the perfect balance between learning and play!​​

Meet Our Staff

 

Ashley Allyn - Director

Ashley graduated from Alma College in 2010. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education, with an endorsement in early childhood education. Ashley first began working at the Falls Village Day Care back in the winter of 2006. She worked there during vacations while attending college. Ashley worked as an assistant teacher and one summer worked as a long-term sub as a Lead Teacher. Since graduation Ashley has worked as a nanny, a lead teacher at Torrington Child Care and a Title I paraprofessional in the Region One school system. Ashley is an emergency medical responder and has been certified by the American Red Cross in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration. She is also certified as a lifeguard. During her free time Ashley volunteers for the Norfolk Ambulance Squad. Ashley currently lives in Salisbury.

 

Melissa Strattman – Lead Teacher – Toddler 1

Melissa has worked at the Falls Village Day Care Center for 15 years. She worked as a teacher’s assistant in high school for three years and became a full time staff member in 2001.  Her classroom fosters play based learning in a natural environment.  Our Infant/Toddler Developmental Observation System is pediatrician recommended and parent friendly. Melissa obtained her lead teacher certificate while attending Northwestern and is currently enrolled in Penn Foster College working towards her associate’s degree in early childhood education.   Melissa is CPR, First Aid and Epi-Pen certified. Melissa currently lives in Falls Village with her family.

 

Katelynne Pierce – Assistant Teacher – Toddler 1 and Toddler 2

Katelynne has a passion for working with children and has joined our staff as an assistant teacher working in the Infant/Toddler program.  Katelynne is pursuing a degree in psychology through Keene State College with a focus on children and adolescents. She previously worked as a camp counselor and as a substitute teacher in grades K-3 in the Kearsarge Regional School District in New Hampshire. Katelynne currently resides in Canaan.

 

Alissa Riley – Lead Teacher - Toddler 2

Alissa began working at the Falls Village Day Care Center in 2014. She attended the State Univeristy of New York at Cobleskill and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business. Alissa began working with children in 2009 through the EXTRAS program at Salisbury Central. She is certified in CPR, first aid, AED, and medication administration. Alissa currently lives in Lakeville.

 

Hilary Hall – Lead Teacher – Preschool
Hilary began working with the Falls Village Day Care Center in 2011.  She attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in History in 2010.  She enjoys working with the children at the center, because every day is special and a new adventure.  Hilary is pursuing her Master’s Degree in elementary education.

Marcia Gillette – Assistant Teacher - Preschool

Marcia’s experience dates back to 1966 when she taught first and second grades at the Church of the Mediator School in Riverdale, New York.   After raising her own son, she returned to working with children in the 1980’s at The Children’s School in Lime Rock, The Children’s School Summer Program in Lakeville, and at Rescue in Winsted. Marcia worked at Housatonic Child Care Center in Salisbury from 2005-2009.  During her time at HCCC, Marcia was head teacher for the Infant program.   After her time at HCCC, she ran a small home day care and also worked at Puddle Jumpers in Canaan.  She is CPR and First Aid certified.