Our Staff

Meet Our Staff!

Who's who at MCC

Robin Holland – Hi Everyone! I am going into my 29th year at MCC. A big part of why I love it so much is the incredible people I work with☺ I started off as a PreK and Nursery teacher. I then worked as Assistant Director, Director and now Owner/Director. I love being in the classroom and am always glad when I have a chance hang out with the kids☺. I graduated from Saint Anselm College with a BA in Psychology and from Southern Connecticut State University with a Masters in Psychology. In both of these programs I’ve taken numerous classes in early childhood, along with other classes in early childhood at Dean College in Franklin where I live. I have three great children, Nicky (26), Zacky (23) & Kacey (20). All three have attended MCC; Zack and Kacey have been working here for years after school while in high school and during the summer while in college. Nick is now a full-time teacher at MCC. I am the luckiest mom around, I get to see my boy every day! I have a wonderful husband, Michael, who helps out a lot at school doing anything that needs doing and is our Webmaster. When not at school I can usually be found with my Kindle or following my Yankees, yup, we have a mixed marriage☺ But my whole family are HUGE Pats fans!

Cindy Dowd – 2019-2020 was a wild and crazy year at MCC! The year started in our new building with our wonderful students and families. Who would have predicted how our school year would end. 2020-2021 will be a better year! I love my new administration position at MCC. Getting to work with all the families is a blessing and extremely rewarding. I still get to use my Early Childhood and Physical Education degrees, but in a different way. When not at school I live in Holliston with my husband Henry and our much loved (and spoiled) dog Buddy. We love being outside gardening and taking walks with Buddy. I am a huge sports fan and love watching the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox. Even better is getting to watch my grandkids enjoying their sports. My children live close by so we spend a lot of time with them and my four fabulous grandchildren.

Cailyn Varkas: Hi Everyone, I’m Cailyn Varkas, or as those under the age of 6 know me, Miss Cailyn. Wow-it’s hard to believe that this will be my 11th year at MCC!! My professional background includes a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Curry College, and a Master’s Degree in Early Education and Care from the American College of Education. For me, teaching has always been a lot like being a chef, I know it, sounds silly but hear me out! Chefs are always adding new recipes to their recipe books, otherwise they’d be cooking the same things over and over! I, as a teacher, love to find new and exciting curriculum and activities to share with my students as I learn and grow along-side them, those are my new “recipes”! In addition to my time in the classroom, I am also lucky enough to be the PM Director. This leadership role has allowed me to gain a new respect and perspective for this spectacular field. Looking forward to the new school year in our still new, absolutely beautiful facility!

Karen Caragliano – My name is Karen Caragliano, also known as "Mrs. C." I am happy to be returning to MCC for my 7th year. (WOW! Time flies!) I typically spend my time in Junior Kindergarten assisting Miss Cailyn, but I am lucky enough to sub in all of our classrooms so I get to know all of the children! I live in Norfolk with my husband John and our dog Brandy. We have 2 grown sons who are out of college and into the work force. We love to travel and cheer on our Boston sports teams. I look forward to a fun filled year ahead in our new school😊

Erin Grady – Hello! The 2020-2021 school year will be my sixth at MCC. I am one of the Nursery II teachers. This age group is my absolute favorite because I love seeing the personalities beginning to form in each child and see how different everyone truly is. Social and emotional development are some of the biggest priorities in our classroom. For those of you who don’t know, my younger sister is Miss Tara who works with the Nursery I kids with our work mom (as we like to call her) Miss Trish!! We’re one big happy family in our classrooms! Our actual mom works at the Franklin YMCA and is known as Miss Pat-early childhood runs strong amongst the women in our family (our dad handles pensions and our dog Duncan just lays in the sun). When I am not at MCC you can usually find me watching movies, reading or spending time with friends while simultaneously photographing all of it because I love making memories. There are three things that our MCC families know about me:

1. I love Star Wars
2. I love super heroes
3. I love GLITTER!! Apologies in advance for any glitter that comes home!

I am looking forward to another year of growing and learning. Every year the fun increases! I am excited to welcome back old families and meet our new ones!

