Staff Bio

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 40 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 Jessica - Jessica Tollar has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has spent the last 14 years working with children of all ages. From working as a nanny and a teacher aide, to working as the activities director at a family resort and a lead teacher with Care-A-Lot, she has seen the many facets of early childhood education. She has been a director for seven years and thinks that the best thing about her job is never knowing what each day will bring and having the opportunity to get to know all of the children and families at Care-A-Lot. Jessica also holds the title of Education Specialist for Care-A-Lot. As Education Specialist Jessica spends time in each center mentoring staff, overseeing curriculum implementation, and assisting other directors.

THE TEACHERS

Miss Braiden Braiden Samuelson graduated a semester early in 2001 from Estes Park High School in Estes Park, Colorado. Later she attended Central Arizona Community College in Apache Junction, Arizona where she studied EArly Childhood Education. Miss Braiden is currently enrolled in courses for her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). Miss Braiden is very passionate about education and working with children. She has also been married to her husband Erik for five years and they have a Daughter named Ila marie. Ila Marie also attends Care-A-Lot, just across the hall in the nursery! Miss Braiden enjoys every aspect of motherhoodand looks forward to watching her daughter, as well as your children learn and grow!

Miss Susan - Coming Soon!

Miss Ashley - Ashley Lango is currently attending Erie Community College taking classes in Early Childhood Education. She will transfer to Buffalo State College in the fall to complete her Bachelor's degree. She graduated from Lackawanna High School with a regents diploma in 2009. She also attended BOCES for two years for Early Childhood Education. Miss Ashley was a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She has always had a special love for children and is in the process of obtaining her teaching degree. When she is not at Care-A-Lot, Miss Ashley loves to be outside or spending time with friends and family. An interesting fact about Miss Ashley is that she has lived in four different states and a different country because she lives in a military family.


THE TEACHER ASSISTANTS



Miss Stacy - Stacy Tunis grew up in Angola, where she graduated from Lake Shore High School in 2005. She is the second oldest of six children and has been babysitting since she was young. She worked at Care-A-Lot in Derby May 2008 until July 2009. She moved to Lancaster with her family and transferred to Care-A-Lot West Seneca. Miss Stacy attended the New York Institute of Massage for a year and then decided to change career paths. Miss Stacy ha always had a love for children and, in March 2008, she had her first child, Hayden. When she is not working, Miss Stacy enjoys spending time with Hayden and her boyfriend Bill.

Miss Lauren - Lauren Trimper was born August 2, 1988. She recently graduated from Erie Community College with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taken classes in Early Childhood Development and Children's Literature. Miss Lauren enjoys making different arts and crafts and encourages creative and imaginative play in the classroom. When she is not at Care-A-Lot, she enjoys reading and listening to music. Miss Lauren is also an advocate for Autism awareness.

Miss Heather -