MEET THE STAFF
Our staff are certified in CPR, AED use, First Aid, Mandated Reporter Training, Medication Administration and the use of an EpiPen.
We take pride in maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Our team regularly participates in staff meetings and ongoing training to stay current with best practices in childcare and education. Each member of our staff is dedicated to creating a safe, engaging and nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow and thrive.
Rochelle Murphy
​Director / Head Teacher
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Rochelle has been part of the MECCA family since 1993. She has had the pleasure of watching and teaching the older preschool students as they learn and grow. Some students she's taught have returned to work as staff members at MECCA!
Jessica Pozzato
​Head Teacher
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​​I have lived in Marlborough for over 30 years. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and have spent more than 3 decades working in education.
Fun fact: my first job was at MECCA back in high school! My husband and I have 2 kids, and we enjoy taking walks in the woods, watching football games, and spending time at the lake.
Melanie Bryson
Teacher Assistant​
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​​I recently relocated to Marlborough with my daughter, who is also a preschool student here. We are both so happy to be part of this wonderful community! I grew up in Norwalk, where I lived most of my life. I earned my Associate Degree in Business Administration from Norwalk Community College and spent many years managing my family's UPS Store in my hometown.​
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Teaching has always been close to my heart. I love helping children explore new things, discover their strengths and watch their personalities shine as they grow. When I moved to Marlborough, it felt like the perfect time to follow my passion and begin a new chapter in teaching.
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In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, fishing and going to baseball games.
Audra DeFelice
Business Manager / HR
Before taking on my new career role at MECCA, I was a paralegal for over 30 years. After moving on from the legal field, I managed my family's home improvement business as well as managing my own cleaning business. I have gained many years of experience in office management along the way. Once I began my employment here, I truly found my purpose!
I have a beautiful teenage daughter, and we love going to the CT Sun games together. When I am not working, you can usually find me watching the latest documentary or crime show and spending time with my dogs, Destiny and Max.
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Kimberly Lagana
​Head Teacher
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I'm Ms. Kim and I am here because I have a true love for early childhood education! I've been teaching little ones for the past 7 years and I absolutely love watching them learn and grow. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art History from the University of Hartford, where I also met my husband in 2017.
In my​ free, time I enjoy crocheting, spending time with my dogs and family, crafting and getting outdoors. I am very excited to be a part of the MECCA family!
Samara Zigmund
Teacher Assistant
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PreK-3 Classroom
Miss Jess Pozzato
Miss Kim Lagana
Miss Mel Bryson
PreK-4 Classroom
Ms. Rochelle Murphy
Miss Samara Zigmund​​
Miss Nora Walker
​​​Before and After School Staff
Sean Kelly, Luke Farrington, Maia Stock
Brayden Kelly and Ben Zigmund
