Ms. Ilana is the Founder and Director of Lolly’s Early Learning Center. Ilana takes great pride in Lolly’s and loves interacting with parents, teachers and children on a daily basis. Ilana opened Lolly’s in 2010 as one of the first childhood development centers in the neighborhood. She was overwhelmed by the love and support she received from the LIC community. Ilana loves celebrating the children and the teachers-they are the reasons that Lolly’s is such an amazing place. Ilana is very grateful to LIC and her amazing staff. She is always striving to make Lolly’s the most rewarding place it can be for the children, teachers and families. In her free time, Ms. Ilana loves spending time with her family, including her 2 children, Mikey and Mila. She looks forward to many more successful years in the community

Ms. Maggie has lived in Brooklyn, New York for 20 years with her husband and 2 children. She is a trained medical assistant but has always had a passion for working with children. She loves motivating young minds and seeing how they use their imaginations to learn and explore. She believes that early childhood education is a fundamental staple to a fulfilling life and understands the importance of creating a safe and hospitable environment for children. Lolly’s affectionate staff and engaging curriculum is what drove her to the center. Her experience with physically and mentally challenged children has made her into the caring and nurturing caregiver that she is. The kids love her personality, humor, and most of all, her morning hugs. Maggie is an amazing asset to the Lolly's community and we are so lucky to have her.

Ms. Zuzanna was born and raised in Queens, New York. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hunter College in 2014 and began working at Lolly’s that summer as an Assistant Teacher in the 2 year-old classroom. After working at Lolly’s for one year, Ms. Zuzanna decided to go back to school to pursue her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2016, Ms. Zuzanna became the Head Teacher in the Yellow Room. She graduated with her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College in 2019 and earned her professional certificate in Early Childhood Education (Birth-grade 2). In September 2021, Ms. Zuzanna was promoted to the head 3K teacher. Ms. Zuzanna has a passion for helping her students develop a love for learning and is dedicated to helping each student grow emotionally and socially. In her spare time, Ms. Zuzanna enjoys being with her friends, family and 2 cats.  Thank you, Ms. Zuzanna, for nearly a decade of commitment to Lolly's and the LIC community. 

Ms. Amanda was born and raised in Queens, New York. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art and a minor in Student Personnel from CUNY Queens College. During her time in school, she developed a great interest in working in the special needs field, and hopes to eventually pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. After graduating from Queens College, she went on to work with two-year-olds on the autism spectrum in an early intervention center for two and a half years. She has also had other childcare jobs working with children ranging from ages six months to five years. She joined the Lolly’s family in August 2021 as co-teacher in the 2-year-old classroom. In July 2022, Amanda was promoted to the Assistant Teacher position in our DOE 3K class. Although she loves working with kids, Ms. Amanda also has a huge soft spot for animals. In her free time, she loves to cuddle with her two cats and volunteers at an animal shelter close to where she lives.

Ms. Rashell loves being the Head Teacher in Lolly’s Red Room. When she was in high school, she began working with children by tutoring and babysitting for numerous families. During college, she worked with children with autism in honor of her sister who suffers from ASD. Since then, she has been teaching toddlers for over 3 years while continuing to gain experience working and volunteering with special needs students. She joined the Lolly's family in 2021 and has been an incredible addition to our team.  Her favorite thing to do with the children at Lolly's is to read stories with silly voices and take her students outside to the playground or for walks to admire the beautiful buildings.  Ms. Rashell has lived in New York City for her entire life and is passionate about the city, her students and the LIC community. 

Ms. Lauren is a seasoned, enthusiastic, and loving teacher with nearly a decade of experience teaching toddlers.  Over the years, Lauren has worked at three early childhood centers in Long Island City, including Lolly's.  Ms. Lauren was hired as a part-time floater/substitute at Lolly's in 2012 and shortly thereafter was transferred to Brighter Babies where she was offered a full-time opportunity.  Since then, she has started her own family (she married her husband David in 2015) and in 2016 they welcomed their adorable, energetic and hilarious son Christopher.  We are thrilled to have Ms. Lauren back at Lolly's.  The children absolutely adore her and are proof of her dedication, patience and nurturing personality.  In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and vacationing (Disney is a favorite destination).  We are excited to have Ms. Lauren at Lolly's and look forward to many years ahead of her leading our littlest learners. 

Ms. Sherri started at Lolly’s as the Assistant Teacher in the UPK class in July 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, though she has always had a love for working with children. She has been working in education for the past 9 years but has been working with children since her first job as a camp counselor at age 15. Within those 9 years she has worked as a Program Specialist in after-school enrichment programs and a Substitute Teacher for grades K-12 in various private and charter schools. Her love for all things art and wellness is shown in how she works with her students.

Ms. Christina joined the Lolly's family in 2023 as a part-time floater/ substitute.   Christina quickly became a favorite amongst the staff and children- who often ask when she will return to their classrooms and look forward to welcoming her into the class.  Christina is a reliable team player who thoroughly enjoys getting to know the children and interacting with them.  In her spare time, Christina enjoys biking and painting.  We are thrilled to welcome Christina to Lolly's and appreciate the dedication, commitment and care she applies to her role at the center.  

Ms. Stephanie joined the Lolly’s family in 2023. She has obtained a bachelor’s in psychology from Queens College and is pursuing her master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development at Capella University. She began her love working with children at an early age with babysitting positions, working in daycare centers with 3–5-year-olds during summer employment as an adolescent (SYEP), and being a daycare assistant throughout her time at Queens College. In her free time, she likes to walk, travel, and spend time with her two parakeets, Esperanza (Hope) & Attentive. Stephanie enjoys appreciating different cultures, during her time at QC she studied abroad in Australia.  We are thrilled to have her at Lolly’s!