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Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Child Care & Dental Services in Torrington
Brooker Memorial has been dedicated to supporting children and families in the northwest corner of Connecticut for over a century. Founded in 1918, our mission centers on preparing children for lifelong success through education, health services, family support, and programs of excellence. We offer early learning and child care services for infants through school-age children, comprehensive pediatric dental care, and specialized programs like Pathway to Success for high school students. Our team of skilled professionals ensures a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported.

With a deep commitment to community, we provide services regardless of income, believing every child deserves a strong foundation. Our dental center, established in 1994, serves thousands annually, while our Relatives as Parents Program offers critical support to caregivers. Through partnerships and innovative initiatives, we continue to evolve while honoring our legacy of compassion and service.
Services
Early Learning Child Care Pediatric Dental Services In-School Dental Care Pathway To Success Program RAPP Support Group Children's Therapy Summer Camp Programs Parent Workshops Nutritional Snacks Program Community Outreach Initiatives
Details
  • Year established: 1918
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 100 years of experience in child care and community support.
  • Our team includes certified educators, pediatric dental specialists, and career counselors.
  • We provide services regardless of family income, ensuring accessibility for all.
  • Our programs integrate education, health, and family support under one roof.
  • We maintain partnerships with local schools and healthcare providers for holistic care.
Associations and certifications
  • LABA Nonprofit Award
  • Quality of Life Award
  • Best Supporting Organization Award
What people say
Amazing staff Wonderful with children Safe welcoming environment Lifelong skills Compassionate care
Services
Early Learning Child Care
Our licensed child care program serves infants through third graders with dedicated classrooms and extended hours. Experienced teachers provide developmentally appropriate curricula aligned with state standards. We offer outdoor organic gardens, enrichment activities, and secure facilities to ensure children thrive in a nurturing environment.
Pediatric Dental Services
Comprehensive dental care for children and young adults with special needs. Services include exams, cleanings, and preventive treatments in a welcoming environment. Our team accepts HUSKY insurance and offers scholarships to ensure accessible care for all families in Litchfield County.
Pathway To Success Program
Career exploration program for high school sophomores and juniors featuring aptitude testing and professional mentorship. Students participate in immersive assessments and career expos to discover aligned career paths. Sponsored scholarships make this life-changing program accessible to all participants.
Relatives As Parents Program
Support network for relatives raising children with resources, guidance, and community connections. The program provides emotional support and practical assistance through regular meetings and access to the Ruth Chadwick Care Closet for essential needs.
In-School Dental Care
Mobile dental services delivered directly to Torrington Public Schools and Region One School District. This initiative removes transportation barriers, providing preventive care and education to students during school hours for improved oral health outcomes.
People
Christina Emery
Executive Director
Over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, former Director of Economic Development for Torrington, and holds advanced degrees in public policy. Active in local boards including Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Rotary Club of Torrington/Winsted Areas.
Dr. Suher Baker
Dental Director
Board-certified pediatric dentist and anesthesiologist with academic leadership experience at Yale and Oregon Health. Holds dental degrees from University of Pennsylvania and Michigan, with specialized training in children's healthcare needs.
Charlene Lee
Child Care Director
20-year veteran in early childhood education with a B.S. in Psychology from UConn. Progressed from classroom teacher to director, specializing in child development and family engagement within Brooker's programs.
Lynn Mellis Worthington
Community Engagement Coordinator
Former Publications Director at South Kent School with 26 years of experience in communications. Manages Pathway to Success and RAPP programs while leveraging writing and photography skills for community outreach initiatives.
Kaitlyn Graboski
Operations Manager
UConn graduate with Bachelors in Communication who has advanced from program coordinator to operations leadership. Oversees daily business operations while maintaining focus on children's programs and marketing strategies.
Questions
What age groups do you serve in your child care program?
We serve infants starting at 6 weeks through third grade students, with specialized classrooms for each developmental stage.
Do you accept children without dental insurance?
Yes, we offer a scholarship fund to assist uninsured families and accept HUSKY Dental Insurance for eligible patients.
How does the Pathway to Success program benefit teens?
The program provides aptitude testing and career mentorship to help students discover careers aligned with their natural abilities and interests.
Can relatives raising children access support services?
Our Relatives as Parents Program offers specialized support groups, resources, and access to the Ruth Chadwick Care Closet for essential needs.
Are donations to Brooker Memorial tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations qualify for tax deductions according to IRS guidelines.
Do you offer before and after school care?
Yes, our child care services operate from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday with transportation options available.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Ashley S.
Mar 10, 2022 Report
The child care center is excellent. I can honestly say that I trust them with my twins. The staff really cares about the children. My daughters had a speech impairment and within a matter of months made tremendous progress. The teachers are always engaging the children in fun activities that promote learning. Mrs Molly and Mrs. Lacey are the best. I am so happy with broker memorial.
Ftaq
Oct 10, 2021 Report
Please tell me if I am wrong, make appointment with Dr. We pay Co pays, insurance pays, and we have to live with there timing and if God forbid you late, our appointment was at 3 and I text and told them will be in at 3.15 because my son gets off the school bus 3.10 and I was at Dr. 3.20 she refused to see him because we were 20mins late. She said we can reschedule it I don't want reschedule, 20min and refuse to see.

We people have to pay top dollars to these Dr. And have to live with when they can see us. Children's Dr. Don't know kids go to school and they come back later afternoon let's stay open couple of days late so we can see the kids who needs help. NO that's not possible it's like my way or the highway. These dr.s need to work around working people schedule not around their schedule. It's very disappointing from Brooker Memorial.

I am very disappointed, very discouraged and completely unprofessional. I took time off from work get home asap took the kid of the bus drove nuts get to Dr. And she say sorry u late reschedule. I didn't ask to see him for free, and they are not giving free service either. On top they told me go see another Dr. Wow. Way to go BM.
Zakk The Wozz
Jan 16, 2018 Report
I have been bringing my children here for almost 20 years. Everyone has been so nice and great with my kids! Always clean and professional and worth the drive for me because they've never minded going to the dentist at all