About Us/Staff

Jennifer Magnan, Assistant Director
Mrs. Jennifer Magnan, the Assistant Director here at SELC, grew up in the Northwest corner of RI in a small town called Burrillville. She attended Elmira College, after high school, where she received her BA in Psychology. She worked at a residential program for adolescent females and as an Assistant Manager for CVS for years before she decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. 

Chelsey Helger, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Pre-K (Room #1)
Ms. Chelsey Helger, Room #1, was born and raised in Tiverton surrounded by family pets and has always wanted to be a teacher. She lives with her mom, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Chelsey began her journey towards becoming a teacher two years ago when she earned her Teacher Assistant Certification. She came to SELC this Fall as an intern while finishing up her course of study as a student at the MET. Chelsey is goal-oriented, having completed 3 of her 4 required state RIELDS training courses in less than a year. She will be graduating in June and continuing at SELC while working towards her Associates in Early Childhood Education in the Fall.

Abigail Simmons, Toddler Teacher
Ms. Abigail Simmons, Toddler Teacher, is a Tiverton native and an SELC alumni. She resides in her childhood home with her family and is a recent graduate of Tiverton High School. Abby followed in her mother’s footsteps and began dancing at age three and danced all through high school. As one of the oldest children in the family, Abby spent much of her time growing up babysitting all of her younger cousins. She also worked for a few summers as a student aide for the Pocasset Art & Literacy Camp. One of Abby’s favorite things about working at SELC is forming relationships with our students. 

Tara Thibault, Toddler Teacher

Ms. Tara Thibault, Toddler Teacher, grew up in Tiverton where she continues to live with her family. Her love of dance began as a child and she continued to dance for 13 years. Tara attended SELC through her Pre-K year, where (we would like to think) she fostered her passion for wanting to work with children. During Tara’s high school internship she worked with children in various age groups, from infants to preschoolers. Tara also worked for two years at Sand pipers Daycare in Middletown. She is one of several alumni currently working at SELC and we are so happy to have the opportunity to train the next generation of Team SELC!

Makayla Gurley, Preschool Teacher 

Preschool (Room #5)

Ms. Makayla Gurley, Preschool Teacher Assistant, has lived in Fall River her whole life, and has come to Tiverton since she was 5 for ice cream at Helgers. She recently graduated from Durfee High School. Makayla lives with her mom and brother and their 8-year-old tuxedo cat named Jack. She worked for the Fall River Housing Authority for the past three summers as a peer leader who planned and oversaw activities for children at different events held at the housing developments. Makayla will be starting at Rhode Island College in the Fall.

Some of Ms. Gurley's Favorite Things: Places to shop: Bath & Body Works, Amazon

Color: Teal

Food: Taco Bell Nacho Fries & Baja Blast

Season: Summer

Animal: Zebra

Book: It Ends with Us

Flowers: Roses

Mary Jarabek, Preschool Teacher

Preschool (Room #5) 

Mrs. Mary Jarabek, Room #5, grew up in Hartford, CT with two sisters. She was a three sport athlete in school, participating in swim team, volleyball and gymnastics, as well as the band. Mary has been married for over forty years. She has two daughters, a dog named Benson, and two cats named Milo and Christmas. She has two Associates degrees, one in cooking, and one in child care. She has worked in kitchens, schools, and kitchens in schools. Mary has worked with a wide range of children- from preschool to teens. We are so happy to have her with all of her years of experience here at SELC!     

Sandra Holloway, Toddler Teacher

Ms. Sandra Holloway, Toddler Teacher, grew up in Providence, RI in a large family with 4 brothers and 4 sisters. She went to Mount Pleasant High and then entered the Exeter Job Corps to attain her CNA license. Sandra lives with her 10-year-old son, Eugene, and their dog Oreo. She has 14 nieces and nephews. Sandra has spent much of her life working in customer service industries, including being a CNA, a babysitter, and a cashier. In 2024, she started her journey in Early Education and has almost completed her CDA for Infants and Toddlers. Sandra has spent her time working with infants and toddlers, stating that the young ages are where her heart lies.

Mikayla Esteves, Toddler Teacher

Ms. Mikayla Esteves, Toddler Teacher, grew up in Tiverton where she continues to live with her family. She played soccer and danced while growing up and always loved spending time outdoors. Mikayla has two brothers and one sister, a cat and two nieces and is a graduate of Tiverton High School. She realized her love for working with children during a high school soccer season. After graduation, she found a job in a preschool and found her career path.