Kiddie Academy of Rocky Hill

Natalia Doran

Owner

  Natalia Doran has been working with children of all ages for many years. She earned two Masters degrees in Education. She holds School Psychologist certificates in Connecticut and New York. After earning her second degree at Long Island University, Natalia worked as an education coordinator and as a school psychologist in New York and Connecticut. She is the loving mother of two children. Natalia and Douglas have been working together on Kiddie Academy of Rocky Hill from its inception (finding a location, construction of the facility, staffing, licensing, marketing etc.), and continue to be fully involved in its operation and management, committed to its excellence and success. Their goal is to play a lasting, positive role in the education of America's youngest generations.

Amanda DiVicino

Director

Amanda has been working with children of all ages for 14 years. She earned a bachelors degree in psychology at Central Connecticut State University. Amanda has been with Kiddie Academy for 7 years starting in the infant classroom as lead teacher, working her way up to Assisant Director and now Director. As a mother herself, Amanda is compassionate, empathetic and caring towards children and staff. Her goal is to make all the families that attend Kiddie Academy feel at home, safe and nurtured. 

Hazar Abdulsattar

Administrative Assistant

Hazar holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. She started working at Kiddie Academy of Rocky Hill as a toddler's teacher in April 2022. She took a break to complete her education. Hazar returned to our center as an administrative assistant in July 2024. Hazar is a responsible, well-organized, cooperative person. We are happy that she is a member of our team again!

Julia Schmelter

Cook

Julia holds her Food Handler Certificate. She worked in restaurant business for 8 years as a cook and server (Fratellis Italian Restaurant, Sax Pizza Restaurant). She also used to work as an Assistant Teacher and a Cook at Bristol Daycare center. Julia is a very friendly, positive, and cooperative person. All children and staff members love her!

Lauren Schlenker

Lead Preschool Teacher

Lauren holds her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in early childhood since 1990. Lauren has transformed our Pre-K 3 into an environmental enriched class, leaving the children with memorable moments and educational aspects they will never forget. Lauren's motive is to nurture and help all students in her class be as successful as they can be. She helps all our staff with lesson plans, and educational time in the classrooms. We are so grateful for Laurens dedication here at Kiddie Academy. 

Caroline Banning

Lead Infant Teacher

Caroline holds her Bachelor's degree of Science in Mathmetics and is currently pursuing her Nursing degree; (always making the Dean’s list.) During her studies, she was interested in Child Development, took classes in Lifespan development, Psychology of Childhood, and Eary Childhood Education. Caroline has been working with younger children since 2013, organizing tennis groups, baby-sitting, and infant’s teacher. She is very responsible, organized, caring and nurturing. Caroline work is the baby room is profound, like no other. Our families are always pleased leaving her with not one negative review in her time here at Kiddie Academy. Caroline is a dedicated and conscientious Infant teacher with an excellent history of successful early child care. We are more than happy that she is on our team!

Gabrielle Barlett

Infants teacher

Gabrielle loves being with younger children. She has been working with children since 2013 as a nanny and infant teacher. Gabrielle is a loving, caring and friendly person. She is a responsible and well organized teacher.

Bina Joshi

Infants' Teacher

Bina holds her degree in Interior Design (Raheja School of Architecture in India). She has been working with children since 2000 (as an Assistant Teacher at Eklavya Education Foundation, as a nanny for children up to the age of 5 in CT). Bina also worked as a caregiver for elderly people (KeepMeHome Care and Companions, LLC). Bina is a very responsible, caring, and cooperative person who enjoys working with our infants. She is a nice mother and grandmother.  

Maninder Kaur

Lead Two's Teacher

Maninder has been working with children for 5 years. Maninder's dedication to Kiddie Academy is truly special. She teaches with passion and care. Maninder has a proven track record of developing and implementing successful curriculums protocols. She is skilled in collaborating with parents and creating a special bond with each family, one that lasts forever. As a mother to two girls herself, Maninder has a strong proficiency in toddler health and educational needs. She has a warm, caring, and honest heart. Maninder sets a great example for all employees at Kiddie Academy. We are more than pleased to have her on our team!

Poonam Sharma

Two-Year-Olds' Teacher

Poonam holds her Bachelor’s Degree in History (University of Rajasthan in India) and a Diploma in Computer Application. She used to work as an administrative assistant in Health Care and as a school bus coordinator in Rhode Island. Poonam is a caring and responsible person who enjoys working with younger children.  Poonam holds her Bachelor’s Degree in History (University of Rajasthan in India) and a Diploma in Computer Application. She used to work as an administrative assistant in Health Care and as a school bus coordinator in Rhode Island. Poonam is a caring, responsible, and cooperative person who enjoys working with younger children.      

Roopam Jain

Preschool Teacher

Roopam holds her Master’s Degree of Drawing and Painting Arts (Udiy Singh Jain Inter College in India). She used to teach art to children. She continues to make beautiful art now! Roopam is a responsible, well organized, and cooperative person.  We are happy to have Roopam in our team!