Meet our Directors, Teachers & Board Members

MEGHANN CARRASCOExecutive Director & Co-Founder

Meghann grew up in South Portland and Raymond, Maine. For much of her life, she has been invested in nonprofit work, as her mother ran a nonprofit for adults with disabilities, focusing on care for adults like her older sister, who had Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Cognitive Delay.

Meghann received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Maine, Orono. After graduating from college, Meghann returned to school at the New England Culinary Institute to pursue a culinary certificate degree. She went on to run her own baking business and ended up moving to Colorado and running the admissions program for Cook Street School of Culinary Arts, as their Director of Admissions. Throughout Meghann’s life, she has always had a love for food and nutrition and has been more and more inspired as she has opened Seedlings to Sunflowers.

Meghann has been involved with working with children throughout her life. She helped run a before and after care program at the YMCA in Bangor, Maine during college and nannied during summers. While living in Colorado, she was heavily involved in the Slow Food Denver School Garden Project and helped elementary and middle schools create school gardens for their campuses. When Meghann had her own children, she started a food blog called “Feeding Bebe” focusing on introducing nutrient dense foods to children. Now with two growing boys, she has included them in the preparation of meals and the importance of health & wellness.

Meghann’s role at Seedlings to Sunflowers has shifted and she now oversees the foundation of the program. She is on the Policy Committee for MaineAEYC and has been working with the State and DOE to move public access to Pre-K forward. She hopes to continue to advocate for this field, seeking to support both educators and parents during these first formative years of life. She is excited about what is next to come for this beautiful community!

Meghann shares a home in Westbrook, Maine with her husband, Donny, their two boys, Isa & Luca and their dog, Oskar.

CHARLOTTE JACOBSProgram Director

With over 12 years of experience working in childcare with children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years, Miss Charlotte can answer any childcare related questions you have. Charlotte has been with Seedlings to Sunflowers since we opened our doors in June 2018 has been our Program Director since June 2021.⠀

Charlotte has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Maine Community College. She is CPR/First-Aid Certified and a Level 6 on Maine Roads to Quality. Charlotte loves getting to watch and aid in the development of our Seedlings to Sunflowers students from the ages of 3 months to 5 years. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to support our educators within the classroom while still connecting with each and every child. Charlotte appreciates the supportive and dedicated culture at Seedlings to Sunflowers and is devoted to carrying out our mission as a school community.⠀

She lives in Scarborough with her husband, daughter, son, and dogs. During her free time, she enjoys all the natural wonders of Maine with her family: hiking, swimming at Sebago Lake, camping, gardening at home, and just relaxing with each other.

KAT BINFORDAssistant Director

Miss Kat has worked in childcare since 2015 and been at S2S since July 2018. She has her Bachelors Degree in Social Behavioral Science and Early Childhood Development and is CPR and water safety certified. Since starting at S2S, Miss Kat has been a lead teacher and taught in almost every single one of our classrooms. To know Miss Kat is to love her! She is very bubbly and outgoing and all of our students absolutely adore her! She loves working at Seedlings to Sunflowers and is so grateful to be a part of a community that truly feels like family.

CAITLIN DIGGLESMarketing & Communications Coordinator

Caitlin has a background in online marketing, design, and volunteer programming. She received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont where she expressed her passion for volunteer programming and service learning as the Director of Programs for Volunteers in Action, overseeing 22 various volunteer programs and their leaders.

Caitlin has an extensive background in online marketing from account management, brand and media consulting, website and graphic design, and social media marketing. She also has editorial experience with online magazines, photo shoot design and styling.

Caitlin creates & manages Seedlings to Sunflowers’ social media presence, newsletters, website, and marketing materials. She also oversees fundraising and grant efforts and assists with special projects. From time to time, you will also see her helping out in classrooms – she loves the opportunity to spend time with all the kiddos! Her role at S2S has filled her bucket as it has married her marketing skills with her passion for giving back.

Being a part of a non-profit dedicated to cultivating a lifelong commitment to positive educational experiences for children, is an amazing honor. She is thrilled to work alongside caring, creative, intelligent and passionate individuals whose mission is to help carry out the vision of this wonderful, innovative school. Caitlin has been at S2S since 2018 and is overjoyed to have her daughter and son attending a school where they thrive and where her family feels supported by their loving community!

