David Cole – Executive Director
After graduating from Potsdam State in 1997, David worked at First Friends Childcare Center outside of Boston for five years. David spent his last two years as the Assistant Director of the NAEYC accredited center before joining The Gingerbread House team in 2002. David has lead the center through two major transitions since 2002, most recently moving The Gingerbread House from its previous location to our current location at 3020 Court Street. Both of David’s children, Abigail and Bradley, attended the center from 2003-2011, and are currently both in College.
email: dcole-director.gbh@verizon.net
Jessica Riess – Assistant Director
Jess joined the center in 2007 as a part-time summer employee. She taught in our preschool classrooms for 11 years. Most recently, she accepted the position of Assistant Director while continuing to guide the centers curriculum and supporting the needs of our staff and families. Jess earned her Masters Degree in General Education and Special Education from LeMoyne College in 2012, and still most enjoys her time in the classroom working with the children. Jess has two daughters; Leah who graduated from Gingerbread in 2020, and Harper who graduated in 2023. She also has a son, Gavin, who attends our infant program.
email: jriess.gbh@gmail.com
Chris Boysen – Program Coordinator
Chris joined The Gingerbread House in 1989. Chris became the program coordinator in 2014, and has been instrumental in overseeing the many different facets of the center. Along with assisting the staff with their daily routines, Chris oversees meal planning and preparations. Chris was, and continues to be a solid foundation of the center.
email: cboysen579@gmail.com
Kathleen Lillis – Program Coordinator
Kathy has been at The Gingerbread House since 2000. She has been teaching in our toddler rooms for over 20 years. Kathy also has recently taken on the position of Program Coordinator. She leads our toddler team and assists with day to day administrative duties. Kathy has 3 children; Cullen who attends College, and twin daughters; Brenna and Cailin who are in High School.
email: kathleen.lillis@yahoo.com
Jessica Hogan – Program Coordinator
Jess has been at the Gingerbread house since 2014. She spent a year with infants when she started, and the next few years in our Toddler rooms. Two years ago, Jess joined the preschool team, as a four-year-old teacher. She has her CDA in Early Childhood Education, and has enjoyed working with the older children. Jess is excited to help support the preschool team and continue to improve the care for all the children.
email: hoganjessica374@gmail.com
Sheila Zimmerman – Finance Coordinator
Sheila comes to us with an accounting degree from the University of Rochester. She has worked for Ernest and Young as well as Welch Allyn, before taking a break from the work force to raise her three children. Sheila’s children are alumni of The Gingerbread House. Sheila has been a true asset to our Center and has enjoyed returning to our Gingerbread Family.
email: gingerbread.finance@gmail.com