Hometown: Tewksbury, MA
Currently Resides: Winchester, NH
Age: 41
When you step into the bustling, vibrant environment of the Keene Family YMCA’s main childcare site, you’re entering a world meticulously nurtured by the dedication and passion of Nicole Vasconcellos, our Site Director. With nearly 13 years at the YMCA and over 18 years in the childcare sector, Nicole’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to early childhood education and her community.
A Journey Rooted in Family and Passion
Nicole’s roots trace back to Tewksbury, MA, though she currently resides in Winchester. At 41, her journey to becoming the Site Director is a fascinating tale of varied experiences and profound dedication. Before immersing herself in the world of childcare, Nicole ventured into nursing school and worked in retail at Walgreens. However, it was in 2005 that she found her true calling – early childhood education.
Outside of her professional life, Nicole is all about family. “I love my family; I have lots of nieces and nephews, my fiancé and his daughter, you know, lots of family time. They’re my everything. Family first,” she shares. Her household is lively with a big Labrador and five ducks, although she humorously admits she can’t bring herself to eat their eggs. “I’m kind of a city kid, you know everything needs to come from the store.”
The Multifaceted Role of a Site Director
At the Keene Family YMCA, Nicole wears many hats. As the main site director, she oversees enrollment, manages waitlists, and handles extensive parent and staff communications. Her responsibilities extend to ensuring compliance with state licensing, and she is deeply involved in the growth and development of both staff and children. “I kind of do everything… I look over the main Y site and I do enrollment, waitlist, lots of parent communication, you know staff communication, checking in on the littles, just kind of make sure things go smoothly,” Nicole explains.
Her favorite part of the job? “Everything. I love it,” she beams. Nicole finds immense joy in witnessing the children’s early stages of life, seeing them grow, and sharing in their achievements. “Just watching them… when they succeed and develop into that next stage you just see the pride and joy on their face. It’s great.”
Building Community and Creating Memories
One of Nicole’s goals is to bring back community-centric activities to the childcare center. Reflecting on the pre-COVID times, she fondly recalls events like the “reading grandmas” who would visit monthly to read to the kids and the family nights hosted quarterly. “I would really love to do that, you know coming back out of COVID and that world, getting that back and having that community developed back in,” she says. She reminisces about the Thanksgiving family harvest feast, a beloved tradition where donated turkeys would be cooked for a grand meal shared by all.
Teamwork and Continuous Growth
Nicole’s role has significantly shaped her perspective on the complexities and demands of childcare management. “It’s a lot,” she admits, acknowledging the constant moving pieces that require her attention. Thankfully, Nicole thrives in a team-based environment, collaborating with different directors and staff members to ensure everything runs smoothly. “We work as a team. So, it’s a team-based approach because it has to be. I think we have a great team.”
Her hands-on approach keeps her connected to the classrooms, whether it’s with infants or preschoolers. “I’m always in a classroom. This morning I was in a classroom and I love it,” she says. Her passion for witnessing the growth and development of children of all ages is palpable. Nicole also cherishes seeing families grow with the Y, some children starting as young as six weeks and staying until they age out at 12 years old.
Beyond the Y: A Life Full of Energy and Dedication
Nicole’s life outside the Y is just as dynamic. Balancing work with a bustling family life, she’s always on the go. “My life is 360, 100 MPH all the time. I’m very busy,” she describes. She often has her nieces and nephews with her, and she also cares for her father, making frequent trips to Boston for his appointments. This strong family ethic, coupled with her robust work ethic, keeps her constantly moving.
The Heart of the Y
When asked what she wants to make sure people know about the Y, Nicole emphasized its depth beyond the gym and daycare services. “We are curriculum-based. We do some learning and teaching, it’s not just babysitting and we’re very family-based,” she says. She takes pride in the Y’s inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming all families and fostering a supportive community.
Nicole Vasconcellos is more than just the Main Y Site Director; she is the heartbeat of Keene Family YMCA’s childcare program. Her dedication, love for her work, and commitment to family make her an invaluable asset to the Y and the countless families she impacts every day.