Jessie Chandler
Assistant Director

Jessie Chandler
Jessie has a BA in Early Childhood Education Administration from SUNY Plattsburgh. She has been in the field of Early Child Education for over 10 years. She has been with Friendship since 2007.
Antonio DiGuiseppe
Finance Manager
I enjoy working with the staff everyday but nothing is better then when you walk into a classroom and the kids all say hi and want to give you a high-five.
Yndyiago McElroye
Administrative Support

Yndyiago McElroye
Yndyiago has been working in the Administrative field for over five years and in the childcare setting for two. She loves building relationships with the children and their families. She is glad to help you with any of your needs
Nancy Ortiz
Office Manager

Nancy Ortiz
Nancy has a Child Development Associate from the Council of Early Childhood Recognition. She has been with Friendship since 1988.
Layla Bell
Family Outreach/School Age Coordinator

Erin Ray
Layla has been working at Friendship since October 2016. She has been working with children since 2001.
She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and General Education. She is a mom of three great school-agers and I proudly live in the City of Rochester.
She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and General Education. She is a mom of three great school-agers and I proudly live in the City of Rochester.
Erin Ray
Lead UPK Teacher Caterpillar

Erin Ray
Erin has started working here September of 2014. She has her degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from SUNY Oswego.
John Whelehan
Lead UPK Teacher Busy-Bee

John Whelehan
This will be his second year working in UPK at Friendship. I have 6 years teaching experience with children ages 4-12. I have a Masters if Education from Union Institute & University and am Certified in NYS and VT. I love working alongside my colleagues to support our students and families.
Rachel Orenberg
Lead UPK Teacher Lady Bug Classroom

Rachel Orenberg
Rachel has been working at Friendship since February of 2015. She is certified in both early childhood & elementary education. She currently attends SUNY Brockport & is working on her Masters in Literacy B-12. She is originally from Atlanta, GA and has been teaching since 2009
Alexandra Mercado
Butterfly Classroom

Alexandra Mercado
Alexandra has a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. She has been with Friendship since 2005.
Tiffany Caez
Assistant UPK Teacher Busy Bee

Tiffany Caez
She has been in childcare for about 8 years and following in her mothers footsteps. She is currently taking classes to obtain her CDA to further her career. She has a 4 year old son who also attends Friendship in the UPK Program.
Kristina Gefell
Assistant EPK Teacher Rainbow

Kristina Gefell
She has been working with all ages of kids since she was 14 years old. She has worked in a YMCA in Florida in the school age program. She was also the Van driver and Van Matron at Wilson Commencement Park before coming to Friendship. She has been at Friendship since February 2016.
Tiffany Howard
Assistant EPK Teacher Rainbow

Tiffany Howard
Tiffany has a Child Development Associate from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. She has been with Friendship since 2007.
Camille Sykes
Assistant UPK Teacher Busy-Bee

Camille Sykes
Camille graduated from City College in 2012 with a BA in Communication and a minor in Journalism. She has her CDA and has worked all over the building as a float, along with teaching in the Rainbow Room and working as an assistant in UPK.
Tamara Jones
Assistant UPK Teacher Caterpillar

Tamara Jones
Tamara has a Child Development Associate from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. She has been with Friendship since 2005.
Brittany Labore
Leas EPK Teacher in the Rainbow Room

Brittany Labore
Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Keuka College. I am currently working on a Masters Degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education from Nazareth College. I was formally a UPK Assistant teacher for two years. Friendship has provided me with new opportunities for growth within a supportive environment.
Kristen Booth
UPK Lead Teacher Lady Bug Room

Kristen Booth
Charde Hughes
EPK Assistant Teacher Rainbow Room

Charde Hughes
I have my CDA in August of 2015. I have previously volunteered at another local daycare center before becoming a part of The Friendship team. They have given me an opportunity for growth and development over the years.
Ada Gutierrez
Butterfly Classroom

I have been working here for 21 years and I really love my job. I have a CDA and worked in every classroom at Friendship. I am glad to help out where I can.
Adel Feliciano-Castro
Lady Bug Assistant Teacher/School Age Teacher
Adel worked for Charter Schools for 15 years and in daycare setting for 4. She has an Associates Degree in Human Services. In her off time she loves to read and make DIY projects.
Michele McMeekin
Van Monitor
Michelle attended Pittsford Sutherland High School and graduated in 1991, she received a degree in Sociology from Robert Wesley. She has previously taught at Rochester City Schools, Southeast YMCA, Greece School District and has been working at Friendship since April 2015.
Chelsie Murray
Teacher Support

Chelsie Murray
Catherine Foltz
Teacher Support

Catherine Foltz
Catherine has 20 years Early Childhood Education experience in administration and in the classroom. She has an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts MCC, with a Human Service Certificate. She currently studies at RIT for Statistics and Psychology.
Melanie Davis
Van Driver

Melaine Davis
I have been in childcare since 1992 as a teacher, assistant teacher, Manager, Coordinator, Assistant Director and Van Driver. I enjoy watching children grow and learn, it makes my life that more special.
Kathleen Sobers
Late Day Teacher
I have worked for Friendship for almost 8 years. I really enjoy what I do here at Friendship.
Dorothy Fulton
Float Teacher

I have been working in daycares since 2004 and I have a CDA. I look forward to extending my education with children. I started at Friendship in February 2016 and love it here.
Leshauna Wingo
Assistant Lady Bug Teacher

Leshauna Wingo
Wanda Velazquez
Cook

Wanda Velazquez
Wanda has a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. She has been with Friendship since 1988. She is from Puerto Rico and moved to Rochester when she was six months old. She has been married for 28 years and has one child. Currently happily cooking for all of the daycare
Richard Velazquez
Facility Manager

Richard Velazquez
Richard has been with us since 2009.