We’re updating this page with all our new staff, so you will see partial entries below.
hoto Credit: JJen BennetT
Hollie Wagner, Owner & Preschool Director
My dream has always been to have my own preschool. I grew up in Alfred NY and helped my mom with her in-home daycare and Toddle Time at church. I started babysitting at an early age and haven't stopped caring for kids. I love watching them learn and grow.
I received my bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on child development. I went back for my master's degree in elementary education while teaching. I have taught children ages 2-12 and have found my happiness with the preschoolers. While in a preschool room I have been a teacher's assistant, a teacher, the head teacher, and a director.
I'm excited to have my own preschool, meeting your children, and becoming their teacher.
Laurel Karee, Daycare Director
Hi, I’m Miss Laurel! I am from Elmira, and from a young age I’ve enjoyed spending time with children and babysitting. As my passion for supporting children developed, I worked as a one-on-one teacher's Aide in the Horseheads School District. I then began a position at the preschool, before coming over to the infant and toddler center.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree, and in my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, biking, cooking, and reading.
I consider the first five years of a child’s life to be the most crucial time for their development. I am grateful every day to have the privilege of helping children learn to be their authentic selves, encourage their curiosity, and interact with the world around them confidently and safely. I believe that the best way to build a positive environment for children is to work together and create a strong community. I strive to work with families to make the transition from home to school as comfortable as possible by learning about what life at home looks like for each individual child and bringing aspects of it into the classroom. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life!
Beth Earley, Infant Lead Teacher
Hi! I’m Beth! I live with my husband Kevin and my cat Simba, and in my spare time enjoy crafting and reading. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been with Itsy Bitsy since 2018, beginning with the preschool, and joined the daycare as the lead infant teacher in July of 2023!
My favorite thing about working with our infants is getting to play a role in their growth and exploring of the world around them as they move through stages that are such building blocks for their futures. I strive to make our room a safe and nurturing home away from home with our Itsy Bitsy family!
I’m so lucky to have such a meaningful and enjoyable career and thank you for trusting me to be a part of their journey!
Sara DeLano, Infant Lead Teacher
Hi there!
My name is Sara, and I am the lead teacher in the Waddler room. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, and I love teaching these tiny humans as they grow into their own uniqueness!
Art is always involved in my life, whether in the classroom or at home for my art business. I look forward to seeing your little one and the masterpieces they make!
Melissa Newman, Toddler Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Miss Melissa. I grew up in the Binghamton area and graduated from Chenango Forks in 2003. I moved to Horseheads in 2008 to be closer to family.
I've been working with kids since I was a teenager. Most of my work experience has been working with children with disabilities. I used to do respite care before I had my own kids.
I have two teenagers, Addison, age 16, and Connor, age 19. After I had my son in 2005, I decided to be a stay at home mom, which I did for 14 years. I was blessed to have those years raising them.
Before joining Itsy Bitsy Inspirations, I was an aid for a little girl with Down Syndrome. I started at Itsy Bitsy in May of 2023 at the preschool first and then switched over to the daycare in September. Then, in October, I was asked to be the lead teacher of the toddler room.
Two year olds are challenging, but they are so much fun. I love watching these kids grow and learn. My favorite part of being a teacher is being silly. I love dancing with the kids and getting into character when reading them story books. I'm currently in the process of working towards getting my CDA!
“It takes a big heart to shape little minds.” -unknown
Jennifer Harris, Teacher Assistant
Hello! I'm Jennifer. I grew up on Long Island until I was about 9 and then moved up to this area. I have a son, a daughter, and four dogs.
I started working at Itsy Bitsy Inspirations preschool in September 2021 and moved to the daycare shortly after it opened so I could take care of the younger kiddos.
I love watching the kiddos of all ages learn and grow and discover who they are! I am very happy to be a part of the Itsy Bitsy family!
Jana Gage, Teacher Assistant
I grew up for the first 9 years of my life in Phoenix AZ, then moved to Corning. My favorite hobby is hiking, or anything outdoors.
A couple interesting facts about me: I have 4 cats and about 50 house plants! I also work at Three Birds on Market St in Corning.
My favorite thing about Itsy Bitsy is being able to have a positive impact on the children, and knowing when they come to Itsy Bitsy they are loved and appreciated for who they are!
June Taylor, Teacher Assistant
I grew up in Elmira and moved to Painted Post in 2006. I got my early education degree from Corning Community College and Alfred University in 2019.
I have a son and two daughters, as well as a dog and two cats.
In my spare time I like art and flooring projects, and I’m always chauffeuring my kids.
At Itsy Bitsy I love watching all the kids’ growth and “light bulb” moments.
Danielle Beres, Teacher Assistant
I grew up right in Caton and went to CPP schools. I then went to Hartwick College and earned my degree in political science and English.
I have a son and 3 daughters and attend as many of their activities as possible, including even participating in their ballet shows in the past. When there is spare time I like to read and craft.
I love the kids at Itsy Bitsy and their imaginations.
Aubrianna Bradley, Teacher Assistant
Hi, my name is Aubrianna. I grew up in the small town of Woodhull. I've always loved spending time with children. I have been babysitting from a young age, I coach/reffed youth soccer, and helped out with the kids at church. I want to continue my education to get a CDA!
I have four sisters and three brothers. I live on a farm and enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my friends and family, and being outside. I love working here at Itsy Bitsy, I love being a part in the kids lives, and watching them grow!
Trisha Clark, Teacher Assistant
Hi! My name is Trisha, I grew up in Corning and Elmira Heights.
I have always wanted to work with kids from a very young age and now I have been working in childcare for about 5 years! I am currently working towards getting my CDA!
I have a 3 year old daughter, who also attended Itsy Bitsy’s toddler program. I spend most of my free time with her and I also love riding 4-wheelers and playing softball. I love working with the kiddos at Itsy Bitsy! It always brightens my day to see all their little faces!:)
Christina Hanmore, Teacher Assistant
I was born and raised in Oklahoma. In 2019, my husband and I decided to move to New York to be closer to family. We absolutely love it here! We have 3 boys and a beautiful niece.
I love working with little kids. I love helping them learn and watching them grow. I enjoy reading books, helping out with arts and crafts, and singing cute little songs to them. I will soon be attending school to work on a child development associate degree.
I look forward to seeing these kiddos bright, beautiful smiles every day. I absolutely love my job.
Lisa Wray, Teacher Assistant
Hi! My name is Lisa and I work primarily in the toddler room. I have 2 children of my own. They are 23 & 22. Two years ago my daughter blessed me with the most perfect grandson ever!
I've always had a passion for working with children. Currently I am working on getting my Child Development Associates Credential. A lot of people can't say they love their jobs but I truly can!
Thank you for trusting us with your babies, I love watching them grow and discover all about the world around them!
Isabella Furman, Teacher Assistant
My name is Isabella, and I help out primarily in the Infant room. Spending time interacting with the infants, and watching them develop their own little personalities is my favorite part!
I enjoy spending time with my children baking and making different arts and crafts in my free time.