Our Childcare Experts in Rochester NY

Meredith Trotter

Special Needs & Family Services Director

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Meredith Trotter serves as the Director of Special Needs and Family Services at Child Care Council, Inc., in this role, she leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting children with developmental differences, strengthening families, and providing consultation, technical assistance, and community resources throughout the Council’s service area. She works collaboratively with community partners to expand access to inclusive, family-centered services that improve outcomes for children and families.

Meredith has dedicated her career to strengthening supports for children, families, and early childhood professionals through program development, family engagement, and community collaboration. Throughout her tenure at Child Care Council, she has led initiatives that address emerging community needs. Her experience includes family resource coordination, program administration, community outreach, grant implementation, and connecting families to specialized services and supports.

Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Meredith holds multiple certifications including Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement® and NYSPEP Certified Parenting Educator. She has also completed a bachelor’s degree in educational studies concentrating early education. She is passionate about building collaborative partnerships that strengthen communities and ensuring families have access to the resources they need to help every child reach their full potential.

Natalie Vázquez, MSW

Infant and Toddler Department Director

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Natalie Vázquez is a dedicated social work professional and Director of the Infant and Toddler Department at Child Care Council, Inc., with more than 10 years of experience working with children, families, early childhood professionals, and communities. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, where she was raised and began her professional career.

Throughout her career, Natalie has worked in a variety of areas, including child abuse and neglect prevention and intervention, adoption, domestic violence, victim services, education, youth advocacy, and community-based services. These experiences have provided her with a strong understanding of the complex needs of children and families and have shaped her commitment to compassionate, culturally responsive, and individualized approaches to supporting children and families.

In her current leadership role, Natalie oversees the Infant and Toddler Department, supporting the development and delivery of programs and services that promote Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. She works collaboratively with early childhood professionals, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen practices that support the social-emotional well-being of young children and the adults who care for them. As an endorsed Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health professional, Natalie brings specialized knowledge and experience in early childhood mental health, reflective practice, and relationship-based approaches to her leadership.

Natalie is also passionate about promoting and implementing trauma-informed practices within early childhood settings. She believes that understanding the impact of trauma and adversity is essential to creating environments where children, families, and professionals feel safe, supported, respected, and connected. Through leadership, professional development, collaboration, and community partnerships, she works to promote practices that are responsive to the individual needs and experiences of children and families.

Natalie considers herself a strong advocate for children’s rights and for the prevention of child abuse and neglect in all its forms. She is committed to promoting equitable access to quality education, strengthening early childhood systems, and supporting professionals and communities in creating positive experiences and opportunities for young children.

She believes that investing in young children and supporting the adults who care for them is an investment in the future of our communities. Through empathy, collaboration, resilience, trauma-informed practices, and meaningful relationships, Natalie strives to contribute to a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society.

Tara Baer, CAT-P

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician

Tara Baer (she/her) is a Creative Arts Therapist and Board Certified Music Therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in Music Therapy and Psychology from the State University of New York at Fredonia and her master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy and an advanced certificate as an Early Intervention Specialist from Nazareth University.

For ten years, Tara worked as a music therapist at a center-based special education program. There, she provided IEP-driven therapy services within a multidisciplinary team as well as leading ensembles, serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and starting the program’s student Genders and Sexualities Alliance. Tara has received various trainings in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Trauma-Informed Care, and Safe Zone. She also teaches early childhood music classes part time.

Tara believes in using music and play as therapeutic tools to help children process what they may be experiencing or feeling when words fail them. She places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and makes sure to build unique connections with each client so that they can feel comfortable and safe.

James Edwards, CAT-P

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician

James Edwards, CAT-P (He/Him), is a creative arts-based therapist who works with children and adolescents ages 3–18. He earned his master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth University, where he trained alongside professionals to develop developmentally appropriate therapeutic skills for clients across all age groups. His training emphasized child-centered play therapy and trauma-focused approaches to supporting children and adolescents.

