We are honored to have your family become a part of our program, and want you to get to know us as well. Please read the bios of the educators who will touch the lives of your children.
Heather Mayo, Founder
Hello, my name is Heather Mayo and I am the founder of Sweet Peas Village Early Childhood School. I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. I then went on to earn my Master’s degree from Rhode Island College in Education. My dream of Sweet Peas Village was realized in May 1996 with our first building, the Village. It was a very memorable time for me to provide extremely high quality educational experiences for young children in the town of East Greenwich, RI. I had some road blocks to overcome but when I opened my doors, the feedback that came in about the school was so rewarding! I envisioned a school like no other in the state that allowed families to have a home away from home, and the children a place to play and fulfill their educational milestones. Well, my dream has come true and many children have and continue to benefit from Sweet Peas Village. That is all that I can ask for!
Michelle Fagundes, Director
Michelle Fagundes Hello, my name is Michelle Fagundes and I am a director at Sweet Peas Village. I earned a bachelor‘s degree in the areas of Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I’ve been a member of the Sweet Peas family since 1998. It‘s been an amazing journey here at Sweet Peas that has brought me where I am today. I’m proud to be part of a school that I believe in and feel privileged to bring my two children here, too. I have enjoyed the many teaching experiences I’ve had in the classroom and now share my experiences to help our teachers create a warm and engaging place for children to explore and grow. I hope to pass on the pride and compassion that I have for teaching young children to each person who enters our door.
Kara Holman, Director
Hi! My name is Kara Holman. I‘m a director here at Sweet Peas Village. I’ve been with Sweet Peas since 1999. I have my BA in Social Science from Lyndon State College. I‘m also a certified CPR and First Aid instructor. I have worked in a variety of rooms since I started here at Sweet Peas. I’ve taken what I’ve learned to aide the teachers in any capacity they need. I enjoy my roll as a director because of the close relationships I have formed with the teachers, children and families here at Sweet Peas. It feels like we are all striving for the same goal – the happiness and well being of the children.
Jennifer Struckel, Director
My name is Jennifer Struckel and I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful school and community. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College in 2006 and found my way to Sweet Peas Village that Fall. I have had the opportunity to work with and teach a variety of age groups, each one giving me unique memories to hold on to. As a teacher, each day was filled with bright smiles and new achievements. Now as a director I enjoy sharing my knowledge with both the teachers and each individual family.
Sarah McCaffrey, Director
Hello, my name is Sarah McCaffrey and I am a Director at Sweet Peas Village! I have been a part of the Sweet Peas family since 2007. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Rhode Island in 2012. I have had the opportunity to teach in a variety of classrooms and have learned so much from each teacher and director. Now as a director I am able to share my own knowledge and experience with others. Each day is an exciting day and always holds the possibility for something amazing to happen. I am proud to be a part of a school that is dedicated to teaching young children and shaping the future.