At First Leaps Together, our dedicated and experienced teaching staff create an outstanding environment where your child's individualized success is the focus. Your child will be met with kindness, laughter, and continuous support as they learn and grow together.
Mrs. Krista S. Bordeleau, MA Ed., BCBA, LBA
Owner and Director
"It is with great pride and true joy that I work toward providing an amazing learning environment for all children. My professional experiences have led me to create a unique school, where all students receive the individualized instruction they need to succeed, where differences are celebrated, and where meaningful play is held in the highest regard. First Leaps Together is my vision for a setting that caters to the diverse needs of parents working both in and out of their homes while providing a traditional preschool program that focuses on joyful learning.
I have spent the last fifteen years working with children and families as a leader in the field of early intervention and educational leadership. I hold dual degrees and teacher certifications in special education and general education, and my post master's work has been in the field of Organizational Behavior Management and Applied Behavior Analysis. I am a teacher, administrator, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with years of experience helping children learn to overcome challenges and increase skills that enrich their lives, while guiding the adults around them to best support that journey.
Beyond this, what has truly informed my work is being the proud mother of Sadie and Emmie, who joined me at First Leaps Together when we opened in 2014.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to First Leaps Together, where our amazing team is ready for some fun!"
Owner and Director
"It is with great pride and true joy that I work toward providing an amazing learning environment for all children. My professional experiences have led me to create a unique school, where all students receive the individualized instruction they need to succeed, where differences are celebrated, and where meaningful play is held in the highest regard. First Leaps Together is my vision for a setting that caters to the diverse needs of parents working both in and out of their homes while providing a traditional preschool program that focuses on joyful learning.
I have spent the last fifteen years working with children and families as a leader in the field of early intervention and educational leadership. I hold dual degrees and teacher certifications in special education and general education, and my post master's work has been in the field of Organizational Behavior Management and Applied Behavior Analysis. I am a teacher, administrator, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with years of experience helping children learn to overcome challenges and increase skills that enrich their lives, while guiding the adults around them to best support that journey.
Beyond this, what has truly informed my work is being the proud mother of Sadie and Emmie, who joined me at First Leaps Together when we opened in 2014.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to First Leaps Together, where our amazing team is ready for some fun!"
Mrs. Sheila Robinson -
Program Administrator and Lead Teacher
"I have been a mom for 35 years, a grandmother for 12 years, and a nursery school teacher for 27 years. I guess you would say I love children. When you listen to a child it is amazing, their humor, kindness, intelligence just all pours out. I love it when they see they are amazing. They can accomplish anything."
Program Administrator and Lead Teacher
"I have been a mom for 35 years, a grandmother for 12 years, and a nursery school teacher for 27 years. I guess you would say I love children. When you listen to a child it is amazing, their humor, kindness, intelligence just all pours out. I love it when they see they are amazing. They can accomplish anything."
Mrs. Kathryn Smith - Lead Teacher - Frogs
"I am very excited to be a teacher at First Leaps Together. Before coming to First Leaps in 2014, I spent twenty-nine years as a Nursery School teacher at Ledyard Center Nursery School in addition to working as the Director of the "Kiddie Camp" summer program at the Weekapaug Yacht Club for the past thirteen years.
My outside interests include Yoga and spending time with my family, especially my two grandchildren. One of the many things that I enjoy about teaching is the joy I feel in providing a nurturing learning environment and knowing that I am sending a child off to Kindergarten with the confidence and tools that they need to succeed.
"I am very excited to be a teacher at First Leaps Together. Before coming to First Leaps in 2014, I spent twenty-nine years as a Nursery School teacher at Ledyard Center Nursery School in addition to working as the Director of the "Kiddie Camp" summer program at the Weekapaug Yacht Club for the past thirteen years.
My outside interests include Yoga and spending time with my family, especially my two grandchildren. One of the many things that I enjoy about teaching is the joy I feel in providing a nurturing learning environment and knowing that I am sending a child off to Kindergarten with the confidence and tools that they need to succeed.
Ms. Jessica Maynard - Lead Teacher - Froglets
Ms. Maynard joined the First Leaps Together team in the fall of 2015. Jessica holds a bachelor's degree in Education and comes to us with past experiences teaching elementary school and church nursery school programs. Ms. Maynard is also mom to her 3 young children.
Ms. Maynard joined the First Leaps Together team in the fall of 2015. Jessica holds a bachelor's degree in Education and comes to us with past experiences teaching elementary school and church nursery school programs. Ms. Maynard is also mom to her 3 young children.
Mrs. Julie Sumner- Lead Teacher - Tadpole II
We welcomed Mrs. Sumner in the Tadpole2 classroom in December of 2017. Ms. Sumner joined us with 16 years combined experience in education and social work. She holds a Master's degree in Education, and a CT State teaching certification.
