Take a virtual visit today to see what makes our Academy special.
Swipe to explore our Academy
Interested in taking a tour of our Academy? You can schedule a visit by filling out a simple form.
Schedule a tourUse the arrows to find the right fit.
Swipe to find the right fit.
Each Academy is a little different. Here's what makes us unique:
Sandra Ferreira, Center Director
I have been working with children in the early education field for over 20 years. I received my Bachelor's degree from Frostburg... Read More
I have been working with children in the early education field for over 20 years. I received my Bachelor's degree from Frostburg State University. My first job at 16 years old was as an aftercare counselor. I was blessed with a beautiful boy which redirected my path in life and led me to be being a preschool teacher for over 10 years. Afterwards, that path developed into a leadership role. As a parent and educator, I believe bringing up children is the most complex job you will ever have. I love being in and creating a caring and supportive environment that promotes optimal early childhood development.
Zahirah Sharif, Assistant Director
Hello my name is Zahirah. I have always had a passion for teaching. My favorite pastime as a child was to play... Read More
Hello my name is Zahirah. I have always had a passion for teaching. My favorite pastime as a child was to play school with my cousins and I would always be the teacher. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from Montclair State University. I also minored in American Sign Language. I have over 18 years experience in the education field. I have worked with children age ranging from 18 months- 16 years old. I am a proud mom of a beautiful baby girl named Aubrey Blu. I love art and creating masterpieces. My years in classrooms lead me to different leadership roles in childcare. I want to bestow my knowledge of classroom management and strategic teaching methods onto teachers so I can have an impact on not only children, but teachers as well. I am very excited to join the Kiddie Academy family because of its diversity in staff as well as students.
Kaila Davila, Office Assistant
Hello! My name is Kaila, I am currently a student at Union College of UCNJ finishing my degree in Journalism and PR. I... Read More
Hello! My name is Kaila, I am currently a student at Union College of UCNJ finishing my degree in Journalism and PR. I am in the process of editing and publishing my first children's books, as well as a few other projects I have up my sleeve. I've worked in education for the past 7 years as a floater, assistant teacher, and lead teacher for infants and toddlers- though most of my experience is with children between 12-24 months. I have worked my way from the bottom up, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experiences I have had along the way. Administration is a challenge I am happy to take on. I am a painter, avid book reader, gardener, and community helper! I love working at Kiddie Academy as it gives me the opportunity to broaden my understanding of childcare and the ins and outs of how to maintain a center!
Ada Murado, Food Service Manager
I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field for several years. It has always been a pleasure to work with... Read More
I have been working in the Early Childhood Education field for several years. It has always been a pleasure to work with all different ages of children. It makes me so happy to see the progress a child makes throughout the school year. I take pleasure in maintaining a relationship with families and being able to provide them with the best possible care for their child. I will always do my very best for the children as well as their families.
Katty Mendez, Lead Teacher
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Kiddie Academy for letting me be a part of such a great team.... Read More
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Kiddie Academy for letting me be a part of such a great team. I worked in the financial service business for 12 years. I have always involved myself in my childrens' school. I was a part of the PTA, advisory board, I helped as a lunch aid and even worked part time in aftercare. I helped the school raise funds and also helped with registration for upcoming school years. I haver 4 children. My oldest son is now an adult, and I also have triplets. I was blessed with the hard task of premature babies and although it was a tough road it has also been a beautifulone as well.
Ruth Ramos, Teacher
I would like to welcome everyone as the Lead Teacher to the Ducklings Waddler class! I was born and raised around educators... Read More
I would like to welcome everyone as the Lead Teacher to the Ducklings Waddler class! I was born and raised around educators and moved to New Jersey in 1989. I am a mom of 3 children and 3 grandchildren. After being a stay home mom for a few years, and once my youngest daughter entered Elementary school, I decided to go back to working with children. I have over 10 years of experience caring for children in a professional setting. I love art and crafts and capturing that perfect learning moment in every child. I look forward with working with your children and being a part of their everyday learning experiences!
Deshea Stewart, Lead Teacher
Hi my name is Deshea. I am a mother of 2 wonderful children. My daughter's name is Bella and my son's name... Read More
Hi my name is Deshea. I am a mother of 2 wonderful children. My daughter's name is Bella and my son's name is Jahmir. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was younger playing with my sisters. I love and enjoy being around children. My favorite color is blue. My favorite football team is the 49ers. My favorite food is pizza. I have a certificate in health car, and am also soro certified. In my spare time I love to read and spend time with my family. I am grateful to be a part of the Kiddie Academy team and I look forwad to getting to know each one of you!
Marmenh Burgess, Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Mrs. Marmenh Burgess. I'm Liberian, but was born in Georgia. I have been working in childcare for about... Read More
Hello, my name is Mrs. Marmenh Burgess. I'm Liberian, but was born in Georgia. I have been working in childcare for about 4 years now. When I first started working with children I was 20 years old, and I worked in a middle school as a Teacher's Assistant. I then moved to Savanah and worked at the daycare for the Army. Before I moved back to New Jersey, I was a family childcare provider out of my home. Now I am at Kiddie Academy as an assistant teacher. I'm happy to work here becasue I want to be a part of developing young minds into great adults. I love children, and they deserve teachers who care about them!
Stephanie Darias, Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Stephanie. I am a wife and mother of 2. I have worked with preschool age children for over... Read More
Hi! My name is Stephanie. I am a wife and mother of 2. I have worked with preschool age children for over 9 years. I also have my CDA Certification. Most recently, I was a stay-at-home mom, but I am excited to get back into the teaching field and return to Kiddie Academy of Springfield!
