Morgan Harper, Infant/Toddler Program Coordinator

Hi! I’m Morgan, I grew up on Long Island, New York and found myself here in Portland Maine in 2015 with my husband, Nathan. I found YFO 6 months into motherhood when I needed a job and care for my daughter, Penelope. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars that I nestled myself into this community. I have met my best friends, my kiddos have met their best friends, and we’ve made connections that have made parenting life feel so much more connected.  The support and friendships here helped keep my head above water in those first few years of motherhood. I hold a BA in Marketing and worked in that field before leaving in search of something more aligned with myself. I started working in the field in 2012 and I love working in ECE because it fills me with joy. It’s one of the hardest jobs I've done but it rewards me with some of the best moments. I’ve learned so much about myself and healed some parts of me through this work. Being open to viewing children as whole people and being curious about how their world view is unfolding allows for great interactions. Now, after years of experience in multiple classrooms and a second kiddo (Hugo), I realize Early childhood education is my passion. I want kids to feel safe enough to voice their needs and come to me for support and ask all the questions they can think of, oh, and to laugh! That’s essential!

When I'm not at work I enjoy slow weekend mornings with a quiet cup of coffee, dance parties in my kitchen, taking hikes with my family, and sharing a meal with friends. I miss New York a lot but I love Maine so much, experiencing the change of the seasons here in so many different types of scenery, it makes me so happy to be a human. But, if I had to be an animal instead…. I’d be a whale, hands down! Gentle, aquatic giants; there’s something a little magical about them.

Evelyne Kanku, Curriculum Coordinator/Preschool Program Coordinator

I'm Evelyne. I live in Gray with my wonderful husband, Thierry and together we are blessed with four smart and beautiful girls; Trevy, Ashley, Benny, and Gracy. I am from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before I left the Congo I did five years of college with a major in Administration and Commercial Sciences and a concentration in Pedagogy. In 2019 I graduated from The Southern Maine Community College with an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. I began my work in child care and with YFO in March of 2012. I started as a floater before moving into a primary teaching position in the Tykes room.  I strive to make students feel like they’re ready to have fun and learn when they are in a classroom with me. I love the impact I can make on the future of our children and I love the way YFO cares and worries for each other, staff & families. When I am not working I like to cook, to sing, to dance, to visit different places and to be with my family. If you were an animal which would you be: Dolphin, because of the ocean freedom and being one of the smartest ocean animals

Lubna Aria, School Chef

I was born and raised in Sudan near the Nuba mountains, living in the Otor tribe. My family moved to the city of Khartoum for me to go to school, because girls in my village were not allowed to be educated. After completing my graduate degree in nutrition, I returned to my village to conduct research on the causes of anemia in pregnant women that lived in the Nuba mountains. In Sudan I worked in a hospital as a dietician, working with diabetic adults and children who were malnourished. As the conflicts worsened in Sudan, I was forced to leave. My children and I spent 10 years in Egypt. There I started an organization to help uneducated Sudanese women feel more empowered. We arrived in the United States in April 2023. I now live in Westbrook with my husband and three children, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the team at Youth and Family Outreach. In my spare time, I advocate on behalf of women and children who are still in Sudan, living in horrifying conditions.

Trudy Birmingham, Bookkeeper

More about Trudy coming soon!

Rachael Suhie, Pre-K Teacher

More about Rachael coming soon

Malinda Julson, PreK Teacher

Hello! I’m Malinda and I am one of the Public PreK teachers here at YFO. I grew up in northern Maine, and now live in South Portland with my spouse, Matt, and our two wonderful daughters Freya and Rosalie.
I first discovered my interest in teaching young children in high school while teaching dance classes and piano lessons after school. When I began my studies at the University of Maine in Orono, I truly found my passion and love for working with young children and their families. As an undergraduate, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations with a focus in Early Childhood Education. I then returned later to earn a master’s degree in Early Literacy and have been working with four and five year olds ever since.

