Please click on the name below to explore the background and philosophy of each staff member and their contact details.

The Management Team provides leadership and organizational oversight under the guidance of the Executive Director.

Hello,

My name is Lisa Farinholt-O’Brien.  I am the Executive Director of Infant Toddler Family Day Care.  Prior to being selected for this position, I was the Workforce Development Director at Infant Toddler Family Day Care for over 16 years and have over 20 years of experience within our organization.  My combination of experience in early childhood education and as a social worker gave me the skills to work with the diverse population at Infant Toddler Family Day Care.  I have worked extensively with each new family child care educator by guiding them through the process to open their family child care home.  My training and experience includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Longwood University and a MSW degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2009, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a variety of experiences working with children of all abilities including working as an intern at Key Center (Fairfax County Schools). In addition, I spent four years working in residence life as an administrator at Longwood University and George Mason University and I also worked as a counselor at Planned Parenthood.

This opportunity to follow in the footsteps of our three previous Executive Directors is an honor.  I learned so much from each of them and will keep all of that close as I guide our dedicated staff in their work with our family child care educators and the families they serve.  I look forward to keeping our traditions and starting new ones.

Under Ms. Wynne Busman, former director’s leadership, the organization built on its strengths, developed new relationships and strengthened existing relationships with partners and supporters. Infant Toddler Family Day Care anticipates that I will leverage these achievements to help the organization expand its services in the Northern Virginia community.

From the former ITFDC Board Chairperson, Christel Gopin: “We are very excited to have Lisa taking on the role of the Executive Director of Infant Toddler Family Day Care working to provide high quality child care in Northern Virginia.  She brings experience, enthusiasm, passion for the mission, and great communication skills to the organization. Her long history with Infant Toddler brings consistency and continuity for our staff, family child care educators, children and families.”

Infant Toddler Family Day Care is a network of professional child care educators with a commitment to the principle that learning begins at birth.  We support the emotional, social and intellectual development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children in safe, nurturing high-quality child care environments.

Priscilla has been with ITFDC since July 2009 when she started with the organization as a Child Care Specialist.  Priscilla has a social work background, including ten years of prior experience helping parents work through some of life’s many challenges. Priscilla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Simmons College in Boston and a Bachelor’s in Family Studies and Early Childhood Development from UNH. Before ITFDC, Priscilla worked for five years as a program manager for a non-profit social service agency in Fairfax. Prior to that, Priscilla had lived in Boston, working at a family shelter for five years with responsibilities including individual counseling with the residents and overseeing the shelter’s on-site Children’s Center.

Hello, my name is Melinda Higbee. I joined Infant Toddler Family Day Care in 2014 as the Executive Assistant to our Director. I earned my BS degree in Business Administration from Strayer University.  Prior to joining ITFDC, I worked as a Legal Executive Assistant in a large corporation and now have over 25 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant.  Other areas I’ve especially enjoyed working in include my role as a Sunday school teacher, YMCA camp counselor and as a Girl Scout Leader. I am the proud mom of two girls whom I have raised.  I remember how important it is to choose child care that is the best fit for your family but most importantly, for your child, treating them with love, respect, guidance and patience.  I am very happy now to be working with ITFDC.  I look forward to meeting you and your child and answering any questions that you may have.  Please feel free to contact me.  I can be reached Monday through Friday at 703-352-3449 x105, or by email at mhigbee@infanttoddler.com

Staff

Hello, my name is Madison Berry and I am the Administrative Assistant at ITFDC. I am currently studying Criminal Justice at NVCC in hopes to transfer. My work background is in Hospitality. I enjoy spending time with family, working out, as well as hanging out with my friends. My family has an extensive background in child development and safety. I am excited to start this journey with helping families find their place.

Hi! My name is Maggie Morier, and I’ve come to the ITFDC as an Administrative Support Specialist. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and a minor in French, which is great for helping me communicate with my lovely French husband! I have supported offices and business leaders in myriad types of organizations for the last 35 years. Though I have no children of my own, attending college later in life meant I had an opportunity to “adopt” a few young, idealistic college kids who I am as proud of today as any natural parent would be of how they’ve grown into lovely, successful adults who have children of their own now! I am looking very forward to assisting the parents and providers in any way I can to support the children, and to putting my skills and experience to work making it easier for them to enhance the lives of young children on a daily basis.

