Kim Haigh | Director of Grow NJ Kids

Kim Haigh joined PCA-NJ in 2015 and was appointed to Director of GROW NJ Kids TA centers for the Central and Northeast NJ in 2022. Kim has over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and Administration. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Psychology from Kean University and her Master’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from Montclair University. Kim also completed a fellowship for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health with the Center for Autism and early Childhood Mental Health at Montclair University.

Kim has worn every Early Childhood hat. As her career has grown, so has her passion for continuous quality improvement. She is dedicated to making a difference for our youngest children while she supports our team and their childcare provider partners on their journey to give their very best to the children across New Jersey.

Christine Conklin | Program Manager, Central Region 

I am the Program Manager covering five counties in NJ for our Central Region TA Center. I work, play and collaborate with an outstanding team of early childhood professionals who inspire me and those with whom they work every day.

Each TA Specialist on our team brings a passion for Early Care and Education with their varying experience and knowledge to the table. Collectively we work to raise the bar of quality for NJ’s youngest population by coaching, mentoring, and providing TA and collaborative networking opportunities to child care centers and family child care providers across our region. My degree is from Rutgers University’s Douglass College in English and Elementary Education and I am a certified K-8 teacher. Before joining PCA-NJ, I grew up in the field of Early Childhood Education, wearing many hats from teacher, Family Child Care owner and operator, Child Care Center Director, Executive Director and Regional Manager. My Program Manager hat, however, is the one I wear with the most pride as it enables me to focus on supporting the adult learners who work to ultimately provide high quality opportunities and experiences to ALL children in our region and to work with and support a team who gives it their all every day. In addition, I am a certified Enough Abuse trainer, child advocate and mother.

 

Barbara Thornton | Sr. TAS  

I became a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist with Grow NJ Kids in 2015. Before taking this role, I held a number of administrative and teaching positions at various child care settings including corporate, private, faith-based, family and school-based centers.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Public Health/Health Education and have worked as a Community Health Educator. I have over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and have found it to be the most rewarding and influential work. I am honored to be part of the Grow NJ Kids Initiative as we work together to improve the quality of young children’s education and learning experiences.

 

Joy Baker | TAS, Somerset County Lead

I am a Technical Assistant Specialist with the Middlesex/ Somerset County team. I joined the “Grow Team” because I see Early Childhood Education as an incredible, rewarding and admirable field. I am so honored and excited to be part of the Grow NJ Kids initiative.

I hope to make a real difference in improving the quality of young children’s education and learning experiences, and helping those in the field to ensure children get the best care possible. Prior to this role, I held a number of roles in a child care setting. With my degree in Psychology and Education, I also have over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.

  

Christine Boufford | Sr. TAS

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for Grow NJ Kids working in Ocean and Mercer counties. I became part of the TA Center because I wanted to collaborate with centers as they work to continuously improve early childhood standards for children and families.

It was a natural extension of my 25 plus years in the field of Early Childhood Education. I hope to draw from my experiences as both a teacher and administrator to help centers navigate within the Grow NJ Kids process.

Leanna Felipe | TAS, Middlesex County Lead 

I am a TA Specialist for the Central Region as well as the Middlesex County Lead. Prior to joining the Grow NJ Kids Team I was Director of one of the pilot programs which gives me a unique perspective when it comes to supporting you.

I have about 15 years of experience in the Early Childhood field and have held various positions, including teaching and administrative roles, in non-profit and private/state-funded blended child care programs. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education from Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education with specializations in teaching Preschool-Third Grade, Kindergarten-Fifth Grade, and Students with Disabilities. My goal is to improve the quality of early care and education in New Jersey by supporting and educating those in the field.

Jennifer Flannery | TAS 

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for Grow NJ Kids in the Central Region. I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 25 years; with experience in Montessori, faith-based Elementary Education, and both corporate and community child development centers.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton and believe that every child deserves to learn, grow and develop in a safe and loving environment. I joined the Grow Team to build relationships and partner with others in this field to make a difference. 

Sandra Flores | TAS   

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for the Central Region. I support programs and Family Child Care providers in Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, and Ocean counties. I have been in the field of Early Childhood for 18 years and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education /History.

I hold both a Pre k -3rd grade and Kindergarten to 8th grade teacher certification from New Jersey City University. I’ve taught preschool age children for 16 years and was Education Coordinator for 2 years. I feel working with the Grow NJ Kids together with the experience I have, can help providers achieve the highest quality of care and education for our children.

Sweta Patel | TAS, Monmouth County Lead

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for Monmouth County. I am excited to be a part of the Grow NJ Kids team. My goal in this position is to help childcare providers implement and maintain quality programs.

I have received my Bachelors from Boston University in Psychology and prior to joining Grow NJ Kids, I have over 10 years of experience in working in the Early Childhood Education, holding many different positions from Assistant Teacher to Education Coordinator.

