We affirm that children learn through play. Play is structured to maximize a child’s success and minimize failure, which allows children to meet their needs for acceptance, affection, and approval. Children gain a strong sense of self-esteem and social competence through hands-on experience in a safe and supportive environment that respects individual needs, cultures and preferences. These core values are the essential and enduring tenets of First Impressions Learning Academy. These guiding principles have a profound impact on how we think and behave.
Davette Stephens is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Davette Stephens current endeavor is to become a multi-center childcare owner. She has experience dealing with children of all ages from birth to high school. Davette Stephens has spent 16 years in a food manufacturing company responsible for credit/collections, advertising funds, managing funds for brokers/sales force, and managed a staff of five.
She has also obtained an associate degree in business management from Norwalk Community College in 1994 and a Bachelor of Science- social science concentration from the University of Bridgeport in 2008. Davette continues to take monthly enrichment classes for self-improvement as well as with her staff.
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My name is Hiedi Phillips. I am the Administrator Educator here at First Impressions Learning Academy. I have been in education for over a year now and I am excited for many more. I have trained and been educated through the Child Education Institute as well as the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. I enjoy reading and writing, spending time with my family and beach days! Two fun facts about myself would be that my favorite color is blue and I grew up on a farm with horses, llamas, chickens, cats and dogs, in other words, I love animals. My favorite part of being in the FILA family is the atmosphere and being able to influence children in a positive way by being a part of their growth and education. Children are full of so much excitement and imagination, and they know that the world is their playground. Everything they do and see is through new eyes and with that the eagerness to learn and absorb as much information as they can. I am so grateful to take part in those experiences and to help guide them along their journeys.
I have worked in this field for almost 9 years now (1 year in the public school system) the rest in daycare. I have a bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. My main hobby is reading (or binge watching tv shows). I enjoy how opening and welcoming everyone is here, it’s easy to move class to class because everyone works so well together.
Hello! My name is Stazia Phillips and I am looking forward to beginning my journey at FILA!
I am new to the field of Early Childhood Education. I have worked for many years in Christian education services and I am looking forward to the learning and building new relationships at FILA. In my free time I enjoy my three children, cooking, reading, writing, and singing.
My name is Tanya Santiago, but you can call me Mrs. Tanya. I am happy to introduce myself as the new Lead Teacher in our Infant Program. I have worked with children for about 15 years. I have worked in the school setting as a para and also in daycares and summer camps throughout the years. I am excited to join the FILA family and to start getting to know your little ones.
I am a mom of 3 grown boys. I love arts and crafts, gardening and spending time with my family.
Hello! My name is Mor Shaye Denniston, “Ms. Mor” and I’m so happy to join the FILA family!
I am a current college student working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. In my free time, I like to listen to music, picnic in parks, and I’ve been a fencer for 9 years and have also been a coach for the children in the surrounding area. I love seeing a smile on your children’s faces and it’s what I aim to do every day.
Sophia is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has dedicated herself to helping people grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. She has a BA from Mitchell College and a MSW from Rutgers University. She has a private practice called True You, where she helps individuals and families to change their lives. She is excited to join the FILA Community and begin to impact the lives of the children and families.
Hi! My name is Kiley and I am very excited to meet all of you and work with your children. I am very creative with arts and crafts and I am ready for a lot of fun adventures with the students doing arts and crafts!
Hola! My name is Nathalia P. Ruiz-Rosa. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I moved to Connecticut a year ago. I am married and I have two dogs. We got stationed here when I moved to CT, for 4 years.
I enjoy reading, movies, training my dogs and spending time with family. I love baking and cooking for friends and family, especially food and desserts from Puerto Rico. My first language is spanish and I am still learning English.