We welcomed Mrs. Sumner in the Tadpole2 classroom in December of 2017. Ms. Sumner joined us with 16 years combined experience in education and social work. She holds a Master's degree in Education, and a CT State teaching certification.
Mrs. Carrie Sitz - Lead Teacher - Tadpole I
Mrs. Sitz joined our team in 2014 with numerous experiences working with young children, most recently as a paraprofessional in the public school setting. Carrie lives in Ledyard with her husband and son. "I find working with children fascinating and fulfilling and look forward to an exciting school year!"
Mrs. Sitz joined our team in 2014 with numerous experiences working with young children, most recently as a paraprofessional in the public school setting. Carrie lives in Ledyard with her husband and son. "I find working with children fascinating and fulfilling and look forward to an exciting school year!"
Mrs. Donna Bagg - Teacher
Mrs. Bagg joined First Leaps Together in 2014 after 11 years as part of the team at Ledyard Center Nursery School. She came to us with over 20 years experience working with children combined with her Bachelor's Degree in Literature and Sociology from UCONN. Donna is married and has 3 children. She is also a lifelong Ledyard resident.
Mrs. Bagg joined First Leaps Together in 2014 after 11 years as part of the team at Ledyard Center Nursery School. She came to us with over 20 years experience working with children combined with her Bachelor's Degree in Literature and Sociology from UCONN. Donna is married and has 3 children. She is also a lifelong Ledyard resident.
Ms. Katherine Stapleton - Teacher
Ms. Stapleton completed a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Business Administration in December of 2016, and joined us shortly after. Katherine is a Connecticut certified nursery teacher and was most recently a teacher at Eastern's preschool research lab and a student teacher at Ledyard Center School. Ms. Stapleton is also a CT designated Head Teacher.
Ms. Stapleton completed a dual degree in Early Childhood Education and Business Administration in December of 2016, and joined us shortly after. Katherine is a Connecticut certified nursery teacher and was most recently a teacher at Eastern's preschool research lab and a student teacher at Ledyard Center School. Ms. Stapleton is also a CT designated Head Teacher.
Ms. Nicole Neigel - Teacher
Ms. Neigel joined our team in early 2018 as a floating teacher, much needed helping hands throughout our classrooms. She also works with our Frog and Froglet classes in the afternoons. Ms. Neigel is working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education and looks forward to gaining a great deal of experience here with our students.
Ms. Neigel joined our team in early 2018 as a floating teacher, much needed helping hands throughout our classrooms. She also works with our Frog and Froglet classes in the afternoons. Ms. Neigel is working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education and looks forward to gaining a great deal of experience here with our students.
Mrs. Cynthia Belanger - Teacher
Mrs. Belanger leaped into our pond in the spring of 2018, and is currently working with our Tadpole2 friends. Cindy holds a CDA in early childhood and has recently moved to Connecticut. She joins us with years of experience working in early childhood classrooms, and we are glad to have her here!
Mrs. Belanger leaped into our pond in the spring of 2018, and is currently working with our Tadpole2 friends. Cindy holds a CDA in early childhood and has recently moved to Connecticut. She joins us with years of experience working in early childhood classrooms, and we are glad to have her here!
Ms. Emma Chase - Teacher
Our Tadpole1 friends welcomed Ms. Chase in the spring of 2018. Emma holds an EEC certification and her most recent experiences include time spent in preschool settings on Cape Cod! She is excited to get to know all of our littlest friends.
Our Tadpole1 friends welcomed Ms. Chase in the spring of 2018. Emma holds an EEC certification and her most recent experiences include time spent in preschool settings on Cape Cod! She is excited to get to know all of our littlest friends.
Mrs. Lindsey Hamman- Teacher
Mrs. Hamman joined us in the summer of 2018 after moving to CT from Kansas! Her past experiences include years in elementary and preschool classrooms supporting general and special education students. Lindsey holds a Master's degree in Education, and is mom to her two children.
Mrs. Hamman joined us in the summer of 2018 after moving to CT from Kansas! Her past experiences include years in elementary and preschool classrooms supporting general and special education students. Lindsey holds a Master's degree in Education, and is mom to her two children.
Ms. Doris Case - Teacher
Ms. Case jumped into our pond in the summer of 2018 after working as a paraprofessional for the Groton public schools for 10 years. Doris is also mom to her two daughters, and we are excited to have her supporting our Tadpole2 students this year!
Ms. Case jumped into our pond in the summer of 2018 after working as a paraprofessional for the Groton public schools for 10 years. Doris is also mom to her two daughters, and we are excited to have her supporting our Tadpole2 students this year!
Mrs. Beth Ayer - Substitute Teacher
Mrs. Ayer pinch hits when we need her! As the former Director of Ledyard Center Nursery School she can fill any need we have when our teachers need to be away from school and is a valuable member of our team!
Mrs. Ayer pinch hits when we need her! As the former Director of Ledyard Center Nursery School she can fill any need we have when our teachers need to be away from school and is a valuable member of our team!