James believes that creativity provides a powerful avenue for self-expression, healing, and growth. He takes a strong stance on offering creative forms of communication that allow children to process emotions and experiences nonverbally and at their own pace. By integrating art therapy and play therapy into his work, he creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel natural and meaningful to them. 

His therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, acceptance, and the belief that every child possesses unique strengths and the capacity for resilience. Through child-centered and developmentally appropriate interventions, James helps clients build emotional awareness, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and navigate challenges related to anxiety, trauma, social-emotional concerns, and life transitions. He values collaboration with families and other professionals to provide individualized, holistic support that meets each child’s unique needs.

Tess Stiffler, CAT-P

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician

Tess Stiffler, CAT-P (she/her) is a Creative Arts Therapist who works with children and adolescents ages 3–18, with a special focus on processing traumatic experiences. Tess earned her bachelor’s degrees in Art Therapy and Pre-Dance/Movement Therapy from Seton Hill University before completing her master’s in Creative Arts Therapy at Nazareth University. Alongside training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Infant Mental Health, Tess integrates multiple expressive modalities into therapy to support emotional regulation and expression, positive self-image, and long-lasting healing. 

Tess values the ability of play, art, and movement to help young people communicate and process without having to rely on words that can be heavy and scary. Therapy sessions with Tess are child-led, as she values helping children find their own sense of choice and autonomy. Tess is dedicated to fostering a safe, fun, and engaging environment where kids can explore and express their feelings, process their life experiences, and build realistic coping skills. She values collaboration with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure therapy supports each child holistically as they transition through all of life’s varied experiences. Outside of work, you can find Tess hiking and exploring our beautiful Western NY community, enjoying live music, or snuggling with her three cats. 

Amanda Ronkko, MHC-P

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician

Amanda Ronkko, MHC – Intern, brings experience working with children in a school setting to her role as a clinician. She has training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Infant Mental Health. Amanda is set to complete her Masters in Mental Health Counseling by May 2026.

She works with children and teens ages 3-18, focusing on Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques. Her therapeutic approach is supportive, collaborative, and warm. Amanda tailors her approach to each family’s needs in order to provide the best care. She believes that each individual within a child’s life can create a lasting impact on their future.

Riley O’Shea, LMSW

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician

Riley O’Shea, LMSW, earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Nazareth University with specializations in Play Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care. She is trained in both Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and integrative play therapy techniques, and is expanding her expertise through training in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).

Riley works with children and teens ages 3-18, with a special focus on helping those who have experienced trauma. Her therapeutic approach is warm, supportive, and tailored to each child, using creative approaches to help them feel safe enough to share their thoughts and feelings. Riley values seeing the world through a child’s eyes while working together with families to help children thrive.  

She believes that lasting change happens when everyone involved in a child’s life works together. For that reason, she partners closely with families, caregivers, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each child’s progress is supported in all areas of their life.

Cadence Croucher, CAT-P

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician

Cadence Croucher, CAT-P (she/her) is a Creative Arts Therapist specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents ages 3–18 in an outpatient mental health setting. With a background in both the arts and mental health, she integrates expressive modalities such as art and play into therapy to support emotional expression, self-esteem, and healing.

She believes that creative expression allows people to communicate in ways that feel natural and safe, especially when words are hard to find. Her sessions are warm, playful, and structured to meet each child where they are. She also values collaborating with caregivers and schools to promote consistent support across environments. Cadence is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and creatively engaging environment where young clients can explore their feelings, build coping skills, and strengthen their sense of identity. She values collaboration with families, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic, individualized care.

Stacey Kulik, LCSW 

Clinical Consultant/Supervisor

Since 2003, Stacey has been working with children and families in various mental health settings in both the Rochester and Boston areas.  Stacey’s work includes direct service, behavioral consultation in childcare centers, and clinical supervision.  Stacey is trained in multiple evidence-based modalities including Child-Centered play therapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  Throughout her career, Stacey has partnered with schools, pediatricians and the family court system to ensure the best possible outcomes for her clients.  Stacey believes that “it takes a village” to help support children and families in their journey to emotional wellness. 

