INFANTS & TODDLERS

Preschool

Allison (Allie) Rourke

Allie has been working with children of all ages since 2015. She has worked at both before and after school programs as well as summer camps with children in elementary school. She has also worked in a middle school Special Education program. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her 4 year old son, her family, hiking and going to the beach.

Brenda padykula Smith

I have been working in early childhood since 1988. I started at Northwest Children's Center until I started my own family and was a stay-at-home Mom for 18 years. After raising my two children, I went back to work doing what I love. I have classes in fine arts from MXCC. I enjoy spending time with my adult children, antique shopping, gardening, buying more house plants, and bird watching.

 I find it a privilege and honor to spend my day with your children.

Mary Blaxland

Bio Coming Soon

Amy Boucher

Bio Coming Soon

Tori Machado (lead Teacher)

Tori has happily been with NPS since August of 2019, but her passion and adoration for young children spans back many, many years before. Throughout her life, she has had the joy of working with children of all ages, from infants up to 6th grade. Some of her more notable experiences include helping manage a children’s event group while in college, handling responsibilities as a Lead Toddler Teacher for 3 years at Bright Horizons in Pittsburgh, Pa, and before coming to NPS, working as the Lead Infant teacher at the ESPN KidsCenter in Bristol, Ct.

One of her greatest achievements in life has been becoming a parent to her own children. She always loves bringing her experience and passion to the classroom and building meaningful relationships with children and their families. She looks forward to continuing on this journey for many years to come.

Luz Davila. 

I enjoy working with small minds. I am creative and like the outdoors. I am passionate about making a difference in our children life and also love to be involved in children’s organizations or events that help out the community. “ Our children are very important, and to them we are the important ones!”

Tracy Banks

I have been teaching since 1997. Most of that time has been worked with preschool children. I have recently been working with infants and toddlers. The best thing for me is experiencing ah-ha moments. I love the excitement they show when they can do something I have taught them. For example, is the flip putting on their jacket. Family is very important to me. I was blessed in 2024 to become a grandma. She is my sunshine. Your children are “my” children and it’s an honor to take them under my wings and make a difference in their lives.

Julia mitchell

Bio Coming Soon

Christina (Tina) Brockett (Lead teacher)

Tina has a Bachelor's degree from ECSU in sociology and criminal justice and has many years experience working with children. She also enjoys being outside, hiking, going to the beach, and loves to read. Tina joined NPS in April 2022 and is very excited for this opportunity.

Amber Golanski (Lead Teacher)

Bio Coming Soon

Ashley Natale

Ashley Natale is a teacher of the Green Room preschool at NPS. She has been a dedicated staff member since 2007. She graduated from Middlesex Community College with an associate’s degree in early childhood education. From there, she completed her bachelor’s at Charter Oak State College with a degree in child studies. Teaching has been her passion for many years. To her, it is rewarding to see the growth and development of the children under her care. She brings joy, creativity, and positive energy to make the experience of early childhood memorable for each student.

Emma Arroyo

Emma is from Middletown originally and has always loved Wesleyan's beautiful campus and the diversity it brings to our city. When she’s not working she loves walking her dog "Kobe", cooking, baking, and visiting the beach. She loves a good movie and quiet nights playing board games with friends.