Meet The Leadership
Sydney Philibin
Star Preschools
About Sydney Philibin
My name is Sydney Philibin and I am the VP of Administration & Strategy of STAR Preschools. I graduated from “THE” Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Max M. Fisher College of Business. Children are my passion and for as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of having the opportunity to educate and broaden the horizons of every child.
My interest for early childhood education began at a very young age as I grew up in and watched my mother establish her schools. I observed my mother develop into a motivational leader, engaging owner, and business guru, opening several facilities in the Columbus area. Over the years, she has consistently inspired me to follow my heart and I know it belongs in early childhood education. Throughout school and post-grad I had the privilege of working as a Nanny, Camp Counselor, volunteer for children with special needs at Cape Abilities, a childcare Teacher and Principal at Bright Star Academy. With my experience working with a variety of age groups, I have realized just how amazing it is to be a part of the educational growth of every child, no matter the age.
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved children. I was the mother hen of the family, the one who was eager to assist and was always there to care for my younger siblings. As I grew older, I continued volunteering at my mother’s childcare facilities and was consistently reminded that small children accomplishing their greatest assets is WHY I do what I do! Every day my feet hit the floor running with excitement knowing that I have the great opportunity to surround myself with loving, caring, and adorable children, in a fun environment each day. I wouldn’t trade my job for the world! In fact, I brag that my job is the greatest job ever. Children are so empowering, and they motivate me to want to do great things in life that ultimately affect their future directly!
Nicole Gallahue
Star Preschools
About Nicole Gallahue
Nicole Gallahue is the Regional Principal for Star Preschools, where her leadership is fueled by a deep passion for nurturing young learners and supporting educators. A Massachusetts native, Nicole earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Curry College and her Master’s in Educational Administration from UMass Boston.
With extensive experience in both public and private education, Nicole brings a well-rounded understanding of child development and school systems. She is Infant, Toddler, and Preschool certified and holds Director I and II certifications.
Nicole’s leadership is rooted in classroom experience and her dedication to building safe, nurturing learning environments where children thrive and families feel supported. She values strong relationships with families and considers it a privilege to support children’s growth.
Marybeth Hogan
Star Preschools
About Marybeth Hogan
Marybeth Hogan brings a strong foundation in early childhood education to her role as Curriculum Coordinator for Star Preschools. Inspired by her mother, who worked as a paraprofessional in preschool classrooms, Marybeth discovered her calling early on. Marybeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Fitchburg State University and a Master of Education in Learning Disabilities from Rivier College.
As Curriculum Coordinator, she combines her experience as an educator and a parent to design developmentally appropriate, engaging experiences for children. Marybeth is passionate about partnering with families to build strong foundations and joyful learning environments that spark creativity and curiosity.
Sharon Ellis
Star Preschools
About Sharon Ellis
Sharon Ellis is an experienced Human Resources Specialist supporting education and childcare organizations. She brings a strong background in recruitment, employee relations, and compliance, with a people-centered approach to supporting educators and leadership teams.
After previously working in human resources within nursing home settings, Sharon is especially proud to now support professionals at the early stages of life and development. Her experience across different life stages gives her a thoughtful, empathetic perspective on HR practices and staff support.
Sharon is passionate about fostering positive workplace cultures where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to focus on providing high-quality care and education to children.
Nina Trible
Star Preschools, Little Stars Sandwich
About Nina Trible
Nina Trible is the Regional Trainer for Star Preschools, supporting and developing educators across all Star locations. She began her career in early childhood education in 2009 and has served as a preschool teacher, Principal of Starboard Academy in Sandwich, and Principal of Starboard Academy in Plymouth.
With a background rooted in family childcare and years of hands-on leadership experience, Nina brings energy, care, and deep expertise to training and mentoring our Stellar staff. She is a proud mother of two and is passionate about empowering educators to create high-quality, nurturing learning environments that support every child’s growth and development.
Danielle Faria
Star Preschools
About Danielle Faria
Danielle Faria is the Principal at Starboard Academy in Marshfield, MA. A Cape Cod native, she holds an Associate Degree from Cape Cod Community College and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Bridgewater State University.
