About us

We are here to help parents raise happy and healthy children

We all need support through the most important period of our children's lives: the early years

Founder and Executive Director

Barbara Michelson

Inclusive

Responsible

Respectful

Collaborative

Philosophy
Our philosophy at Giggle and Grow is to provide a safe, healthy learning environment with the best possible care and teaching to each individual child. Through a balance of emotional, social, communicative, creative, physical and cognitive activities, we place an emphasis on the development of the whole child. We believe that when given the opportunity, encouragement, nurturing and guidance, the child will develop a sound foundation for a successful future.
Mission
Our mission and commitment are to provide children with a warm, loving, friendly atmosphere that promotes exploration, language, critical thinking, questioning and discovery. We stress the importance of the process of learning along with a strong emphasis on caring and respect for those around us. We emphasize the total developmental needs of each child: cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. The school is devoted to the whole child by creating an engaging learning environment that supports their uniqueness and individuality. Each child is challenged and encouraged to reach his or her fullest potential in an environment where they are loved.
Meet the teachers

Experts in Giving You Children The Best Start

Christina Irvolino: Assistant Director

Christina has her CDA and is First Aid and CPR trained. She joined the school in the spring of 2019 as a Pre-K Teacher and in September of 2020 was promoted to school secretary. Christina received her certificate degree in Early Child Administration and in September of 2021 Chrisina was promoted to Assistant Director.

Dawn D'ambrosio: Sprouts Teacher

Prior to working at Giggle and Grow, Dawn cared for young children in her home for over 28 years. She is dedicated, compassionate and loves taking care of our youngest Sprouts. Dawn joined our school in September of 2015 and plans to stay on for many years nurturing and caring for our babies and young toddlers.

Laura Rikowich: Toddlers-2 1/2 year old "Tod Pods" Teacher

CPR and First Aid Trained. Laura earned her CDA certification in the spring of 2019. She has been with Giggle and Grow since 2014. Her patience and love for working with our toddlers is outstanding. Laura is always willing to help out in any way she can. She loves her toddlers and her years of experience in caring for children makes her shine.


Jennifer Ramirez- "Sprouts and Tod Pods" Co-Teacher

Jennifer began in September 2014 when we opened our Sprouts room. She was the Co-Baby Teacher. We loved having Miss Jenn for 2 years and then she decided to stay home with her children during their school years. She ran her own In-Home childcare program for 3 years and returned in Oct. 2020 to the position of Kindergarten teacher. Jenn is CPR and First Aid trained.

Samatha Cooper: Pre School Three 's "Pea Pods" Teacher

Sam is Montessori Trained, CDA certified, CPR and First Aid Trained. She earned her Early Childhood degree in May 2022. Samantha joined the Giggle and Grow Staff in January of 2019.

Cary Taveras: Pre-K "Sweet Peas" Teacher

Cary has an Associated Degree In Early Childhood Education and is pursuing her Bachelors Degree in P-3 at William Paterson University. She is CPR and First Aid Trained and joined Giggle and Grow in September of 2018.

SUPPORT STAFF

Allison Stella
Amber Smith
Alexa Henry
Eszter Kemény
Arshi Chowdhury
Annamaria Imbruglia
Lisa Monaghan
Lisa Monaghan
Lauren Urgola
Lauren Urgola
Gaby Tapia
Medina Bizati
Alexa Sasso
Emily Rogin
Ariana Marini
Brianna Arvanitakis
Jackie Beveridge
Tanzila and Nashla PCTI Interns
Tanzila and Nashla PCTI Interns

More than just a joyful place