Meet the Owners

Letter from Erica and Chris and Our Mission Statement

Erica Saccoccio

Owner and President of Family Tree

Years in the field: 19 years

Education: Child Care Management Degree from Thompson University, holds a CDA from the Council of Professional Recognition, Best Youth Worker Certification. I also have my AA in early Childhood Education and am currently a student at Charter Oak College, finishing my BA in Early Childhood and Youth Studies, working towards my long term goal of earning an PhD in Education. I hold a RIELDS Foundations and Level 3 RIELDS.

What do you like best about working with children?: “I love inspiring children to reach for goals and to help them create the self esteem within themselves to peruse their dreams. I also love the life long connections I have made with many of my students who are now young adults. It truly is one of the most rewarding fields any person could be lucky enough to work in.”

Hobbies: Working with many non profit groups in the education field, past President of the Rhode Island School Age Child Care Association, an Advisor for the Council of Professional Recognition, a member of the National School Age Child Care Association, Founder of After School Moves Dance Company and most recently a member of BOCA Business Owners of Child Care Association.

Christine Alexander

Owner and Vice President of Family Tree

Years in the field: 21 years

Education: Holds a CDA from the Council of Professional Recognition is currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Internship Program at CCRI. Christine also has many certificates in the childcare field including a Start With The Arts Program.

What do you like best about working with children?: “I love sharing my love of cooking, music, and art with children. My goal to ensure our students are exposed to as much arts and culture in our program as possible.”

Hobbies: I love the tropics, trying foods, listening to music from other cultures, painting and reading. I have enjoyed volunteering at different groups in RI including my past work with the Children’s Crusade, City Year, my local church, working with children in low income areas and areas of risk, and creating programs to help low income parents join the work force through the “Dress for Success” program. I am a pet lover have a dog named Diesel and two beautiful children.

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Meet our Management Team

Miss Christine

Family Tree General Manager

Years in the field: 6 years

Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Administration from Old Dominion University

What do you like best about working with children?: “I love doing our imaginary walks to the zoo to see all the animals. The children always ask me to ‘take them to the zoo.’ I love being there to support working families I find working at Family Tree—a highly rewarding and enriching experience for me and the children.”

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, working around my yard, dancing and mixing music—it is the simple pleasures in life. Christine has also volunteered for the American Little League as a board member, past treasurer and player agent and team coach.

Miss Jalisa

Office Manager

Years in the field: 12 years

Education: Early Childhood Associates Degree, CDA from the Council of Professional Recognition, RIELS Level 3, and continuing her BA at URI.

What do you like best about working with children?: “I love working with the school age children on different clubs we can add to the program each year. I also love working with our Pre-K students; they are so fun and full of hope and love for life.”

Hobbies: I love going to Sunday church with my family, working out, listening to music, am an avid pet lover and proud supporter of the ASPCA and the RI Humane Society.