Executive Team
Denise Secor |Co-Executive Director
After graduating from Guilderland Central Schools, Denise earned a BS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and has worked with children ever since!
In 2019, Denise became the Director of Children’s Place at the Plaza… and then Co-Executive Director about six weeks later. Denise is passionate about bringing high quality care to all families and is always looking for new and innovative ideas.
When at home, you will most likely find Denise reading, walking her dog, Ivy, or succumbing to her guilty pleasure: reality TV.
Tara Henderson | Co-Executive Director
Tara Henderson has been in the early childhood field for a total of 18 years, with experience as a floater, assistant toddler teacher, and a lead toddler teacher. Tara was the assistant director of the Children's Corner Daycare prior to the merger. She believes in making a difference in the lives of the children and families that we serve.
Along with being dedicated to our center, she is also a dedicated wife and mother of two wonderful children. In her free time, Tara likes to cook, dance, and read...but most of all, spend quality time with her family.
Joe Cubello |Executive Director of Finance
Joe started working at Children’s Place at the Plaza in 2013. He holds a B.S. degree in Business Management which he earned from Siena College in 2011.
During his free time Joe likes being outside and enjoying nature. He is an avid snowboarder during the winter months and spends most of his free time fly fishing and golfing in the summer.
Erica Flores |EPK/UPK Associate
Erica has worked at Children’s Place at the Plaza since 2015. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from St. Bonaventure University. Erica started working in elementary schools in special education after graduating college. She then went on to work in integrated classes in Preschool from 2012-2015. Erica has experience as a float, assistant, then Lead Infant Teacher for four years. She enjoys working with children of all ages! In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time with her dogs.
Ellen Rumsey |Program Coordinator- Swan St.
Ellen started working at the Children’s Place in 2012 as the lead teacher in the Peach Room. She earned her CDA in 2005 and has more than 30 years of experience working directly with infants and toddlers. Ellen has a love of reading to children and when she enters a classroom, is frequently greeted by friends with books in hand.
Ellen enjoys walking and can be found on the concourse and/or plaza each day. She spends free time with her husband and enjoys trying new restaurants.
Valarie Evans |Program Coordinator- State Ed.
Children's Place at the Plaza Infant Staff
- Shaneeka Clanton
- Kristina Service
- Elisha Scott
- Lache Black
Children's Place at State Ed Infant Staff
- Pamela Lewis
- Dana Young
- Victoria Downes
- Ruby Johnson
- Dechelle Johnson
Children's Place at the Plaza Toddler Staff
- Lois Nobles
- Trina Garner
- Megan Anderson
- Samantha Gipson
Children's Place at State Ed Toddler Staff
- Kaya Reynolds
- Grace Bombard
- Antoinette Cioffi
- Caitlyn LaBarge
Children's Place at the Plaza Preschool Staff
- Christine Catalan
- Jenniah Randall
- Robert Gutierrez
- John Sturdivant
- James Gooden
- Tristen Cummings
Children's Place at State Ed Preschool Staff
- Callie Terpstra
- Eldy Morris
- Heather Barrett
- Shanay Ross
Children's Place at the Plaza Float Teachers
- Autumn Payne
- Tashawna Jones
- Brianna Glover
Children's Place at State Ed Float Teachers
- Crystal Burwell
- Ciara Weeks
- Melodin Haggray
- Shaelena Hartfield
Children's Place at the Plaza Cook
- Lawrence White
Children's Place at State Ed Cook
- Lance Jenkins
