Meet Our Team

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Angela Allen

Teacher Floater

I am married & have 3 children ages 25, 23 & 20 and 3 stepchildren ages 35, 24 & 21. I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education & a Masters in reading. I was an elementary school teacher for 10 years. I have been working at APLH for 4 years now. I started as a lead teacher for the infants and have worked in a few of the other age groups.  I am now a teacher floater who greets your precious child at the door each morning & afternoon.

I enjoy working with my amazing bosses & coworkers. It gives me great joy to spend time with your wonderful children each & every day!

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Ann Parish

Teacher Floater

I have been working in the center for two wonderful years! I was born and raised here in Stamford, CT, and I have my bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina. My summers in college were spent working at the Italian Center of Stamford as a camp counselor for ages 4-6. After graduating, I started working here at APLH, and I’ve been here ever since. While working my first year at APLH, I spent a lot of time working in the Pre–K as one of the assistant teachers, but now, as a floater here at APLH, I go in and out of all the classrooms when needed. I am currently in school to fulfill my dreams of being a nurse, but I love the amazing kids here at APLH!

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Ashlynne Lewellyn

Pre-K 4 - Lead Teacher

For the past 3 years, I’ve had the pleasure of being the Lead teacher of Pre-K 4 (Safari crew), and it has been nothing short of amazing!

Prior to joining the APLH family, I worked for the New York City Department of Education teaching Kindergarten and performing arts for grades K-5 in my hometown, the Bronx borough, and Harlem Area of Manhattan. As the years go on, I’m so excited to share how my experience, combined with my passion for teaching, makes Safari the best place for your child’s light to shine bright!

I’m looking forward to embarking on this journey of learning and fun with all your little ones. 🙂

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Leticia de Oliveira

24 to 36 Months Old - Lead Teacher

Hi there! I have proudly been part of the APLH family for almost two years now. Here I was given the opportunity to further explore my passion of working with children through teaching and creating lifelong connections that have impacted multiple areas of my life in an extremely positive way. Growth support and love define APLH.

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Laura Javier

12 to 24 Months Old - Lead Teacher

It’s just me and my only handsome 13-year-old son. For the past five years, I have dedicated myself to working with infants and toddlers. I have earned a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and I have also been professionally trained in child safety, development, and growth. I am a proactive and dynamic person with a great desire to continue to offer a loving, safe, and healthy environment for young children.

I love working with children! Every day, they fill my heart with love, happiness, and energy, and it is exactly what I give back to them.

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Stela Trujillo

12 to 24 Months Old - Lead Teacher

I love working with children. I’m so excited to be a part of your child’s journey to help them continue to learn and grow. I have so much to share every day, from singing songs, reading books, having fun, and getting messy! I am looking forward to working together to prepare your child for a bright future!

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Lesly Lopez

24 to 36 Months Old - Lead Teacher

My love for children led me to specialize in Early Childhood Education. I’ve earned a Child Development associate degree (CDA). I am certified in Zumba and yoga for children, and I also have a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

I am very passionate about children! I have 6 years of hands-on experience in caring for children as young as 1 month up to 4 years old. My goal is to care for children in a daycare setting while providing them with an environment conducive to growing and learning to their full capacity. My previous formal and informal experiences have prepared me well for this role as a teacher.

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Monica Stefanie

24 to 36 Months Old – Teacher Assistant

I am married and have 4 children, ages 10, 12 & 13, and 14. I believe every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially. As an educator, I want to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing a safe, loving, and happy environment.

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Debora de Oliveira

6 Weeks to 12 Months Old - Lead Teacher

I am married, and I have 2 beautiful daughters, 16 and 18 years old. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development, including social, emotional, communication, and motor skills, is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.

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Fernanda Janeiro

12 to 24 Months Old – Teacher Assistant

I have been working with children for many years now. I have babysat for lots of different families with children ages infant through 14 years old and was a Sunday school teacher for my church. I started working at APLH in August of 2022, where I can give all my love and care to the infants.

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Keni Rodriguez

6 Weeks to 12 Months Old – Teacher Assistant

I find inspiration every day through working with the babies in the nursery and knowing that I am part of their first school experience. I feel that it is a gift to me to help them explore the world around them. I love working at APLH because it feels like “home,” and the staff is terrific to work with. The name of the school says everything about its philosophy.

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Daniela Lopez

Pre-K 3 – Teacher Assistant

I am 22 years old. I graduated from Westhill High Scholl in 2021. My passion for teaching and nurturing young minds has led me to work with children, age 1 to 5 years old for more than 5 years. My role as a teacher assistant at APLH has taught me all the skills I needed to interact socially and emotionally with them. I am excited to continue growing and learning in this field and to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.

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Ronara Nunes

24 to 36 Months Old – Teacher Assistant

My background in psychology and experience working with children with autism has given me a deep understanding and appreciation for the unique needs and abilities of each child. I believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported to explore and learn. Being a part of the APLH team allows me to combine my passion for working with children and my dedication to helping others reach their full potential. I am grateful to be part of a community that is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

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Shardae Hepburn

Pre-K 3 – Lead Teacher

I am currently majoring in Early Childhood Education and am a proud member of the
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). With over 16 years of experience in the field, I have worked extensively as both an assistant teacher and lead teacher. I am also actively involved with the Women’s Business Development Council and am a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Presently, working at a Place Like Home in the Jungle classroom, where I am dedicated to helping children become lifelong learners by providing the resources they need to develop emotionally, socially, and cognitively. I believe that one of the most important characteristics of a successful teacher is the willingness to share information a

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Gabriela Quispe

6 Weeks to 12 Months Old – Teacher Assistant

I graduated from Westhill High School in 2021. I have always had a passion for working with
children and I am excited to continue my career at APLH.
I eager to provide a warm and nurturing environment for your baby to learn and grow.

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Erika Solazzo

24 to 36 Months Old – Lead Teacher

Hello, I have been in the field of education for the past 7 years. I have a Bachelors in Psychology, a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis as well as a Masters in Special Education teaching. I have been a certified special education teacher since May of 2023. I have a passion for teaching children and watching them grow! 

it is my pleasure to teach at APLH! With a deep passion for early childhood education, I am dedicated to working with toddlers and guiding them through activities that promote holistic development. My approach to learning integrates sensory experiences, social-emotional learning, and communication skill-building to create a well-rounded educational experience.

I am committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported. I aim to inspire a love of learning in each child. I strive to lay a strong foundation for their future educational journey.