About us
In 1984, Howard Johnson’s opened a daycare center to service the daycare needs of their employees and families in the community. In 1986, when Howard Johnson’s moved out of Quincy, a group of parent volunteers took over the operation and management of the center and the Center was re-named Greater Quincy Childcare Center. GQCC continues to operate today as a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors made up of parent volunteers and the Center’s Executive Director.
Our program enrolls children ages 8 weeks to 7 years. Quality staffing, parent participation and community involvement have all played a part in making the Center a success. We offer beautiful modern classrooms and equipment, Breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack, a music & movement program and a State-of-the-art Security System.
We believe in fostering the development of the whole child, socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually and creatively. Our dynamic, stimulating environment enables growth to occur in all developmental areas, while supporting the individual needs of each child.
GQCC admits children of any race, color and national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to children at the Center. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs and marital status, in administration of its educational policies.
Parents with children enrolled at the Center are welcome to visit their child in the classroom at any time. We encourage parents to join the class and share a family tradition or read a story.
Meet the team
Administration
Amy Peltz, M.Ed:
Hello GQCC families! My name is Amy and I joined the center as Executive Director in June of 2025. I have always had a passion for earning preschool teachers their recognition as professionals through articulating the impact of quality education and care on the lives of young children.
I am the proud mother of adult twin boys Alexander and Benjamin, a rescue pitbull named Louie, and a cat named Gracie. I love to read, garden, and travel. My husband Mark and I have cruised all over the Caribbean multiple times and it is always our vacation of choice.
I am thrilled to be part of a community that is driven in supporting their children through involvement and dedication within the school that they attend, GQCC!
Jennifer Hodgell
My name is Jennifer Hodgell. I live in Whitman, MA, with my husband, Mike, our son, Logan, and my brother, Tim. My son, Paul, lives in Blackstone with one of his cousins. I have a twin brother, Terrence, named for his Uncle Terry who also lives with me. I have an early childhood education background; I also have a master’s degree in early childhood education. I started out working with children at the infant/toddler level in a daycare classroom. I worked part-time at night in the care here at GQCC on an as-needed basis. In 2003, I started full time and ran the kindergarten program and summer enrichment program for the Center. I left the Center in 2009 as my son, Logan, started home for a year taking care of him and then my father when he was in decline. In 2010, I worked as a developmental specialist in Early Intervention for a short period of time before returning to teaching preschool at Magical Years in Halifax. In 2014, I moved to working as preschool teacher at Dove’s Nest in Rockland because my son was attending the preschool program there. In 2017, I returned to GQCC as one of the preschool teachers again. I ran the kindergarten program until we were forced to close our doors due to the pandemic. When we reopened, I returned as one of the preschool teachers because the kindergarten program was no longer a part of our Center. In 2022, I became the assistant director here at GQCC when the former assistant director retired. GQCC is my second home! I love working with the children and families!
Educators
Gaelle
My name is Gaelle Millien, and I’m thrilled to be your child’s teacher at Greater Quincy Childcare Center. I’ve had the joy of working her for the past 20 years, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Eastern Nazarene College. I live in Taunton with my husband, our son, and our big baby dog, Sporty. In our classroom, we focus on creating a nurturing and engaging environment filled with hands-on learning activities like sensory play, story time, art projects, music and outdoor exploration. What I love most about working with your children is witnessing their daily, monthly, and yearly milestones as they grow through the center. It’s truly my “why.” Each child brings their own energy and curiosity into the classroom, and it’s incredibly rewarding to have a positive impact on their development.
Joan
Hi, My name is Joan and I graduated from Blue Hills Technical Vocational School in Canton in Early Childhood Education! I have been working at GQCC for a year now. I'm a teacher in the Infant 1 classroom and I love what I do! I'm also a single mom of three wonderful children (13, 10, & 5) who are all on the autism spectrum. They show me what hard work and determination mean and what it's all about!
Alex
I’m Alex from Infant 1. Im from Boston but currently live in Randolph, ma. I have about 13 years of childcare experience with all age groups from school age to infants. I enjoy coloring, music and anything self-care! I have always had a passion for working with children and their families ever since I was in high school. A fun fact about me is that I go to the gym at 5 AM working on a healthier lifestyle to keep up with all of the children and hopefully my own family one day.
Kara
Hello everyone. My name is Kara Lochiatto. I graduated with my associate’s degree in early childhood education from Quincy College. I have been in the early education field for 38 years. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I come from a large Italian family. In my spare time I bake & love to read.
My Favorite Things:
Book: Little Women & The Great Gatsby
Color: Pink & Blue
Flowers: Hydrangeas
Hobby: Baking & Reading
Sarah
Hi there! My name is Sarah Casale and I’ve been in the early childhood education field for 5 years. I started as a preschool teacher and over the years I have expanded my teaching experience working with toddlers and infants. Teaching and art are great passions of mine, and I love combining my love for both!