When not teaching, I enjoy traveling with my family, trying out new restaurants, and taking any opportunity I can to attend music concerts and live theater.

Cara Rousseau, Educational Technician PreK

Hi everyone, my name is Cara and I am the Ed Tech in the Pre-K program here at Youth and Family Outreach! I grew up in Central Maine and after high school, I decided to attend college at the University of Maine at Orono where I graduated with a degree in Child Development and Family Relations in 2015.

 Growing up I always knew in my heart I wanted to work with young kids, but was unsure in what way. Lucky for me, my last semester Senior year of college I volunteered at the Child Development Center on campus working with kids aged 3-5 and instantly knew that this was what I was meant to do. After graduating, I landed a job in Southern Maine and have been in the area ever since!

 When I am not teaching, I love hanging out with my family, friends and my 5-year-old goldendoodle, Kona. I also enjoy spending time at my camp on Moosehead lake, hiking and going to the beach! I look forward to one day teaching your kiddos 

Stephanie Brennan, Preschool Educator

Stephanie grew up in Biddeford ME and still ives there with her husband, Kevin, and her dog Stan. Stephanie classifies herself as a “Disney Adult” and loves all things Disney. Stephanie’s mom was a teacher and growing up she wanted to be just like her. Stephanie holds an associates degree in early childhood education from SMCC and 21+ years of experience as a preschool teacher. When she isn’t working Stephanie enjoys shopping, reading on the beach, playing Disney’s dream light valley and collecting cards with her husband.

Isabelle Mugeni, Assistant Educator

I grew up in DR Congo in Kinshasa. I love my country, the freedom of the people and I have a lot of wonderful memories from there - particularly the food! I now live just down the street from YFO in Portland! I would pass by YFO often, and loved seeing how much joy there was there. I decided to take a chance, knowing that I wanted to work with children, so I stopped in to see if they were hiring! I love to have fun and make people laugh. I give a lot of love to people around me, especially children. In my spare time I like to sing, watch documentaries and cook!

Kimberly LeClair, Toddler Educator

I have lived in Maine my whole life and raised my three daughters Nina, Natasha and Katie here.  Now I'm lucky to help raise my six grandchildren.  I have always enjoyed hearing children's laughter through their play.  This has led me to work in the childcare field.  As a child grows you see many different parts of their growing.  Being at Youth and Family Outreach since 1999, I am happy to say I have had the pleasure of taking care of so many children!  What a magical feeling to be a part of.  I am a lifelong learner and go to trainings to help keep up on the new ways to help teach the children.  But I also believe they children teach us every day. On my time off I enjoy summer days at the beach, and spending time with my wonderful friends and family.

Aida Ndungambote, Toddler Educator

I grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a family of 5 girls with my loving and protective parents. Now I live with my husband and our three children. I began my career in early childhood in Brazil where I spent two years working in a center before coming to the U.S. I came to YFO because I have a desire to grow and discover. I had this passion, after becoming a mother to take care of children as I would like my son to be cared for, and above all, because it was natural to me.

Erin Lehouillier, Toddler Educator

Erin is a Mainer since birth and currently lives in Saco with her husband and son. She enjoys Gardening with her parents in spring and summer months and spending time with her family and friends and having movie nights at home. For fun Erin likes to go mini golfing, go to car shows and hockey games. Erin graduated from SMCC with an associate degree in behavioral health and human services in 2007. Previously she has worked 1:1 ed tech with clients ages 3-5 on the autism spectrum from 2007-2010 and as an infant/toddler lead teacher from 2010 to 2025. Erin began at YFO in 2025 as a toddler lead teacher and continues working with children to fuel her passion of working with children and being part of a team with families and co-workers.

