OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Chelsea Wallace
Chelsea’s journey with Little Learners Academy began in 2020 as a parent before she joined the team as a Lead Infant Teacher. She has since served in leadership roles including Assistant Director and Director and now supports the growth of multiple locations. Chelsea began working in early childhood education in 2014 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2016 and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2024 from Rhode Island College. She is passionate about mentoring teachers, building strong relationships with families, and creating positive school communities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, cooking, and reading.
Kelli Chilvers
Kelli has been with Little Learners Academy for eight years and has served as a Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and now Director. She loves watching children grow and learn and knew early childhood education was the right fit after raising her own children. Kelli has completed extensive professional development, including ECERS-3, RIELDS trainings, Conscious Discipline, Incredible Years programs, and CPR/First Aid certification. She is a proud mom of four and grandmother of two, enjoys reading and traveling, and feels most at peace by the ocean.
Maryann Petrella
Maryann has been with Little Learners Academy for five years and brings 18 years of experience in early childhood education. She has worked in preschool settings and as a Special Education Paraprofessional for the Cranston School Department. Maryann studied Elementary Education at Salve Regina University and is CPR/First Aid certified, with RIELDS training and experience in Brightstars 5-star Pre-K classroom. She has always known she wanted to work with children and finds joy in helping them grow each day. Family is very important to her, and she brings that same caring approach into her classroom. She enjoys time at the beach and cheering on her two sons at their sporting events.
Tara Kerman
Tara has been part of Little Learners Academy for 14 years and previously worked at Faith Nursery School. She loves watching children learn, grow, and build confidence each day. Tara earned her degree from Rhode Island College and is CPR/First Aid certified. She has completed extensive professional development including RIELDS, ITERS, ECERS, and Conscious Discipline, and she leads staff planning while serving on the Collaborative Classroom Board. As a mom of two grown sons, Tara brings strong family values, patience, and steady leadership to her work. Outside of school, she enjoys time by the ocean, gardening, and reading.
Kimberley Byrne
Kimberley has been with Little Learners Academy for nearly five years. She has experience working with children at different developmental stages and focuses on creating safe, engaging classrooms. Kimberley is currently continuing her degree in Early Childhood Education and is committed to growing professionally. She believes the early years build the foundation for lifelong learning and leads with compassion, respect, and strong relationships with families and staff. As both an educator and a parent, her connection to Little Learners Academy is especially meaningful, as both of her children also attended LLA, giving her a well-rounded perspective within the community.
Nicole Studley
Nicole has been with Little Learners Academy for four years and brings nine years of experience in early childhood education. She believes the early years are key to building confidence and a love of learning. Nicole is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at Rhode Island College and is dedicated to continued growth. She values strong communication with families and works to create a classroom where every child feels safe and supported.
Amy Lemay
Amy joined Little Learners Academy in Fall 2022 and has worked in early childhood education since the early 1990s. After raising her own children, she spent over 20 years in special education as an ABA therapist, supporting children and families throughout Massachusetts. Amy returned to early childhood because she truly loves working with young children and being part of their early learning experiences. She enjoys partnering with families and watching children gain confidence and independence each day.
Ashley Cote
Ashley has been with Little Learners Academy for about six years and currently serves as Co-Director of the Smithfield location. She has 16 years of experience, including time as a nanny and classroom teacher, and began her journey at Little Learners working with infants and toddlers. Growing up as one of six siblings sparked her love for helping children learn and succeed. Ashley holds a CDA credential and continues her professional development each year. She is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and excited to learn.
Michelle Whitaker
Michelle has been with Little Learners Academy since 2019 and has supported the growth of the organization from one location to five. She brings extensive leadership experience from prior corporate roles, which allows her to guide a dynamic team and support school operations with confidence and care. Michelle enjoys connecting with teachers, families, and children, ensuring each day runs smoothly and meaningfully. As a mom of two young children, Michelle understands firsthand how important it is for families to feel supported when choosing an early childhood program. She values empathy, open communication, and building strong relationships with each family, drawing on her own experience as a parent navigating the early years. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys being active and creative. She loves interior design, gardening, movement, and spending time outdoors with her family in every season, believing that fresh air and adventure are essential parts of childhood.