Camelia Babson-Haley, Executive Director

My son, Jeremiah, is the reason I am in the field of Early Childhood and have been since 1989.  I was a young 20 year-old single mom of a 5-month old when I enrolled at the Community College of Southern Nevada. I earned my Associate's degree and worked in the lab school where Jeremiah was able to attend with me. In fact, he went everywhere with me!  He went to the East Wilton (Maine) Head Start, the Clifton Child Care Center in Atlanta and he spent most of his afternoons with me here at YFO when he was in elementary school. I finished my Bachelor's degree at UMF and I have been at YFO since March of 2000.  In 2017 I received my master’s degree in special education, proving that it is never too late!!

YFO is my home, my passion and I love every minute of my work here. I was drawn to YFO because I felt the desire to work with families that might have come from a similar background as myself. I was a young, single mom and I understood the difficulty of being poor in this world. I am now married to a wonderful teacher/musician and we live together in Portland. My favorite pass time is spending time with my BIG, beautiful family.

Evelyne Kanku, Director

My name is Evelyne Kanku, and I live in Gray with my wonderful husband, Thierry. Together, we are blessed with four smart and beautiful daughters: Trevy, Ashley, Benny, and Gracy.

I am originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Before moving to the United States, I completed five years of college studies in Administration and Commercial Sciences with a concentration in Pedagogy. In 2019, I earned my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). I am currently continuing my education and working toward my Bachelor's Degree at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF).

My journey with Youth & Family Outreach began in March 2012. I started as a floater before becoming a primary teacher in both the Tykes and Preschool classrooms. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally within the organization, serving as Curriculum Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and now Director.

Working with children has always been my passion. I strive to create an environment where children feel excited to learn, explore, and have fun every day. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is knowing that I can make a positive impact on the future of our children. I am also grateful to be part of YFO, where staff and families truly care for and support one another.

When I am not working or studying, I enjoy cooking, singing, dancing, traveling, exploring new places, and spending quality time with my family.

If I could be any animal, I would choose a dolphin. I admire their intelligence, playful nature, and the sense of freedom they experience in the ocean.

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 Burningham

More coming soon

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 the Democratic Republic of Congo, and currently live in South Portland with my daughter, Janey. I am one of the Infant Teachers here at Youth & Family Outreach. I am currently pursuing my Early Childhood Education degree at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).

I joined YFO because I have always known that I wanted to work with children. I enjoy watching them learn through play, talking with them, and helping create a fun and nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive. My favorite season is summer, and one of my favorite activities is visiting Funtown with my family!

Erika Jamece, Floating Educator

I grew up Luanda (Angola) in the Prenda neighborhood. My home was one that valued respect for others and my artistic imagination was supported. I joined YFO because I enjoy sharing knowledge with young children. I want to share with them my love for the arts and creativity. I want to play a fundamental role in their lives as they will be adults painting, dancing and playing games taught by me! I live with my three children and enjoy spending time with them, cooking, painting and making jewelry. I am also someone who enjoys meeting new people, talking, sharing knowledge and learning from one another.

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.

Catarina Fernando, Floating Educator

I was born in Luanda, Angola, a vibrant coastal city with happy, welcoming people. I grew up in Brazil, my second home - culturally captivating, with the rhythm of Samband Carnival. I live with my husband and son and I love traveling, singing and learning languages. I speak Lingala, Kikongo, Portuguese, French, English and Spanish! I completed my high school education in Brazil and trained as a childcare assistant and worked there in childcare for many years. I love learning about child development and gaining more experience in the field. I really admire the sweet and warm way YFO interacts with the children and the teaching style. My favorite pastimes are learning, teaching, eating good food and resting when I can!

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.

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