Dr. Patrice Farquharson Executive Director

Dr. Patrice Farquharson is the executive director of the West Haven Child Development Center, Inc. Dr. Farquharson is active in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), at which she has presented many scholarly papers on such topics as increasing social-emotional competence in young children at risk and most recently, leadership in early childhood education. Dr. Farquharson is also an active interdisciplinary member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) in which she is very instrumental in the child obesity special interest group. She is respected in both organizations for her expertise and leadership abilities. In 2010 she received NAPNAP’s President’s Award for her collaborative work in health and education. Dr. Farquharson is always on the cutting edge of new ideas and innovations in education and practice. Her record of funding from so many foundations for these projects is evidence of her success in achieving her goals. The West Haven Child Development center’s funded comprehensive program aimed toward decreasing disparities in nutritional issues and obesity prevention was recognized by the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) in collaboration with the White House in 2012 and again in 2015, as part of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative. Most recently, in 2016, the center has been recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a “Promising Practice,” Implementation Model Medical Home. Dr. Farquharson is a lifelong resident of West Haven, a dedicated community leader, and a past recipient of the Jimmy Fund Community Service Award in West Haven. With her diverse interests and many professional networks, Dr. Farquharson provides an invaluable interdisciplinary insight into the education of young children. She most recently was chosen as the recipient of the University of CT Neag School of Education Outstanding Higher Education Alumni Faculty Award for her work in higher education and the community. Dr. Farquharson is a lifelong resident of West Haven and is committed to providing a quality, researched-based early childhood experience-based for the children of her city. Dr. Farquharson is currently in her 40th year at the center. Dr. Patrice Farquharson holds the following appointments: Associate Professor of Early childhood and Child Studies at Post University Dean of the Core Faculty at Charteroak State College, appointed by the CT Board of Regents, where she also teaches Psychology of Play.

• Credentials: Doctorate of Education, Child Studies: Nova Southeastern University

• Master of Science in Early Childhood Education: Southern CT State University

• Bachelor of Science, NEAG School of Education: University of Connecticut

• Administrative and Supervisory (092) Certificate Program; Southern CT State University

• State of Connecticut Teacher Certification; pre-k -6th grade

Kristina Santos, BS, MSOEL Program Manager

Kristina Santos is the Program Manager at the West Haven Child Development Center since 2007.  She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration on Early Childhood Education and an Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate from Post University. She has a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership from Charter Oak State College. She was an Assistant Teacher before joining our staff.

Lisa Baglini-Gurr, BA Education Coordinator

Lisa Baglini-Gurr is the Education Coordinator at the West Haven Child Development Center. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Psychology and her integrated Early Childhood/ Special Education, Birth-Kindergarten Certification from Charter Oak State College. She also completed course work for her directors credential. Lisa has been at the Center since 2001- first she worked part-time in the infant/toddler program, then full time in the infant/toddler and pre-school programs. She has also completed fieldwork in a Kindergarten classroom. In her free time, Lisa enjoys coaching high school cheerleading with her mother.