We’re updating this page with all our new staff, so you will see partial entries below.
hoto Credit: JJen BennetT
Hollie Wagner, Owner & Preschool Director
My dream has always been to have my own preschool. I grew up in Alfred NY and helped my mom with her in-home daycare and Toddle Time at church. I started babysitting at an early age and haven't stopped caring for kids. I love watching them learn and grow.
I received my bachelor's degree in psychology with a focus on child development. I went back for my master's degree in elementary education while teaching. I have taught children ages 2-12 and have found my happiness with the preschoolers. While in a preschool room I have been a teacher's assistant, a teacher, the head teacher, and a director.
I'm excited to have my own preschool, meeting your children, and becoming their teacher.
Laurel Karee, Daycare Director
Hi, I’m Miss Laurel! I am from Elmira, and from a young age I’ve enjoyed spending time with children and babysitting. As my passion for supporting children developed, I worked as a one-on-one teacher's Aide in the Horseheads School District. I then began a position at the preschool, before coming over to the infant and toddler center.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree, and in my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, biking, cooking, and reading.
I consider the first five years of a child’s life to be the most crucial time for their development. I am grateful every day to have the privilege of helping children learn to be their authentic selves, encourage their curiosity, and interact with the world around them confidently and safely. I believe that the best way to build a positive environment for children is to work together and create a strong community. I strive to work with families to make the transition from home to school as comfortable as possible by learning about what life at home looks like for each individual child and bringing aspects of it into the classroom. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life!
Marissa Plymale, Wadder Room Lead Teacher
Hi, I’m Marissa! Although I have no children of my own, I am a cat mom of 3, and a dog mom of 1 energetic Shepsky named Jakiro.
I have experience in many childcare related positions from babysitting, full time nannying, to Montessori education, and more.
In my free time I can be found doing anything artsy or creative. At the top of the list is my passion for crochet, that has lead me into running my own small business selling my creations, as well as teaching crochet classes to kids!
Professionally, I am working towards my BA in Psychology & Human Development, with a goal of working in early childhood mental health.
Itsy Bitsy has been the doorway to achieving my goals, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this team.
Aubrianna Bradley, Toddler Room Lead Teacher
Hi, my name is Aubrianna. I grew up in the small town of Woodhull. I've always loved spending time with children. I have been babysitting from a young age, I coach/reffed youth soccer, and helped out with the kids at church. I want to continue my education to get a CDA!
I have four sisters and three brothers. I live on a farm and enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my friends and family, and being outside. I love working here at Itsy Bitsy, I love being a part in the kids lives, and watching them grow!
Jennifer Harris, Teacher Assistant
Hello! I'm Jennifer. I grew up on Long Island until I was about 9 and then moved up to this area. I have a son, a daughter, and four dogs.
I started working at Itsy Bitsy Inspirations preschool in September 2021 and moved to the daycare shortly after it opened so I could take care of the younger kiddos.
I love watching the kiddos of all ages learn and grow and discover who they are! I am very happy to be a part of the Itsy Bitsy family!
Jana Gage, Teacher Assistant
I grew up for the first 9 years of my life in Phoenix AZ, then moved to Corning. My favorite hobby is hiking, or anything outdoors.
A couple interesting facts about me: I have 4 cats and about 50 house plants! I also work at Three Birds on Market St in Corning.
My favorite thing about Itsy Bitsy is being able to have a positive impact on the children, and knowing when they come to Itsy Bitsy they are loved and appreciated for who they are!
June Taylor, Teacher Assistant
I grew up in Elmira and moved to Painted Post in 2006. I got my early education degree from Corning Community College and Alfred University in 2019.
I have a son and two daughters, as well as a dog and two cats.
In my spare time I like art and flooring projects, and I’m always chauffeuring my kids.
At Itsy Bitsy I love watching all the kids’ growth and “light bulb” moments.
Emma Stephens, Teacher Assistant
I always loved spending time with kids, especially preschool age. I started volunteering in the preschool room at my private school when I was in 11th grade.
My favorite ways to unwind are doing anything art related, soaking up nature, and cuddling with my pets.
It’s a true joy to be a part of the Itsy Bitsy family and play a role in helping the amazing kids grow.
Danielle Beres, Teacher Assistant
I grew up right in Caton and went to CPP schools. I then went to Hartwick College and earned my degree in political science and English.
I have a son and 3 daughters and attend as many of their activities as possible, including even participating in their ballet shows in the past. When there is spare time I like to read and craft.
I love the kids at Itsy Bitsy and their imaginations.
Lisa Wray, Teacher Assistant
Hi! My name is Lisa and I work primarily in the toddler room. I have 2 children of my own. They are 23 & 22. Two years ago my daughter blessed me with the most perfect grandson ever!
I've always had a passion for working with children. Currently I am working on getting my Child Development Associates Credential. A lot of people can't say they love their jobs but I truly can!
Thank you for trusting us with your babies, I love watching them grow and discover all about the world around them!
Lacey Grigsby, Teacher Assistant
Greetings! My name is Lacey and I grew up right here in Corning. I am a mom to a son and daughter as well as 3 stepsons and a stepdaughter.
I started looking after children in my teens and professionally in 2012.
I also work as a personal care assistant for those with disabilities when I'm not working with children.
During my free time I enjoy nature, animals, gardening, and spending quality time with my family.
I really enjoy working at Itsy Bitsy Inspirations and am thankful for this opportunity.
Kelly Jacobs, Teacher Assistant
My first job as a sophomore in high school was at a daycare across the street. Even as a young child, I’ve always had a nurturing heart, and I always knew was that I wanted to be a mom and to teach young hearts and minds.
I had the opportunity to homeschool and travel off grid through Delaware, Atlanta, Colorado, West Virginia, and New Jersey with my children up until they were in high school. I truly believe that being a safe place for my children started at home. My children and now 17 and 19 and I’m thankful for those memories we got to make together.
Throughout the course of my life since high school I stayed in jobs where I was able to work with children. From being a lead teacher in every room in a childcare setting, to nannying different families’ children in the mission field, to being a school bus driver and homeschooling mom, my heart has always been filled with compassion and care for children.
I’m looking forward to working hands on with the Itsy Bitsy preschool class ❤️