
Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
Wantagh
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Dhanaive (Danny)Nunez
Founder & Owner | Creative Play Childcare
Co-Owner | Creative Play Childcare Center – Wantagh
Hi, I'm Danny!
I am an artist at heart, an educator by passion, a proud mother of three, and a grandmother of two. I have always believed in the power of creativity to inspire learning, self-expression, and confidence in children. My personal experiences, artistic background, and love for education have shaped my approach to childcare and continue to inspire everything I do.
After many years working in corporate America, my journey into early childhood education began with a deeply personal experience. When my grandson faced a difficult experience at a childcare center as a toddler, I knew there had to be a better way—a place where children could feel genuinely loved, understood, supported, and encouraged to grow. That experience inspired me to take a leap of faith and turn a grandmother’s love and determination into something meaningful: Creative Play Childcare.
I am the proud founder and owner of our first two Creative Play Group Family Daycare locations in Elmont and North Valley Stream. I am licensed, qualified, and certified to provide childcare in accordance with New York State regulations.
As Creative Play continued to grow, I had the wonderful opportunity to partner with Melissa to open our third location and first childcare center, Creative Play Childcare Center in Wantagh, which we proudly co-own. By combining our individual strengths, experiences, and shared passion for early childhood education, we have brought a common vision to life. Together, we work side by side to create something truly special for the children, families, and community we serve.
My experiences have strengthened my belief that every child is unique and deserves a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where they can explore, discover, build confidence, and develop at their own pace. By blending Montessori-inspired principles with creativity, hands-on learning, and purposeful play, we strive to provide a thoughtful, engaging, and nurturing educational experience that supports each child’s individual growth and development.
Beyond childcare, I am also passionate about supporting families and building meaningful connections within our community. I proudly organize and lead “You’re Not Alone,” a Spectrum Community Support Group dedicated to families raising children on the autism spectrum. This initiative provides a welcoming and supportive space where parents and caregivers can connect, share their experiences, exchange resources, learn from professionals and one another, and find encouragement along their journey. My goal is to remind every family that they are not alone and that, together, we can build a stronger, more understanding, and supportive community.
Watching Creative Play grow has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding journeys of my life. What began as one grandmother’s desire to create something better for her grandson has blossomed into a beautiful community of children, families, and dedicated educators.
I am incredibly proud of how far we have come, excited for everything still ahead, and deeply grateful to every family who places their trust in us.

Melissa Borger
Co-Owner | Creative Play Childcare Center – Wantagh
Hello, I am Melissa!
For more than 30 years, I have built my career in healthcare and business operations, but becoming part of Creative Play Childcare Center Wantagh has given me the opportunity to bring together so many different parts of my life. As a working mother of two, both of my children were in childcare from a young age, so I understand firsthand what it feels like to leave your children in someone else’s care. Parents want to know their children are safe, loved, learning, having fun, and surrounded by people who truly care while also having the communication, dependability, and support that working families need.
Although my professional career has primarily been in healthcare and business, I have always had a passion for working with children. Through volunteer programs and both domestic and international mission work, I have had the opportunity to help create school programs for underserved children.
Partnering with Dhanaive to create Creative Play Childcare Center Wantagh has allowed me to combine that passion with my years of business and operations experience, right here in the community where I have lived and raised my own family.
My goal has been to help create the kind of childcare center I would have wanted for my own children a boutique, Montessori-inspired environment that is safe, educational, fun, and loving, while truly understanding the needs of parents. I am incredibly proud of what Dhanaive and I are building at Creative Play Childcare Center Wantagh and excited to continue growing something truly special for our children, families, and community.
I am an OCFS-approved childcare administrator, qualified to oversee childcare programs in accordance with New York State regulations.

Alexnadra Gardner
Director
Hi, I'm Ms. Ally!
There is nothing more rewarding to me than being a small part of a child's journey as they learn, grow, and discover the world around them. My goal is to create a happy and nurturing space where littles can build confidence, knowing they are always cared for. Working in schools and the Wantagh community has given me the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful children and families, and these relationships have meant so much to me.
I am excited to continue doing what I love by welcoming new families, building trusting relationships, and cultivating a caring environment where both children and parents feel comfortable and right at home!

