Faculty

The long-time faculty at Kiddie Kampus consists of certified teachers that range from a CDA to Masters Degrees. Additionally, every Kiddie Kampus staff member is required to have a background check and fingerprinting done PRIOR to starting at Kiddie Kampus. Staff members are CPR trained and certified. Due to the fact that Kiddie Kampus is a licensed center, all faculty members must work on continuing education and training every year. Kiddie Kampus has several staff members who are MAT certified which allows them to administer medication when a medical form is completed.

Rachel Norton

Owner

When Rachel Norton became the owner of Kiddie Kampus of Medford in 2008, she brought her personal education philosophy to life: that children should feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn in a warm, loving environment built on structure, activities, play, and discovery. Ms. Norton holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Champlain College and has worked with several early childhood programs, including serving as Director of one of Nassau County’s largest childcare centers, overseeing 250 children. She is an active member of the Suffolk County Childcare Council, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Long Island Leadership Committee for Childcare in New York State.

Since taking ownership, Ms. Norton has redesigned and renovated the Kiddie Kampus facility, expanded programming, and added infant and toddler classrooms. Her programs promote Kindergarten readiness, family involvement, and strong self‑help skills. Under her leadership, Kiddie Kampus has thrived for over 18 years, supporting more than 300 children as they graduate from our program and transition confidently into kindergarten.

Kiddie Kampus has also become a place where early‑childhood professionals grow their careers, thanks to Ms. Norton’s steady leadership, mentorship, and guidance. Her ability to cultivate strong, confident educators has helped many staff members advance into long‑term roles and higher education in the field. Under her direction, Kiddie Kampus is honored to host a Universal Pre‑Kindergarten (UPK) classroom for the Longwood Central School District, a partnership that continues to strengthen as we look forward to expanding our UPK offerings even further.

Ms. Norton’s wisdom, dedication, and commitment to excellence continue to shape Kiddie Kampus into a nurturing, safe, and developmentally supportive environment where children, families, and educators learn, grow, and thrive together.

Dani O'Connor

Director

Ms. Dani O’Connor brings a lifetime of passion and over two decades of hands‑on experience in early childhood education and school leadership. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood & Elementary Education from Cabrini University, completing extensive coursework and field experiences in child development, curriculum methods, classroom management, and student teaching. Her academic background reflects a strong foundation in understanding how young children learn, grow, and thrive.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dani has helped strengthen and rebuild childcare programs, supported growing schools, and led teams with compassion and clarity. She is known for her ability to step into any classroom, support teachers, and create a warm, structured environment where children feel safe and loved.

Her leadership style is approachable, energetic, and deeply child‑centered. She believes in building strong relationships with families, empowering staff through mentorship, and maintaining high standards of safety, communication, and professionalism. She is also highly experienced in navigating challenging situations with calm confidence — always keeping the child’s well‑being at the center of every decision.

What truly sets Ms. Dani apart is her heart. She is nurturing, dedicated, and fully committed to creating a school community where children flourish, families feel supported, and staff feel valued. Leading with integrity and genuine care, she brings warmth, stability, and joy to our center every single day.

Angela Rattien

Operations Manager

Ms. Angela began her career in Early Childhood Education in 2007 as a Teacher’s Assistant, where she discovered her passion for supporting young children and helping families. A lifelong Long Island resident, she brings an exceptional blend of educational, medical, and administrative expertise to Kiddie Kampus. In addition to her early childhood background, Ms. Angela is a Registered Nurse and a student in Stony Brook University’s Honors Program, working toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatric Care. Her medical training allows her to approach children’s health, safety, and developmental needs with confidence, compassion, and professionalism.

As the Operations Manager, Ms. Angela is the organizational heartbeat of Kiddie Kampus. She manages intake and medical documentation, oversees family communication, ensures compliance, and supports the administrative team with precision and care. She brings over a decade of Legal Office experience, including remote work performed from another country — a role that required exceptional trust, reliability, and attention to detail. This background strengthened her ability to manage complex tasks seamlessly and maintain high standards no matter the circumstances. Highly skilled with computers and systems, she keeps daily operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Ms. Angela’s dedication, reliability, and genuine love for helping children and families make her an invaluable part of our community. Her work behind the scenes strengthens every part of Kiddie Kampus, and her commitment to excellence shines through in everything she does. As a native Spanish speaker, she also plays a vital role in supporting bilingual families and ensuring clear, accessible communication for all.