Donna Conklin—Owner
Donna purchased Pattycake Playhouse in April 2005. Since then she has expanded the school with a large addition, doubling the number of students and families served. Prior to Pattycake, Donna worked for large corporations and has an acute awareness of ethical business practices. Being a mother of two children who attended Pattycake, she is very aware of what parents look for in a high quality preschool program. On the heels of Pattycake’s success, Donna ventured out to open additional locations, hence the birth of Pattycake on 32 in New Windsor. Donna works diligently in aligning the schools so that all the programs have reputations that supersede them. When volunteering, she intuitively sees the threads of opportunity and brings the together to help fulfill the missions at hand. Email Donna Conklin: pattycakenewburgh@gmail.com
Michelle Pagano— Program Development Specialist @ Pattycake Playhouse
Michelle began working as the Director at Pattycake Playhouse in April 2005. Prior to her role as Director, she taught in the Marlboro School District for two years. Michelle did her undergraduate and graduate studies at Mount Saint Mary College. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English with NYS teaching certifications in Elementary and Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Education with a NYS teaching certification in Literacy. In addition to her responsibilities as Director, Michelle holds a NYSEC Trainer Credential and a Professional Development Specialist. She provides early childhood professionals with mandatory training and assists individuals with obtaining their CDA credentials through her training organization, Training Wheels Education Station, LLC. Michelle enjoys working with her staff to reflect on and improve program practices and to stay up to date on current educational trends. She is always taking advantage of opportunities to get families involved in the center. Michelle understands the importance of quality childcare combined with a solid foundation for Kindergarten readiness. Email Michelle Pagano: michelle@pattycakeplayhouse.com