Doodle Bugs! Ranks 30th in National List
This month we mark a very important milestone in our company’s history–25 years of excellence in the child care industry! TWENTY FIVE! We are so proud of where we are today and feel fortunate to have the support of our Doodle Community, who made this achievement possible. Thank you!
It’s an exciting time for our company. Just this month we were named to Exchange Magazine’s Top 50 List, an annual ranking of North America’s largest for-profit child care organizations, again this year! Doodle Bugs! earned the 30th spot.
“I attribute our continued growth and success to our team’s strong commitment to providing the absolute best in child care services,” said Anthony Insinna, company President and CEO. “We believe that excellence is in the details, and we work hard to provide evidence of that in every aspect of our program. From our innovative Bravo! curriculum and enrichment programs to our state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified faculty, we aim to exceed families’ expectations.”
Doodle Bugs! Children’s Learning Academy has grown to 14 centers with two more on the way. Currently, Doodle Bugs! operates centers in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Insinna and his sisters, Clarine Insinna and Anna Insinna Zavatti, established the company in 1992 in East Amherst, NY—this month the company celebrates their 25th Anniversary.
“When we opened our first center – with one student! – our goal was to reinvent child care in Western New York. Now, we serve more than 3,300 happy families along the east coast and remain extremely proud of the work that we do,” remarked Insinna. “As we continue to grow, we keep our sights set on continuously building a community of happy children, happy parents and happy teachers”.
Doodle Bugs! Team Tuesday: Issue 279
Happy New Year! We are sending you all good vibes for a very healthy and happy 2017.
It’s the first Tuesday of January and we’re ready to celebrate Mitch Gabner, Maintenance Specialist for all of our centers and our first Employee of the Month for 2017!
Mitch is an essential part of our incredible maintenance team. He has been with Doodle Bugs! for seven years and has become quite the celebrity in our centers. The children are always excited to see Mitch and his counterpart, Andre. You can imagine their excitement when they saw his picture on this month’s Employee of the Month poster.
Mitch goes above and beyond in everything that he does. From repairing doors and sinks in our centers and administrative office to snowplowing and landscaping each of our properties, he does it all! He is reliable and always has a smile on his face.
We are fortunate to have Mitch on our team and truly appreciate his positive, can-do attitude.
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 12: Mars Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
It’s our final day of the 12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! and we’ve got a Christmas surprise for you! No, it doesn’t involve traveling home for the holidays with the Kenosha Kickers.
Or, a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club.
This Christmas surprise features our newest Director to join the Doodle Bugs! team, Ms. Tracy Edwards! Tracy will lead the team in Mars, Pennsylvania. The Mars center is on schedule to begin enrolling in 2017!
Ms. Tracy has a Bachelors Degree from SUNY Geneseo in Childhood and Special Education. After graduation, Tracy went on to earn her Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from George Mason University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
In addition to her extensive educational background, she also brings 7 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education industry to Doodle Bugs! The thing she loves most about working with young children is seeing their faces light up as they discover and learn every single day.
Tracy is also a mom to three young children of her own. Her oldest is 4 years and her youngest is 4 months! Being a mom herself provides a level of personal expertise that is a wonderful compliment to her professional early childhood education and experience.
We are very excited to bring the Doodle Difference to more families in Pennsylvania and are thrilled to have Tracy to lead the new center. Stay tuned in the new year as we will continue to provide updates.
Thanks for coming along with us over the past 12 days to celebrate some truly awesome team members. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! We wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Happy New Year!
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 11: Lancaster Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
Amanda Hammer is new to the Director role. She was promoted to Director of our Lancaster, NY center this past fall. Prior to, she was the Director Assistant at our Orchard Park location. She brings with her, lots of early childhood expertise. Amanda has a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood and a Masters in Literacy. She also gained real-life experience as a substitute teacher and a preschool teacher, each for 3 years, before she joined the Doodle Bugs! team.
