The staff of Village Babies Development Center is constantly striving to provide the best care possible for your children. We’ve made it our goal to shape our facility into a warm, inviting, comfortable environment that inspires the children in our care to learn and develop naturally.

All of our care providers take courses in sign language, are certified in CPR and First Aid, and are continuously training in child development courses to further their knowledge and experience. All have received fingerprint and criminal background clearances from the Department of Justice. Our pre-school teachers are required to possess a four-year college degree in early childhood education or a related field. We also have a registered nurse, Liz Lazration, on site at all times.

 

Dana M. Kearney, RN (Founder/Director)

Dana has worked as a Registered Nurse in Pediatrics for over 15 years, and taught nursing for two years. As a wife and mother to twin girls and a son, she values the importance of family involvement in mentoring, educating, and nurturing children. Dana sees that philosophy as the foundation of Village Babies, where she works with her staff to promote a caring and positive environment that encourages learning while recognizing each child’s needs as an individual.

Dana can be reached at [email protected].


Liz Lazration, BSN, RN

Liz has worked with Village Babies for over 10 years.  Liz holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing (with highest honors) from the College of Saint Elizabeth, and has enjoyed a clinical practice with a focus in Pediatrics and Oncology for over 15 years.  Liz has been a member on institutional review boards overseeing clinical trials at major cancer institutes.   She is an active participant in the Grow NJ Kids initiative, NJ Early Care and Education Learning Collaborative, and regularly attends Rutgers University continuing professional education conferences.   

At Village Babies her role is multi-disciplinary and includes monitoring the health safety of all children enrolled.  She is often seen in the classroom presenting programs to the children and staff in such areas as hand washing, nutrition, dental health, summer safety, and fire prevention.  Liz oversees illnesses/injuries, medication administration, infant development, health records/immunizations, as well as the admission process of new families into the center.   

Liz is active in community service throughout Morris County, and is certified as a pet therapy member of St. Hubert’s Animal Shelter, and Morristown Memorial Hospital.   Liz is the proud mother of three wonderful children, and enjoys spending spare time traveling, baking, and reading.


Sara Lazration                        

Director of Communications & Family Relations

Lead Teacher, Pine Tree preschool classroom

[email protected]

Sara Lazration originally started working part-time for owner/director Dana Kearney back in 2006, when the organization was first founded in her home. Sara graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor's degree in Family and Child Studies; Family Services, and is currently in the process of seeking her Masters of Education (MeD) in Curriculum and Learning at William Paterson University.

Previously, Sara was an activity coordinator for recreational and therapeutic activities for a senior rehabilitation facility, in upstate New York. She since then worked in organizing health care meetings and solutions for pharmaceutical companies based out of Doylestown, PA. Sara re-joined the Village Babies team in October 2011, and has been Lead Teacher in the Pine Tree preschool classroom for the past five years.

In 2015, Sara was been appointed the center’s Director of Communications & Family Relations, while continuing to educate staff and young learners in her dual roles as  Lead Teacher in the Pine Tree preschool classroom. As the Director of Communications and Family Relations, Sara is available to help navigate you through our programs and connect our families with our staff, services, and community projects.


Chase Hausler (Coach Chase)                        

Physical Education Teacher, NJEA certified K-12

[email protected]

Chase Hausler, or best known as Coach Chase, is a recent graduate of William Paterson University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health and completed his student teaching at Ben Franklin Middle School in Teaneck, NJ, and Christopher Columbus Elementary School in Garfield, NJ.

Prior to joining our team, Coach Chase served as the Director of Hockey and counselor for three seasonal years at Camp Wayne in Preston Park, PA. As a counselor, he worked with and coached children from ages 5 years to 16 years old.

Coach Chase comes with a wealth of experience coaching youth sports and is currently an assistant varsity coach with the Paramus High School Ice Hockey team. Growing up, Coach Chase was an all-county athlete and played ice hockey at the D2 college level.

Some of his best memories growing up took place in the gymnasium and on the field/ice. It is his sincerest hope to influence all of his students to live an active lifestyle and make healthy choices.


Geaneva Sylvester                        

Infant and Toddler Coordinator

Lead Teacher, Cedar Tree Infant Classroom

[email protected]

Geaneva is a native of Trinidad and attended Point Fortin College, where she earned her associate degree in Liberal Arts. She continued her education at The Manhattan Institute and is currently enrolled at Essex County College earning credentials in the field of early child care.

Geaneva has been with Village Babies for over five years and shares a wealth of knowledge and experience with our staff and families. As the Infant & Toddler Coordinator, she manages the daily operations taking place in the Infant & Toddler Program and provides support and training to our caregivers. As a Lead Teacher, Geaneva supports the Village Babies’ mission by promoting stimulating and hands-on learning for all our infants and toddlers.