Born and raised on a dairy farm in upstate NY. I moved to Boston for 10 years then to the CT shoreline in 2006. Married for 19 years with 2 children. Joined GCC in 2016. I have a BA in psychology and a MA in teaching. I love working with the families of GCC. Outside of work, I love hiking, boating, baking and cooking. You can find me at the beach, in Maine or on my farmland on the weekends.

Hello, I’m Adriana! I began working at GCC in 2023. I hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential as a bilingual preschool teacher. Currently, I am completing additional Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses to further advance my career.

My professional goal as a caregiver is to provide children with positive and meaningful experiences that support their development while helping them feel confident, valued, and secure. Originally from Venezuela, I moved to the United States in 2016 and studied English for three years in New York City.

In addition to my professional work, I am a wife and the mother of two boys. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and have a strong interest in creating educational content for my social media platforms.

Hello, my name is Alisa. I am currently a co-teacher in the Green Room at GCC and have been part of the GCC community since 2022. I bring over 30 years of experience working with children, including more than 27 years running my own childcare business. I am currently working toward my CDA and have taken many preschool-focused courses throughout the years. I have lived in North Branford for over 40 years and grew up in Guilford, where I have many fond memories. I truly enjoy coming to school each day—interacting with the children, listening to their conversations, and watching them learn through play. My passion for early childhood education began years ago when I walked into my daughter’s nursery school and knew this was the field I wanted to be part of.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, summer walks, trips to the beach, playing with my granddaughter, and restoring old furniture. I hope families and students find me approachable, kind, trustworthy, and a good listener.

My goal is for children to leave feeling confident and resilient. I strive to foster curiosity, encourage questions, and create a safe, respectful environment where every child feels valued and knows they are an important part of our community.

Hello! My name is Miss Alisha. I am so excited to be joining the GCC team. I have worked with young children for 9 years and am working towards finishing my degrees in Early Childhood Education & Psychology. I am a nature lover! I enjoy the local beaches and hiking trails. I also enjoy all sorts of crafts including watercolor painting, pottery, and jewelry making. I like to unwind by reading a delightful book or watching fantasy/adventure movies. Most of all, my favorite pastime is spending quality time with my two children!

Biography pending!

Hi, I’m Amanda Windhurst, a Lead Teacher in the Orange Room at Guilford Center for Children. I’m passionate about creating calm, child-centered classrooms where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and graduated magna cum laude, with a major and concentration in Child, Family & Community Studies and Psychology. I also completed the SEL Strategies in Times of Uncertainty & Stress certification through the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. My love of teaching began while living overseas in China, where I tutored young children in English. After returning to Connecticut, I pursued my degree in education and have been grateful to build a career doing what I love.

Originally from Narragansett, Rhode Island, I’m a lifelong nature and ocean lover and have made Guilford home, where I live with my daughter and our pets. In the classroom, you’ll often hear singing, see dancing, and notice plenty of play-based learning woven into our days.

My hope is that children leave the Orange Room feeling supported, respected, and proud to be themselves, and with a love of learning that stays with them long after their time at GCC ends. 

Hi, my name is Annalyn and I am a teacher with GCC early Education program. I have worked in the field of childcare since 2000 and joined GCC in 2010. I hold a CDA Credential and a Head Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I chose early education as my career because I truly enjoy working with young children and love watching their excitement as they grow and learn new things.

I lived in Guilford for 25 years, where my daughter Stephanie was born and raised. I am proud to say that she graduated from UCONN and is now a special education teacher. I currently reside in Shelton with my sister. In my free time, I enjoy working on 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, which I find very relaxing. I also love to dance, and you can often find me having dance parties with the children. I believe that learning through play and having fun are essential parts of early childhood education.

I am proud to be a member of the GCC team whose philosophy aligns closely with my own - especially the belief that putting the children’s needs first is always the top priority. 

Hello! I am Ms. Dana. This is my first year at GCC, and I am very excited to be the classroom aide in the purple room. I was a stay at home mom for 9 years, and began working at a preschool last year when my youngest began kindergarten. I love this age group because they are so smiley, sweet, and fun! I am truly looking forward to getting to know your children this year. Outside of school, I love hanging with my family and friends, the beach, reading and cooking.