Amanda is proud to be the Director at Lancaster. She feels a sense of pride in ownership which drives her to strive for excellence everyday. For Amanda, the best part of her day is being a mentor and “cheerleader” for the teachers at her center. She loves to help them to be their best everyday.
Starting at a new center isn’t easy, but Amanda has done so with grace. It is evident from what her fellow faculty has to say, that she is already a wonderful addition to Lancaster.
“Amanda jumps right in and helps out when needed.”
“Amanda cares about her faculty and is always there to help and lend a hand.”
“Really listens to concerns and tries her best to help in tough situations.”
“Spends time in each classroom getting to know the kids and teachers.”
“She’s always working hard for our center.”
“Being new is hard, but Amanda stepped right in and got to know everyone!”
“She is very confident and a real go-getter.”
“She has such a positive attitude and has brought new ideas to make our center even better.”
“She is always on top of things and I know she will be a great addition to our center.”
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 10: Penfield Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
“On the Tenth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…ten Lords a Leaping!” On the tenth day of Doodle Directors, we’re showing our Doodle love for Ms. Renee Arieno. And, let us tell you, her talents far exceed leaping!
Renee, known by the children in her center as “Ms. Nay”, has been a part of the Doodle Bugs! team for 3 1/2 years. Prior to Doodle Bugs! she earned a Bachelors Degree in Childhood Education at SUNY Fredonia then went on to SUNY Brockport to complete her Masters Degree in Literacy. In addition to her education, Renee gained tons of leadership experience while working at Wegmans for 10 years. In her management role, she created training programs and facilitated all training seminars for store employees. We are fortunate to have Renee’s expertise to lead our Penfield team.
Renee says that the best part of her Doodle Day is when she visits the classrooms. Everytime she walks in she gets lots and lots of hugs! She also feels fortunate to work alongside such a great community. the relationships that she forms with the children, families and faculty truly make this the #BestJobEver!
One of Renee’s favorite memories is when her center put together a scavenger hunt for her birthday. She collected clues that led her to every classroom where she received a handmade birthday card and treats. How sweet is that? She also looks forward to Halloween at Doodle Bugs! every year. This year she even got to dress up with her son who attends Doodle Bugs!
“Renee is extremely dedicated and truly values spending time in the classrooms as well as greeting and having personalized conversations with her families. She is warm and loving to all, and she’s always there to help out a teacher who is in need of support.” – Jess Greene, Director Assistant
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 9: West Amherst Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
Happy Monday, Doodle Community! We hope you had a productive final weekend before Christmas. Is it just me, or does it not seem to matter how early you start, you’re running errands right up until the big day? There’s always one last gift card or roll of wrapping paper to buy!
Let’s take a break from the hustle and bustle to tip our Santa hats to our most tenured Director, Ms. Colleen Nolan, from our West Amherst, NY center. Colleen has been on the Doodle Bugs! team for 19 years and the Early Childhood industry for over 30 years! Wow!
She has an Early Childhood Education Degree from Villa Maria College and holds a Children’s Program Administration Credential from the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children (NYSAEYC).
For Colleen, the best part of every day for her is simply – the children! Their smiles, excitement when the accomplish something new, laughter, and simple, honest conversations are what Colleen looks forward to each day.
Over the years she has collected so many wonderful memories. Her favorites remain Pre-Kindergarten graduation each year. It’s always rewarding, “the proud faces of the children, parents and teachers say it all” gushed Colleen.
Colleen loves that Doodle Bugs! is always growing, expanding and embracing the importance of everything early childhood in all aspects of the program. We feel fortunate to have Colleen at the helm in West Amherst, she is a wonderful leader and brings so much expertise and passion to our program.
“I feel I have grown-up alongside Doodle Bug! himself. I am honored to be a part of the Doodle Bug family– it continues to be a wonderful journey!”
