Brennen, Culinary Expert

    Cecilia has been working in a kitchen for childcare facilities for twenty years.  Her favorite thing about working for Kiddie Academy is cooking for the children and hearing that the children are excited to eat when she walks in with the prepared meals. She also loves to hear each of the children tell her stories.  Cecilia loves to spend her free time with her two children, Richard and Adrianna.  Her favorite color is red and loves to eat shrimp cocktails, Chinese food, pizza, Mexican food, and Filipino food.  

• Adrienne Wheelock, Tigers Teacher

  

  Adrienne Wheelock, Tigers Teacher

    Cecilia has been working in a kitchen for childcare facilities for twenty years.  Her favorite thing about working for Kiddie Academy is cooking for the children and hearing that the children are excited to eat when she walks in with the prepared meals. She also loves to hear each of the children tell her stories.  Cecilia loves to spend her free time with her two children, Richard and Adrianna.  Her favorite color is red and loves to eat shrimp cocktails, Chinese food, pizza, Mexican food, and Filipino food.  

• Fariba "Riba" Afiat, PreK Assistant Teacher

  

  Fariba "Riba" Afiat, PreK Assistant Teacher

    Cecilia has been working in a kitchen for childcare facilities for twenty years.  Her favorite thing about working for Kiddie Academy is cooking for the children and hearing that the children are excited to eat when she walks in with the prepared meals. She also loves to hear each of the children tell her stories.  Cecilia loves to spend her free time with her two children, Richard and Adrianna.  Her favorite color is red and loves to eat shrimp cocktails, Chinese food, pizza, Mexican food, and Filipino food.  

• Alelie "Lily" Eligio, Koalas Teacher

  

  Alelie "Lily" Eligio, Koalas Teacher

    Cecilia has been working in a kitchen for childcare facilities for twenty years.  Her favorite thing about working for Kiddie Academy is cooking for the children and hearing that the children are excited to eat when she walks in with the prepared meals. She also loves to hear each of the children tell her stories.  Cecilia loves to spend her free time with her two children, Richard and Adrianna.  Her favorite color is red and loves to eat shrimp cocktails, Chinese food, pizza, Mexican food, and Filipino food.  

• Brittney Semana, Monkeys Classroom

  

    Ms. Brittney has four years of experience working in childcare and is pursuing a degree in psychology. She loves to implement...   Read More

  Brittney Semana, Monkeys Classroom

    Ms. Brittney has four years of experience working in childcare and is pursuing a degree in psychology. She loves to implement curriculum and takes pride in guiding children to success. She always goes above and beyond to connect to her students on an individual level. Her passion and commitment to making each student feel safe and loved has set the standard for our strongest value of community. The connections that she has made throughout her tenure at Kiddie Acadmy inspire us all to go the extra mile to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel like family. For fun Brittney loves photography, walking her two dogs, and also enjoys reading and writing.  Her favorite color is turquoise and loves Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is learning ASL.  

• Pamela Donohue, Penguins Teacher

  

  Pamela Donohue, Penguins Teacher

    Ms. Brittney has four years of experience working in childcare and is pursuing a degree in psychology. She loves to implement curriculum and takes pride in guiding children to success. She always goes above and beyond to connect to her students on an individual level. Her passion and commitment to making each student feel safe and loved has set the standard for our strongest value of community. The connections that she has made throughout her tenure at Kiddie Acadmy inspire us all to go the extra mile to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel like family. For fun Brittney loves photography, walking her two dogs, and also enjoys reading and writing.  Her favorite color is turquoise and loves Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is learning ASL.  

• Nannette “Nettie” Barba, Kangaroos Teacher

  

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers...   Read More

  Nannette “Nettie” Barba, Kangaroos Teacher

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Morgan Willinger, Academy Support

  

  Morgan Willinger, Academy Support

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Juliann Pupa, Assistant Teacher (Zoo)

  

  Juliann Pupa, Assistant Teacher (Zoo)

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Anne Sipes, Penguins Teacher

  

  Anne Sipes, Penguins Teacher

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Melissa Duran-Galdo, Lead Teacher (Infants)

  

  Melissa Duran-Galdo, Lead Teacher (Infants)

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Sadie Quiroga, Penguins Teacher

  

  Sadie Quiroga, Penguins Teacher

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Lara Manadero, Assistant Teacher (Penguins)

  

  Lara Manadero, Assistant Teacher (Penguins)

    Nettie has worked in childcare for over twenty years from home daycare to center based learning facility.  She loves teaching toddlers and watching them learn new things, and watching their eyes light up.  Nettie enjoys working for Kiddie Academy because of the awesome teamwork and positive work environment.  On her own time, she enjoys hiking, crafts, baking, and spending time with her family. Nettie has three sons of her own, and one black lab named Luke. She likes to eat salads, Mexican, Asian, and Italian food.  Something you may not know about her is she is a patient, passionate, and caring person. She also has a very big family on her mom’s side. (Over 80 plus cousins and counting).  

• Elizabeth Vanderploeg, Zoo Classroom

  

    Liz has Early Childhood Education college credits from a California junior college. She started working with children at the age of...   Read More

  Elizabeth Vanderploeg, Zoo Classroom

    Liz has Early Childhood Education college credits from a California junior college. She started working with children at the age of nineteen, and has also worked as a swim instructor for children.  Liz loves working for Kiddie Academy, because she is passionate about inspiring children to learn and grow, and likes to see their faces light up when they are excited about something.  When she is not working with children, Liz likes to workout, watch TV shows, and go shopping.  She has two daughters of her own, three cats, and one dog.  Her favorite colors are blue, white, brown and black.  Veggie burgers, tater tots, fish, rice, veggies, and fruit are her favorite foods.  Liz’s guilty pleasure is Starbucks. Something you may not know about her, is she use to be a competitive swimmer since the age of thirteen.  Also, Liz loves cats and to volunteer at Pet smart.