As the founder of Creche, Jennifer was introduced to working with young children early in life through her mother’s family child care business. Changing diapers, helping with feedings, reading stories and leading playtime with younger children was simply a way of life. Shortly after relocating to Manhattan to attend Kansas State University in 2004, a former hobby became a career when she began working in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE). While attending K-State, studying psychology, Jennifer began her professional career in Early Childhood Education in a commercial child care facility, teaching all age groups, infant through school age.
Desiring a more personal relationship with the child and family, Jennifer transitioned into a professional nanny. This transition prompted a quick discovery of an unmet need in the community, and Jennifer aspired to assist many families seeking quality in-home child care. While developing a network of candidates desiring to become nannies or sitters, Jennifer founded a local nanny placement agency. Within two years, the company served over 100 families, and Jennifer wanted to continue to grow her community impact.
The foundation for Creche formed from Jennifer's research of early childhood resources in the Manhattan community; early childhood educational curriculums that coincided with best practices; a delivery model that involved the family in a child’s learning activities; theories and practices of other regions, and countries; and design techniques to establish a safe, comfortable environment for the children and teachers. In 2011 plans were in motion for building Creche, and in just under a year, it became a reality, opening the doors of the Grand Mere location in August 2012. A second location, The Cradle at Creche, was added in the summer of 2015, and only a few months later, both sites were awarded national accreditation certification through NAEYC in the fall of 2015. In August 2017, Jennifer led the Creche team in opening a third location, Creche, at Heritage Square, in east Manhattan. Most recently, an expansion was added to The Cradle in the spring of 2023, adding three new classrooms for infants and toddlers.
“Supporting working families is my passion. Seeing the genuine, long-lasting relationships our team forms with the children, families, and one another is the reason I love what I do.”