The ITFDC Home Day Care Program

Hi, my name is Jinky Recerone and I am your Virginia Quality/Curriculum/USDA/Child Care Specialist at Infant Toddler Family Day Care. My training and experience includes a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with focus in Health Systems Management and a minor in Nutrition. I am working to finish Master’s in Early Childhood Development. I am a proud mother of an athletic girl who excels in figure skating and gymnastics. I was a child care provider at Infant Toddler Family Day care since 2009 until the end of June 2018. I enjoyed my time as provider because I developed good and lasting relationships with all the children and families I served. It was a very humbling and most rewarding experience of my life to watch an infant grow into a confident toddler. It is always my passion to nurture and serve. Also, I am currently engaged in volunteering as an assistant teacher at St Joseph’s Sunday school.

As a Virginia Quality/Curriculum/USDA Specialist, I am here to assist providers to set up a developmentally appropriate, healthy and safe childcare environment. I will also be our providers’ technical assistant so we can achieve the goals of Virginia Quality together.

I am here for you! Please feel free to contact me at the office, 703-352-3449 extension 109 or by email, jrecerone@infanttoddler.com. I look forward to serve you.

My name is Amy Heimbach. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Elon University. After college I cared for infants and taught preschoolers in a Childcare Center.  I then transitioned into the Human Resources field working for a government contractor.   Following staying home with my children,  I returned to teaching preschool for 13 years.  I enjoy connecting with people and using my skill set to benefit children. I look forward to growing the partnership and strengthening bonds with ITFDC providers and families.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family (including my Miniature Dachshund), going for walks, and practicing yoga.

I can be reached at aheimbach@infanttoddler.com  or Ph. (703) 352-3449 Ext. 120

My name is Katelyn Diamond, and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity Management and Policy, as well as Montessori Preschool teaching certifications for the infant, toddler, and preschool levels. With 11 years of experience in childcare, my passion lies in working with and educating young children. I am excited to be a part of the team at ITFDC and look forward to collaborating with providers and families to benefit the children we serve.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my own children, watching movies, and reading books.

You can reach me at kdiamond@infanttoddler.com or by phone at (703) 352-3449, Ext. 103.

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The USDA Child Care Food Program

My name is Marisela Morales, I have a Bilingual Secretary degree from Mexico. I  started as an Administrative Assistant in 2003, and became the USDA Program Manager in 2008. I help providers participate in the USDA Child Care and Adult Food Program and provide training to providers concerning meal patterns for infants and toddlers and program claim procedures. I also give technical assistance concerning the subsidy program. For many years I have  supported providers working on their Early Childhood Education Infant and Toddler Certificate at NVCC by helping them enroll in college classes, obtain scholarships and apply for graduation. I help support providers, staff and parents as needed.

I look forward to working with providers and families in my role as the CACFP-USDA Program Administrator. Please feel free to contact me at the office, 703-352-3449 extension 107 or by email, mmorales@itfdc.com I am here to assist you with any questions that you may have!

My name is Jennifer Burleson. I am a USDA Monitor/Office-Events Assistant with ITFDC and have my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/ Emergency Management.

I am the mother of 5 wonderful children, 4 sons and 1 daughter, now all young adults.

Prior to joining ITFDC, I worked for many years as a Personal Care Manager for a Home Health provider; assessing patient environments and individual needs prior to as well as throughout their care. I managed a field-staff of various Home Health professionals (CNA’s, HHA’s, Companions, Nursing staff) for the Department and was the POC for all time-management and payroll processing tasks/inquiries.

I have always enjoyed meeting and interacting with new people, in my opinion, every situation provides the opportunity to learn and grow.

I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions that you may have.  Please feel free to contact me at 703-352-3449 x 110, or by email at jburleson@infanttoddler.com