Meet Our Management Team

Cynthia Prete has been dedicated to early childhood education since 1991, beginning her career as a substitute in a home daycare before becoming an assistant teacher in childcare centers in Houston, Texas. It was there she discovered her passion for working with young children and began building her career in the field.

After years of teaching and continuing her education—becoming certified in infant, toddler, and preschool care—Cynthia advanced into leadership, earning her Director certification. In 2001, she co-founded Early Minds Child Care, bringing her vision of a warm, nurturing, and high-quality center to life.

Cynthia is deeply committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn through play. She takes great pride in the community that Early Minds has become and values the strong relationships built with families over the years.
As both a leader and a parent of two Early Minds graduates, Cynthia understands firsthand the importance of trust, connection, and quality care.

Denise Munroe is the co-owner of Early Minds Child Care and brings decades of experience in education and child development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Keene State College and has worked in a variety of roles, including special education, home daycare, kindergarten teaching, and center-based childcare.

Her background includes special education, home daycare, kindergarten teaching, and center-based childcare, giving her a well-rounded perspective on early learning. As a founding partner of Early Minds, Denise played a key role in establishing the warm, nurturing, and high-quality environment families know and trust today.

Today, Denise continues to contribute in a meaningful way, focusing on creating and maintaining the welcoming, home-like environment that is such an important part of the Early Minds experience. Her attention to detail and commitment to creating a space where children and families feel comfortable and connected is felt throughout the center.

Her commitment to Early Minds is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a strong foundation and a positive early learning experience. Her passion for children and dedication to Early Minds remain at the heart of everything she does.

Missie Fleet has been an integral part of Early Minds since its opening, beginning as a toddler teacher before quickly growing into a leadership role. Her ability to connect with both children and adults made her a natural fit for management.

With certifications in preschool and infant/toddler education, as well as Director qualifications, Missie brings both hands-on classroom experience and strong leadership to her role. As Program Director, she oversees the daily operations of the center, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and well-run environment for children, families, and staff.

Missie also serves as a key connection between families, teachers, and ownership—supporting communication, guiding staff, and helping ensure each child’s experience is positive and consistent.

Her long-standing dedication and passion for early childhood education help create the supportive, family-centered environment that defines Early Minds.

Megan Munroe brings both educational expertise and leadership experience to her role as Staff Director. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Long Island University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Regis College.

Her background includes teaching in toddler classrooms as well as managing an early learning center. At Early Minds, Megan oversees staff management, daily operations, and curriculum implementation, while also leading hiring, training, and ongoing professional development for teachers.

Megan works closely with staff—mentoring, supporting, and helping ensure each classroom runs smoothly. She oversees programming across classrooms, ensuring that each child’s experience is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and rooted in play-based learning.

Megan is passionate about early childhood education and is dedicated to building a strong, supported team—creating a positive, consistent environment for both children and staff.

Sureatha Coleman has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Hostos Community College in New York City.

She began her journey at Early Minds as a toddler teacher and grew into a leadership role through her dedication and passion for child development. In her current role, Sureatha works closely within classrooms, mentoring teachers, supporting daily operations, and helping ensure each child’s experience is nurturing and developmentally appropriate.

Her hands-on approach, strong relationships with staff, and commitment to children’s growth make her an essential part of the Early Minds team.

Melissa Speight has been a dedicated member of the Early Minds team for many years, bringing decades of experience in early childhood education. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Child Care and is Director-certified.

Melissa has held a variety of roles within Early Minds, including Director at the Somerset location, and continues to bring enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does. In her current role, she serves as both a Pre-K teacher and Afternoon Staff Director, allowing her to stay closely connected to both the classroom and daily operations.

Her passion for working with children, along with her strong relationships with staff and families, helps create a positive, collaborative environment throughout the center.