Tabatha Darling, Assistant Toddler Educator

Tabby grew up in South Portland and still ives there with her brother. She has always loved children and got her start in the field at the h one day care center she went to as a child. She started as a volunteer before becoming full time. When she isn’t working Tabby likes to go to Higgins Beach where her second mom has a house there with a pool Tabby gets to enjoy. She also loves spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Fatima Ribeiro, Lead Infant Educator

Fatima grew up in Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa. She remembers it being warm and beautiful ,full of beaches, mountains, and so much green, just like the name. Now Fatima lives in Portland with her husband and children, she enjoys smiling and knows 4 languages; Portuguese, Creole, Dutch and English! Fatima loves the work of early childhood education because of her love for children and the joy they bring. Seeing them smile, learn and be happy is her favorite part. When the opportunity arose to come work with YFO she jumped at it, with her experience working with children in Angola, it was a great fit. When she isn’t working, Fatima likes to spend time with her family and watch movies.

Lisette Mbangu, Assistant Educator

I am from Luanda, Angola. I live with my daughter Janey in South Portland now. I came to YFO because I knew that I wanted to work with children. I enjoying watching them play, talking with them, and having fun. My favorite season is summer, and enjoy going to Funtown!

Estella Nyapir, Floating Educator

I came to YFO as an early childhood intern at Portland Arts and Technology High School in the fall of 2016. I love being with the children, laughing with them and playing.

Beth Gerow, Floating Educator

Beth grew up in a VERY small town north of Bangor, if you drive through and blink, you might miss it! Currently Beth lives with her niece and their partner as well as two cats, Minka & Mabel. Beth participates in the Dempsey Challenge every year since 2011. Her team name is the Orange Dragons Against Cancer and she can be spotted easily by her crazy leggings and orange tutu, look out for her!Beth has been in the field of early childhood education since June of 1997 and has worked with infants through 10 year olds. Beth worked for YFO for 7 years and left in 2005. We welcome her back to YFO in 2025. Growing up Beth always wanted to be a teacher for elementary ages but not older than 2nd grade. After taking a lot of ECE classes at UMaine Farmington and fell in love with the littles! In her free time Beth enjoys watching the Yankees play, which may not be the popular opinion in these parts but that’s ok.

Belvisie Nsiete, Floating Educator

Belvisie Nsiete grew up in Pointe-Noire Congo in a large family with an extraordinary mother and father. She was a curious child with a fighting spirit, she doesn’t give up and jokes to help those in need. Belvisir currently lives in South Portland with two roommates. Belvisie enjoyed her own childhood and believes taking care of children is to her and participating in their education is a duty. She is excited to bring her determination for educating littles and passion for caring for children to YFO everyday. In her free time Belvisie likes to follow the news and read books.

Adelia Mena, Floating Educator

I am from Luanda, the capital of Angola. I grew up in a neighborhood called Sapu. I now live with my parents and two siblings in Portland. the thing that brought me to the early childhood field is the love and passion I have for kids. I came to YFO through the Jobs For Maine Graduates program in my senior year. I stayed because I wanted to be in a joyful environment where I can get good experience, and because YFO feels like family to me. I am a patient and understanding person, and I think that is because of all the time I spend with my little sister. My favorite memory is when I saw her for the first time coming home from the hospital with my Mom.

Lisa Falardeau, Volunteer and part time substitute

I am from all over! My Dad was in the navy, so we moved around a lot. I was born in Connecticut and lived in Hawaii, California, Florida and New York before coming to Maine. I now live with my husband and 4 of our five children (and our two cats!). I don’t remember a time that I wasn’t obsessed iwth babies. I used to walk around with my backpack on my front with a baby doll in it and pretend I was a Mama. Whenever anyone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always to be a Mom. I got my degree in special education so that I could work with troubled youth. I taught grades 3-5 in rural Maine schools until my first child was born. I came to YFO because I was looking for a non-profit to volunteer with babies, and came across the YFO website. I was super impressed with what I learned there, and here I am! My favorite thing is to spend time with my family, especially if we are camping, crafting or baking.

Patricia Cauende