At Cedar Gables Preschool, our leadership team is dedicated to creating a nurturing, enriching environment where children thrive and our teachers feel empowered and supported. With decades of combined experience in early childhood education, our team brings a deep commitment to excellence, a passion for lifelong learning, and a strong partnership with the families we serve. Together, we guide the vision and values that shape every classroom experience and ensure your child receives the highest quality care and education.
Tara Kennedy
Owner / Executive Director
Tara’s passion for early childhood education is matched only by her experience. As a mother of five, she brings firsthand insight into child development and a deep understanding of what families need most—trust, consistency, and care that feels like home. Before becoming the owner of Cedar Gables, Tara managed a nonprofit children’s program serving 35–60 children ages 18 months to 12 years, where she developed a reputation for creating structured, nurturing environments that helped children thrive. Today, she leads Cedar Gables with warmth, organization, and a clear vision: to provide a safe, inspiring place where every child is known, supported, and celebrated.
Elizabeth Magnotta
Director
Liz Magnotta is a seasoned early childhood educator with over 20 years of Kindergarten teaching experience in the Bronx, NY. In 2020, she transitioned from K-12 to ECE as a center director. She recently joined Cedar Gables and is so excited to be a part of this wonderful school environment.
With deep roots in early childhood education—growing up in a family of educators who owned their own center—Liz brings both passion and lifelong experience to her work. She is dedicated to creating a loving, fun, and nurturing environment where children feel safe and free to be themselves, while building strong, lasting connections with families.
A proud Danbury resident of 18 years, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband, a special education teacher, and their daughter, a high school student and competitive gymnast. She loves family time, vacationing, and cheering her daughter on at gymnastics meets.
Jennifer Neville
Assistant Director
Jenn Neville holds a Master’s degree in Education from Quinnipiac University, which guides her caring, developmentally focused approach to supporting young learners. She has been a proud member of the Cedar Gables Preschool community since 2017 and has served as Assistant Director since 2023.
Jenn is known for her loving, approachable personality and her deep commitment to the children, families, and staff she works with each day. She values the strong connections she builds within the school community and strives to create a positive, welcoming environment where everyone feels supported and at home.
Outside of school, Jenn loves spending quality time with her family, and during the summer months, she enjoys relaxing at the pool and making joyful memories.
— Rita Pierson