Our Team of 67 Caring Professionals
Teacher Features
Ms. Merci
Merci Aranda Fernandez is a teacher in the Squirells 1 classroom, one of our Boston Public Schools BPK classes. With deep dedication to children and her profession, Ms. Merci is one of our longest-tenured educators, having worked at CACC for more than 19 years.
Here she shares some thoughts about working at CACC alongside families and their children.
What is your favorite part of working with the children?
My favorite part of working with children is watching them grow and learn new things every day. I love seeing their excitement when they discover something new.
What is your favorite part of working at CACC?
My favorite part of working at CACC is being part of a supportive team that truly cares about the children and their families. I also enjoy building strong relationships with parents and working together to support the children's development.
What is your favorite children's book?
My favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar because it teaches counting the days of the week. The transformation of the caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly always makes the children excited.
What is your favorite children's song?
My favorite children’s song is Baby Shark because the children love it, and it brings so much energy and joy to the classroom.
What is your favorite color?
My favorite colors are blue and purple.
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
If I could be any animal, I would be a butterfly because it represents growth, change, and beauty.
What is the silliest thing that ever happened to you in the classroom?
One of the silliest things that happened was when I started singing a song and accidentally mixed up all the words, and the children couldn’t stop laughing—and neither could I!
What is something valuable you’ve learned while working with the children and other teachers?
One valuable thing I’ve learned is the importance of patience, teamwork, and communication. Working with children and other teachers has taught me that every child learns differently, and collaboration helps us provide the best support for each child in the program.
Ms. Simone
Simone Durden-Jeffries is a Lead Teacher who also serves on the CACC Admin Team for the Infant/ Toddler Program. Beloved by all her children and their families, Simone has been a valued member of our team since 2018.
Here she shares some thoughts about working at CACC alongside families and their children.
Photo: Simone and the children play in the CACC playground.
Photo Credit: Damianos Photography, courtesy of Children's Investment Fund
What is your favorite part of working with children?
My favorite part about working with children is the learning experience for them as well as creating bonds that are everlasting. Throughout the years I can say I’ve developed numerous relationships with the children and it warms my heart whenever a current child in my classroom or previous child I’ve worked with gets excited to see me.
What is your favorite part of working at CACC?
My favorite part about working at CACC is getting to know the people I work with, especially in my classroom. I love being able to come to work and know that I can walk into my classroom and be comfortable around my co-teachers. We are able to laugh, have fun all while still getting the job done.
What is something valuable you’ve learned while working with the children and other teachers?
Something valuable I’ve learned while working with the children and other teachers is not to take on all the responsibility of care myself. I am still learning to lean on my teachers for support. When you lean on your support system in the classroom, things become less stressful and more efficient. From the children I learned what it truly means to have patience. I have also learned that I will forever be curious about the world, just like them.
Meet Ms. Jasmin
Jasmin Halloway is one of the preschool teachers in the Chipmunks 3 classroom. Jasmin brings a lot of joy to teaching. She always seems to be smiling! She joined CACC to advance her career in early education a little more than a year ago.
Here she shares a little bit about herself and why she loves working with children.
What is your favorite part of working with the children?
My favorite part of working with the children is watching their growth over time, both socially and emotionally. It’s amazing to see how much they learn just by being themselves.
What is your favorite part of working at CACC?
My favorite part of working at CACC is the supportive and caring environment. Everyone genuinely works together to make sure the children feel safe, loved, and supported, and that makes such a big difference.
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
A dolphin because they are cute, intelligent, and love working together.
What is the silliest thing that ever happened to you in the classroom?
One of the silliest moments in the classroom was when a child confidently tried to “teach” the class while holding a toy, completely serious, and everyone just went along with it!
What is something valuable you’ve learned while working with the children and other teachers?
I’ve learned the importance of patience, teamwork, and meeting each child where they are. Working together with other teachers has shown me how much stronger we are when we support one another.
Meet Ms. Ari
This month’s featured teacher is Arianna Bagalue, an infant teacher in the Pollywogs 3 classroom who has worked for CACC for almost three years. Ms. Ari works with some of the youngest children at CACC and shares warmth and care with some of the smallest members of our community.
Here she shares a little bit about herself and why she loves working with children.
What is your favorite part of working with children at CACC?
My favorite part about working at CACC is the community and its diversity and inclusion of all our families and children. I also love being in the infant room being able to watch the babies’ developmental milestones and building strong bonds and trust as they grow. I love sharing an affectionate atmosphere with love and joy.
What is your favorite children’s book?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
What is your favorite children’s song?
I love “Wheels on the Bus” because it’s interactive!
What is your favorite color?
Pink!
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
If I could be an animal, it would be a tropical bird.
What is something valuable you’ve learned while working with the children and other teachers?
I’ve learned the importance of patience and communication. Infants can barely communicate so you have to have patience, you have to slow down, watch, and wait to understand each child’s needs and interests. It’s also important to have a strong communication with other teachers because it creates a positive environment and better classroom management for everyone.
Ms. Melissa
Melissa Velazquez is our Director of Family Engagement and Enrollment. We're so proud that she was recognized with the Katherine Butler Jones Educator of the Year Award at the Higher Ground Boston Educator Appreciation event on beautiful Cathleen Stone Island in September 2025. Above is a picture of her (right) at the event with CACC Executive Director Amanda Gorner (left) and Higher Ground Executive Director Brandy Brooks (center). Congratulations, Ms. Melissa!
What is your favorite part of working with the children and their families?
I have a long list! One of my favorite things is that I get to learn from our families. I learn different family perspectives, which in turn help me better serve our families. Another favorite thing is that I get to see our little ones grow from infants to preschoolers!
What is your favorite part of working at CACC?
Another long list! We have such a strong sense of community and connection at Crispus Attucks, not just between the parents but also the staff. Although a lot happens in a day at Crispus Attucks, I'm very fortunate to be around people who make the workday go smoother.
What is your favorite children’s book?
"Anansi the Spider"
What is your favorite children’s song?
You are my sunshine. I would sing that to my daughter while she was in my womb and sang it for many years after to help her fall asleep or for comfort.
What is your favorite color?
Wine... I love fall colors!
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
Lionesses, they are fierce and sharp.
What is something valuable you’ve learned while working with the families and staff at CACC?
We never know what people face day to day. Along with many great, happy conversations I've had with parents. I've also had many heartbreaking conversations. Everyone is living life for the first time, each with their own struggles and victories. Some people are dealt some really hard blows in life. So, grace and understanding go a long way.