Administration

Tim Frazier
Executive Director

Tim Frazier is the Chief Operating Officer of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center. Previously, Tim was the Principal of Southampton Intermediate School. He is a trustee on the Springs Board of Education. Tim has a wide variety of educational experiences, including teaching in the Peace Corps, teaching at a childcare center in Greely, Colorado, teaching elementary school in Virginia and as an elementary assistant principal, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal before he moved to the East End. His academic background is in elementary education (B.S.) and educational administration (M.S.). Along his educational journey, he has graduate work in outdoor education and doctoral work in educational leadership. Tim has always been a strong advocate for early childhood literacy. Literacy is a key factor in developing the foundation for future success for all young children and enhancing their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development during this most critical period (K-5) of human growth.o turn a hobby into something more.

Mercedes Counihan
Program Director

Mercedes initially joined EWECC as the School Social Worker during school year 2020/2021. She became Program Director in September, 2021. Mercedes earned her degree in education and holds a Master Degree in School Counseling and Development. She works closely with Tim in developing the curriculum, and with the teachers in the implementation of the program. Mercedes works directly with parents and learning specialists to assure that each child receives the support needed to succeed. "My goal is to supply each child with the tools they need to continue to grow and provide important framework that will benefit them throughout their early development stages and for years to come.”

Born and raised in Southampton, Mercedes spent most of her youth outdoors, developing what would become an outstanding athletic resume that would earn her basketball and Lacrosse scholarships to Long Island University.

Mercedes Counihan, Program Director

Marisol Guerrero
Executive Administrative Assistant

Marisol has been with the Center for more than 13 years, first as an Assistant Teacher in Pre-K, and most recently as a 3-K Lead Teacher. Marisol works closely with Mercedes and Tim on staffing, enrollment and licensing requirements. She also serves as the translator for our Latinx parents. A native of Ecuador, Marisol moved to the United States 22 years ago. Marisol has a degree in Business Administration, from university in Ecuador, as well as a teaching degree from Suffolk Community College and SUNY Empire. She was inspired to teach very young children by her son, Adam. "He changed everything for me. I wanted to understand his development in an important way. It was the right decision. I love what I do.”

Joan Overlock

Director of Development

Joan is responsible for marketing and fundraising. As a private, not-for-profit organization, more than 50% of the annual budget is funded through donations from individuals, businesses and foundations. Joan’s background is in marketing and advertising. She is the co-founder of goodcircle.org, an early entry, project based giving platform for nonprofits.

Lead Teachers

Linda Bonaccorso

Amanda Dext

Jennifer Fithian

Jennifer Vazquez
Daysi Jimenez

Desiree Manzitto

Sandra McLaughlin

Julia Peralta (Summer Camp)

Rebecca Sales

Monica Mejia | Chef, Nutrition Director

Assistant Teachers

Elena Baez

Arely Castillo

Yolanda Coste

Gina Gomez

Brooke Gordon

Roxana Hernandez

Lissette Munoz

Yolanda Peralta

Leiahna Riley

Fabiola Sandoval

Elizabeth Miller | Morning Assistant

Board of Directors

Laurie Malman | Co-Chair

Mark Butler | Co-Chair

Linda Fogelson | Secretary

Ken Quay | Treasurer

Zach Bliss

Chris Jimenez

Ruth Ann McSpadden

Judith Schneider, Ph.D.

Julie Snow

Mariah Whitmore

Nancy McCaffrey | Emeritus