TERESA JAYNESOffice Manager

Teresa (Mama T as we all call her) has been with Seedlings to Sunflowers since October of 2018. She comes from a background in business with a degree in small business management, most recently having managed a financial practice. Teresa oversees bookkeeping, ordering and overall office operations. She adores the strong tribe of women that she gets to work with everyday and is grateful to be a part of the Seedlings to Sunflowers Community! In her free time, Teresa enjoys feeding people, being outside with her family, and anything involving music. She resides in Windham with her husband, Joe, her 2 sons, Sam & Rowan, and their Chocolate Lab, Maggie Mae.

CHELSEA WILSONGarden Program Coordinator & Floating Teacher

My name is Chelsea Wilson. I joined S2S as an employee in July 2021 after the birth of my son, but have been part of the community since May 2019 when my daughter started attending.

In the past, I’ve worked in the grocery business as store leadership and have worked with local farmers and producers across New England to get their products on grocery store shelves.

After graduating with a degree in biology, I worked as a farm apprentice on an organic farm in central Maine where my love of gardening was born.

My favorite part of being the Garden Coordinator is watching the simple joy in kids as they witness growth of a plant from seed to harvest. I hope to influence a lifelong appreciation for gardening in our S2S kids.

SUMMERChef de Cuisine

I’m Miss Summer! I joined Seedlings and Sunflowers in August 2021. I have the joy of getting to spend my time primarily in the kitchen, working alongside Miss Meghann, with creating an ever-expanding and fun menu and culinary projects to work on with the kids. I have always had a love and fascination with human development and now I am getting to explore how the kitchen can become an integrated aspect. In 2011, I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Farmington, and then proceeded to develop a career in the caretaking field. I first learned menu planning and the importance of its dietary impact while working as a Direct Care Professional in group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. When I had my daughter, I became a stay at home mother for a while, and when it was time for me to rejoin the workforce I decided that I’d explore a less emotionally demanding field. Starting at a local pizza place I learned how a small business can play a crucial role in its community, and cooking in a nursing home taught me how important the role food plays on a person’s overall quality of life and sense of comfort. Learning a struggling resident’s go-to comfort food and making it just how they liked it, became my favorite aspect of the job. As much joy as I gained from this, there is also an equal amount of pain that is inescapable when working in a place designed to assist with the easing of moving from life. I continued to develop my culinary skills, and am so grateful to have found myself being able to bring all of the best aspects of these experiences and education to fruition here at Seedlings to Sunflowers.

LISA HEIDELLead Teacher in Sunflowers 2 Room (Pre-K)

Lisa has over 16 years of experience as a Special Education teacher and has been at Seedlings to Sunflowers since June 2020 . She has her Behavior Health Professional and Ed. Tech Certifications. She is very creative and loves doing fun and messy projects with her students. She has always enjoyed working with children and seeing their curiosity for everything. Lisa resides in Portland and in her spare time, she loves to travel, bake, cook, read, and spend time with her 3 kids.

ABBY STRINGHAMCo-Teacher in Sunflowers 2 Room (Pre-K)

Miss Abby has recently moved from Maryland to the New England area and has recently found her home at Seedlings to Sunflowers. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Salisbury University and has spent her life working with animals and children in different capacities. She has taught preschool through her high school’s child development program and has done educational programming for zoos and aquariums. In addition, she has worked as a veterinary technician, dog trainer, and an otter trainer. Her favorite part about working with kids is that they have such a positive outlook on the world and they are able to reminder her of the goodness in people. While she has no human children of her own she has her dog, Chester (who has 3 legs), her boyfriend’s dog, Oscar, and two cats, Chessie and Rey. In her spare time, Abby loves to read, enjoy coffee, watch Disney movies, and plan her next travel adventure.

NANCI EGGLESTONSunflowers Room Lead Teacher & Curriculum Coordinator

Nanci graduated from UMaine Orono in 2016 with degrees in Physical Education, Health, and Psychology and is a Level 6 on Maine Roads to Quality. With over 14 years working with children, Miss Nanci has an extensive aquatic background as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and aquatic director. She enjoys teaching children independence and life skills. Nanci is an American Red Cross CPR, First AID and AED Certified Trainer and teaches our CPR & First Aid courses here at Seedlings to Sunflowers. If you have a Health & Safety question – Miss Nanci has the answer! She is well versed in Conscious Discipline and plans our school-wide curriculum. Nanci regularly meets with our teachers and helps them plan how to implement the curriculum in their classrooms.

