Friendship Children's Center
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Joi DiGennaro-McMurtry
Executive Director

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Joi DiGennaro-McMurtry

I have found my home at Friendship! Supervising the most amazing staff is easy because they educate and love our children effortlessly.
The families make me feel loved and the community is one of a kind. I feel honored to lead this amazing child care center.



Jessie Chandler
Assistant Director

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.


Erin Ray
Lead UPK Teacher Caterpillar

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
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UPK Lead Teacher Lady Bug Room

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Kristen Booth



Charde Hughes
EPK Assistant Teacher Rainbow Room

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Chelsie Murray



Catherine Foltz
Teacher Support

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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

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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

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I have worked for Friendship for almost 8 years. I really enjoy what I do here at Friendship.

Dorothy Fulton
Float Teacher

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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

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Leshauna Wingo

Wanda Velazquez
Cook

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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

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Richard Velazquez

Richard has been with us since 2009.

  • Home
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    • CHAIR PROJECT
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