Kate joined the FCELC as Director in 2019. She began her career in preschool education after graduating from Lasell College with a degree in Elementary Education. She then moved to New York City and took a position at the Children’s Aid Society Preschool in the West Village. From her early days in New York City, Kate has held a wide range of positions. She helped to open a School Readiness program in Hartford as the Curriculum Coordinator,  was a Reginal Director for a large cooperate childcare company, and then went on to be an Early Head Start Specialist in Springfield. Prior to joining the FCELC, she was at the JCC as a Preschool Director. 

Even though Kate has, for the last 20 years, held mainly administrative positions, she is still an Early Childhood Teacher at heart and the classrooms are where she spends much of the day.  Kate says "if I’m not in the classrooms supporting the children and teachers, I’m eating lunch with the children, helping with room arrangement and curriculum development, or just spending time loving the children of FCELC.  My most favorite time in the classrooms is when I’m cooking with the children, affectionately known as, “Cooking with Miss Kate.” This time brings me back to why I started and stayed in the Early Childhood Education world: the children!"
 

Moira joined the FCELC since 2020.  She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University.  Before coming to the FCELC, she was a preschool teacher in Glastonbury. Moira has been involved in Irish dancing from a young age. Her desire to teach came about when she was asked to assist in teaching classes. In fact, her first job before teaching dance was babysitting and playing with other children.  In her free time, Moira enjoys  reading, walking her dog Karson, and exploring with her Cricut machine. She is really excited to be here and to bring her enthusiasm to the classroom.
 

Pamela Pestretto joined the FCELC in 2020 and works as the the Half Day 3 and 4-year-old class teacher. Pam has worked in many early child classrooms from preschool to grade three along with special education. She am certified in the state of Connecticut with an early childhood certification with a special education endorsement. Pam graduated with a masters in education from the University of St. Joseph and Ball State University with a Bachelor's degree in art and music. She worked as a designer in my 20's before switching to education. Pam has worked in both public and private preschools.

Pam grew up in the Midwest and has lived in Granby since she was in her late 20's. She has raised two girls that are now in their 20's and taking on the world. In her spare time, Pam enjoys spending time in nature, painting, reading, cooking, writing, and illustrating children's books. She enjoys bringing her love of art and music into the classroom.