Trish Mileti – Hi! I have 12 years of experience at MCC and I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. We’re a family here and I’m very proud of our special connection with the kids. If you’re new to MCC, welcome to the family! I’m looking forward to another great year teaching Nursery 1. I absolutely love teaching this age group. Admittedly, it’s the craziest job in the world but it’s also the most rewarding! After all these years, it still amazes me how independent and mature these kids become by the end of the school year. My goal is to create a fun and structured environment where the kids can thrive socially and academically. Most importantly, we want the kids to be happy here and to love their time at school. For those of you who don’t know me, I have raised two daughters in this town: Lauren, who is a sophomore in college and healthy and Maddy, who is a 2020 graduate from Medfield High School. I grew up in New Jersey where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Kean University in Union, NJ. Prior to teaching, I was Public Relations Manager for a real estate company in New Jersey. I’m also a licensed real estate salesperson. Cheers to a fantastic school year!

Tara Grady: Hi everybody! My name is Miss Tara and this is my FIFTH year teaching at MCC. Time sure does fly while you’re having fun! I am so excited to begin another year here at MCC. I teach in Nursery One, but started as a Toddler Teacher in my early years. I love seeing all the familiar and new faces of MCC. Currently, I attend Mass Bay and am studying Paralegal studies, but I am also certified to have my own class in the state of Massachusetts. I love working with children; it is exciting, fun, and definitely entertaining at times. Outside of MCC you can find me walking my dog Duncan. He is a Husky, Malamute, Rottweiler mix; he’s the best! I also enjoy listening to music, I am a classic rock fan and a huge Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin fan. In addition to music, I am also a big movie buff… one of my favorite things to do is go to the movies. I’m a big Marvel movie fan. I also enjoy going to see Broadway shows, my favorite shows are Jersey Boys, Chicago, and Wicked. Aside from movies and shows, I like to stay active by walking, bike riding, swimming (when it’s warm out), hiking, and disc golfing. I enjoy being outside when the weather is nice. I can’t wait to start another fantastic year at MCC!

Nick Holland - Hey everyone! I have been working here now for the last 13 years on and off. I initially started out working only in the summers and after school while in high school, and then during the summers while back from college where I received my MBA in 2017 year. I will be with Nursery II kids this year. I am a big fan of all things Boston sports, and a huge Arsenal fan. I can’t wait to have a great year with you all!

Kacey Holland: Hi everyone! My name is Kacey and I am currently a Junior at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire! I am a double major in criminal justice and business and love it! It seems crazy to me that I have had the privilege to not only go to MCC but be able to now work alongside my mom. I always get so excited during any breaks and over the summer so that I can come back to work and see the kids!!

Jess Adams - Hello everyone! My name is Jess and this will be my third-year teaching in the toddler room here at MCC! I absolutely love working in this room and watching all the Toddlers personalities grow and shine throughout the year! I’ve always loved kids since I was young and it is a passion of mine to be able to teach this age. I have achondroplasia dwarfism, which just means that I have shorter arms and legs than that of an average person. This however does not interfere with my daily life and I do not let it affect my ability to complete the task at hand. I graduated from Norfolk County Agricultural High School and studied Veterinary Science. Along with my passion for kids, I have a love for animals as well and have a yellow lab named Gus at home My family owns a flower and greenhouse center which I work at part time and I love designing and arranging different floral bouquets! I am very excited for another year at MCC and cannot wait to watch our toddlers learn and grow each day!

Ursula Roxin-Dixon –I am so happy to start another year at MCC! I have loved seeing the growth and development of all the children throughout our school. I have 20+ years of experience working with children, and have a Masters in Education. I am also a certified Elementary and Special Needs Teacher as well as an ABA (applied behavior analyst). When working with the children, I combine music, movement and language activities in the classroom. I am excited to meet the new families and children as well as see our returning friends! I am also the proud mom to two young adult sons!