In her role at Child Care Council, Stacey will act as a clinical consultant providing supervision and support to clinicians, facilitating training opportunities, and collaborating with community partners. 

Tammy Barnum, LMHC

Senior Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinician
Internship Supervisor

Tammy Barnum, LMHC is a licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been a therapist for over 20 years and has the pleasure of working in a variety of settings including residential programs, mental health clinics, schools and private practice. She has worked with children, teenagers, adults, parents, families and couples. 

Her therapy style is integrative, drawing from a range of evidenced based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma focused CBT and child centered play therapy. She approaches therapy with empathy and warmth creating a safe and supportive space for clients. 

Abby Leaty, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Abby Leaty, PMHNP-BC (she/her) is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the care of children and adolescents ages 3–18. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. John Fisher University and brings experience from a variety of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings.

Abby provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and individualized treatment planning grounded in evidence-based practice. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate environment that empowers clients and their families. Abby values a collaborative approach to care-engaging clients, families, and community supports to ensure holistic, high-quality outcomes.

Sara Pokracki

Practice Manager

With over 30 years of experience in Health and Human Services, Sara has dedicated the majority of her career to supporting individuals and families with developmental disabilities through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Sara’s passion lies in understanding behavior and recognizing that all behavior serves a purpose—a philosophy that has guided her approach to care and support throughout her career.

Five years ago, Sara transitioned from operations to a role focused on Quality Improvement and Advancement. This shift allowed Sara to channel her experience into shaping client-centered policies and procedures that enhance access to essential services. In this role, Sara discovered a deep appreciation for systems-level change and its power to positively impact those we serve.

Today, Sara serves as the Practice Manager for the Child Care Council Clinic, where she is excited to collaborate with our dedicated clinical team. Together, we are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate services to the children in our community, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

Jennifer Shook

Director of Professional Development

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Jennifer Shook (she/her/hers) is an educator with over 30 years of dedicated experience in early childhood education. Her career spans various roles within childcare centers and public schools, where she has cultivated a deep understanding of child development and early learning methodologies. Jennifer holds multiple certifications, including the New York State Teacher Certification for grades N-6 and 7-9 English, and a master’s degree in Literacy for K-12. She is also a certified Child Development Associate Trainer and Professional Development Specialist, as well as possessing the New York State Training and Technical Assistance Credential. These qualifications reflect her commitment to fostering educational excellence and supporting the professional growth of fellow educators.

Currently, Jennifer oversees the Professional Development Department, where she leads a team of education specialists and course enrollment specialists. Her leadership focuses on enhancing training programs and ensuring that educators have access to the resources and support necessary for effective teaching. Jennifer is proficient in several key early childhood programs and assessments, including the Pyramid Model and the Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool, as well as the Environmental Rating Scales for Family Child Care, Infant Toddler, and Preschool settings. She is also a Health and Safety Trainer.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has been passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing educational environments that promote holistic child development. Her expertise and dedication have made her a respected figure in the field of early education, inspiring countless educators and positively impacting the lives of children and families.

Christen Coco Guzman, LMFT

Chief Clinical Officer

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Christen Coco Guzman, LMFT (she/her/hers), is a Marriage and Family Therapist and passionate mental health advocate who joined Child Care Council in 2024 to launch its mental health clinic—advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen families. 

Christen earned her bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology from The George Washington University and her master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Over the past two decades, she has served as a clinician, supervisor, and leader in nonprofit mental health, with a primary focus on children, adolescents, and families. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Seeking Safety, and ASIST, and has a special interest in strengthening family systems, promoting resilience, and delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Drawing from her family systems background, Christen attends to the relationships between people coming to therapy, helping families better understand one another, improve communication, and build healthier, more connected relationships.

Christen brings her authentic self to her work, striving to create an environment where both clients and clinicians are met with honesty, vulnerability, transparency, and unconditional positive regard. She approaches leadership through a trauma-informed and self-aware lens, recognizing how lived experiences shape individuals, relationships, and systems. She fosters a culture grounded in empathy, accountability, and resilience—where staff feel supported and clients receive thoughtful, responsive care.

