Staff Bios

THE OWNERS

Pat DePan - Patricia DePan is the Owner and Administrative Director of Care-A-Lot. She founded Care-A-Lot, which was originally located at Rt. 5 and Beach Roads, in 1985. She designed and contracted construction of the current building built for the specific needs of young children in 1987. She has a BS in Child Psychology and Certification in Early Childhood Development. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has attended national conventions of the NAEYC in Chicago, Washington, Toronto and New York City as well as most local conferences. Her business education was accomplished at Bryant and Stratton Business Institute. She has also completed the Red Cross Infant- Child CPR Course. Mrs. DePan has four children and five grandchildren. She lives in Angola with her husband of 37 years! In her spare time she can be found with her grandchildren doing art activities, singing and reading children's books

Mr. Bill - Bill DePan joined our staff as Assistant Administrative Director on June 1, 2002. He has a degree in Business Management from Empire State College, which he earned during his 20 years with Ford Motor Company. He retired from Ford to run our office full time. He successfully completed our recent Red Cross Infant/Child First Aid Course. Bill is Pat DePan's husband and father of four children and four grandchildren. He brings us not only his talents in the office, but a variety of handyman skills!! You will often find him on an errand with a young 'handyman assistant'. Welcome Mr. Bill!

THE DIRECTOR


Miss Karen - Karen has 33 years experience in the Early Childhood field. She has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor's degree in Business Management. Karen's previous experience includes ten years as Director/Head Preschool Teacher for Little Peoples PreSchool, four years Head Teacher at Campus Child Care Center, SUNY Buffalo and, most recently, Head Preschool Teacher for Doodlebugs!, Orchard Park. She has certifications in First Aid and CPR and Medicine Administration Training. Karen has volunteered for the Mercy Hospital Pediatric Unit, the Lions Club, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Pioneer Clubs (coordinator), Quaker Marching Band and Orchard Park Winterguard. She has taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She is also the busy mother of five children!! Karen has a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and hopes to continue this ambition with yours!


THE TEACHERS



Miss Gabby - Gabrielle Smolinski has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from SUNY Buffalo. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Research and Curriculum, with a minor in multiculturalism in general music. She is CPR and First Aid certified. Gabby lives in Kenmore with her son Elijah, her Fiancée Eric and two dogs - Candy and Lacy. Her favorite pastimes are music and art, and her joy is implementing these daily into her curriculum. Gabby feels teaching young children is just so rewarding.

Miss Renee- Renee Yauch has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Erie Community College, Buffalo Campus. She is certified in CPR and First Aid and has attended trainings in SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome. Renee lives in Buffalo with her four boys; Matthew and Joseph - 19 year old twins, Nicholas - 15, and Ryan - 14, and her Fiancée. She loves dancing, spending time with friends, reading magazines and, most of all, spending time with her boys. Renee says that her love for children in general makes her look forward to coming to work each day.

Miss Angie - Angelina Wright is our Nursery 1 Lead teacher. She is in the final stages of achieving her CDA credential. She is the mother of 2 girls and is expecting her third child. She has been with Care-A-Lot for over a year and is looking forward to being here to take her group through preschool with our Continuity of Care program. Her positive attitude and flexibility make her a perfect match for the little ones in the nursery.


Miss Kelly - Kelly LaVigne is the Toddler 1 Lead Teacher. Kelly has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and has been in the Childcare field for more than 10 years. She also has two children of her own and has chosen to share her expertise with young children with us! While Miss Kelly is still getting to know her new class, her patient, loving way with the children have shown her to be a true early childhood professional.

Miss Nicole - Nicole Poupore is the Toddler 2 Lead Teacher. Nicole has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. She is currently working toward her Master's Degree in Childhood Education, which will certify her to teach grades one through six. Nicole has done internships at the Early Childhood Research Center at UB, as well as, at Maple East Elementary School. Her daily interactions with the children illustrate her ability to implement fun and exciting curriculum while keeping a sense of humor about the adventures of the Toddler room.

THE TEACHER AIDS



Miss Ashley - Ashley Rydza is the Toddler 2 Teacher Aid. Ashley comes to us with 2 years of experience working in childcare, as well as being the mom of a 1-year-old girl. She also has a Massage Therapy license and an interest in Pregnancy and Infant massage. We are so excited to have Ashley as part of our team! Her patience and compassion make her a great fit for Care-A-Lot and the Toddlers!

Miss Valerie - Valerie Rettberg comes to us with a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts and New Media/Photography. As a photographer with Sears Portrait Studio, she found that her favorite part of her day was being with children, leading her to apply for a job here, at Care-A-Lot. Val's sense of humor and laid-back nature have made her a valuable part of our team.

Miss Nicole - Nicole Frederick is our Toddler 1 aide, as well as, one of the newest members of our team. Nicole is the mother of a 10-month-old girl and has worked in daycare for the last year and a half. She also has her Associates Degree in Animal Management. Nicole has already proved to be a dynamic member of our team, even as she is just getting to know the children.

Miss Brittany - Brittany Swanson is one of the children's favorite teachers at Care-A-Lot. She is our cook! She makes sure all of our little tummies are full and happy, while attending to the different needs and food allergies of the children in our care. She also pitches in with our preschool and nursery rooms from time to time. Brittany has been in the childcare field for almost a year and has been a mom for almost two! Her love for the children is obvious in her positive attitude and genuine excitement when she greets them each day.

Miss Cherelle - Coming Soon