Directors
Sue
Director • 2019–Present
Toddler Co-Teacher • 2017–2019
Sue joined Woodside Children’s Center in April of 2017. Prior to joining us, Sue owned a family childcare center for 25 years in Belchertown. Where she lives with her family. She also spent time teaching at Head start in Amherst.
Sue received her BA in Early Education from the University of Massachusetts in 2008. Sue also enjoys walking, hiking, doing yoga and camping.
Jill
Assistant Director • 09/2009–Present
Jill has worked in childcare since 1991. She has work with a variety of ages from infants to school age children. Jill has been working at Woodside since 2007. Prior to working at Woodside Children’s Center, she worked at Young World Childcare Center in Easthampton for 16 years.
Jill lives in South Hadley with her husband Kevin and Chocolate Lab Bentley. Jill enjoys the beach, playing softball and the Red Sox.
Infant Teachers
Kasia
Infant Co-Teacher • 2016–Present
Kasia graduated from Holyoke Community College in 2020, with her Associate’s majoring in Early Childhood Education. She also earned her bachelor’s degree from University Within Walls in 2022. Kasia has completed her master’s at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She hopes to own her own childcare center someday.
In her free time, Kasia enjoys hanging out with friends and DIY projects/ideas for the classroom.
Alanna
Infant Co-Teacher • 2001–Present
Alanna has been a toddler teacher at Woodside Children’s Center for 20 years and has worked as a toddler teacher for over 25 years. She is currently working as a preschool teacher. She has a daughter in high school, a son in elementary school and another son who attends Woodside. Her older children also attended Woodside Children’s Center.Alanna enjoys music, dance, art, and nature, all of which she tries to incorporate in the classroom. When not teaching, Alanna enjoys hiking, African dance class and yoga!
RaChelle
Infant Co-Teacher • 2025–Present
Hello, my name is RaChelle. I earned my Associate’s degree from Clover Park College in Washington State in 1993. Since then, I have owned and operated my own in-home childcare, worked in the public school system, and am now happy to have found my way to Woodside.
I am a mother of four and a grandmother of ten. I have dedicated my career to supporting children’s growth and development and building strong, meaningful relationships with their families. I am truly happy to be here at Woodside and excited to be part of the infant room.
Toddler Teachers
Brenda
Toddler Co-Teacher • 09/2011–Present
Brenda graduated from Holyoke Community College in ’96 and has been doing childcare ever since. I came to Woodside Children’s Center in 2011 and am one of the Infant teachers. Prior to that I was at a preschool in Westfield for 15 years.
I grew up in Easthampton, MA and have lived there my whole life minus 1 year in Georgia. In August of 2021, I adopted my daughter Josephine, aka Jojo who was born in September 2018. She is the light of my life and melts my heart every day!
Courtney
Toddler Co-Teacher • 07/2025–Present
Courtney grew up in Chicopee and has been working as a toddler teacher since 2015 and joined the Woodside team in July 2025. She recently graduated from STCC with her Director’s Certificate and brings both experience and passion to her classroom. As a mom herself, Courtney understands the importance of nurturing and supporting children as they grow and develop. She truly loves the work she does and finds joy in creating meaningful connections with the toddlers in her care.
Outside of the classroom, Courtney enjoys exploring her creative side. She loves crafting and makes a variety of personalized items—such as shirts, cups, and more—a hobby that brings her joy and shows her creative side.
Cayla
Toddler Co-Teacher • 2025–Present
Hi, my name is Cayla! I’m from South Hadley. I’ve been working in childcare for over 6 years. My first job ever at 16 was working at a summer camp and before- and after-school at the YMCA. I was given the opportunity to go to the toddler classroom, and after a day, I knew what I wanted to do. I attended Holyoke Community College, and I have been a toddler teacher since 2023. I’m very passionate about early childhood education and creating a fun, nurturing environment where children can feel safe to express themselves and learn. I love coming into work every day and supporting children’s growth through creativity, play, and connection! Since joining Woodside, it has been such a wonderful experience. I’m incredibly grateful to have the bonds I do with the children here! A little bit about me is that I really enjoy the outdoors. I have a dog and a cat. I’m really into basketball and am always looking for new things to try or learn!
Preschool Teachers
Sasha
Preschool Co-Teacher • 2022–Present
Hi, I’m Sasha. I have been working as an Early Childhood Educator for over 18 years. I have worked with various ages throughout the years. One of the many things that I enjoy about working with children are the smiles and giggles as they learn something new. Repeating an activity that they have had fun with also brings me joy.
I look forward to the many adventures that awaits me in the Preschool room at Woodside Child Care Center.
Laurie
Preschool Co-Teacher • 2024–Present
I have enjoyed working with children from infants to school age for 20 + years, along with my own 3 amazing children. I have a BA in English/Creative Writing from Simmons College in Boston.
I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and family.
Pre-K Teachers
Jessica
Pre-K Co-Teacher • 2020–Present
I have been working with children for 25 years. In many different capacities. In the past 25 years I have learned more from the kids and their families than I could ever imagine teaching them.
The biggest thing I hope my families’ take away is a sense of magic.
Sara
Pre-K Co-Teacher • 2022–Present
Sara has been teaching for over 30 years. Originally grew up in Amherst and pursued her teaching career in Springfield, MA after graduating from Amherst High School. For three years Sara taught Preschool of 10 and then Pre-K during the Pandemic.
She was an Assistant Teacher at Pioneer Valley Montessori School for 10 years and Head of After School program for 4 years. Both of her two daughters were able to attend Montessori School during the years she had taught there. Her oldest daughter graduated last year from High School recently living in NC, youngest daughter a Freshman in High School. When not teaching, Sara enjoys running 5k and 10k, hiking, golfing, fishing, and working out. She also enjoys any DIY arts and crafts to incorporate within the classroom.
Jennifer Tucker
Former Program Director 6/2013–4/2019
Jennifer was the Director of Woodside from June 2015 until April 2019 when she lost her fight to cancer.
Throughout her time at Woodside, she touched the hearts of many children and their families. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.