OUR EDUCATORS
Family Is Our Core
We are a family-owned and operated center, deeply committed to the growth, learning, and well-being of every child who joins us.
Every child is treated as if they were our own, and we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to supporting their success, curiosity, and joy in learning.
Meet the caring educators and staff who will guide, nurture, and inspire your little ones.
Melissa Gozzo
Preschool Teacher
Enrichment Instructor (Music, Movement, Arts)
About Mrs. Gozzo
Melissa graduated Summa Cum Laude from Merrimack College with a degree in Human Development, concentrating in Elementary Education and Moderate Disabilities. She has passed all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure and holds state licensure in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) and Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8).
Melissa brings extensive experience in early childhood and elementary education, having served as a Math Interventionist for the Billerica Public Schools, Religious Education Coordinator (Grades 1–4) for the Catholic Community of Billerica, and Preschool Teacher at St. Raphael’s School.
She is passionate about helping children experience success, develop a positive self-image, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Melissa looks forward to sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with you and your child!
Honors, Awards, and Certifications:
Merrimack College Dean’s List (2011–2014)
Kappa Delta Pi Member
Presidential Scholar
First Aid and CPR Certified (American Heart Association)
Lively Letters Certified
Zumbini Certified
Adaptive Dance Teacher Training, Boston Ballet
Augmentative & Alternative Communication: “Make It Fun and Interactive!” (Easter Seals Massachusetts)
Evidence-Based Strategies for Learners with Special Needs and Autism (Dr. Jim Ball)
Andover Bread Loaf Literacy Training Session (Louis Bernieri)
Melissa is married to her husband, Anthony, who owns and operates Specialty Motor Cars. They are proud parents of their daughter, Noelle Janette, whom they adopted just before Christmas 2017—a true “Christmas gift from God.” Noelle will be entering second grade this fall.
Vicki Gambale
Preschool Teacher
Extended Day Provider
About Mrs. Gambale
Vicki graduated from Salem State University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She brings over 20 years of experience in elementary and special education, having served as a paraprofessional at Hajjar Elementary School in Billerica, retiring in June 2023.
Vicki is passionate about helping children build self-esteem and develop positive mindsets. Her mission is to nurture social-emotional skills, helping every child learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment. She looks forward to a fun and exciting year with your child!
Honors, Awards, and Certifications:
First Aid and CPR Certified
Lively Letters Certified
Honor Thy Teacher Award (eight consecutive years)
Vicki has been married to Bob for 36 years, and they have three children and soon-to-be seven grandchildren, all of whom they adore. She is thrilled to launch this new Preschool and Enrichment Center alongside her daughter, Melissa Gozzo.
Bob Gambale
Enrichment Instructor (Sports and Games)
About Mr. Gambale
Bob studied at the Computer Processing Institute and began his career at Staples in Framingham. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he competed in countless USTA tennis tournaments, achieving the #1 ranking in New England in the Men’s B Division and later securing a top-20 ranking in the Men’s Open Division.
Bob has shared his passion for sports and learning with his children, helping each achieve remarkable accomplishments. His daughter Mary became a top-ranked tennis player nationally and internationally, competing in events including the US Open. His son Robby excelled in baseball, winning a national competition at age 10 and making history at Billerica High with six varsity seasons qualifying for state tournaments. His daughter Melissa is a cancer survivor and local community leader, known for her charity initiative Cupcakes for Chemo, which raised funds for Tufts Medical Center.
Bob enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels. Families can tap into his wealth of knowledge and experience, especially for aspiring athletes.
He lives in Billerica with his wife, Vicki, and enjoys keeping up with their children and grandchildren.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Learning Is Natural
We are proud to be members of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA), reflecting our commitment to child-led, inquiry-based learning where every child’s curiosity and creativity are nurtured.
Young children are naturally curious, imaginative, and full of potential. We honor this by creating an environment where they can explore, investigate, interact, care for others, and express their creativity. Our goal is to nurture and strengthen these natural abilities in the healthiest, most supportive environment possible.
Our approach is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, a child-centered method that values allowing children to simply be children while learning in meaningful ways. Being part of NAREA helps ensure that our practices reflect the highest standards of this internationally respected approach.
We incorporate Reggio Emilia principles by embracing:
- A positive image of children as capable, curious, creative, and full of potential
- Recognition that children have countless ways of thinking, expressing, and understanding the world around them
- Active participation as the foundation of learning
- Exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning as key pathways to growth
- The idea that “there are three teachers of children: adults, other children, and their physical environment”
What this means for your child: Every day, your child will be fully engaged in hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and make each moment meaningful.
“What children learn does not follow as an automatic result from what is taught. Rather, it is in large part due to the children's own doing as a consequence of their activities and our resources."
- Loris Malaguzzi, Founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach
THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH
“Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more.”
Loris Malaguzzi, Founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach
OUR MISSON AND VALUES
The first few years of a child’s life are full of magic and wonder. We recognize the importance of this time and are dedicated to making every experience positive, engaging, and meaningful.
Our Mission
To cultivate joyful learners by providing age-appropriate educational experiences that support the growth and development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively.
Our Vision
To lay a strong foundation that equips children with the confidence, compassion, courage, and creativity they need to thrive in school and beyond.
These values guide everything we do—from classroom experiences to how we partner with families.
OUR FACILITY
Our Home Is Your Home
We are a home-based center, offering a warm and welcoming space for preschool, school-age, extended day, and enrichment programs. Our center is located on the first floor of our two-story home, with two private entrances and exits for added convenience and safety.
Our educators, Vicki and Bob Gambale, live on the second floor, which also has its own separate entrances. The first floor was previously the home of the late Jan Gambale, and has been lovingly transformed into a preschool and enrichment center in her memory. Jan’s passions and values are woven into every aspect of our programs, helping us honor her legacy by making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
We understand that families are seeking the highest quality care—care that mirrors the love, attention, and safety of home. Providing a nurturing, safe, and loving environment for your child is our highest priority.
In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the environment is considered the “third teacher.” Our center reflects this through natural colors and materials, wooden toys, uncluttered spaces, and light-filled rooms, creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere where children feel at ease. We also take full advantage of outdoor learning opportunities to support exploration, discovery, and well-being.
Our focus is on each child as an individual. We aim to build a sense of home and community where children are encouraged to be brave, creative, resilient, and kind, while exploring and learning in a supportive and joyful environment.
“Play is the highest form of research."
- Albert Einstein
Jan's Place Preschool and Enrichment Center, LLC by Victoria Gambale is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Jan's Place Preschool and Enrichment Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.
We foster a culture of respect that values differences. Our environment is set up to identify individual’s special rights and needs. When required, we liaise with other professionals to provide the required support, so that the child and their family can achieve their goals. If we cannot meet the family’s goals, we will do our best to facilitate another solution.
