The Sproutlings Team
Sproutlings is owned by the Shaheed family, long-time residents of New Providence. Mo Shaheed and his daughter, Mira, and son, Jon, oversee the daily operations. Mo has an educational background and worked with school-age children prior to opening Sproutlings. Mira worked in the area for nearly 20 years as a preschool teacher. Jon has a background in health administration and prior to Sproutlings, worked in Care Transitions at a New York hospital system.
The Sproutlings Story
Mira’s experience serving young children and their families evolved into her vision for Sproutlings. She understands the variety of needs that families with young children have, and she recognizes the growing need for more childcare options in the New Providence area. Mira has completed several teacher education programs for teachers of young children, including a High Scope lead teaching and a CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential for Infants and Toddlers. She frequently attends conferences at Kean University on early childhood education topics.
Our Teachers and Staff
Jon Shaheed
VP of Operations
Jonathan was raised in New Providence and graduated from New Providence High School. He has a BA in Biology from Bucknell University. His Masters is in Health Administration from Columbia University. Jonathan taught biology, chemistry and physics when he served in the Peace Corps in West Africa. Prior to Sproutlings, he worked as a Forecast Analyst for several years before working in Care Transitions at a New York hospital system. Jon enjoys playing soccer in his spare time and used to be the captain of the New Providence team. He lives with his wife Sydney and dog Kodak in town.
Kerry Lancey
Director
Kerry was born and raised in New Providence and graduated from New Providence High School. She has a BS in Elementary Education and an M.Ed from the University of Delaware. She has certifications in the areas of Elementary Education (K-5) and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Her Masters is in Teacher Leadership. Kerry has worked with young children for over twelve years and has experience with a wide variety of ages. Before joining the Sproutlings team, Kerry taught fourth grade at a local private school. Kerry lives with her husband Jeff and son Austin in nearby Warren.
Amanda Smith
Assistant Director
Amanda moved to New Providence from the UK with her husband and 2 children in 2004. She has a BSc. in Diagnostic Radiography from the University of Portsmouth in the UK and obtained her Preschool CDA certification in 2015. Amanda joined Sproutlings in 2020, as a lead teacher in the PreK 3 class and is excited to take on the role of Assistant Director. Prior to joining the Sproutlings team, Amanda worked as an assistant teacher and then a lead teacher at St. Andrews Preschool and Kindergarten in New Providence. In her spare time, Amanda loves to knit, read, and spend time with her family.
Donna Nobile
Head Teacher
Donna has worked as lead teacher of infants for over 10 years. Prior to that, she worked as an assistant teacher and then lead teacher with both toddlers and preschoolers. Donna’s experience with caring for infants and working with families of our youngest clients prepares her well for this position. Donna enjoys spending time with her three children, Joseph, Courtney and Bridget, and four grandchildren.
Kellie Hutson
Full Day Kindergarten Teacher
Kellie Hutson is the Lead Teacher of our Kindergarten Wrap program. Kellie graduated from William Paterson University with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She taught Kindergarten in public schools for three years prior to joining the Sproutlings family. She has experience with Applied Behavior Analysis as well. She currently resides in Wantage with her husband, son and her mini dachshund named Bratwurst.
Amelia Wilson
PreK 3 Lead Teacher
Amelia has an Associate’s Degree in Education from Raritan Valley Community College. While obtaining her degree she spent time in the Clinton Public schools and in the Calvary Nursery School in Cranford. Amelia worked as an assistant teacher in PreK 3 prior to taking on the lead position. She has completed training in Creative Curriculum through the Grow NJ Kids program.
Bridget Nobile
Seedlings Lead Teacher
Bridget has been working with young children for over fifteen years. She grew up in New Providence, graduated from New Providence High School and obtained her degree in Communications from Farleigh Dickenson University in 2006. She recently completed Creative Curriculum training and is in the process of finishing her CDA. Bridget’s enthusiasm and creativity make her a perfect match for the young toddler classroom.
Maddie Espinal
Lead Teacher Pre-K 4
Maddie Espinal is a lead teacher in our Pre-K 4 class. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University - Harrisburg as well as a K-5 Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate. Maddie was the Lead Preschool Teacher at a Goddard School in Pennsylvania and was a member of the Youth Services team at a library in Pennsylvania and has worked in the childcare field for the past 8 years. Maddie lives in Bridgewater with her husband Marco, daughter Daisy and their cat Jack.
Alex Amory
Lead Teacher - Beanstalks
Alex was born and raised in Rahway, NJ. In addition to a background in clinical healthcare from Union County Vo-Tech High School, she has experience in childcare. After working as an assistant in several different classrooms at Sproultings, Alex is thrilled to be the lead teacher of the Beanstalks classroom. When she is not at Sproutlings, Alex enjoys baking, sewing and playing with her two cats, Sage and Pepper.
Pamela Boemio
Lead Teacher of Pre K 3
Jennifer Shattle
Lead Teacher- Pre K 4
Emily Shattle
Lead Teacher – Peapods II
Emily is from Middlesex, NJ and graduated from Middlesex High School in 2015. She attended Raritan Valley Community College and American Academy McAllister Institute. Emily has been around children her entire life, from having a daycare in her childhood home, to babysitting, working summer camps, as well as spending two years in a preschool classroom at Bright Horizons. During her free time, she spends her weekends at the shore with her friends.