OUR STAFF AND TEACHERS
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ROANNE MILLER - Director
I am the director of United Parish Early Learning Center in Upton, MA. I have a teaching degree from the University of RI in Child Development and Family Relations and numerous graduate credits in related fields of study. I have been working with children for many years and have been a director for the last 25 years. I love working in a smaller setting because it gives me the opportunity to become familiar with entire families, not just the child who comes to the school. I live in Milford with my sweet dog, Mini! When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful grandson, reading and trying new recipes! |
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ROBIN JOKELA - Lead Teacher, Allstars
I have been teaching at United Parish Early Learning Center since 2017. I began as a substitute teacher for one year and then came on board as a full-time assistant teacher in 2018. Since that time, I have worked with all of our age groups and I have now landed with our eldest preschoolers, our Allstars. Watching our children happily play, learn, and grow and being a part of a truly talented and dedicated team to help make that happen brings me great joy. I have continued my own education, taking courses in early childhood education, and have now obtained my Child Development Associate Certification as well as Lead Teacher licensure through the state of Massachusetts. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. After college I worked in healthcare and insurance but left the corporate world after having my second child. I was a stay-at-home mom to my three children, Samantha, Jenn, and Nathan prior to joining UPELC. I have been an Upton resident since 1996 and two of my children, Samantha, and Nathan, attended UPELC and had wonderful preschool experiences! In my free time I love to read, garden and walk. |
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LAUREN VAN NORMAN - Lead Teacher, Comets
This is my fifth year at United Parish Early Learning Center as an Assistant Teacher. I began here as a substitute teacher, then I taught in the Lunch and Learn program. My daughter spent her preschool years here and it was a wonderful experience for both of us. I have a BA in Psychology from Framingham State University with a concentration in Development and Learning. My career started in Human Services working with special needs children. I was a live-in nanny for 2 years for 2 young children, one of whom is autistic. My career path shifted, and I worked for a few years in finance and biotechnology. When my children were born, I decided to stay home with them full-time. It was during this time that I started volunteering at school and church and substitute teaching at United Parish Early Learning Center. I am excited to be back working with young children again and I couldn’t ask for a better place than United Parish Early Learning Center to bring my career full circle. I live in Upton with my wonderful husband, Paul, my two children, Cecelia and Paul, Jr. and our sweet dog Bella. I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my family. |
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LAURIE KEENAN - Lead Teacher, Allstars
I knew at a young age that working with children was what my future held. I began working as a mentor in a Head Start Home Visiting program, promoting children’s growth and development by planning and implementing experiences that focused on learning through play. A short time later I opened my own home daycare which remained in business for 20 years. During the lulls of home daycare I worked in center based care and was able to obtain DEEC teacher certification for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. In 2019, with my children grown, I made the decision to close my home daycare and my husband and I downsized and moved to Uxbridge where we now reside. In early 2020 I was able to obtain DEEC Director certification and work briefly in that position, however my passion truly is in the classroom and I’m so happy to have found a position here at UPELC. I’m looking forward to getting to know the children and their families and to becoming part of an amazing teaching team. I enjoy spending time with my family, beach trips, nature walks, cooking, crafting and anything outdoors! |
ANDREA MOSHIER - Teacher, Moonbeams
- I am a graduate of Framingham State University with a BA in Business and a minor in Science. After graduating I worked as a Financial Sales Coordinate at a large financial firm before becoming a stay at home mom to my children. All three of my children attended UPELC and I volunteered in their classes whenever I had the chance.
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Once my children became full time students I knew I wanted to work here. I began working at UPELC in 2016. I have always had a love for children and it fills my heart to watch them grow and to be a part of their growing. I am truly excited to be working with your children.
I live in Upton with my husband, three children (Lilly, Jack, and Sam) and my two dogs (Joe, and Lola). I enjoy spending time with my family and friends at our beach cottage in Plymouth, watching my kids play sports, and gardening.
DONNA SHERIDAN - Teacher, Comets
I began working at UPELC in May 2021, in the Allstars class. I have an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood from Community College of RI. I am currently continuing my education at Southern New Hampshire University. I’ve had my teaching certificate from DEEC for over 20 years, and I am working on a Lead Teacher certification.
Beginning at age 12 I knew that I wanted to work with children. My childcare career began with babysitting and moved to center-based day care and preschool, including Head Start. I made the decision to stay home and raise my 2 daughters. In 2018, when my oldest daughter graduated from high school, I returned to college and went back to my true passion, teaching.
I live in Rhode Island with my partner, Chris, my daughters, Ciara and Brianna, and our 2 cats, Firestar and Whitepaw. I love to read and listen to music when I am alone. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, kayaking, and traveling.
I began working at UPELC in May 2021, in the Allstars class. I have an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood from Community College of RI. I am currently continuing my education at Southern New Hampshire University. I’ve had my teaching certificate from DEEC for over 20 years, and I am working on a Lead Teacher certification.
Beginning at age 12 I knew that I wanted to work with children. My childcare career began with babysitting and moved to center-based day care and preschool, including Head Start. I made the decision to stay home and raise my 2 daughters. In 2018, when my oldest daughter graduated from high school, I returned to college and went back to my true passion, teaching.
I live in Rhode Island with my partner, Chris, my daughters, Ciara and Brianna, and our 2 cats, Firestar and Whitepaw. I love to read and listen to music when I am alone. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, kayaking, and traveling.
CAITLYN NICK - Lead Teacher, Moonbeams
During my college years I took a few education classes but later switched my path completely and obtained my BA degree in Communications/Public Relations. I worked in that area for a little while and when my first son was born I knew I wanted to do something different so I could be there for him and watch him grow. In 2014 I decided to pursue teaching and was able to bring him with me. I began as an assistant teacher in the 2.9 year old classroom at Little Fold Farm Nursery School in Ashland. While teaching there I obtained my Teacher certification for Infants and Toddlers and Lead Teacher Preschool certification.
Both of my children attended UPELC for their Pre-K year and they enjoyed it very much. Now that they are off to K and 1st grade this year I am excited to begin my new teaching role in the Moonbeam class. I look forward to getting to know the children and the families.
I live in Mendon with my husband Michael, my two sons, Colton and Kasen, and our dog Max. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, meditating, reading, taking classes and traveling.
During my college years I took a few education classes but later switched my path completely and obtained my BA degree in Communications/Public Relations. I worked in that area for a little while and when my first son was born I knew I wanted to do something different so I could be there for him and watch him grow. In 2014 I decided to pursue teaching and was able to bring him with me. I began as an assistant teacher in the 2.9 year old classroom at Little Fold Farm Nursery School in Ashland. While teaching there I obtained my Teacher certification for Infants and Toddlers and Lead Teacher Preschool certification.
Both of my children attended UPELC for their Pre-K year and they enjoyed it very much. Now that they are off to K and 1st grade this year I am excited to begin my new teaching role in the Moonbeam class. I look forward to getting to know the children and the families.
I live in Mendon with my husband Michael, my two sons, Colton and Kasen, and our dog Max. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, meditating, reading, taking classes and traveling.