Meet Our Staff
Our staff is dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
When choosing teachers for each program area, we seek out qualifications and traits essential in providing quality childcare, including previous child care experience, a high level of education, maturity, friendliness, patience, and a nurturing heart.
Our teachers are actively involved in training seminars and are required to dedicate a percentage of their work hours each year to further their education. Each member of our staff is given the opportunity to plan exciting and creative programs for our children using the CT ELDS (Early Learning and Development Standards) and CT DOTS (Documentation and Observation for Teaching System).
Karen Serke
Center Director
I joined the Merryhill family in 2001 as a preschool teacher, and I became the Center Director in 2005. Merryhill has been a part of the Newtown community for over 30 years. I love coming to work each day and feel fortunate to be a part of Merryhill's past, present, and future.
Credentials:
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BA in Early Childhood Education
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CT Head Teacher's Certificate
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Professional training in childcare administration and management, supervision, and finance
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Alicia Vega
I joined the Merryhill family in 2013 and became a Preschool Teacher in 2019. My favorite thing about working at Merryhill is our small, tight-knit community. The parents, children, and staff are so wonderful and it's a bright, cheerful environment!
Credentials:
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BA in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies
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CT Head Teacher's Certificate
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Head Preschool Teacher
Abiane Barrett
I joined the Merryhill family in 2017 as a teacher's assistant and became a preschool teacher in 2020. We have fun here every day, and it’s such a pleasure coming to work! I love the warm feeling inside our center and the beautiful, scenic outdoor space.
Credentials:
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Completing my Early Childhood Education credentials
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Preschool Teacher
Jennifer Wilson
I joined the Merryhill family in 2004 and have taught in both the infant and toddler rooms. I love the smaller, more personalized setting Merryhill offers. It's a wonderful environment to work in, and I adore the children!
Credentials:
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Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
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CT Head Teacher's Certificate
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Head Infant/Toddler Teacher
I joined the Merryhill family in 2020, and I am so excited to be part of such a great community! I love the cozy atmosphere and relationships I've formed with the children, families, and staff.
Credentials:
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Completing my Early Childhood Education credentials
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Tutor for children and young adults
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Rosie Erikson
Toddler Teacher
Hermila Frutos
I first joined the Merryhill family in 1998 and worked here for 4 years. I left when I was pregnant with my third child and returned to Merryhill in 2024. Merryhill is a family-oriented child care center, and I am so happy to be back.
Credentials:
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BA degree in Early Childhood Education
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Toddler Teacher
Susannah Drap
I joined the Merryhill family in 2021, and I could not be more thankful that I did. The staff, children, and families at Merryhill are truly one big family! Watching the children progress in their early stages of life is truly a blessing!
Credentials:
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Completing my Early Childhood credentials
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Certified in CPR, first aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Teacher's Assistant
Khristal Wingate
I joined the Merryhill family in 2023, and I love the children, staff and environment. I enjoy getting to interact with such wonderful people and being able to learn as I go.
Credentials:
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BS in History
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Completing my Early Childhood credentials
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Certified in CPR, first-aid, and administration of medication and injectables
Teacher's Assistant
Tracy Minchak
I first joined the Merryhill family in 2001, left when I was pregnant with my second child, and returned to Merryhill in 2023. I get so much out of developing close relationships with the children.
Credentials:
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BA in Early Childhood Education
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Certified in CPR, first aid, and administration of medication and injectables