Our Staff

Christy LaBarge

Center Manager

Christy has been working with young children for nearly ten years, beginning her formal career in Massachusetts as an Elementary Teacher, where she received her K - Grade 6 certification.  Coming to Albany in 2004, Christy was first a manager of a Head Start Center with CEO - our parent organization - moving to Stepping Stones II in 2006.  Currently, Christy holds a New York State Teaching Certificate for Birth - Grade 2.

Kimberly Alix

Assistant Center Manager

Kim has been working on behalf of children for over twenty years.  She feels a quality childcare setting is one that promotes acceptance, self-esteem, respect for others, and fosters ongoing learning through developmentally appropriate play.  Holding a degree in Early Childhood Education, Kim owned and operated a NYS Licensed Day Care from May 1992 to June 2008.  She joined the staff of Stepping Stones II in November 2008.

Stella

Program Assistant

Stella works with small children because she feels it is such a rewarding job.  Her philosophy regarding quality childcare is to treat each child with respect in a safe and nurturing environment.  Stella has been with Stepping Stones II since 2007.

Megan

Teacher, Infant 1

Megan has been a teacher with Stepping Stones II since 2007.  She loves her work, and feels that a quality childcare setting allows children to have fun while encouraging them to be successful.  Currently, she is working toward her Child Development Credential.

Chelsey

Teacher Assistant, Infant 1

Chelsey joined SSII in 2010 and has worked with children since 2004.  She believes that children need a nurturing, positive environment to reach their developmental milestones.

Halee

Teacher, Infant 2

Halee has worked at Stepping Stones II since 2007.  She truly enjoys her job.  She feels a quality childcare setting offers a loving, happy environment where children can flourish.  Currently, she is working toward her Child Development Credential.

Tanya

Teacher Assistant, Infant 2
Tanya's experience working with children spans over 15 years.  Her goal for the infants in her care is to foster a safe and loving environment that allows for constant growth and exploration. 

Nichole

Teacher, Infant 3

Nichole has worked for Stepping Stones II since 2006.  Choosing this field because she loves working with children, her passion for providing a safe, nurturing setting is evident in her classroom.  Currently, she is working toward her Child Development Credential.

Angela

Teacher Asssistant, Infant 3

Angela has worked with Stepping Stones II since April 2009.  She loves working with children, and believes it is important to keep children busy with fun activities.

Sara

Teacher, Infant 4

Sara has been working with children since 2004 and joined SSII in 2010.  She thinks that children need a positive influence in their lives at a young age.  She feels it is important to ensure all children’s needs are met regularly.

Rochelle

Assistant Teacher, Infant 4

Rochelle joined the center in 2008 and is very committed to creating an environment where children learn while being nurtured.  Rochelle loves working with young children and finds it very rewarding. 

Jenny

Teacher, Toddler 1
Jenny has been working with children for the past seven years, returning to Stepping Stones II in 2011. She feels that children should be nurtured in a setting that provides for growth and development. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Adolescent Development she believes children must be challenged in a safe setting to maximize learning in all areas of development.

Emylie

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 1
Emylie has been working at Stepping Stones II since 2008.  Emylie feels that quality child care will foster learning and allows children to grow and explore their surroundings.

Amy

Teacher, Toddler 2

Amy began her work with children in 1997.  She loves to watch her children grow as she guides them to be little explorers.  She feels a quality program creates a warm loving environment with lots of hands on activities for children to have fun.

Barbara

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 2

Barb has worked in childcare since 1997.  Her love for children allows her to provide a loving, nurturing atmosphere, while forming a special bond with each of her students.

Teacher, Toddler 3

Barbie

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 3
Barbie joined the staff of Stepping Stones II in May 2007.  Believing it is vital to treat children with respect, she loves coming to work each day and strives to teach valuable lessons her students can carry with them throughout their lives.

