Administration and Office - The Gilliard Group

WORD FROM THE OWNER

Carol Gilliard is the inspiring founder and visionary leader (Owner and CEO) of The Gilliard Group, which operates as a family-owned business dedicated to early childhood education. With an amazing over 40 years of experience, she has successfully grown the organization to a trusted network of six successful centers. Her life mission is clearly defined and drives every decision:

“We are dedicated to nurturing young minds, supporting families, and building strong foundations for lifelong learning across our network of high-quality, affordable childcare and preschool centers.”

Ms. Gilliard leads with a powerful “Parent-First” Perspective, ensuring that every policy and program decision prioritizes safety, empathy, and the well-being of the children—which comes naturally to her as she has raised two children and seven grandchildren.

Ms. Gilliard knows that our teachers are our greatest asset. She invests heavily in continuous professional development for all staff, ensuring our educators remain current on the best practices to provide your child with the highest-quality learning experience.

Furthermore, she fosters an “open-door culture” across all six schools, believing that parents are essential partners in their child’s education. Ms. Gilliard’s comprehensive experience and personal dedication assure families that The Gilliard Group is committed to providing a stable, nurturing, and excellent educational foundation for every child while remaining accessible to the community.

Carol Gilliard

Staff List

Andrea Walker

Human Resource Manager

Ms. Andrea, our Human Resources Manager, brings over 20 years of experience in the education field to her role. Holding a degree in Political Science, she manages HR with a strong organizational framework. Ms. Andrea has direct, comprehensive experience in our centers, having served in nearly every role from infant teacher to director. This unique background ensures she fosters a supportive, empathetic, and thriving work environment for all staff who care for your children.

Ariel McDowell

Executive Director

Ms. Ariel is the Executive Director for The Gilliard Group centers and the dedicated Director at Parkside Preschool 1. She has over 10 years of experience in early childhood education and holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Montclair State University, with minors in Business and Art & Design. Her background includes work as an Art Educator and Yoga Instructor, reflecting her commitment to health and wellness. Ms. Ariel's mission is to support families and connect educators to ensure every child thrives in a strong community network.

Asharah Simpson

Administrative Executive Assistant

Ms. Asharah, our dedicated Executive Administrative Assistant! Asharah is a familiar face who has grown with us, transitioning from a Teacher Assistant role and later serving as our Social Media Manager. This background gives her a unique insight into both the classroom and community needs. Asharah is an invaluable member of our team, ensuring strong support for our directors so we can deliver the loving, high-quality care your family deserves.

Breelyn Mcdowell

Cheif Financial Officer

Bree’lyn McDowell, our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is a vital leader who ensures the strength and stability of The Gilliard Group. With over 20 years of experience in the educational field and a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) specializing in Organizational Management and Executive Leadership, she brings crucial strategic expertise. What makes her unique is her deep, comprehensive operational background—having worked in nearly every educational role, from infant staff to food service! Ms. McDowell's leadership ensures that our resources are managed effectively, giving our directors and teachers the solid foundation, they need to focus entirely on delivering the highest quality education and care to your children.

Pricilla Matthews

Food Program Manager

Ms. Pricilla is a highly educated and deeply experienced leader, serving as our Food Program Manager for the past 10 years and bringing over 23 years of total experience to the Gilliard Group. Her background includes prior roles as a Family Worker and Director, giving her a unique, holistic view of our centers. Ms. Pricilla is committed to ensuring that every child receives nutritious and compliant meals. She specializes in managing food allergies and dietary restrictions with meticulous care, ensuring safety is the top priority. Her expertise guarantees that our food program maintains the highest standards of quality and hygiene for your children's health and well-being.

Johalma Alfaro

Site Director - Parkside 3

Ms. Johalma is the dedicated Director of Parkside Preschool 3. She is a proud alumna of Saint Peter's University, where she earned her bachelor degree in Education. Ms. Johalma spent many years as a teacher, cultivating a deep understanding of classroom instruction, child development, and curriculum design. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, which allows her to effectively communicate with and support our entire school community. Ms. Johalma recently transitioned into the Director role at Parkside 3, bringing her passion for fostering a supportive, engaging, and excellent educational environment for all children. She is committed to ensuring every child feels safe, challenged, and excited to learn each day.

Carlette Carty

Site Director - Baby World

Ms. Carlette, Director of Baby World, brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing heart to our youngest learners. Formally educated in Nottingham, England, she has many years of experience in early childhood education, including 23 years with The Gilliard Group. Ms. Carlette is driven by the opportunity to see each child's developmental journey unfold. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where children cultivate a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth, believing that success comes from a strong partnership between families and the community.

Jessica Santiago

Site Director -Daycare 100

Ms. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in early childhood education. Her unique journey began in the classroom as a Teacher Assistant at Head Start and expanded into family advocacy as a Family Worker at Baby World. This comprehensive background gives her a strong understanding of both academic instruction and operational excellence. Appointed Director in 2024, Ms. Jessica is focused on creating a well-rounded and nurturing environment where strong academics meet essential social-emotional support. As a bilingual leader, she greatly enhances our ability to connect with and support all our diverse families, ensuring every child thrives.

Vera Moncur

Site Director - Parkside 2

Ms. Vera-Cherie Moncur, Director at Parkside Preschool 2, brings over 20 years of dedication to youth development and early childhood education. A proud graduate of Rutgers University–Newark, her extensive background includes serving as a Senior Regional Director overseeing diverse educational programs for The Work-Family Connection. Ms. Vera-Cherie is passionate about building strong teams, creating engaging programs, and connecting with families. When not helping children discover their potential, this busy mom of three enjoys traveling, skating, and karaoke!