Heidi Meehan - Hello everyone, my name is Heidi Meehan. I'm a mother of two wonderful and ever growing children, Paige (8) and Chance (5). I am a teacher in Room #9 classroom here at MCC. This is my third year working here and love it! I'm a nature person and love to go for walks in the woods/trails or camp with my family. I'm also a huge animal lover! I look forward to meeting all the new families and catching up with all the returning ones. Let's have some fun the year friends!

Shawna Ray - Shawna Ray - Hi Everyone, My name is Shawna Ray and I've been here two years now since August. I'm excited to start my 3rd year. Since July 1,2019 I'm now a Certified Teacher. I am a teacher with the Toddlers. Can't wait to have a wonderful year with all your kids. Working with kids has always been my passion. I've been watching kids since I was a teenager. I was a stay at home mom for over 13+ years and loved every moment. Before I had my own children I worked in childcare. Now my kids are teenagers, CJ (20) 3rd year of College at Mass Art, Crystal (17) a Senior and Michelle (15) a Sophomore both at Franklin High School in Franklin Mass. I've been married to my husband Chuck for 22 years. I have taught as a Sunday School Teacher at United Methodist Church in Franklin Ma., Girl Scout Leader, Cheer Mom and Assistant Cheer Coach, Volunteered for all 3 of my kids in school and out of school since they were little (on the PCC Board for about 5+ years) while my kids were in Middle School and sports. I still volunteer for my girls in High School. I love being outside, going to the beach, warm weather, doing arts and crafts, Disney Movies, taking pictures because making memories is very important to me. My time alone when I can get time is catching up on shows, going out with my friends, dancing and listening to our favorite bands. Spending time with my family is my #1

Bonnie Corlito: Hi, I’m Miss Bonnie! I am excited to begin my second year here at MCC where I have worked primarily with the infant and toddler classrooms. I have been working in childcare for seven years in both public and private schools. I am currently taking classes toward my lead teacher certification. I love being with the kids every day and making a positive impact on their development and education! Prior to working in education, I worked in the cosmetology industry for 15 years. I live in Mansfield with my husband and two children, Adam-18 and Alyssa-16, and two dogs (Cooper & Gracie). Looking forward to a great year!

Lisa Pease – I am a seasoned PreSchool teacher of 23 years. I truly enjoy helping children learn everyday and achieve goals through many hands-on learning experiences and fun exploration. I graduated from Mount Ida College with a BA in early Childhood Education. I continue to expand my learning by taking numerous classes to keep my knowledge of Early Childhood current as things change. I am the proud mother of 15 year old twins, Megan and Stephen, who will be juniors at Medfield High this fall. I believe in helping others and do so by sponsoring a 13 year old girl in Zimbabwe, Africa where life is difficult. In my free time I enjoy time with my kids, walking my dog Pumpkin, watching Boston sports, with the Pats being a favorite, reading and gardening. I feel fortunate to be part of the MCC family and teach with a great staff. I look forward to creating a positive learning experience for each child every day!

Courtney Zahner: Hi everyone! I am Ms. Court, and I teach PreK here at MCC. I could not think of a better place to be and a more supportive staff to work with. I look forward to teaching my second year of PreK at MCC this fall! It is hard to believe that I have been teaching for 20 years. Professionally, I received a bachelor’s degree from Framingham State College and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. I have taught in both public and private school settings; teaching PreK, Kindergarten and first grade. My favorite part of teaching is allowing the children to learn through play and to explore the world at their own level. I enjoy teaching with a sense of humor and allowing children to find a love for learning. Outside of school, I am married to my amazing husband Paul with an energetic 8-year-old named Jake. Jake keeps us going with sports, school activities and his social agenda! 😊

Nicole Killilia: Hi Everyone! This is my second full year at MCC and I LOVE it!! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all of you and your wonderful kids. MCC is truly like one big family. When I’m not working at MCC, I’m usually with my soon to be 10 year old son. We spend as much time together outside in the nice weather. I also work as a hair stylist on the weekends at Nicole Carol Hair Studio in Wellesley. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and to a wonderful school year!

