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. Additionally, both of David’s children, Abigail and Bradley, attended the center from 2003-2011
email: dcole-director.gbh@verizon.net
Jessica Riess – Preschool Coordinator
Jess joined the center in 2007 as a part-time summer employee. She has been teaching in our three and four year old classrooms ever since. Most recently, she accepted the position of Preschool Coordinator and has been tasked with guiding the centers curriculum as well as being our web page designer. Jess earned her Masters Degree in General Education and Special Education from LeMoyne 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 is currently in our preschool 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. These responsibilities include the kitchen, overseeing all meal preparations, enrollment, and all medication needs at the center. Chris was, and continues to be a solid foundation of the center.
email: cboysen579@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 Gingerbread House, and we are fortunate to have her.
email: gingerbread.finance@gmail.com