Justine Mejia
Toddler Lead Teacher
Hello, I'm Justine!
I am grateful for the opportunity to help nurture and guide children during such an important stage of their lives. With my studies in Human Services and Social Work, I have learned so much about human growth and development. I have always been passionate about making a positive impact on the younger generation and helping children learn, grow, and gain confidence in themselves.
Creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment is very important to me. I believe children thrive when they feel valued, encouraged and free to explore their creativity. Two of my greatest passions are music and dance. I look forward to incorporating these outlets into the classroom to make learning engaging, interactive and enjoyable!
I strive to be warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to, not only for the children, but for their families as well. Building strong relationships with parents through open communication is something I value deeply. I am grateful for the opportunity to support each child's growth and development while helping create meaningful and memorable experiences Every day

Samantha Norizsan
Toddler Assistant
Hi, I am Sammi!
I am passionate about supporting young children as they learn, grow, and develop their confidence and independence. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and I am CPR certified, providing me with a strong foundation in child development and safety.
I strive to create a nurturing, engaging, and supportive classroom environment. I enjoy encouraging curiosity, creativity, and positive social development in every child. My goal is to provide each child with guidance and encouragement while helping them build a strong foundation for future learning. I am excited to bring my dedication, compassion, and knowledge to my role and make a positive difference in the lives of the children I work with.

Lucy Tian
Pre-K Lead Teacher
Hello! I'm Lucy!
I am warm, caring, and dedicated early childhood educator who loves working with children. As a mother of two, I understand firsthand the joys and challenges that parent experience every day. This personal experience helps me connect with children of different personalities and create a nurturing, supportive environment where they can learn and grow!
My experience working in various preschools and daycare centers has given me the skills, confidence, and knowledge to lead a classroom in a fun, engaging, and inclusive way that meets the unique needs of every child. I strive to create meaningful learning experiences that encourage creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning!
I graduated from CUNY Hunter College, where I minor Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about helping children reach their full potential while building strong, positive relationships with both children and their families.
I am excited to bring my experience, leadership, and love for early childhood education to a team that is committed to providing high-quality care and learning experiences for young

Danielle Riccio
Infant Lead Teacher
Hi, I'm Ms. Danielle!
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Human Development and have had the joy of working with children for the past 24 years, including 11 years specializing in infant care.
Working with infants has always been especially meaningful to me. I love creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and loved. I believe that every child is unique and deserves patience, encouragement, and the opportunity to grow at their own pace.
One of my favorite parts of working with infants is watching all of their little milestones. From their first smiles and sounds to sitting, crawling, walking, and everything in between! It is so rewarding to support them through each stage and celebrate all of their accomplishments.
I am so excited to be part of the Creative Play family and look forward to getting to know each child and their family. I can’t wait to create special memories, build meaningful relationships, and help each little one feel happy, confident, and ready to learn and grow!

Jessica Portalano
Floater
Hello, I'm Jessica!
After spending many years in corporate sales, I transitioned into the daycare field. For over the past four years, I have had the great honor and pleasure of working with two-, three-, and four-year-olds. It has been the best experience of my career. Each day is filled with laughter, fun, and wonderful memories, and I love waking up every morning knowing I get to do work I truly enjoy with these children.

Jessica Wessel
Per-Diem
Hi, I'm Jessica!
Being a mother of three has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life and has strengthened my passion for working with children. I love being part of their growth and watching them develop confidence, independence, and their own unique personalities.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Molloy College, which has given me an even greater appreciation for child development and the importance of making every child feel supported, encouraged, and valued.
I am so excited to be part of the Creative Play family and to work alongside such a caring and supportive team. Creative Play's nurturing approach and dedication to the children and families they serve make it the perfect fit for me.
I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm, experience, and love of children to Creative Play each day.