 

Jennifer Riche | TAS, Ocean County Lead 

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for the Central Region as well as the Ocean County Lead with over 20 years of experience working in early childhood education.

I’ve held a variety of roles in private preschool settings including as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at a center serving infants through First Grade as well as the Head Teacher for a NAEYC Accredited, Abbott Contracted private preschool. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education specializing in Curriculum & Instruction and valid NJ Standard Certification in elementary education as well as P-3 Certification. I became part of the Grow NJ Kids process as natural extension of my years in Early Childhood and look to draw on my experiences as I work with centers navigating their path toward continuous quality improvement.

Shemika Ross | Program Assistant/Incentive Coordinator 

Shemika Ross is the Program Assistant/Incentive Coordinator for Grow NJ Kids in the Central Region with Prevent Child Abuse-NJ. Shemika has been with Prevent Child Abuse-NJ for 9 years and is very passionate about the cause.

She has four children ranging from ages 6-16 and believes that early childhood education is extremely important.

Kim Haigh | Program Manager, Northeast Region 

I am the Program Manager for the Northeast Technical Assistance center covering Essex and Hudson counties. I have been in this role since 2015 and I feel truly honored and blessed that I am part of such an amazing team that is working passionately to make a difference for young children in New Jersey.

I have over 20 years’ experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. I received my bachelor’s degree in education from Kean University and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree at Montclair University in Child and Families. I love coming to work each day knowing that we are supporting childcare providers to increase the quality of their programs. I am inspired by their passion, dedication and commitment to the children and families they serve. Outside of my role as Program Manager I am a mother of 4, a grandmother of one beautiful little girl and have been married for 25 years.

Kelly McGlasson | Sr. TAS, Essex County 

I am the Senior Technical Assistance Specialist for Essex County. It is an honor to work with Grow NJ Kids and collaborate with an amazing group of professionals as we strive to provide all young children with access to quality care and education.

I have been working in the field of early childhood education for over 25 years- as a developmental specialist in Early Intervention, a behavioral therapist, a classroom teacher, and a Program Specialist. I’ve trained teachers on classroom management, sensory integration techniques, and strategies for promoting social-emotional development. In addition, I’ve taught Child Development courses to aspiring teachers. I currently present trainings in the Healing Hearts Series for the Child Wellness Institute. I hold a Master of Science in Early Childhood from Erikson Institute as well as a Level III Infant Mental Health Specialist Endorsement and a certification in Reflective Supervision and Consultation from the New Jersey Association for Infant Mental Health.

Jenny Cabrera-Grande | TAS, Essex County 

Hola! my name is Jenny Cabrera-Grande. I am a Technical Assistant Specialist with the Northeast TA Center for Essex County. I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and the importance to provide children with a solid foundation for their future years.

Having worked as an educator for over 20 years and as an Assistant Director for a Grow NJ Kids rated center, has enabled me to experience firsthand, how raising the quality of care positively impacts children and their families. I joined Grow NJ Kids with the desire to make a difference in children’s lives. I loved applying the principles of GNJK in my preschool classroom, and I am thrilled about now being able to support and mentor early childhood educators and directors alike, in the journey to meeting the Grow NJ Kids standards and by doing so, improving the quality of care for their students.

David Coto| TAS, Essex County 

Hello! My name is David Coto. I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for Grow NJ Kids Essex county. Prior to joining the grow team I spent 10+ years in the classroom working for early childhood education programs. I’m excited to bring my creative skills to the programs I serve and continue the establishment of quality education for New Jersey’s children.

Alisa Jones | TAS, Essex County

I am very excited to have joined the Essex County Team as a Technical Assistance Specialist! I have a long history in education beginning with receiving my BA from Rutgers University and entering into Environmental Education for the County Park System, later pursuing first my Early Childhood credentials then my Lower Elementary certification in Montessori education.

Collectively, I have spent over 30 years teaching families, young students and new teachers to help them build a strong foundation in, and a love of learning as well as assisting them to become well rounded individuals and to strive to reach their potential. In looking inwardly to expand my own personal growth as well as my aspiration to touch the lives of more teachers, programs, and especially families and young children, I was drawn to the wonderful work and the extraordinary people in the Grow NJ Kids program. I am excited to work with everyone and to draw upon my experience as a teacher and mentor to help schools who want to affect change and better the lives of the children they serve.

 

Michael Peralta | TAS, Essex County Lead

Hi! My name is Michael Peralta. I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for Grow NJ Kids for Essex County. Before joining Prevent Child Abuse NJ, I was the School Age Services Unit Manager at La Casa de Don Pedro responsible for the implementation of La Casa’s Enrichment Program and 21st Century Community Learning Center serving children between the ages of 5 to 12 years old.

