Our Team
Meet the Team Who Makes Play Possible
At Cape Cod Toy Library, our team is more than staff — we’re parents, educators, neighbors, and community builders who believe every child deserves the chance to learn and grow through play. Together, we create spaces where families feel welcome, children are supported, and play is celebrated as essential to healthy development.
We’re also supported by volunteers and interns, whose behind-the-scenes help keeps our daily operations running smoothly. Interested in volunteering? Email info@capecodtoylibrary.org
Deb Willsea – President & Founder
Deb founded the Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. in 2017, encouraged by Cape Cod parents and educators to build on her success developing the Rochester Toy Library in New York — a model that influenced communities from Ohio to Hong Kong. An author, educator, and certified Playmaker, she brings a lifelong passion for the critical role of play in child development, family literacy, and community health. Read Deb’s full Founder’s Story »
“Bringing Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. to life as a Community Play Space and Toy Lending Library as well as an Outdoor Play Oasis, with the help of many volunteers and supporters, continues to delight and affirm my belief in this work. Witnessing what unfolds in the environment—the curiosity children bring, the confidence they gain as they try new things, the learning that takes place, the meaningful family interactions, the growing community connections, and the happiness that comes from finding just the right toy to take home to extend the play —is a joy.”
Lais Fajersztajn — Toy Librarian & Data Specialist
Lais, bilingual in Portuguese and English, brings her research expertise with her PhD in Science (Air Pollution and Health) and background in public health, physical therapy including children’s disabilities to the Toy Library. She loves helping families from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and supported.
“ I strongly believe in the importance of play to children's development. Through play children can develop their best versions of themselves. I am proud to be part of an organization that generously offers quality opportunities to enhance learning through play through its onsite programs, lending toy library and events. The Cape Cod Toy Library has a community belonging feeling that helps navigate motherhood.”
Patrice Headd — Child Development Play Specialist
With over 23 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Patrice has held a variety of roles supporting young children and families — including classroom teacher, special educator, program founder, and curriculum designer. For the past decade, she has served as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, currently teaching in the Barnstable Public Schools.
As a certified Life is Good Playmaker, Patrice is passionate about helping children learn and grow through joy, optimism, and play—especially those who have experienced adversity.
“I’m delighted to serve as Play Specialist at the Cape Cod Toy Library. I share the vision of the vital role play holds in early childhood and deeply value the positive impact the Toy Library brings to our community. I’m excited to contribute my expertise to enrich the play and learning experiences of children and families.”
Francesca Jannello — Operations & Volunteer Specialist
Francesca holds a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Registered Drama Therapist with the North American Drama Therapy Association. Outside of Cape Cod Toy Library, she now works in private practice after years of clinical experience in inpatient, partial hospitalization, and community settings.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that shapes children's growth and learning. Play is crucial to a child's development and I look forward to cultivating an organized, supportive environment so families can focus on nurturing every child's potential."
Bonnie Ramage — Administrative Assistant (2020–2025)
Through Elder Services, Bonnie brought her wide-ranging skills as a personal assistant, small business owner, and museum archivist to the Toy Library. Beyond her organizational work, she became one of our best ambassadors — spreading the word about the Toy Library everywhere she went, from grocery store lines to church gatherings.
Acknowledgments
Staff positions at Cape Cod Toy Library are made possible through the generous support of several foundations: The Cape Cod Foundation and Donor Advised Funds including the Priscillia M. Cotter Fund for Youth Activities and Community Fund for Young People, The Cape & Islands United Way, Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, The Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation, Elder Services, and Mass Econ Development, and other community partners.