Management
Ganan Mancini
Owner / Director
Hello, my name is Ganan Mancini, and I am the proud owner of Kids & Co. Childcare Center. Growing up just 20 minutes away from Turner, in Auburn, Maine, I developed a deep passion for working with children. After working at a childcare center for seven years and obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Maine Community College, I realized that this was where my heart lies, and I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young children.
As the owner of Kids & Co. Childcare Center, my goal is to create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment where children can grow and learn. I believe in providing individualized attention to each child, helping them to develop a sense of confidence and independence that will serve them well throughout their lives.
My experience working with children has taught me the importance of communication and collaboration with parents and caregivers. I understand the challenges that come with balancing work and family life, and I am committed to working with you to provide the best possible care for your child.
I am honored to have this opportunity, and I look forward to getting to know each of you and building a strong relationship with your family. Thank you for entrusting me with your child's care, and I am excited to be a part of their journey.
"Whatever you do, do with integrity.
Wherever you go, go as a leader.
Whomever you serve, serve with caring.
Whenever you dream, dream with your all.
And never, ever give up"
- Carlson Credo
Alexa Samay
Assistant Director
Hello there! I go by the name Ali, although my full name is Alexa Samay. I grew up in Turner and currently still reside there. I have over 12 years of childcare experience, 8 of which were at Lever's Daycare in Lewiston and the remaining 4 years at Margret Murphy Center in Auburn. I have a 6-year-old daughter named Viera who I love to spend time with. Despite her cerebral palsy, we don't let that stop us from enjoying everyday activities like beach trips, visits to the jump park, and dance parties.
As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand the challenges of finding suitable daycare options. Therefore, my new mission is to make this process easier for other parents facing similar situations. I originally got into childcare because I love seeing children learn and grow. Witnessing their progress, such as singing their ABC's, identifying colors, recognizing letters and numbers, or spelling their name is an incredibly rewarding feeling. I'm thrilled to start this new journey and help children develop and thrive!
Infant Team
Hello! I'm Eliza Bellegarde. I'm studying Early Childhood Education at CMCC and have over 5 years of experience in childcare. Starting in the school-age room, I discovered my passion for working with infants and toddlers. Now, as the head teacher in the infant room for over a year, I love watching babies develop motor skills and creating a safe, interactive environment. Excited to continue my education and build more relationships with children and families!
Eliza
Lead Infant Teacher
I spent my formative years in Turner but currently reside in Minot. Growing up, I was an only child raised by my mother. Even after I exceeded the daycare age, I continued to spend time with younger kids at the family-owned daycare next door. During high school, I enrolled in the early childhood development program at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center which helped me gain experience in a childcare setting. After finishing my childhood development program, I volunteered at the LRTC summer camp, providing support to school-age children with behavioral difficulties. The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing how our teachers positively impact each child's life and receiving gratitude from parents for entrusting their children to our daycare.
Ashley
Assistant Infant Teacher
Toddler Team
Hi, I'm Karsyn, and I've been leading the toddler room for the past 3 months. My own experiences at daycare as a child, along with babysitting, sparked my love for working with little ones. Volunteering at Levers broadened my horizons, showing me the incredible impact early childhood education can have. The moment I walk into the room and see the children's excited faces, I know I'm in the right place. My goal is to help each child learn and grow, developing their skills in all areas while having fun along the way!
Karsyn
Lead Infant Teacher
Pre-K Team
Hi! My name is Alexis Foss and I am the new lead teacher for pre-k at Kids & Co! I have been working in childcare and with children for many years doing everything from babysitting to running a before and after care program. I graduated from Thomas College with a Bachelors of Arts in Childcare Management which has helped me pursue my dreams of working with children. I am so excited to get to know you and your kiddos in the coming weeks!
Alexis
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Hey, I'm Skye, and I'm excited to tell you a little bit about myself. My journey to becoming the lead Pre-K teacher at Kids & Co. Childcare Center started at my family's childcare center in Lewiston. Working there for many years made me realize my passion for working with children. As the lead Pre-K teacher, I like to set two goals for the year. First, I want to help the kids in our care become better at communicating with each other, fostering connections and teamwork. Second, I'm on a journey to become more organized and punctual myself, leading by example for the children to see. I truly believe that working with children is my purpose, and I'm dedicated to making a positive impact in their lives.
Skye
Assistant Pre-K Teacher
School Age Team
Hi there! I'm Nova, and I've been a toddler teacher here for almost 4 months now. I've always loved being around kids, having done a lot of babysitting before, and growing up in a big family definitely helped! I'm so passionate about watching these little ones learn and grow each day, and it's always exciting to welcome new faces to our classroom.
Novah
School-Age Teacher
Float Team
I've always cherished children for the simple joys they bring to life. My experience includes babysitting, a CNA course leading to work at Montello Manor and St. Mary’s NICU. I've assisted at the Social Learning Center, worked on Psychiatric Units for almost 20 years, and spent 6 years at the Outpatient Children’s Unit until the pandemic led me to Kids & Company Childcare Center. Working with children provides countless teachable moments. I prioritize their safety while maintaining a fun and structured environment. Understanding their preferences, strengths, and unique qualities allows me to nurture their individuality. My ongoing goal is to enhance my skills to better support children and witness their growth into successful individuals by embracing their authentic selves.
Sheri
Float Team Leader