Katie Gentile: I am an infant teacher at MCC and am SO happy & beyond excited to be taking care of your babies! Thank you for the opportunity that I get to spend time with your littles. A little about me! I am Walpole native, and have been involved in the community since childhood. I love Walpole and am blessed to raise my daughter in the same town I grew up in. I have worked in a home-based daycare setting with ages 3 months-7 years, and in a daycare setting with primarily infants/toddlers. After graduating Walpole High School, I obtained my Bachelor Degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston with a major in Psychology & Sociology, and a concentration in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Studies. After taking a year off to work, I then went back to obtain a degree in Paralegal Studies from North Shore Community College. When the amazing opportunity arose for me to work in child care, I jumped at the chance, and it was the best decision! The bonds I get to develop with the children are SO special to me! Last year I finished my journey to become Director certified through Fisher College. For the past 20 years I have gained so much experience babysitting for families and now working in the childcare field. I have experience taking care of infants and toddlers as well as premature babies, - as my daughter was a preemie.
When I’m not working I am spending time with my 8-year-old daughter Aliza, and my dogs. I enjoy the outdoors and being involved with environmental advocacy. I love sports, the beach, exploring new adventures, skiing and boating. I look forward to meeting you & caring for your littles!!!

Natasha Stevens- Hello Families! I am so excited to be returning for my second year at MCC! Although this is only my second year at MCC, I have 26 years of teaching experience under my belt. The past twelve of those years have been spent teaching preK. My experience in the preschool world is varied! Before coming to MCC, I taught at a preschool in Holliston for eleven years where I filled many roles including; preK teacher, Art teacher, Workshop coordinator and teacher, Extended Day teacher, Children’s Literature teacher, preK Lead teacher and Assistant to the Director. I am a graduate of Framingham State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education. I am Early Education and Care Lead Teacher and Director 1 certified. I live in Holliston with my family which includes my husband Nick (better known as Mr. Stevens to all you Wheelock families!), my daughter Becca (19) a sophomore at UMASS Amherst, my son Brady (16) a junior in high school, my dog Mabel, and my cat Ranger. I love all creatures big and small and would probably own a zoo if I could! Other than enjoying the wildlife in my backyard, I love spending time gardening, reading, going on hikes with Mabel, and having fun with family and friends.
I love teaching at MCC! I love seeing smiling faces, hearing giggles and laughter, and being part of it all every single day. Helping children learn, discover, and grow emotionally as well as academically is incredibly rewarding to me. I look forward to another amazing year at MCC!

Kirsten Carlson - Hi, my name is Kirsten Carlson, I am a junior at Medfield High School and I am a proud MCC graduate! This is my second year at MCC and I am beyond excited to be back! I started working with kids while in 6th grade, assisting in the nursery at my church. For the past 3 years I have been babysitting for several families in Medfield and Millis I have always had a passion for working with kids, but over the past few years I’ve been thinking more about going into the field of education and pursuing a career working with kids. Outside of school and work, I am on a competition dance team, I volunteer as a leader at my church’s middle school youth group, and I love spending time with my family and dog. I can’t wait to have an amazing year and to get to know your kids better!

Liam O’Leary: Hi Everyone! I am starting my first year here at MCC and I’m so excited to join the team! I was a camp counselor at the Medfield Parks and Rec summer camp for four years, and I’m happy to bring that experience to the classroom. I am a 21 year old college student, former MCC student and a lifelong resident of Medfield. I have loved working with kids from a young age, and spent many holidays watching over my younger cousins. I’ll be helping out (mostly) in the Nursery I class, but I look forward to getting to know you all!

