Eastern Connecticut State University
Center for
Early Childhood Education
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Eastern's Home Page
CECE Students 2011-2012
Kristin Chemerka
CECE Role: Video Editor

Major: Communication

Minor: Health

Graduation Date: December 2011

Career Goal: Video Production

Educational Goals: Master's in Social Work

A little about me: "For the last two years I have been working on a training video focused on supporting early literacy development. When I graduate I will probably try to get a job doing video production, preferably doing video editing. I may eventually go back to school to get my master's in Social Work because I love helping people."

Joan Gallagher
CECE Role: Production Assistant

Major: Communication and Biology

Expected Graduation Date: May 2012

Career Goal: To work in film

A little about me:"I've been working at media services for a year. I film and edit events around school. I'm currently an intern at the CECE where I edit and will hopefully be shooting some events at the center. I'm also a part of some clubs on campus that are related to my field."

Marley Koschel
CECE Role: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Major: Psychology and Early Childhood Education

Minor: Sociology

Expected Graduation Date: May 2013

Career Goal: Teacher

Educational Goals: Master's in Education

A little about me: "I hope to become an Early Childhood Education teacher. I believe that not only understanding but participating in the research and literature surrounding this field is an important piece of being the best teacher I can be. My biggest dream is to someday become a child’s role model in the way that one of my previous teachers became for me."

Sean Leser
CECE Role: Production Assistant

Major: Communication

Minor: Writing

Expected Graduation Date:

Career Goal: Film/Television Production

A little about me: "I've worked in the professional and independent film industries for over four years. Whether it be acting, writing, filming, or editing, I've pretty much done it all. I've been a part of the video production world for years, and plan on doing it for a long time."

Jen O'Connell
CECE Role: Administrative and Research Support

Major: English and Elementary Education

Expected Graduation Date: May 2013

Career Goal: Teacher

Educational Goals: Master's in Education

A little about me: "I plan to become an elementary school teacher, which has always been my dream. I have been working with children in any way possible throughout my schooling, and I hope to one day really make a difference in a child's life through teaching."

Jamie Vallarelli
CECE Role: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Major: Psychology and Early Childhood Education

Expected Graduation Date: May 2013

Career Goal: Teacher

Educational Goals: Master's in Elementary Education

A little about me: "This is my first year as a research assistant, but I have been working and volunteering at the CFDRC for over a year now. Teacher has been a passion of mine for years, and I would love to become an elementary school teacher one day."

Jenny Wolff
CECE Role: Undergraduate Research Assistant

Major: Early Childhood Education and Sociology

Expected Graduation Date: December 2012

Career Goal: Early Intervention/Teaching

Educational Goals: Master's in Special Education

A little about me: "I have always enjoyed working with children and have found a particular interest in the field of special education. Since I have been at ECSU, I have been involved in conducting research for a Spencer Foundation grant in mathematical play interactions between preschool-aged children and teachers, and will be continuing my position in research with the 2012 TIMPANI Toy Study. I am excited to continue my work with children and learn more so that I can make a real difference in the lives of children."

Kelly Zimmermann
CECE Role: Graduate Research Assistant

Degree/ Major: M.S. Early Childhood Education with Teacher Certification

Expected Graduation Date: August 2012

Career Goal: Teacher

A little about me: "I worked on a Spencer Grant studying mathematical interactions between teachers and preschool students, conducted research for the 2011 TIMPANI TOY Study, presented at the NAEYC in Providence, RI in June, 2011, and presented at the NAEYC National Conference in Orlando, FL in November, 2011."