Staff
Karen Williams – Director
Karen began teaching for St. Paul’s CDC in the spring of 2007. She is an experienced educator with over 15 years of experience teaching in the preschool setting. Karen holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Child Studies from Charter Oak State College. Karen possesses both her Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate and Connecticut Director’s Credential after having served as the school’s Curriculum specialist, and the Head Teacher of the 3s and 4s classroom. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Karen loves children and being a teacher and looks forward to having children of her own one day. In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, cooking, and going for walks in the park. Karen believes strongly in the NAEYC philosophy, and the accreditation process reaffirmed her passion for providing a safe, nourishing learning environment for all children.
Jia Lowe – Administrative Assistant
Jia joined the St. Paul’s family in the summer of 2021. Before moving to this position, she was the lead toddler teacher for a development center in Milford for over ten years. Jia have always worked with children in various ways, such as helping her grandmother with the youth at her group home. At a young age she cared for her younger siblings, which then turned into babysitting for other families and friends, ultimately leading her to her position today! Children have always been a road that leads to her heart. She finds inspiration everyday, working with children of all ages. She takes pride in knowing that she is a part of building the learning foundation that they will take throughout their lives. She is currently pursuing a bachelor degree in psychology at Post University furthering, her goal of supporting children as they grow. She enjoys taking hikes and exploring, traveling, photography, reading and writing, learning about different cultures, music and animals.
Fiorella Torres- Head Teacher + Curriculum Specialist
Fiorella has been working at St Paul’s CDC since October 2014. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Special Education and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Fiorella enjoys teaching young children and believes that each child is a unique individual. Fiorella provides opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and learn through play. Fiorella is married and mother of two, a son and daughter, she had her family live in Ansonia. Fiorella enjoys volunteering for charity events and going to car shows. In her spare time, she enjoys making soaps and candles, going on hikes with her dog, reading books and traveling.
Louise Calabro- Teacher
Louise has been with St Paul’s Child Development Center since 2012. She is a graduate of Housatonic Community College and has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as her Child Development Associates Credential (CDA). She also holds a head teacher certificate from the state of Connecticut, an Early Childhood Teaching Credential and is a member of NAEYC. She has over 35 years of experience teaching children, working in Head Start and Readiness programs. She also provides nursery care at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Fairfield, CT on Sunday mornings and has served the church community for over 12 years. She spent 4 summers as the First Aid director at Sterling House Day Park Camp in Stratford, CT. Louise has been a volunteer visitor in The Jewish Home for the elderly and a Chaplain’s assistant at St. Vincent’s Medical Center visiting the sick and elderly. She spent 2 year’s training as a Chaplain in Griffin Hospital making daily visits. She is a graduate of the Ministry of Education and Exploration Program from the Episcopal Diocese. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut she currently resides in Stratford, Connecticut with her husband of 47 years. Together they have 2 daughters, Melisa and Nichole and 3 grandchildren, Kevin, Keira and Connor.
Mayra Lopez- Teacher
Mayra began teaching at St Paul’s in 2022. Mayra is a 2021 graduate from Housatonic
Community College and has her Associate’s Degree in Science with a major in Early
Childhood Inclusive Education. She completed her student teaching at Housatonic Early
Childhood Laboratory School. Mayra worked as a Behavioral Therapist supporting
families and children on the spectrum of autism. She provided ABA services though
home and school environment in the year of 2019. Mayra has supported her home
community in New Jersey as a babysitter, where she cared for children from birth
through three. Mayra is a wife and a mother. She enjoys spending time with her son.
Mayra loves to teach children through activities and playing in the classroom.
Kathy Dutan- Head Teacher
Kathy is a 2020 graduate from Housatonic Community College and has her Associate’s Degree in Science with a major in Early Childhood Inclusive Education. Kathy completed her student teaching at St. Paul’s CDC in the fall of 2018. Later, she joined the staff in the summer of 2019 and has been part of the team. In 2022, Kathy graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and has her Bachelor’s Degree in Science with a major in Early Childhood Education and Liberal Studies with concentrations in Child, Family and Community Studies and Psychology. Kathy enjoys hikes, trails and nature. Also, she loves to travel to new places with friends and family. Kathy loves working with young children and seeing them grow over time, she always has the children’s best interest at heart.
Kenia Luna- Teacher
Kenia is a graduate of Housatonic Community College and has her Associate’s in Science with a major in Human Services. Kenia started volunteering at Hopeline Pregnancy Resource Center where she joined counseling meetings, provided emotional support and informed services provided to clients about the center. Kenia began working as a youth counselor for an after-school program with children from ages 6 to 10, where she assisted in the daily tasks, creating and developing activities to engage children. Kenia joined Saint Paul’s CDC in September 2022
Steve Trejo- Teacher
Steve is a graduate of Housatonic Community College. He completed his student teaching at Housatonic Community College Lab school, alongside his co- teacher who has twenty years of teaching experience. He has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Steve joined St.
Paul’s CDC in October 2022. Steve previously worked at the YMCA where he cared for children age infant to elementary school. He also helped children in their after-school activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, and reading. He enjoys teaching, helping and playing outside with the children. Steve likes to play sports, exercise, and enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes to help feral cats outside his house.
Patricia Holland – Teacher
Tricia started at St Paul’s Child Development Center in 2017. Tricia is currently working towards her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Post University. She loves working with children and learning from them. In her spare time, she loves to read and has a large book collection. Tricia loves to spend time with her family and fiancé. Tricia is very family oriented, she has a sister and is aunt to three wonderful children. She likes to spend the majority of her of her free time with her family.
Maren Vera – Teacher
Maren started her career at St. Paul's Child Development Center in 2024. She is currently
thinking about pursuing a career in education because she has a strong desire to support
children growth and learning. She thinks that a person's future can be affected by their
education and that a good teacher can make a big difference. In addition to her primary role as
an assistant teacher, she enjoys being in shape since it keeps her balanced and motivated.
Maren's strong sense of responsibility drives her to seek a career in early hildhood education. She uses her skills to care for her younger family members as an additional responsibility. Through these experiences, she learned the value of patience, time management, and nurturing others - skills she applies in her work with children. Maren is eager to learn from her colleagues at St. Paul's in the years to come and is open to new experiences that will enhance her professional and personal growth.
Jannel Blake – Head Teacher
Jannel began working at St. Paul's Child Development Center in the fall of 2024, where she also finished her student teaching practicum. In May 2024, Jannel received her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Early Childhood Education Certificate. She is a dedicated teacher who believes children thrive in a safe, nurturing environment that fosters growth across all developmental domains. Jannel is currently working on a Bachelor’s degree in order to strengthen her dedication to teaching. As she has worked with children and spent time with her nieces and nephews, she has seen firsthand how learning through experiences foster curiosity, build confidence, and nurture a lifelong love for learning. At St. Paul's, Jannel enjoys developing her skills and broadening her love for teaching. She believes in meeting children where they are in the developmental stages and guiding them toward their potential with intentional and meaningful interactions. Jannel look forward to continuing her own journey of learning and growing while witnessing the incredible things the children will discover, achieve, and teach her along the way.
