Our Staff
Tara Furr, Pre- Kindergarten Teacher & Owner
Hello! My name is Tara Furr and I am the Owner and Director of First Years Academy. My family and I opened this location in 2005 after a difficult search for quality child care for my own son Malachi-Xavier, who is now eight-years-old. My husband, Tedd, and I also have an adult son, Brian whom works at FYA and daughter Serena who is 13 and in training to work at FYA. I am originally from Quincy, Massachusetts and graduated from the Quincy High Vo-Tec Program for Early Childhood Education in 1996. I continue my education at Mount Wachusett Community College with a dual enrollment in the Early Education Program and Psychology Program for my majors. I have been in the Early Childhood Field since 1994 and continue to learn my best information of the field from the children I spend my days with. Prior to opening First Years Academy, I have worked for daycare centers in Fitchburg Massachusetts. I am certified in CPR and First Aid and complete 20 or more hours yearly in educational trainings including those for children with special medical, educational, physical, social and emotional needs. I look forward to working with each and every family to provide the best possible care for your child. Thank your for entrusting myself and my staff with your greatest gift.
Julie Roberts, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Julie is the pre-kindergarten teacher at First Years Academy. She has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 13 years. Julie has taken numerous courses in Early Childhood. She is lead teacher certified for infants through pre-kindergarten as well as director qualified. Julie is a mother of twins whom are 14 years old. Prior to working in a center based setting she worked from home caring for children. Julie really enjoys working with children and watching them grow and develop through out the year.
Leanne Gauthier, Toddler Teacher
Leanne is currently working as a teacher in the toddler classroom. She is married with one son who has been at First Years Academy since it's opening and has two other children who will or have also attended the center. Leannne has been at the center since 2007, and is looking forward to years of playing with children.
Jamie Furr, School Age Lead Teacher
Jamie began working at First Years Academy beginning with our renovations from home to child care center and has helped in every age group since 2005 when we opened. She is a proud mother of Teen boy Edwin and a Micro preemie Brennavette whom is now almost 4 and doing very well. Jamie is Teacher Qualified with Children ages infants, Toddlers, Preschool and School Age. Jamie is continuing her training at Mount Wachusett Community College in a dual major of criminal justice and human services.
Erin Sweeney, Preschool Teacher
My name is Erin Sweeney I am the mother of one and the preschool teacher here at First Years Academy. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associates Degree in Human Services. I have been working here for almost three years and get great enjoyment out of my job.
Heather Morrow, Infants & Toddlers Assistant Teacher
My name is Heather, I love working with the infants and toddlers and am currently a assistant in both classrooms. I have my teacher certificate and also am currently enrolled for ECC and will have my degree in spring of 2011. I have been working in childcare since summer of 2008.
Cambri Hazard, Infant Room Teacher
My name is Cambri and I work in the infant room. I have worked with Infants for four years and really enjoy it. I am working on my degree for early childhood education and plan to work in the public schools as a first grade teacher. I am 22 years young and have a son, Jordan who is in the toddler room.