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It's Our Pleasure To Care For Your Treasure

Our Team

Stork's Nest Child Academy

Welcome to Stork's Nest Child Academy, where every child feels at home! Our dedicated team is passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning in a warm, safe environment. From our experienced educators to our caring support staff, each member of our team is committed to providing exceptional child care services. We invite you to get to know us better as we work together to help your little ones thrive and achieve their full potential! Give us a call today.

Corporate Administration

Barbara Izzo

Owner/President

Mrs. Izzo has over thirty years of experience in the Early Childhood field. She opened her first center in 1986, and has owned and operated various centers throughout R.I. since. She is extremely dedicated to providing a superior structured educational program for young children. Mrs. Izzo is a member of the National & RI Child Care Director’s Association.

Cheryl Ucci

Business Director

Ms. Cheryl Ucci has been with the Stork's Nest Child Academy since 1999. She currently handles all account management at the Corporate Office. She was previously the director at the Smithfield location for several years. As the daughter of the owner, Ms. Barbara Izzo, Cheryl strives to provide quality service to our staff, children and their families.

Paula Costa

Director of Education

Ms. Paula Costa has been with the Stork's Nest Child Academy since 1997. She started out as a kindergarten teacher and soon afterwards became the director. She happily fulfilled that role for 23 years and has taken on the role of curriculum coordinator. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and is a certified teacher for the State of Rhode Island. She has taken both Foundations and Developing a Standards Based Curriculum through the Rhode Island Department of Education. Ms. Costa enjoys working with teachers to help create an environment that promotes learning. She has two children of her own. As an educator and a mom, she loves being part of the Stork's Nest team that ensures each child is heard and given the opportunity to thrive in their classrooms. Ms. Costa's commitment to our program is immeasurable and her dedication to the staff, children and families in all three locations is exceptional.

Barbara McGovern

Accountant

Mrs. Barbara McGovern has been with the Stork's Nest Child Academy since 2016. She is responsible for maintaining and interpreting all financial records for the Stork's Nest locations. She also works with the other team members at the Corporate Office to implement changes, updates and modifications to each of the centers. As a mother of five herself, Barb recognizes how important it is to start a solid foundation at the preschool level.

School Directors

Mishele Carvalho

Warwick Director

Ms. Mishele Carvalho has worked in child care since 1989. She started with a daycare in her own home for eleven years. Mishele has worked as a lead teacher at our East Greenwich location for three years and as a lead teacher in our Warwick location for six years. In 2019, she was promoted to assistant director at our Smithfield location. Ms. Mishele's passion has been evident throughout her career here at Stork's Nest and she was promoted once again! In July of 2022, she became the director of our East Greenwich location and transitioned back to our Warwick location in 2023. Mishele is currently enrolled in school to continue her education. She has one adult daughter and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially attending or watching any Miami Dolphins or PC Friars game. Mishele's love for the childcare industry is a perfect match for leading a center of her own.

Celina Jones-Haskins

East Greenwich Director

Celina has been with Stork’s Nest Child Academy since 2014. She was the head teacher and taught the Kindergarten class. She was the director and curriculum coordinator in Smithfield since 2016. She transitioned to the East Greenwich center in 2023. She has her Bachelor's in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Special Education. She has taken REILDS 1, 2 and 3, and countless education classes.

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