Christen believes that everyone deserves access to exceptional mental health care and considers it both an honor and a privilege to support children and families throughout their mental health journey. Outside of work, she is a wife and mother who enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and anything that involves animals or being outdoors—especially in the sunshine.

Suzette Smith

HR Director

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Suzette Smith joined Child Care Council as its first human resources director in 2023. During the past three decades, she has served and grown her expertise in multiple industries, including finance, manufacturing, nonprofit and medical. She brings a diverse perspective on employee needs and what makes them successful. She strives for a culture-driven environment, empowering each employee to be their best selves.

Smith’s personal and professional passion is to improve mental-health outcomes for children. She attended Roberts Wesleyan College and received her certification in strategic human resource management from Cornell University. 

Laurie Haley

Nutrition Services Director

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Laurie Haley has worked with child care programs for more than 30 years. She started her career at the Council in the Education department then moved to Nutrition Services, which includes Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Eat Well Play Hard in Child Care Settings (EWPH), Farm to Preschool (F2P), and Creating Healthy Schools and Communities. “I hope all child care programs that participate in our various nutrition programs have been inspired to provide the most nutritious meals and snacks as possible to the children in their care, while also integrating nutrition education into their weekly programming and activities.”   

Brian Waldmiller

Chief Financial Officer

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Brian Waldmiller has more than 26 years of finance and operations management experience with nonprofit agencies. As CFO, he is instrumental in increasing the financial stability of the agency, overseeing all finance and the allocation of funds supporting the operations of the Council, including budgeting, financial reporting, data administration and human resources functions. He also supervises and directs the work of the HR manager, data specialist and billing specialist. 

Before joining the Council, Waldmiller served as the finance/business manager for a large suburban parish and as the budget manager for Rochester Urban League. Earlier in his career, he worked as a financial analyst for First Federal Savings and Loan.

Waldmiller earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Rochester Institute of Technology. He resides in Fairport N.Y., with his wife and four children. In his spare time, he also serves as a music director for a local parish community.

Augie Espenmiller

Inspections Director

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As director of Inspections, Augie Espenmiller supervises a team of inspectors tasked with regulating registered child care programs across Monroe, Livingston and Wayne and counties. Espenmiller and his team work with a range of 375-425 registered programs throughout the course of a year, promoting the health and safety of children and ensuring compliance with New York state child care regulations. Prior to becoming director, he performed onsite inspections as a Family Daycare and School-age child care inspector. 

Espenmiller earned his bachelor’s degree from the College at Brockport with a concentration in recreation management. He has always had a passion for human service and early childhood development. During college, he interned with the Recreational Services department, assisting with student program operations and mentoring young children as a summer camp volunteer. His service to youth continued by working at the YMCA of Greater Rochester as a before and after school care coordinator. 

Outside of work, Espenmiller spends time with friends and family, explores the Erie Canal and Genesee River Pathways, and he also enjoys basketball, golf, fishing and trying new recipes.

Dana Bialaszewski

Registration Services Director

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Passionate and committed to supporting the child care community, Dana Bialaszewski has been engaged in the child care and human service field for more than 24 years. She joined the Council in 2013 as a registrar and became director of Registration Services in 2015. In addition to her responsibilities as director, Bialaszewski oversees the Refugee Family Child Care Microenterprise Development Program. 

Bialaszewski earned her bachelor’s degree in health and human services with a concentration in early childhood from the University at Buffalo. A wife and busy mom to three children, she enjoys spending time outdoors.

Hector Santiago

Chief Operating Officer

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Hector Santiago serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Child Care Council, Inc., where he provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s operations, facilities, technology, communications, and administrative functions. In his role, he works closely with executive leadership to ensure operational excellence, strengthen organizational infrastructure, and advance the agency’s mission of improving the quality and accessibility of child care services for children, families, and providers throughout the region.

