Marianne Legassey is the Executive Director at the UConn Child Development Labs (CDL). She started at the CDL as a classroom Master Teacher in 2004. The dynamic classroom environment and need to manage many tasks simultaneously prepared Marianne for the challenge of being the director at CDL, a role that requires many hats.

At the CDL, HDFS Early Childhood Specializations (ECS) students receive mentoring and coaching in early childhood education. Students who go through the ECS program in Storrs receive training by the teaching staff at the CDL, preparing them for work with children and families in their future careers. Students from various UConn programs utilize the CDL for experiential learning opportunities. Marianne and the CDL professional teaching staff welcome collaborations with Physical Therapy, Speech and Hearing, Psychology and other departments. The CDL also employes student workers interested in working with young children.

As the CDL Director, Marianne hopes to establish a space on campus where all are welcomed and affirmed. The goal is to support college students, children and families with high quality training, care, education and support. Marianne utilizes trauma informed practices to provide a safe space and trusting relationships at the CDL.

Marianne and her family live, work and go to school in Storrs. Marianne is a UConn alum, employee and parent. She has held the roles of HDFS student with multiple placements at the CDL, CDL Master Teacher in multiple age groups, CDL parent, and most recently CDL Executive Director.