AMANDA ROBINSONCo-Teacher in Sunflowers 1 Room (Pre-K)

Amanda is very excited to be a part of the S2S family. She started her journey in the childcare field in 2011. Amanda received her CDA for preschool in 2013. She devotes her time to teaching everyday life skills in a loving, kind and safe environment. Her goal is to ensure everyone feels accepted and loved in her care. Her favorite part of being a teacher is watching the excitement on a child’s face when they can do something on their own for the first time. In her free time, Amanda likes to spend time with her husband, best friend and pets. She has 2 cats, a bunny, a parakeet and an African Grey Parrot. She enjoys going to the movies, the ocean, roller skating and going to concerts.

MICHELLE GREENLAWLead Teacher in Little Runners Room (3-4 yrs)

Miss Michelle has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Development and has been with Seedlings to Sunflowers since May 2019. She earned her CDA (Child Development Associates) from SMCC. With her background primarily teaching 3-5 year olds, she is thrilled to be a Co-Teacher in the Little Runners Room! Her goal is to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children and families to feel welcome. Michelle lives in Gorham with her 3 boys, 1 nephew, and her 3 fur babies.

SYDNEY COFFINCo-Teacher in Little Runners Room (3-4 yrs)

Miss Sydney has enjoyed working with children since 2019. She is glad to be at Seedlings to Sunflower to continue to grow in a job that she loves. Sydney plans to take classes in education and child development. She has worked with all ages and has babysat for families on the side. Her favorite part about working with children is seeing their unique personalities at such a young age, and being able to have a positive impact on them and help them feel empowered as they grow. In her free time, Sydney loves to play with her dogs, Bella and Blu, and enjoys going on runs when she gets the chance. She’s been enjoying getting to know all the children and families at S2S and is happy to be a part of the community here!

KAYLIE MCPHEECo-Teacher in Little Runners Room (3-4 yrs)

I live in Gorham and I recently graduated from Westbrook High School in June 2022. Since the age of five, I’ve spent a lot of my time at The Dance Studio of Maine in Gorham, not only as a student, but also as an Assistant Dance Teacher for several years.
As of recently, I have become a dance teacher to ages 4-9. My love for teaching has grown over the years. Being able to connect and see kids grow, makes me so happy! I’m excited to start this new journey at Seedlings to Sunflowers and see where it takes me!

DEBORAH PERREAULTLead Teacher in Sprouts Room (2-3 yrs)

My name is Miss Deb and I have been dedicating my time to early childhood education for over a decade. It is truly not just a career, but a calling. My favorite part about working with children and their families is building bonds and forming meaningful connections. I’m invested in our culture, level of professionalism, and character our establishment possesses! I live at home with my husband, 2 cats, and rabbit. Some of my hobbies include reading, hiking, painting, and gem collecting.

LORRAINE MAINSCo-Teacher in Sprouts Room (2-3 yrs)

My name is Lorraine and I’ve been working in the childcare field since 2019. I’ve lived in Buxton, ME my whole life and graduated from Bonny Eagle High School. My favorite part about working with children is watching them retain and use the new skills they’ve been taught. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my cat, Luna. I am so excited to be a part of the Seedlings to Sunflowers team.

BRIDGET ARNOULTCo-Teacher in Sprouts Room (2-3 yrs)

I have been working as a Toddler Teacher for a year and my interest in Early Childhood Education began when I started my degree in this field at Pennsylvania State University. I grew up in Greencastle, Pennsylvania with my two sisters, one brother, several dogs, cats, frogs, and various lizards. In third grade, I met Sean, my now fiance. We attended Penn State together and moved to Maine to follow his career as an engineer. After pausing my education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am excited to return to school and plan to complete my degree. My passion for this field stems from my still-vivid memories of early childhood, the magic of discovery and my joy for learning about the world around me. As an adult, my appreciation for the people who created so much of that magic and fostered my love of learning inspires me to do the same for the children in my life.

In my free time, I am a decent roller derby player, an amateur surfer, and an intermediate seamstress. I love to be outside, be creative, and be myself. I hope to instill the same love dof the outdoors, creativity, and one’s self in children in my care.”

BRYANNA GRIFFINLead Teacher in Seedlings Room (1-2 year olds)

My name is Miss Bryanna and I have been at Seedlings toSunflowers since August 2020. I graduated HS in 2014and shortly after obtained my CNA license. My dream isto someday pursue a degree in Early Childhood Development. Working with children is truly one of my greatest passions in life. It’s not ‘work’ tome. I believe it’s important to provide children with a fun,fulfilling, creative, enriched environment.