Danielle has worked in nearly every role in early education, from classroom teacher to administrator, and is truly a jack of all trades. Her leadership style is compassionate and collaborative, and she brings a nurturing presence to every school she supports. Danielle is passionate about connecting with children, families, and educators alike.
Adriana Roque
Starboard Academy Plymouth
About Adriana Roque
Adriana Roque is the Principal at Starboard Academy in Plymouth. A Plymouth native, Adriana began her career in early childhood education in 2005 and has worked in various early education programs across the South Shore.
Adriana is passionate about celebrating each child’s unique personality and growth. She brings warmth, dedication, and a strong educational background to her role and is committed to building strong partnerships with families.
Jennifer Sullivan
Starboard Academy Marshfield
About Rachael Medeiros
Katie Gerdin
Little Stars South Dennis
About Amber Bransfield
Katie Gerdin serves as Principal of Little Stars Learning Center in South Dennis. Originally from Pittsfield, MA, she earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Cape Cod Community College after a successful career in healthcare.
Katie draws inspiration from family members who were teachers and her own desire to support children with varying needs. With over a decade of teaching experience, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive, nurturing classrooms. As Principal, Katie brings leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to early learning.
Kate LaFrance
Little Stars South Dennis
About Anna Kitchin
Kate LaFrance is the Assistant Principal for Little Stars Learning Center in South Dennis. She first joined the school in 2021, initially drawn by the opportunity to be close to her daughter. What started as a convenience quickly became a calling. Originally from Springfield, MA, Kate moved to Cape Cod in 2015 and now lives in Dennis with her husband Chris, their daughter LE, and their cat Sprout.
Kate’s background blends experience in both healthcare and education, bringing a nurturing and responsive presence to her role. She finds joy in watching children grow, learn, and light up with discovery. Now in a leadership position, she is excited to give back to the school that has meant so much to her family by helping other families feel supported and connected during these foundational years.
Bobbi Cote
Little Stars South Dennis
About Katie Gerdin
Bobbi Cote is the Administrative Assistant for Little Stars Learning Center in South Dennis. Bobbi discovered her passion for education while volunteering at her child’s school and hasn’t looked back since. Originally from Buckfield, Maine, she moved to Cape Cod in 2018 and soon joined Little Stars, becoming one of the school’s first employees.
Bobbi holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is pursuing further education in early childhood development. She brings warmth, dependability, and dedication to her role and is a valued member of the leadership team.
Ausland
Bernedoodle
About Kate LaFrance
Kate LaFrance is the Assistant Principal for Little Stars Learning Center in South Dennis. She first joined the school in 2021, initially drawn by the opportunity to be close to her daughter. What started as a convenience quickly became a calling. Originally from Springfield, MA, Kate moved to Cape Cod in 2015 and now lives in Dennis with her husband Chris, their daughter LE, and their cat Sprout.
Kate’s background blends experience in both healthcare and education, bringing a nurturing and responsive presence to her role. She finds joy in watching children grow, learn, and light up with discovery. Now in a leadership position, she is excited to give back to the school that has meant so much to her family by helping other families feel supported and connected during these foundational years.
Starboard Academy Plymouth
Little Stars South Dennis
About Bobbi Cote
Avery Stump
& New Hire Training
About Avery Stump
Avery Stump is the Marketing, Strategy, and New Hire Training Manger for Star Preschools. With a background in Musical Theater, and a love for early childhood education, Avery brings a deep understanding of both classroom environments and operational needs. She leads brand strategy and growth initiatives while developing onboarding and training programs that ensure new team members feel supported, confident, and aligned with Star Preschool’s values from day one.
Her work is driven by a commitment to creating nurturing, engaging environments where children can thrive and where educators feel empowered to do their best work.
Ausland
Bernedoodle
About Ausland
Hello, my name is Ausland!
I am a female Bernedoodle! I love to play with the kids and receive lots of love and pets from everyone that comes to visit! I have a very important job here at Star Preschools. I am the Emotional Support Dog. When my human friends are having a hard time, sad or just need attention, I do my best to help them and cheer them up!