This experience gave me insight into the daily challenges of program administration. Prior to working at La Casa de Don Pedro, I worked at the National Institute for Early Education Research as an Assistant Project Coordinator. At NIEER, I assisted with the coordination of data collection and training for various research/evaluation projects that included preschool, infant/toddler and family child care programs throughout the country and outside the country (Colombia and Ecuador). Prior to working at NIEER, I volunteered at a Head Start Center in New Brunswick and at Rutgers Developmental Disability Center in which I worked with children with Autism. I am passionate about children’s rights and being the voice that they do not have. My goal in life is to do as much as I can to help ensure children have as many opportunities possible for a great childhood. I am honored to be a part of the Grow NJ Kids team and I am excited to work together with program directors/administrators to achieve the quality education and care that their children deserve.

Robin Happonen | Sr. TAS, Hudson County  

I am a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist with the Northeast TA Center working in Hudson County. Prior to joining Grow NJ Kids, I worked as an elementary school teacher and preschool teacher. I have a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and a MA in Child Advocacy from Montclair State University.

In between working and studying, my husband, my daughter and I became a foster family to two little girls and officially adopted them into our family in 2007. I am so pleased to be a part of Grow NJ Kids, working towards assisting centers on their journey to providing quality education for ALL children in the State of New Jersey.

 

Cindy D’Alto | TAS, Hudson County Lead 

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist with Hudson County. I have been working in the childcare field for over 22 years. I started my career in the infant room, my senior year in high school, and have been a part of childcare ever since.

I continued education by attending the University of South Carolina, obtaining a BA in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I continue to attend Early Childhood Education classes and trainings, while continuously working to improve the quality of childcare in New Jersey.

Luz Estrada | TAS, Hudson County 

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist for Hudson County. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and a master’s degree of Science in Multidisciplinary studies. I have been working as an Early Child teacher for 18 years.

14 of those years in Colombia South America at a Bilingual School and 3 years in the United States. During these recent years in the US I have developed many skills and capabilities regarding Early Child curriculum and lesson planning. My knowledge and experience can be helpful in achieving goals of Grow NJ Kids.

Mariella Sarmiento| TAS, Hudson County 

Hi, I’m Mariella Sarmiento and am one of the Technical assistance specialists in Hudson county team. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a specialization in early ages.

I have been in the wonderful field of education for over 26 years, both in and out of the classroom, and I look forward to offering my experience and making a difference.

I feel very happy to be part of the great team of Grow NJ Kids and to have the opportunity to guide and help the different centers to achieve their purpose of offering a high-quality education.

What every child deserves!!

Amanda Sloan | TAS, Hudson County 

Hi, I’m Amanda Sloan and am a Technical Assistant Specialist for Hudson County. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adults, and families in a variety of settings: childcare, non-profit work, and most recently a TAS in Louisiana.

I strongly believe that young children deserve to have access to high quality care and education. I have seen first-hand how often early childhood education is overlooked and under-resourced and I am honored to be able to support those that are caring for New Jersey’s youngest learners through Grow NJ Kids. I received a BS in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana will always be my home (crawfish, jambalaya, and gumbo OH MY!) but I am excited to be in the Garden State!

Darayon D. Tharpe-Jones | Program Assistant / Incentives Coordinator 

I am the Program Assistant / Incentives Coordinator for Grow NJ Kids in the Northeast Region with Prevent Child Abuse-NJ. Born and raised in Jersey City NJ. I attended New Jersey City University in the late 1980’s and have been working in the Non-profit field for over 15 years in diverse roles surrounding Administration.

Being able to be a part of a team that focuses on the needs of our child care centers throughout our communities continues to be a great experience. It has been great seeing us blossom from a hand full into the great team we have today and as we continue to grow.In my spare time I like to entertain and enjoy making baskets of all kinds for all occasions.

Vasu Nacha | Program Manager: District/Headstart 

Early childhood experiences impact outcomes in the years to follow. The opportunity to make a positive impact in a child’s early years is what excites me in my role of a Sr. Technical Assistance Specialist for Monmouth County within the Grow NJ Kids TA team.

I have had diverse career experiences ranging from business development, recruitment and training to teaching and for the last 6 years working with children and families. My volunteer activities with the CASA of Middlesex county and as an advisory board member for SKN foundation’s special needs program SCOPE have enriched my experiences and further fueled my passion in this field. Equipped with a M.A in Psychology I enjoy providing workshops and trainings for adults and am a certified trainer in Cultural competence as well as a certified Enough Abuse trainer.

 

Gargi Shroff | Sr. TAS, District/Headstart Programs 

Hello! I am a Sr. Technical Assistance Specialist for both Central and Northeast region, District/Head Start programs with Grow NJ Kids TA Center. I am grateful to be part of Grow NJ Kids Initiative. I am now in my fourth year with Grow NJ Kids TA Center.

