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December 19, 2016

12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 9: West Amherst Edition

This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.

Happy Monday, Doodle Community! We hope you had a productive final weekend before Christmas. Is it just me, or does it not seem to matter how early you start, you’re running errands right up until the big day? There’s always one last gift card or roll of wrapping paper to buy!

Let’s take a break from the hustle and bustle to tip our Santa hats to our most tenured Director, Ms. Colleen Nolan, from our West Amherst, NY center. Colleen has been on the Doodle Bugs! team for 19 years and the Early Childhood industry for over 30 years! Wow!

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She has an Early Childhood Education Degree from Villa Maria College and holds a Children’s Program Administration Credential from the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC).

For Colleen, the best part of every day for her is simply –  the children! Their smiles, excitement when the accomplish something new, laughter, and simple, honest conversations are what Colleen looks forward to each day.

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Over the years she has collected so many wonderful memories. Her favorites remain Pre-Kindergarten graduation each year. It’s always rewarding, “the proud faces of the children, parents and teachers say it all” gushed Colleen.

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Colleen loves that Doodle Bugs! is always growing, expanding and embracing the importance of everything early childhood in all aspects of the program. We feel fortunate to have Colleen at the helm in West Amherst, she is a wonderful leader and brings so much expertise and passion to our program.

“I feel I have grown-up alongside Doodle Bug! himself.  I am honored to be a part of the Doodle Bug family– it continues to be a wonderful journey!”

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Colleen has a wonderful team and is so well-respected by her faculty. Just check out what they had to say:

“Colleen is our ray of sunshine at West Amherst. She is always there to make our day brighter! It shows how much she loves and cares about everyone!”   – Miss Pat, Kitchen Manager

“Colleen is always in a cheerful mood, with a smile on her face. She extends that excitement and happiness to us each day! Her morning stops into the classroom to visit her “Bubble Squad” makes the day more cheery for us and the children.”   – Miss Brianna and Mr. Clayton

“Colleen is the glue that holds our center together. My children’s faces light up every time she comes to visit.”   – Miss Brittney

“Colleen’s love of children is evidenced by the way her eyes light up when she comes into the rooms to visit the children! Colleen is very open and responsive to the needs of her staff and her experience shows in the way she gives positive advice and suggestions to staff members who seek her counsel!”   – Miss Sarah P

“Colleen is 410% committed to her job. You can tell she truly loves what she does! Her door is always open for all our needs. We are so lucky to have Colleen!”    – Miss Sheri and Miss Kailyn

“She always celebrates our birthdays with a kind birthday card and a special announcement over the speakers to the whole center so the children can join in to make us feel special.”   – Miss Adrianne and Miss Stephanie

“Colleen successfully balances the needs of the center along with the needs of our families, children, and staff. Colleen is simply the best!”   – Miss Dawn