Lindsey

Teacher, Toddler 4

Lindsay has worked in the childcare field since 2000.  She holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and enjoys working with children and helping them learn.  She believes a quality childcare setting is caring and nurturing, allowing children to be creative and explore the world around them.

Jessica

Teacher Assistant, Toddler 4
Jessica has been working in the day care field since 2009.  She enjoys working with children and providing a safe environment while they develop social skills.

Shannon

Teacher, Preschool 1

Shannon enjoys working with children and their families.  She believes a quality setting allows children to feel safe and loved, while being challenged to learn through new experiences.  Shannon has been with Stepping Stones II since 1997, and she holds an AAS in Early Childhood Education.

Bonnie

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 1

Bonnie has been in the childcare field since 1984.  She believes that a quality program offers children a safe and loving environment as they learn about their world and grow to be self-sufficient.

Teresa

Teacher, Preschool 2

Teresa’s work with children began in 1982.  She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education.  She chose this field to help children strive to their full potential.  She feels a successful program provides children with a firm foundation for learning.

Jackie

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 2

Jackie began her career at SSII in 2010.  She believes that every child is an individual with separate needs and goals.  She finds working with children is an exceptionally rewarding career.

Diana

Teacher, Preschool 3
Diana has been teaching children since 2004.  Holding a degree in Early Childhood Education, she feels a quality child care setting will promote a child's natural curiosity while allowing for growth in all areas of development.

Tori

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 3
Tori is currently working as a teacher assistant in our Preschool classroom.  She has been working on behalf of children for the past four years.   She feels that it takes a special person to care for children and she strives to provide a loving classroom where children are happy and feel loved.  She enjoys being a daily part of their growth and development. 

Brittney

Teacher, Preschool 4
Brittney joined SSII in 2011.  She brings her educational background and experience in child care to our preschool program.  Holding a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, she feels that children need a nurturing and caring environment to help them grow.

Debbie

Teacher Assistant, Preschool 4
Debbie began working at Stepping Stones II in August 2009, however, she has volunteered at different child care sites since 2003.  Debbie thinks it is important to give children unconditional love, security, and a consistent routine daily. 

Quamialla

Floating Teacher Assistant

Quamialla came to the center in 2008.  She chose this field because she feels children are a joy to be around.  Quamialla believes a quality program consists of a clean environment, with a reliable and dedicated staff.  She loves her job!

Alyssa

Floating Teacher Assistant
Alyssa started working at Stepping Stones II in 2011.  As a floating teacher assistant, she looks forward to helping meet the needs of the children every day. 

Stacie

Floating Teacher Assistant

Stacie began her work at Stepping Stones II in 2006.  She believes a safe, loving atmosphere will make for happy children, and strives to keep a stress free environment.

Priscilla

Floating Teacher Assistant

Priscilla enjoys working with the children from the various age groups in our program.  She began her work with children in 2004 and works hard every day to foster a caring learning environment for all.

Dolores

Floating Teacher Assistant
Dolores joined Stepping Stones II in March 2010, although she has been working with children since 2007.  Dolores feels children need to explore their world while guided by caring adults. 

Leset

Floating Teacher Assistant
Leset maintains a sincere interest in helping children.  Her educational background of a BA in International Affairs/Economics motivates her to want the best for the children in her care.  She enjoys watching children develop their own unique personalities.

Kerryann

Floating Teacher Assistant
Kerryann joined the staff of Stepping Stones II in January 2011.  She comes to our center with a strong understanding of young children.  She feels that a quality program helps children gain knowledge while feeling comfortable in a secure environment. 

Mike

Cook

Mike has been in the cooking professionally since December 2000.  He loves to provide great nourishing meals for all of the children at Stepping Stones II.

Jenn

Dietary Aide

Jenn has been working at the Stepping Stones II in May of 2004 and loves that she is able to help children eat nutritionally which helps them to grow into healthy, strong adults.

©Stepping Stones II Early Learning Center
(518) 286-0139
300 Valley View Blvd
Rensselaer, NY 12144