Throughout my professional carrier I have worked as an educator at various capacities with Early Childhood programs for the past 25 years. Giving back to the community and being a change agent has always been a priority for me. Through this opportunity of working as part of the Grow team has allowed me to do just that by supporting and guiding early childhood programs, achieve high quality standards through the Grow NJ Kids initiative. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Arts and a P-3 Certification in ECE.

 

Sara Eschenroeder | TAS, District/Headstart Programs

I am a Technical Assistance Specialist working with School Districts and Head Start programs in both the Central and Northeast Regions. Prior to joining Prevent Child Abuse-NJ, I worked for over 20 years in the field of early childhood education. My most recent position was as a teacher and director in a 4-star rated GNJK program.

Additionally, I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a NJ Preschool to Third Grade Teaching Certification. I am excited to use my experience and background to help support programs as they strive to provide New Jersey’s youngest residents with the best quality care and education available. I believe the work of early childhood educators is invaluable and am truly honored to take on this role.

  

Kristen Farhat | Sr. TAS, District/Headstart Programs 

Hello.  I am a Senior Technical Assistance Specialist for District and Head Start Programs in the Northeast and Central Regions.  I have had the pleasure of working with the Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance Center at Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey since 2015.  I have been working in the early childhood education field for over two decades, and I have enjoyed learning and growing over the years in the role of a Teacher, Director and Consultant.

I hold a MA in Early Childhood Education from Kean University with a P-3 Teaching Certification, and a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University. I have a full appreciation of the many delights and challenges facing the early childhood education workforce, and I am grateful for the opportunity of having supported all types of programs through  the Grow NJ Kids process, including, Family Child Care, Center Based, District and Head Start programs. I truly believe that quality early childhood education is the foundation for a child’s future, and this is why I am so pleased to be a part of Grow NJ Kids.

 

Puja Mathur | TAS, District/Headstart Programs 

I am privileged to be part of the Grow NJ Kids team because we make a difference in the lives of children in Early Care settings all over New Jersey! My work in the Early Childhood Education field began early on in India where I worked to set up 150 preschool centers in urban and rural areas.

I continued to work in the Early Care and Education field as an Assistant Teacher, Teacher and Head Teacher in Bright Horizons and later Head Start. From the start I have enjoyed working with children and their families because developing strong partnerships with families is essential to improving the quality of care and bridging the gap between school and home. I have a Master’s degree in Human Development with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. Reading books and having rich discussions with co-workers helps me to keep myself abreast of the new developments in my field. In my free time, I listen to music, dance to the tunes of Bollywood music and spend time with my lovely family and close friends.  

Brianni Graver | Training Coordinator 

I am the Training Coordinator of the Central and Northeast Grow NJ Kids TA Centers. Prior to this position, I was a Technical Assistance Specialist for Hudson County for 4 years, working hands on with teachers and directors.

I have worked with children and their families in different capacities since 2008, working in schools as well as at the Center for Attachment Research, researching the ways attachment affects children’s long-term success while obtaining my MA in Psychology at The New School. I want to be an agent for change and growth in children’s lives. I am motivated to support children’s abilities to develop empathy, resiliency, and critical thinking skills and this fuels all of the work I do with the caregivers in their lives. I love the work I do every day and try to find creative solutions to every endeavor. The trainings I provide now focus largely on Developmentally Appropriate Practice, care for infants and toddlers, as well as family engagement and communication. In my free time, I enjoy painting, reading, gardening, and cooking.

Juana Inurritegui | Quality Rating Coordinator 

I am a Quality Rating Coordinator for the Grow NJ Kids Technical Assistance Center. I joined PCA-NJ in 2019 and I am very grateful to be part of an incredible group of people who are passionate about early childhood education.

I have more than 10 years of experience working with early childhood educators and FCC providers in both Essex and Passaic counties. I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and I have experience working with children with special needs, and supporting families to understand the challenges of a diagnosis. My biggest motivation is the well-being of all children in and out of the classroom environment. For that reason, I find GNJK to be an exciting opportunity to provide children the tools needed to be successful in life regardless of their background or family history.

Angelique Nabi | Quality Rating Coordinator 

I am a Quality Rating Coordinator for the Central Region. Prior to joining the Grow NJ Kids team, I served as a Child Care Director for a pilot program which provides me a unique lens when supporting TAS and their programs through rating. I have also held teaching and administrative positions for various programs as well as conducted and published research in an effort to improve classroom assessments. I also gained experience working with the special needs population through ABA therapy.

Over the past nearly 20 years, I have developed a passion for working with children and improving the quality of early childhood education. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education from Rutgers University with a specialization in Learning, Cognition and Development, and my overall goal in working with GNJK is to advocate for the importance of quality care for our youngest learners and assist those who support the field. I am incredibly lucky to have joined such an elite team of leaders who strive to make advancements in ECE and their local communities.