Hi! I am Dawn DeCarli (Miss Dawn). I am the chef at GCC and I started my position in the spring of 2024. I have a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Johnson and Wales University and have over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry. I have also spent many years as a nanny. I love cooking and I love children, so with all that experience, it made sense for me to accept the position of chef at a preschool!

I live in Madison and have two dogs, two cats, two fish and two grown children. When I’m not at work, I enjoy taking photos, hiking, writing, visiting with family and friends, trying out new restaurants and volunteering at dog rescue events. My favorite place is Block Island, so I jump on the ferry every chance I get.

I enjoy bringing GCC kids into the kitchen to help with breakfast set-up or for a cooking class or an etiquette & nutrition class, or just for a change of scenery. I have implemented deliveries of farm fresh food this year and healthier choices. I hope your children enjoy my variety of foods and gain a bit of culinary broadening of their palates!

My name is Debby Riccio an Assistant Teacher at Guilford Center for Children and a state-certified Paraeducator. I started at GCC in 2022 and feel grateful to support young children during such an important stage of growth.

Before joining GCC, I worked for the Guilford Board of Education Food Service Department, including many years in a management role. That experience shaped my love of working with families and being part of a team that helps children thrive. I moved to Guilford in 1979 with my late husband and raised two children here. I am now a proud grandmother of two grandsons. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, taking walks, dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

My goal is to make a positive impact on every child and family helping children feel supported, confident, and cared for each day.

Hello, my name is Elaina and I have had the privilege of being a part of GCC since 2020, after spending over 15 years teaching at my previous center. I was excited to join the GCC community and the team of amazing and creative teachers here! I received my ECE degree and just love what I do! I am committed to providing you and your child a loving and developmentally sound classroom for a lifetime love of learning. Outside of school I am a wife and a mother of two amazing boys aged 5 and 9. We live in Durham. In my free time I am with my family, in my garden or working on a DIY project!

Hello, my name is Gina, I have been part of the Guilford community for many years. I have lived in Guilford when my boys were younger. Now that they are all grown up, I reside in Branford! I have been with GCC Before & After Care for 15 years! I love working with children of all ages and am so happy to join GCC Early Education Center! The preschoolers here are so fun. You can tell all of the kids enjoy their days here and are always so happy, bright and ready to learn! I am happy to be a part of their days!

I have 6 grandchildren, one who attends school here at GCC! I am thrilled to be here subbing and spending time with the children reading to them and doing puzzles among other things! I have my bachelor's degree in Medical Technology. I love to visit Cape Cod, garden, cross stitch and keep busy with home projects!

Hello! My name is Jess Palumbo. I have been working in early childhood education since 2010, and I joined the GCC family in March of 2025. I have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have been an EMT since 2006. I especially enjoy watching children reach their goals and seeing the excitement and confidence that comes with their achievements.

I live in Branford and enjoy camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends outside of work. In the classroom, I love engaging children through hands-on learning, particularly science experiments that spark curiosity and exploration.

I just joined the GCC community and am so excited to be working with children! I am a graduate of Guilford High School and love to sing, crochet and bake (especially cherry pie!). I have a goal of one day having an Etsy shop to sell the things I crochet. I have a large dog named Yeti and like traveling to Vermont and visiting Chittenden Park!

Hi! Krista here! I have been working in Early Childhood Education for many years. I love the preschool age because I enjoy doing interactive activities with the children. I love soy lattes, playing tennis and going on the Hammonassett Trail. I also have a deep love for Celine Dion and astrology!

Hello! My name is Laurel, and I am one of the teachers at GCC. I have worked in early childhood education since 2011 and hold an associate’s degree in elementary education. I am passionate about supporting young children and guiding them throughout their educational journey. I joined GCC in July 2025 and am grateful to be part of such a welcoming and dedicated early education community. Outside of the classroom, I live in Essex and am a proud mother of two children and one cat. In my free time, I enjoy hiking in nature, painting, and reading. 

Biography pending!

Biography pending!