Mary Hanley: Hello! My name is Mary Hanley and this will be my first year teaching at MCC. I am beyond excited to be a part of this wonderful community and to experience many incredible memories with the children, families and staff. This past May, I graduated from Dean College with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. There I spent most of my days in their preschool program learning and observing how the teachers ran their classrooms. I was then able to take what I learned and got to teach lessons of my own. I enjoyed every second of my schooling and cannot wait to apply it here at MCC! Outside of the classroom, you will find that I have a love for dance. I danced at Medway Dance Authority for 15 years and it has become a great passion of mine. Fun Fact about me, I have led and danced in two Disney parades in Magic Kingdom! I definitely plan to incorporate dancing into the classroom, because I believe it has such a positive impact in child development! Here’s to a great school year

Judy Marston: Hi Everyone! I’m Miss Judy and I was so excited to join the MCC family in October of 2019 as a Toddler Teacher. I have been working in childcare for the past 10 years in both public and private schools. I am continuing my education to become Lead Teacher Certified. When I’m not at MCC, I am at home in Mansfield with my husband, Larry, and my daughter, Dylan (16) I cant wait to start a new year and get to know all of you and your little ones.

Morgan MacLean: Hello Everyone! My name is Morgan, or Miss Morgan, and this year will be my first full year at MCC! I am so excited to be a teacher in the infant classroom and to soon be certified! Ever since I joined MCCin January, I have fallen in love with the family-friendly atmosphere of our school and how
welcoming the teachers, staff, and families are. All of us teachers develop such special bonds with the students here and I will forever cherish the moments that I get to spend with them. Before this year, I surely did not know that I would become a teacher. And wow, I am so grateful that I have this opportunity to learn and grow right along with the children. When I am not at MCC, I am at home with my boyfriend Bobby and his family. When I have free time, I like to go out running or hiking, bake, take photos and read. I am also a big fan of arts and crafts, and I am happy to share that creativity with the children here. This year, I will be continuing to learn about early education and child development after work. My goal is to be
educated on the subjects that matter most when it comes to teaching and interacting with children. I can’t wait to see new members and already existing members of the MCC family and start a great school year!

Janet Danish: Hi everyone, I am Mrs. Danish. I am so excited and lucky to be a part of the wonderful MCC family. It has truly been a blessing. This will be the start of my second-year teaching in the PreK room and my 16th year teaching this age group. Prior to MCC, I spent 14 years teaching at Holliston Christian Preschool. PreK is my favorite age group to teach because I love seeing their smiling faces and fostering their enthusiasm for learning. The pure joy on their faces when they complete a task/project, build a creation, or simply learn to write their name, warms my heart!! Next to being a mom, it is the greatest job in the world!! When I am not at MCC, I am spending time with my family, which consists of my husband, Raymond and our three daughters, Kimberly (29), Nicole (26), and Stephanie (25). One of my favorite things to do is to spend time in Vermo

Nichole Jackman: Hi everyone! My name is Nichole Jackman, also known as Miss Nichole. I am so excited to be joining the MCC team this year! I will be teaching in Pre-K, alongside Miss Janet and Miss Natasha. I originally studied Dance Education and Performance with the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance, at Dean College; and am currently pursuing my degree in Early Education. I fell in love with teaching when I first joined the field as an assistant preschool teacher in 2006. I quickly then became certified, and have been teaching Pre-K ever since! In addition to teaching Pre-K, I also teach dance, right across the street at Mass Motion Dance, in Medfield! I am from the area as well. I grew up in Dover, and currently live in Medfield. I’ve been dancing practically my whole life (since the age of 3), and love to incorporate it in the classroom as well. I grew up dancing at RDS Performing Arts, where I then began instructing there from 2004-2017, when sadly, RDS closed its doors. I am an avid sports fan too! Especially my Patriots! My fantasy team name is even “Ladies and Edelman”. I also really enjoy anything that involves the outdoors, live music, and cooking. I’ve always enjoyed working with children from a young age, and am truly lucky to have a career I love, and am passionate about. I am so looking to getting to know all of you, and your wonderful children this 2020-2021 school year

Linda McCarthy: I am a sophomore at Umass Amherst where I am studying Public Health and Psychology! I have been working at MCC for around a year now, but this will be my first full year at MCC. For the fall I will be helping out in the Toddler room. When not at MCC I like spending time with my two dogs and listening to music. I’m looking forward to a great year!