With more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, nonprofit leadership, program administration, and child care systems, Hector has dedicated his career to supporting child care professionals, strengthening family child care businesses, and advancing high-quality learning opportunities for children and families. His professional background includes extensive experience in program management, operational leadership, staff development, compliance, and strategic planning. Prior to serving as COO, he led the Administration Department, overseeing day-to-day agency operations and managing Child Care Council’s Livingston and Wayne County offices. He also provided training and technical assistance to in-home child care providers and served as a regulator for family child care programs.

Hector’s commitment to the child care profession extends beyond his work at Child Care Council. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality child care and strengthening the family child care profession. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the field, he received NAFCC’s Accreditation Facilitation Project Award in 2017.

A strong advocate for professional development and lifelong learning, Hector holds a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Teaching in Spanish from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. He has also completed graduate-level coursework in International Human Resources and a Human Resources Administration program through the University of Palermo. Further strengthening his expertise in nonprofit leadership and organizational sustainability, Hector earned a Financial Success for Nonprofits certification from Cornell University.

As a member of the executive leadership team, Hector combines his expertise in operations, program management, financial stewardship, and organizational development to build effective systems, strengthen partnerships, and support innovative solutions that benefit children, families, educators, and communities. He is passionate about creating sustainable, high-performing organizations that deliver meaningful impact and advance the quality of care and education for future generations.

Kristin Perrone

Chief Program Officer

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Kristin Perrone has more than 30 years of experience in the early education field, including public schools, Early Head Start, Head Start, Universal Pre-K and child care centers. She has taught all ages of children and adults and served as an administrator. She started as a trainer at the Council and spent many years promoting and encouraging growth within the agency.

She currently oversees the nine-county Region 2 Infant Toddler Resource Network and a team of Education and Infant Toddler Specialists. She has been trained in, and experienced with, the following early childhood programs and assessments: Pyramid Model-Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool, Teaching Pyramid Infant Toddler Observation Scale, Classroom Assessment Scoring System for Infant Toddler and Preschool, Environmental Rating Scales for Family child care, Infant Toddler, and Preschool, High Scope, Creative Curriculum, and Zero to Three. She collaborates with other agencies and advisory groups related to serving young children and families.

Certifications include NYS Teacher Certification PK-12, NYSAIHM Infant Mental Health Endorsed, Child Development Associate Trainer & Professional Development Specialist, Program for Infant Toddler Care PITC Certified Trainer, NYS Training and Technical Assistance Credential. Perrone earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and psychology and her master’s degree in education from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Linda Lane

Legally Exempt Services Director

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Linda Lane joined the Council, Inc in 2007 as a legally exempt enrollment specialist and advanced to director of Legally Exempt Services in 2014. She continues to support efforts to increase the quality of care in all child care modalities, but especially in the legally exempt modality. In addition to her responsibilities as a director, Lane has coordinated agency special events, such as the annual Start Bright Gala, donation drives and holiday and staff appreciation celebrations. 

Lane earned her bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis on finance from the University of Dayton. Her focus switched to child care when she was home with her own children, and she previously worked as a preschool teacher and as a paraprofessional in the Pittsford Central School District.

Rose Shufelt

Chief Executive Officer

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Rose Shufelt, MA, IMH-E®, became CEO of Child Care Council in 2026, promoted from her role as senior community officer.

She previously served as director of Health and Social Emotional Wellness, which encompasses a whole child approach to wellness including health care, special needs training, technical assistance, referrals, and equipment grants, Pyramid Model work, grief support and regional mental health consultation. She also oversaw the Regional Infant Toddler Mental Health Consultants in a nine-county region, ensuring that this preventative work is embedded within child care programs of all modalities. As the regional Pyramid Hub Coordinator, Master Cadre Pyramid trainer and leadership coach, Shufelt helped programs implement the Pyramid Model.

Shufelt has worked in the early child care field for more than 30 years, including in elementary school teaching, as a toddler and preschool teacher, child care center program director, and infant toddler specialist. Her credentials include NYS Early Learning Trainer; TTAP Coach Credential Program for Infant Toddler Care Trainer; and NYS-AIMH Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health® as an Infant Family Associate.

Shufelt serves on the Early Care & Learning Council board of directors. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education, and her master’s degree is in adult learning.