Pastor Liz Criscuolo: Liz Criscuolo

In 1977, Katherine Papa, a 19-year-old dissatisfied with her daycare job, took the entrepreneurial leap and founded A Magic Kingdom in Schenectady with Sue Ellen DeWeese. Operating out of the United Methodist Church, they started by promoting their services door-to-door and creatively advertising without a budget. As their reputation for flexible and family-oriented care grew, so did their clientele, necessitating expansion and more staff. Their commitment to competitive pricing and accommodating family needs fostered loyalty among families and staff alike, creating a familial atmosphere that ensured low turnover.

Now serving 80 to 90 children and emphasizing educational preparation, they remain a cornerstone of their community, adapting to industry changes while maintaining their foundational community spirit.