Cheryice Henderson, Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Cheryice Henderson. I am happy to be working with children again. This is truly my passion. I like... Read More
Hello, my name is Cheryice Henderson. I am happy to be working with children again. This is truly my passion. I like to learn from children as well. Children can teach us valuable lessons. When I am not educating, in my free time I enjoy spending my time with my niece. She is my mini-me. The beach is my happy place. I also have a license in cosmetology. I've helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity.
Mayra Cabrera, Lead Teacher
Hello everyone, my name is Mayra. I am 24 years old. As a Latina Migrant, I know how difficult it is to... Read More
Hello everyone, my name is Mayra. I am 24 years old. As a Latina Migrant, I know how difficult it is to get used to the new stages of life in a new country. Kiddie Academy has made my dreams come true, being surrounded by children that need me. I can help them in their development in school and life.
Sajayah Marshall, Lead Teacher
My name is Sajayah Marshall. I am very outgoing, patient, kind, and fun! I love to read and educate others. I am... Read More
My name is Sajayah Marshall. I am very outgoing, patient, kind, and fun! I love to read and educate others. I am currently pursuing my degree in education and have had the pleasure to work with children of all ages. Kiddie Academy is the perfect fit for adventures, learning, and fun. It is a place for new beginnings and spreading knowledge to the little faces of the world!
Shaquerra Sheffield, Lead Teacher
My name is Shaquerra Sheffield and I am a loving mother to 3 children. I graduated from UCNJ with my degree in... Read More
My name is Shaquerra Sheffield and I am a loving mother to 3 children. I graduated from UCNJ with my degree in social services. I would like to further my education to allow myself to be the best version of myself as a person, mother, and educator. I have 10 years of childcare experience with my passion for watching children grow and develop. I love being a part of the process of learning, and watching children's faces light up when they achieve a goal, or learn how to do something they couldn't before. I know and value that every child is unique and special, and that some require a different approach to learning and expressing themselves. Coming from a family of 7 children, I know firsthand how indivdual each child and their needs can be. I provide a safe, fun, and exciting way of learning that encourages children to be whoever and whatever they want to be in life. I feel as long as a child learns something from me that helps their development, that I have made an impact on them for the better. A little process each day adds up to big, wonderful results.
Janae Smith, Lead Teacher
I would like to introduce myself; my name is Janae Smith. I am currently a rising senior at Montclair State University. I... Read More
I would like to introduce myself; my name is Janae Smith. I am currently a rising senior at Montclair State University. I am studying computer science. My goal is to become a coding teacher and to own my own business building websites and apps. I am excited to join the Kiddie Academy staff. I believe this center will be a great start on my career path!
Valery Manzano, Assistant Teacher
Hi I'm Valery. I was born in Spain and grew up in Colombia. I moved to New Jersey when I was 9... Read More
Hi I'm Valery. I was born in Spain and grew up in Colombia. I moved to New Jersey when I was 9 years old. I am currently a college student. I attend Kean Universty in Union, NJ. My major is Early Childhood Education. One of my future goals are to travel the world. I am an animal lover and love the outdoors. I am very creative and I love to paint and draw. I am excited to bring my creativity to the classroom!
Asiya Mireku, Support Teacher
Hello, my name is Asiya. I'm 21 years old and attend Montclair University, I completed m high school education in Africa. I... Read More
Hello, my name is Asiya. I'm 21 years old and attend Montclair University, I completed m high school education in Africa. I like to sing and I love to dance. I love to play and take care of children, this school is the best place to do just that!
Teresa Paul, Assistant Teacher
Hello! I was born and raised in Brookly, NY. I am a high school graduate (class of 2018) and I've worked with... Read More
Hello! I was born and raised in Brookly, NY. I am a high school graduate (class of 2018) and I've worked with children for over 4 years, and I started at my local YMCA. I am currently almost done with attaining my CDA and will use my knowledge and passion for teaching to inspire my students to be their best selves!
Cindy Quito, Assistant Teacher
Currently I am a student at Kean University majoring in Early childhood Education. I have always known that I would work with... Read More
Currently I am a student at Kean University majoring in Early childhood Education. I have always known that I would work with children because of my little cousins. I have one younger sibling and he also is the reason I decided to become a teacher. My family is from Ecuador and we usually try to go every summer to see them. On my free time I enjoy listening to music, watching movies and series. One of my biggest dreams is to teach in a different country!
Alanah Riley, Assistant Teacher
Hello! My name is Alanah Riley. I am a recent graduate from Abraham Clark High School. I have taken classes at my... Read More
Hello! My name is Alanah Riley. I am a recent graduate from Abraham Clark High School. I have taken classes at my community college, studying marketing and sports management. I also coach competetive cheer. I work at Kiddie Academy becayse of the loving, safe, and very welcoming environment. I love children and want to articipate in broadening their young minds. I love being creative and making the best of situations while maintaining a positive outlook on life. My hope is that every day I make someone's day just a little bit better and leave a positive mark on the world.
Nia Marshall, Assistant Teacher
My name is Nia Marshall, I am a sophmore at Montclair State University. I am there to recievemy degree in Psychology, with... Read More
My name is Nia Marshall, I am a sophmore at Montclair State University. I am there to recievemy degree in Psychology, with a fcus in child/adolescents study. I began owrking with children at age 14 and since then, I was always drawn to working in a school environment with many different ages. I developed my enjoyment to work with children as I am an older sister to 3 of my siblings. I want to work at Kiddie Academy to gain knowledge and memories in the childcare settting.
Contact us to learn more about what makes Kiddie Academy stand out among educational child care providers. A member of our team will contact you.
Check out our Kiddie Academy Family Essentials blog for news, updates, and resources.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Warming Hearts and Spreading Cheer: How Kiddie Academy Locations are Giving Back
Read More