With 19 years of experience in early education, including 15 years with the Methuen YMCA, Luisa brings a lot of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to every child and family she serves.

Luisa believes that the most important qualities when working with children are empathy, patience, consistency, respect, inclusivity, and a genuine love for the profession. She understands the importance of recognizing what children may be feeling, supporting a variety of personalities, and creating an environment where children, families, and educators feel welcomed and respected.

Outside of work, Luisa enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, talking with her husband, and spending time with her dog. Something that often surprises people about her is that she talks to plants and animals as if they are babies. She also starts listening to Christmas music months before the holiday season arrives!

Families should choose Merrimack Valley YMCA Child Care because at the MVYMCA, we believe every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive. Our caring educators provide engaging, play-based experiences that foster confidence and curiosity while building meaningful relationships with children and families. More than childcare, the YMCA is a community where every child belongs and families can feel supported.

Kelly has 10+ years of experience in early education, along with many years teaching dance in schools and community settings.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog Nova, and relaxing by the ocean. These moments help her stay grounded and bring a positive, caring approach to her work with children each day.

When working with children, the values she considers most important are patience, kindness, and empathy. She believes every child deserves to be understood, supported, and encouraged as they learn at their own pace.

Some of her favorite children's books are interactive stories that encourage movement and participation, including the Piggie and Gerald series, Don't Push the Button, Tip Toe Joe, and Pete the Cat. She loves books that get children involved and excited about reading.

Her favorite part of the day is morning meeting and circle time. It's a wonderful way to begin the day together through educational hide-and-peek games, singing, movement activities, and stretching, helping children feel connected, engaged, and ready to learn.

She believes families should choose Merrimack Valley YMCA Child Care because of its exceptional team of patient, caring, and knowledgeable educators. The program provides meaningful hands-on learning experiences, including swimming lessons as part of the curriculum, while offering ongoing support to children and families. At the Merrimack Valley YMCA, families become part of a welcoming community dedicated to helping every child thrive.

Jennifer has worked in early education for 22 years, with the last 12 years spent at the MVYMCA. She is passionate about helping children grow into confident, respectful, and independent individuals. She believes that teaching important life skills such as self-respect, patience, flexibility, and adaptability are foundational skills that lead to resilient adults.

She lives in Methuen with her husband of 33 years. Jenn's daughters also grew up in Methuen, where they loved attending YMCA dances and other events.

Two of her favorite books are The Gruffalo and Room on a Broom by Julia Donaldson. She loves these stories because they are interactive, engaging, silly, and fun, and they encourage children to use their imagination.

At the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Jenn takes pride in creating a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children and their families. Supporting children's development while building positive relationships with parents is the most rewarding part of the job for Jenn.

Meet Mary Ellen, with an incredible 46 years of experience in Early Education, including 36 years at the Merrimack Valley YMCA!

Outside of work, she enjoys writing, spending time with her family, reading, and gardening. When working with children, she believes the most important values are nurturing, tenderness, and love. She feels strongly that every child is different and should be respected and listened to by all.

Her favorite children's book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. One thing that may surprise people about her is that she is a passionate fan of the Boston Celtics and all Boston sports teams. Her favorite activities to do with children are open-ended art projects and science experiments, which encourage creativity.

She believes families should choose Merrimack Valley YMCA Child Care because of the many positive learning opportunities offered to toddlers and preschoolers. The program provides a strong focus on early literacy, swimming, healthy eating, and social-emotional development, helping children build important skills for success. Most importantly, she believes that the dedicated teachers are the heart of Early Education at the MVYMCA, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can flourish.