About

Maine Director Credential; Preschool CDA

Lori has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 25 years. She has worked in all childcare capacities, including owning an in-home childcare, nannying, and performing every role from assistant teacher to childcare facility director. Lori is excited to be back at Cathance Children’s Center as Assistant Director, where she can support families, teaching staff, and children. She believes that teachers are the backbone of the early education environment, and she’s dedicated to meeting their needs physically, professionally, and personally. She believes children learn best through play and should be met where they are. Her philosophy is to provide a hands-on, child-led curriculum where children can build their knowledge in a safe and loving environment. The worry of leaving your child is not lost on her. Lori aims to foster caring, honest, and open dialog with guardians to ensure each child gets the best care possible.

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children- Nelson Mandela

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Husson University; Maine Director’s Credential

Hayley has worked in all of the Center’s classrooms and believes children learn best through play.   She does her best to facilitate child-led play in a safe and nurturing environment. Hayley loves being outside and feels that being in nature is a crucial part of childhood development. She strives to spend as much time  as possible outside teaching and playing each day.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers

I enjoy working with children and seeing them develop their skills and milestones. I also believe that every child learns best through playing. Each child learns differently and have new and wonderful ideas. I love their curiosity when they learn something new and how they are non-judgmental with no filter.

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education

“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together make this world a beautiful garden.”

Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University

Beth has been working in childcare for over five years now in both large group settings as well as a private nanny. She enjoys working with children of all ages, but her favorite part of the job is helping to nurture the growth and development of young toddlers. Beth loves outdoor activities like hiking and camping and believes the more time children can spend playing outside, the better!

“Every child is a different kind of flower and all together make this world a beautiful garden”

Nikki has worked in childcare since 2012 and has loved every minute of it. She has worked at 2 other daycares, has owned her own daycare and was a nanny for 3.5 years. Watching all children hit milestones and achieve goals brings her joy! 

Cody is a newcomer to teaching preschoolers but has a background in directing children’s shows in community theater. Based on this experience, he believes in using imagination to learn about all aspects of life and that children learn best by playing.

University of Southern Maine: Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, Graduate Certificate/Extended Teacher Education Program, Master of Science in Education/Teaching and Learning

Brandi is a certified K-8 teacher and has been working at Presumpscot Elementary School in Portland since 1994. She taught grades 1-4 for 20 years and is currently a Math Instructional Coach working with grades Pre-k-5. Brandi works at Cathance Children’s Center as a part-time employee during school vacations and summers. One of Brandi’s beliefs is that there’s something magical about being around young children. When she interacts and plays with children it gives her energy and joy while also reminding her that play is crucial for people of all ages.

“There is joy and wonder everywhere when you see the world through the eyes of a child.” – Katrinya Mayer

Associate’s Degree in Health Sciences

I discovered my passion for childcare early on in high school. Some of my favorite classes in college were related to early childhood, child development, and the psychology and sociology behind it all. My goal is to understand the children and simply have fun. I’m pretty goofy, so making the kids laugh is a great feeling. 

University of Maine: Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations

Hi, I am Caroline Wheeler I am working in the Pre School classroom this summer, the same as I did last summer. I graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Child Development and Family Relations. During the school year I work as a Head Start teacher in Brunswick, but I am so happy I have gotten the opportunity to work here over the summers and I hope I can continue to do so! I have always enjoyed working with children and thrive to recognize each child as an individual and help them learn the best way they can. Outside of work and school I enjoy spending time at camp, working on my photography, and spending time with loved ones. I am so glad I was able to come back for the summer to work with all the staff, children, and parents. Thank you all for the warm welcome!

This is my first year working in childcare. Throughout my high school career, I did a lot of volunteer work in Brunswick elementary schools as a nurse’s aide. Before working here, I worked in healthcare for two and a half years. I have always had a love for working with children. It’s been an adjustment in my career, but I am really starting to love this place and teaching kids. I am so thankful I get to wake up every morning with a smile on my face and head to work to do what I love!