Colleen has a wonderful team and is so well-respected by her faculty. Just check out what they had to say:
“Colleen is our ray of sunshine at West Amherst. She is always there to make our day brighter! It shows how much she loves and cares about everyone!” – Miss Pat, Kitchen Manager
“Colleen is always in a cheerful mood, with a smile on her face. She extends that excitement and happiness to us each day! Her morning stops into the classroom to visit her “Bubble Squad” makes the day more cheery for us and the children.” – Miss Brianna and Mr. Clayton
“Colleen is the glue that holds our center together. My children’s faces light up every time she comes to visit.” – Miss Brittney
“Colleen’s love of children is evidenced by the way her eyes light up when she comes into the rooms to visit the children! Colleen is very open and responsive to the needs of her staff and her experience shows in the way she gives positive advice and suggestions to staff members who seek her counsel!” – Miss Sarah P
“Colleen is 410% committed to her job. You can tell she truly loves what she does! Her door is always open for all our needs. We are so lucky to have Colleen!” – Miss Sheri and Miss Kailyn
“She always celebrates our birthdays with a kind birthday card and a special announcement over the speakers to the whole center so the children can join in to make us feel special.” – Miss Adrianne and Miss Stephanie
“Colleen successfully balances the needs of the center along with the needs of our families, children, and staff. Colleen is simply the best!” – Miss Dawn
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 8: Lake Worth Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
Today we’re headed down to Florida to tell you all about Crystal Elliott, Center Director at our Lake Worth center. Miss Crystal is a ray of sunshine, much like the sunshine state where her center is located.
Crystal joined the Doodle Bugs! team in September this year and has continued to impress us since day one. Prior to joining the team, she ran her own licensed in-home daycare in Texas for six years. Her business, Crystal’s Crib, specialized in infants.
In addition to her child care and management experience, Crystal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development and a Minor in Early Childhood Education. She is also a Texas State Certified Sign Language Instructor and Independant Baby Sign Language Instructor. Her education, certifications and early childhood experience is a wonderful asset to her Lake Worth center as well as Doodle Bugs! as a whole.
Crystal is determined. As soon as she stepped into her role as Director she was passionate about creating a community of Happy Children, Happy Parents and Happy Teachers in Lake Worth and her hard work is already paying off.
“I believe that with challenges comes huge rewards and I am determined to make Doodle Bugs! Lake Worth one of the best centers around!”
If you ask Crystal, she’d tell you that her favorite parts of the job are the smiles and “leg hugs” she gets every time she walks into a classroom!
“I love that on my drive to work I’m thinking about the impact I’m going to have on the lives of several little ones every hour of my work day!”
Since starting at Lake Worth, Miss Crystal has been passionate about visiting classrooms throughout the day. Every time she goes into the infant room, she sings If You’re Happy and You Know It. Now, after doing it day after day, when she goes in or walks by their room they she her and start clapping their hands. It’s a daily reminder of how absorbent their brains are at that stage and most importantly that they are HAPPY CHILDREN!
Crystal has made a such a positive impact on the Lake Worth center already and we can’t wait to see the effects of her leadership in the months to come!
“Crystal takes initiative to help classroom teachers on a daily basis. She is dedicated to increasing enrollment and creating a close-knit staff.” – Melissa Montalbano
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 7: Cheektowaga Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
It’s time to celebrate Meagan Silverberg, Center Director at our Cheektowaga location! Ms. Meagan has been with Doodle Bugs! for almost 5 years. Over the course of her five years, she has climbed her way up the Doodle Career Ladder from Lead Teacher at our Clarence location to Assistant Director in Lancaster location and finally, her current role, Center Director at Cheektowaga. In 2015, Meagan was recognized as Doodle Bugs! Employee of the Year!
Prior to joining the Doodle Bugs! team, Meagan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Childhood Education & Special Education) and a minor in Literacy from Niagara University.
The thing Meagan loves most about Doodle Bugs! is the relationships that are built with the children in her center’s care and their families.