Sharon Maillet: Currently on leave due to the Coronavirus

MCC has been home for so many years it’s hard to think of a time when it wasn’t part of my life. I went from a family of 4 teachers and 48 families at our Pleasant Street location to a family of so many more at our 105 North Meadows home. It has been a joy getting to walk down the hallway every day to peek into windows and doorways to say hello. The kids’ sweet smiles, hugs, waves, and conversations melt my heart every time. Childhood is so precious; I can’t thank you enough for letting me be a small part of your child’s preschool story.

My school story started in Waltham where I grew up. There will always be a smile in my heart when I think of the red brick elementary school with the big weeping willow out front where my love for school began. And my love for books! In third grade, Miss Bonica introduced me to the wonderful world of Zuckerman’s farm and the sweet characters who lived there and just down the road. “Charlotte’s Web” and a special teacher started me on a road that took me all the way to Medfield after graduating from Framingham State University with a degree in education. It was back to FSU a few years later to earn a master’s degree in Special Education and after that a director’s course at Dean College.

Once I entered MCC’s doors 28 years ago, I was home. After years as a PreK and Nursery teacher, I became director and moved a few steps out of the classroom and into the office. I had the best view in the world from my office window. I saw the smiles. I heard the laughter. I eavesdropped on the sweetest conversations. This year I couldn’t be happier than to step back into the classroom and be called teacher once again. My heart never left the classroom and my “best view” just got even better. I won’t see the smiles, hear the laughter, and eavesdrop on the sweetest conversations from behind a window, I’ll be right there in the middle of it all!

My other home is in Hopedale where my husband and I cherish every moment with our sons, both MCC graduates. It’s hard to believe, but Josh is now in ninth grade and Brandon is in first. We also have a dog, Shadow, who adds more energy and love to our family.

Jeanne Baker: I am delighted to be returning to Medfield Children’s Center for my 18th year. I am a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Psychology and Education. Many years ago, my four children had the fortunate opportunity to begin their educational experience at MCC. This opened the door for me to continue my work as an educator. Prior to having children, I had the privilege of teaching Pre-K for 10 years at The Chestnut Hill School in Newton. Needless to say, when the opportunity to get back into the classroom became available, I was thrilled! I love the fact that no single day at work is the same. I learn from the children everyday and admire them for their endless energy, honesty, creativity, and eagerness to learn. I look forward to supporting each student in their natural development while fostering the love of learning. When I’m not working my husband and I look forward to spending time with our children and extended family.

Sheila Sullivan: On sabbatical for the 2020-2021 school year

In September I will begin my ‘sweet 16” working at Medfield Children’s Center!
It’s such a joy to get to work when you know that the customers are a group of fun loving, silly preschoolers! Prior to my years teaching here, three of our four children were also students at MCC! Medfield Children’s Center has been a major part of our lives here in the town of Medfield! Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband Brian, and our four adult children. Whenever possible, we love to travel and experience new places, meet new people, and create amazing memories.

Kristin Henry: My name is Kristin Henry and I cannot believe this is my fifth year at Medfield Children's Center. I grew up in Garden City, NY and attended the University of Rhode Island. I live in Medfield with my husband Brian, and our two children, William (12) and Reidy (9). When I am not at MCC you can typically find me on a sports field, reading a book or researching a family outing. I am so excited to be back for another wonderful year and look forward to watching your children learn and grow.

Delia Davis: Hi everyone! My name is Delia Davis and this is my second year at MCC! I have been with MCC seasonally for the last year as an assistant teacher and this upcoming year I will be joining the half day program. I am a former MCC student and love the welcoming community that it provides for its staff, students and families and I am very excited to be teaching here full time! This past May I graduated from Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education At Saint A’s I partook in 3 years of clinical experiences where I got to observe and and learn how other teachers ran their classrooms. I was able to acquire new skills and ideas that I am excited to bring to my classroom here at MCC!
When I am not in the classroom you can find me being a social butterfly! I love to surround myself with friends, family and my dog Moose! I also enjoy traveling to my favorite places during the summertime- Cape Cod and Newfound Lake, New Hampshire! :)