Nadia
Hello! My name is Nadia Israel, and I'm so excited to be a part of your child's learning journey! I’ve worked in the childcare and elementary education field for over 12 years, primarily with school-age children. This is my first experience working with infants, and I'm incredibly excited to learn alongside the classroom's great team and begin a part of your child's milestones in early stages of life.I've been with GQCC for 4 months now and am currently working toward obtaining my teaching license. I recently relocated to Massachusetts from Kansas about two years ago. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy baking, traveling, and spending time with my little one.I'm looking forward to building strong connections with the children and families here. Thank you for letting me be part of your child's early learning experience!
Tiffany B
Hello families! My name is Tiffany Bedard but to my students I go by Ms.B! I’ve been an early education teacher since 2022. I started teaching because I have always found the early years of childhood the most magical and wanted to create happy memories for children! I also learned how to take care of children early on in life, fun fact about me is I have 16 nieces and nephews! I love to do dramatic play activities with the children and encourage celebration activities that involve families as well!
Tiffany T
Hi, my name is Tiffany Thibault, and I’ve been an early childhood educator for over 10 years. One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher is watching children grow in all areas of development. It’s an incredible honor to be trusted with the opportunity to guide, teach, nurture, connect with, and love each child in my care. Outside of teaching at GQCC, I lead a dance team at my church and run a creative business designing stationery and digital products for busy moms, as well as printable worksheets for kids. Feel free to check out my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RaquelMeraki
Yecenia
Hi, I'm Yecenia from the Caterpillar class. I'm a proud mom to three wonderful children—a 15-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy, and a 9-year-old girl. Being bilingual, I speak both Spanish and English, which helps me connect with diverse families and children. I studied business and administration and spent three years working in payroll before discovering my passion for childcare in 2017. In my free time, I love spending quality moments with my family, whether it's swimming or taking long walks on the beach. I’m a determined person—once I set my mind on something, I make it happen. I'm also a big fan of movies and TV series, especially scary movies, dramas, mysteries, and comedies. Right now, I’m really enjoying watching "Ginny and Georgia."
Nikki
Hi, I’m Nicole (aka Ms. Nikki)—a proud mom of two wonderful girls, ages 15 and 21. Over the past 17 years I’ve had the joy of working with children, helping them grow and become independent. I love creating original kids’ songs and themed activities that make learning both fun and engaging. I truly love being a toddler teacher. As Steve Jobs said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." I’m obsessed with tiny homes and love figuring out how to use storage in the most creative and unconventional ways. When possible, you’ll find me outdoors, soaking up nature, or spending time with Jesus and my family. These moments recharge my spirit and remind me of what truly matters.
Jenna
I’m Jenna! I’ve been working with kids since I was 14. I am the Floater at GQCC so I’m with whichever class needs me for the day! I love working with kids, reading and drawing/ any arts and crafts!
Carlita
I began teaching in the city of Boston for 2 years. I extended my teaching skills in the town of Milton, Ma in 2021. This is where I continued and enhanced my teaching skills as an earl childhood educator. By the year 2025, I made a decision to work for GQCC in May.I love teaching and guiding children to help them learn and grow. I enjoy spending time with my 3 children. I love to read, listen to music, dance and enjoy playing board games.
Lindsay
My name is Lindsay Amrock, and I am so happy to part of the Busy Bee team. I’ve been teaching for 10 years and earned my associate’s degree in early childhood education. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my dogs Murphy and Oscar and my cats Milo and Finn!
Nathalie
My name is Nathalie Laurent, I've worked in childcare for eight years. I was a kindergarten teacher at a public school in Brookline. I enjoy teaching because it allows me to be creative and there's always something new to discover! When a child learns something new, I love to watch their eyes light up! Making connections with kids and their families is something I adore. My hobbies are reading, exercising and drawing.
Kayline
Hi, I’m Kayline Antunes (Kayla), a certified preschool teacher with nearly two years of experience. I’m passionate about creating a warm, supportive space where young children can grow, feel valued, and love learning. I believe in the power of kindness, creativity, and connection in early education. Outside the classroom, I enjoy time with my family, reading, and life’s simple joys. My dream is to one day open my own home daycare. Children truly inspire every part of my life. I'm grateful to be part of a profession that shapes the future, and I feel blessed to do what l love every single day.
Karen
Hello! I am Ms. Karen. I have had the great opportunity to teach in a variety of capacities in my over 30 years of teaching. Some of my experiences include classroom teaching, parent-child music classes, coordinator of a local playgroup and now here at GQCC where you will find me teaching in the Sunflower classroom as well as leading music classes for all the children at the center. I believe that two important developmental skills for young children are being able to read and to make music. I'm so lucky that here at GQCC, I have the opportunity to be part of laying the groundwork for them to be able to do both. In my spare time, I enjoy embroidery, baking, reading and all kinds of arts & crafts!
MJ
Hello GQCC families! My name is MJ and am a teacher in the Sunflower room. I have been a teacher here since June 2025 but have been teaching for 3 and a half years. I love doing crafts based on stories. I enjoy teaching and helping kids get ready for kindergarten.