“Building relationships is an integral part of creating a safe, engaging learning environment, and as a Center Director I cherish my relationships with all our families here in Cheektowaga.”
Meagan is honored to lead her Doodle Community in Cheektowaga for many reasons but says that the best part of her day is simply watching a child play– especially when they don’t realize she’s watching… #BestJobEver!
It’s not just the children and families that benefit from Meagan’s expertise, her faculty does too! Check out what they had to say:
“Meagan is kind, caring, and easily approachable. Our center would not be what it is today without her helpful and can do attitude!”
“She’s a helpful resource to everyone in the center, and never stops helping and always doing everything she can!”
“Meagan helps by taking initiative in the classroom and helping everywhere she can. Meagan is constantly around the center to make sure that everything that is happening is helping our little ones develop and be as successful as they can be!”
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 6: Orchard Park Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
We are halfway through our 12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! and although we already know we have an amazing group, taking the time to appreciate each one individually has made our hearts grow three sizes!
Arlene McMaster is our Center Director at our Orchard Park location. Her education background includes a Bachelors Degree in Child and Special Education and a Masters in Differentiated Instruction. Ms. Arlene is a perfect example of climbing the Doodle Career Ladder! She began her tenure at Doodle Bugs! in Orchard Park as a Lead Teacher in 2009. Arlene was later promoted to Director Assistant at the Henrietta center in 2012 and soon after to Director. Arlene has since transferred back to the Orchard Park center where, as Director, she has cultivated a truly awesome community!
Arlene is a vital resource. She consistently shares knowledge and expertise with team members and is an excellent role model. She recently trained several new managers, all while successfully executing the day-to-day operations of the Orchard Park center. We appreciate that Arlene continues to expand her knowledge by actively participating in learning and development opportunities offered by Doodle Bugs!
Arlene’s favorite part of the day is getting into the classrooms to enjoy the children.
They make me laugh everyday! I love to laugh and have fun and the children in my center give me that every single day!
Arlene is an excellent leader and has grown an amazing community within her center. Her passion and leadership helps us achieve our mission to build a community of happy children, happy parents and happy teachers.
Arlene is incredibly approachable and one of the kindest bosses I’ve ever had. I enjoy working for her every day. She is an inspiration and gives me the confidence to do better, to work better, and to be better. Arlene has welcomed me into the center with open arms. She has been patient and understanding while I am continuing to learn and grow. – Jenna Cochrane
12 Directors of Doodle Bugs! Day 5: Webster Edition
This month we are taking a moment to recognize the 12 Center Directors from our corporate locations. Being the leader of a child care center is a big job. Not only are Directors overseeing their team, and the daily operations in the center, they are also role models, nurturers, cheerleaders and teachers for all of the children in the building.
Is it just us? Do the holidays make you feel extra mushy about all of your favorite people too? Today we’re feeling all kinds of ooey-gooey, mushiness about Miss Liz, Center Director at our Webster, NY location.
Liz has been a part of the Doodle Bugs! team for 8 years– 6 of which in her current role as Director. In 2011, she was honored as our Employee of the Year, a very deserving recognition. Prior to Doodle Bugs!, Liz earned her Masters Degree in Education and gained valuable experience from her role as an elementary teacher.
In her center, Liz is affectionately known as “The Principal”. Parents often tell her stories about their children playing “Miss Liz” at home– one of her favorite compliments! The best part of Liz’s day is when she’s making connections with the children. Sometimes, when she’s at her desk, a child will walk by her office and run in and just to give her a huge hug! Can you say #BestJobEver!?
Liz gushes that the faculty, families and children in her center keep her excited to come to work everyday. We are all so fortunate to have Liz as a part of our Doodle Community. Her contagious, positive spirit and depth of early childhood experience are a vital part of our program.
“Liz is truly amazing! She genuinely cares about each employee and always has a ‘how can I help you’ attitude! Thank you, Liz, for all you do!” -Jennifer Pierson
Doodle Bugs! Children's Learning Academy 