“Original Kidsborough Kids circa 1999 and Now”
Christeen Rohwer
Owner, Program Administrator
Hi! If you’ve read this far, you are seriously considering Kidsborough. Thanks! Let me tell you in a couple of paragraphs how it all began.
Like you, I was a working parent. My two children had a phenomenal pre-school care experience. However, when they became school-age students, there was a noticeable drop in the level of care/programming available to them. I was just completing my MBA and decided to do my master’s thesis on what would inevitably become the blueprint for Kidsborough. Less than a year later, I was on my path to opening the kind of before and after school program I wanted for my own children.
From the beginning, our goal has always been to do more than just extend their day. The 3-6pm time block is an opportunity to explore personal interests, build friendships, and of course get homework done. We have created a program that is consistent, positive and safe, that supports children in their social and emotional development. Add a healthy snack, a dose of active play and a little community service and you’ve spent the afternoon at Kidsborough!
When asked, I often explain that I’m not a childcare person that opened a business, I’m a business person that chose to go into childcare and I believe it’s made all the difference. I understand the absolute necessity of hiring quality people, building relationships with customers and communities, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to following comprehensive state and federal regulations. I chose Kidsborough for my own children and I hope you will too.
Deanna Hazeltine
Corporate Programs Administrator
Our staff is truly what and who makes Kidsborough special. Ensuring they have the support, guidance and information they need to in-turn provide an environment where they can best support, guide and mentor our Kidsborough kids and fulfill Kidsborough’s philosophy is my primary goal and responsibility.
The vast majority of my career has been in childcare, and with 30 plus years of professional experience coming from small, family run businesses, healthcare and childcare, I am Kidsborough’s Jack-of-Many-Trades!
One never knows where they might find me in the off hours – kayaking a tidal river with my husband, on the soccer field or at Gillette cheering on the Revs. Frequent visits with our two grown children, and son-in-law in NYC are popular weekend choices. Travel to semi-exotic or not so exotic places around the country and the world is welcome!
Joanna Rowe
Site Support Administrator
Joanna returned to Kidsborough in August 2014 as the Site Coordinator of our Dunning program. Her commitment to the children, families and community contributed to Dunning becoming our largest school-based site. As the company has grown, Joanna has moved into the role of Site Support Administrator. She enjoys supporting the school-based Site Coordinators in all areas of running a great program, building community relationships and hiring our amazing staff!
Fun fact, Joanna was the first Site Coordinator hired by Kidsborough in 2002, when the company expanded to two sites.
Joanna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of Rhode Island. She has previously held teaching licenses and taught K-5 in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Arizona. Joanna enjoys spending time with her school age son and participates in numerous outdoor activities.
Brian Gruetze
Site Support Administrator
Brian has tons of fun at Kidsborough because he gets to play board games, organize dance competitions, and talk to students about the awesome things they are coloring, designing, and building. We offer a great mix of education and play. Everyone here, students and staff, are encouraged to be themselves, learn, and take chances.
At Kidsborough we empower children to play, grow, and discover at their own pace, and Brian and his team are encouraged to create exciting and unique programming. Brian has oodles of fun working with younger students, and helping them grow into thoughtful, caring, and independent people. He often finds himself deeply engaged in Star Wars discussions.
Brian loves working with kids, helping them grow and learn. He began his education career in Pittsburgh as a high school social studies teacher and has been working with children of various ages for over 15 years. He has a B.A. in History, teaching certificate, and Masters Degree in Non-Profit Management.
Brian spends his free time playing hockey, reading and drinking tea, hiking with his dog Boson, playing board games, and going on adventures with his wife.
Zachary Frederick
Site Support Administrator
Zach is the Site Support Administrator for Kidsborough’s North Middlesex programs in Ashby, Townsend, and Pepperell. He has a passion for community and team-building, and believes that teaching students core values is of the utmost importance.
Zach started with Kidsborough as the Whitcomb Middle School Site Coordinator in October 2015. He has a B.A. in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and has been working in after-school and camp settings for several years.
In his free time Zach enjoys being outside, biking, and hiking, and has developed a new-found interest in carpentry.
Being a part of the Kidsborough team is a wonderful experience. It is an open-minded and forward-thinking place to work, always putting the kids first!