I like to think of myself as a compassionate, patient,responsible, determined person. I’m an old soul in a young person’s body. I love living in a state where we are fortunate enough to experience all four seasons. I was born and raised here and I don’t think I will ever live anywhere else.

Some things to know about me: I’m completely obsessed with all of my fur babies. I married my H.S. sweetheart on 8/18/18. Sunflowers are my favorite flower. I love hiking and being outdoors. My husband and I had our miracle IVF baby, Gunner John on 3/1/22. In my free time, you can find me in my gardens, collecting sea glass, or reading a book. I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing community!

AMY CARIGNANCo-Teacher in Seedlings Room (1-2yrs)

Hello, my name is Amy and I’ve been enjoying my time as a teacher in the Seedlings Room since October 2020. I love it! I have worked in childcare for 7 years and earned my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. My favorite thing about working with children is that I get to see them grow and thrive, AND I get to be as silly as I want, and they love me for it! I also have a lot of experience as a baker and cook. I have 2 children: my daughter, Malika, is currently attending Columbia College in Chicago and I have a son Landon who is 8 years old. I live in Gorham along with my 2 cats and my guinea pig who I love!

DESTINEY STARKEYCo-Teacher in Seedlings Room (1-2yrs)

Destiney knew she wanted to be a teacher as early as Kindergarten. She started caring for children at the age of 9 helping out with her mom’s godchildren. While attending High School, she took classes in Early Childhood Education at the Westbrook Regional Vocational Center. Destiney earned an Applied Science of Early Childhood Education Degree from SMCC while working in childcare. After graduating, she began working at S2S in July of 2022 in our Seedlings Room with the 1-2 year old kiddos, which she felt was the perfect fit for her!

In her free time, you can find Destiney spending time with friends and family and her 4 cats at home. She likes being outside during Spring through Fall (anytime it’s warm out) and going to the lake!

ALICIA ROSSLead Teacher in Nursery 1 (6 weeks - 9 months)

Miss Alicia has been at Seedlings to Sunflowers for over 3 years. She started out as a Floating Teacher, then spent 2.5 years as a Seedlings Room Teacher with the 1-2 yr olds, and now is Lead Teacher in Nursery 1. Alicia graduated from USM in 2009 with an English Degree. While she attended USM, Alicia took several education classes and volunteered in classrooms ranging from Head Start to 3rd grade. Working with children is Alicia’s passion and she always makes it a point to know every child in the school and be a set of ears if someone needs to talk and arms to help. On the weekends, Alicia likes to go on hikes around Maine and New Hampshire with her two sons, Noah and Ezra, her fiancé, Jeremy, and their puppy, Gracie.

MOLLY CASELead Teacher in Nursery 2 (9-18 months)

My name is Molly Case. I joined the S2S team as an employee in April 2021 after having been a part of the community since our oldest son started attending in October 2018. Prior to working here, I’d been working as an entrepreneur in a professional setting. My degree is in therapeutic recreation and I’ve worked in both community and hospital settings with children of all ages. My favorite part of my job in Nursery 2, is helping families navigate through the many developmental changes that occur in this age group.

My two sons, Milo and Leroy both attend S2S. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, especially at the beach and local hiking trails!

ALANNA LESSARDCo-Teacher in Nursery 2 (9-18 months)

My name is Alanna, I am a mom of two boys, Carter who is 10 and Cooper who is 4 months old. They are my absolute world! I have spent the last 7 years working with adults with disabilities, and as much as I have loved it, I was ready for a change. I a the nursery floating teacher here at Seedlings to Sunflowers, supporting the lead teachers in our two Nursery Rooms. I am new to the daycare world and am looking forward to helping your children learn and grow!

EMILY FIELDSFloating Pre-K Teacher

Miss Emily earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s College. She worked in public education before coming to Seedlings to Sunflowers in 2019. Emily started out teaching in our Nursery Rooms and became a Lead Teacher in Nursery 2. She has recently transitioned from teaching our youngest students to teaching our oldest students in our Sunflower Pre-K Room. She loves being able to watch little ones grow and develop each day. Emily has a great appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys sharing it with her littles. In her spare time, she likes to go hiking, biking and camping with her family.

MORGAN PEDNAULTFloating Teacher

My name is Morgan and even though I’ve recently started working in childcare, I’ve been around children for many years. I graduated from Westbrook High School in 2022. My favorite part about working with children is watching the grow and seeing their personalities develop. I am so happy I joined the Seedlings to Sunflowers team!

