Our STAFF

Christine Rinella - Owner/Director  Christine is a graduate of SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in Early  Childhood Education. She opened the PUMPKIN PATCH Nursery School in  Cohoes, New York in January, 1975. Seeing the need for full day child  care, she opened the PUMPKIN PATCH Early Learning Center in Guilderland  in 1989. In addition to directing two child care sites for over 33 years  Christine develops and regularly presents professional trainings with  an emphasis on child care administration, marketing, program and staff  development and parent communication. She has presented programs in New  York City; Binghamton; Saratoga Springs; Boston; Richmond, Virginia and  Anchorage, Alaska. Chris is Infant/Child First Aid and CPR trained. 

Miss Rhonda - Co- Director- Rhonda  has her Children's Program Administration Credential from HVCC in addition to an Associates Degree in Early Childhood  Education from Hudson Valley Community College. She  is a 30 year veteran of the Early Childhood field. Rhonda has worked as  a UPK teacher, Summer Learning Loss Prevention Supervisor for the YMCA, as well as the Assistant Childcare Director for the Albany YMCA After school programs in 10 schools in the district. 

Miss Wendy - Office Manager-Wendy’s  accomplishments include a degree in Early Childhood from Hudson Valley  Community College, and she is also a mom of daughter, Izabelle. She has  worked in childcare for almost 30 years both as a teacher and as an  administrator.  Wendy has been a great addition to the PUMPKIN PATCH  family since joining us in September 2011. Wendy is also Pumpkin Patch Alumni, Class of 1978. She is First Aid,  Infant/Child CPR and MAT certified.

​Miss Muna -Pre School Teacher - Muna has a degree in art from Birenda College, Tribhuvan University,  Nepal. All of the children at the Patch respond to Muna’s gentle spirit.

Miss Ashley- Toddler Teacher- Ashley is a graduate of Champlain College with a BS in Digital Film Making. She joined our Pumpkin Patch family this summer and has been an asset to our program.

Miss Rose-Teacher Assistant-  Rose is a current student at Mildred Elley College working toward her  degree and license in Massage Therapy. . She has served in the Early  Childhood community for the past 3 years. She has a passion for seeing  children learn.

Miss Alivia-Floater- Alivia is a student at Mansfield University studying Early Childhood Education. She is an avid basketball player for her school, and is on the Dean's list

 Miss Arianna -Toddler Teacher -Arianna is a graduate of HVCC with her Associates Degree in Early  Childhood Education. She has been with the Pumpkin Patch for 4 years,  and has a passion for children's growth and development.

Miss Sarah - Floater-  Sarah is a graduate of Bucknell University with her BA in Early Childhood Education. Sarah is currently attending UAlbany persuing her Master's in the field.She is Pumpkin Patch Alumni from the Class of 2005.

Mrs. Connie Zack -  Preschool Teacher - Connie is a recently retired FACS teacher, having taught Child  Development classes for over 30 years at the Middle School, High School,  and College level. Connie holds a B.A. in Human Ecology from NYS  College of Human Ecology at Cornell and a Masters of Arts in Curriculum  and Supervision from Hampton University.

Mrs. Teresa- Toddler Teacher- Mrs. Teresa has worked in the field of early childhood for many years. She is a mother of two adult children. Teresa's passion for children is seen in her daily interactions with our children and families.

Ms. Cassie- Floater- Ms. Cassie is a student at UAlbany working toward a medical degree in Neonatology. She is passionate about children's development and growth.

Ms. Mackenzie C.- Floater- Ms. Mackenzie is a full time student at Russell Sage College studying Early Childhood Education. Mackenzie enjoys playing soccer.

Ms. Ceirra-Floater-Ms. Ceirra is a student at HVCC pursuing a degree in Finance. She has worked in respite care for individuals with developmental disabilities and loves to see individuals grow and develop.