NICK ZABENKOFloating Teacher

My name is Mr. Nick. I recently came back to join the S2S family. I have a background as a Behavioral Health Professional, Personal Support Professional, as well as in home one-on-one care. After a couple year hiatus, I couldn’t help but come back. Ever since I stepped away, a piece of me was missing. I’m here to help build our future generations and watch them have a wonderful time learning.

JESS CARONFloating Teacher

My name is Jess and I recently rejoined Seedlings to Sunflowers as a floating teacher. You have most likely seen me in your child’s classroom from time to time.

I grew up in the Windham and Standish area and I now live in Gorham with my son and 2 cats. I enjoy doing various activities throughout the summer and also working around my house. I’m a very outdoorsy person during the summer months…anything from camping, listening to live bands, dancing, and rides in my Jeep. In my spare time, I make handmade jewelry and have also started a small Etsy page for it.

I also enjoy foraging for wild mushrooms and plants- I study holistic medicine and work with the plants and their powerful medicine. Feel free to ask me about my natural baby powder or diaper rash cream that I offer.

I came into the childcare business so I could teach them how to learn, grow, and spark their own inner creative personality.

MADDI SCIUTOFloating Teacher

My name is Maddi Sciuto and I am so excited to introduce myself to this wonderful community! I grew up on the seacoast of New Hampshire and made my move to Maine in 2013 after graduating high school. For the past 10 years I have poured my work into childcare and child related professions, all ranging from gymnastics couch to toddler teacher to stay at home nanny. These experiences have given me such a unique outlook on child development from all stages and age groups, I love watching and being involved in the growth and development of all the children I get to work with. Each stage of early childhood is so amazingly bitter sweet, and being able to support not only children, but parents and caregivers in this crazy journey is so rewarding. In my free time, you can find me gardening, spending time with my partner, Nick, and our two pups, attempting DIY home projects and nesting away to prepare for our first baby coming Fall 2023.

NATALIE FLYNNBoard President

Natalie is a Site Coordinator for Special Education at Windham High School where she provides leadership and consultation to both regular and special education teachers to collaboratively achieve the best research-based instructional strategies and programs to meet the needs of diverse learners. She has both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. She lives in Westbrook with her husband, Ethan, and 3 year old daughter, Lucille. Lu has been attending Seedlings to Sunflowers since she was 4 months old.

AMY HAMMONDTreasurer

Amy is the Sales Operations Director at Planson International. A woman-owned global IT solutions provider serving international organizations in a shared commitment to humanitarian goals. She has a BA in Political Science from the University of Southern Maine. She lives in Gorham with her husband Dan, daughters Meara & Julia, and their Labrador Retriever, Frank.

LEAH STURMSecretary

Leah is an environmental and science enthusiast who has recently started working with the great folks at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, supporting the Development and Research teams. She has dual bachelor degrees in Geology and Environmental Studies, with a focus on environmental policy.

Leah and her husband have two children and have lived in Gorham for the past 10 years. Prior to living in Maine, they lived in the White Mountains of NH. Leah hails from the midwestern state of Indiana where she and her family travel annually to share time with family.

MELISSA TIMBERLAKEBoard Member

Melissa Timberlake is a Nurse Practitioner who is board-certified as a Family and an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She is also the business owner of a local Med Spa, Allure Medical Aesthetics, where she provides medical and cosmetic treatments.

Melissa and her husband moved back home to Maine in 2017 from Denver Colorado so they could raise their 2 daughters closer to family and enjoy the outdoors that only Maine can offer.

ALYSE JONESBoard Member

Alyse Jones has a background in Marketing and Communications having worked for an engineering firm as the Marketing Coordinator for 5 years. Prior to moving to Maine, Alyse lived in Boston where she graduated from Suffolk University with a degree in Communications and had her first job at a social media agency. Alyse is Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee and looks forward to engaging with the S2S community, Gorham, and surrounding towns. She resides in Gorham with her husband, their two kids, and English Cocker Spaniel.

MARISSA RITZ, LCSWCo-Founder

Marissa has been in the field of Social Work for over a decade and has spent much of her career working with individuals, couples, parents and children in an effort to strength family relationships. Marissa holds an Independent Clinical Social Work License and has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. In addition to her work with Seedlings to Sunflowers, Marissa acts as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New England and provides statewide training for the Sweetser Training Institute.

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