Our staff

​​Shauna Le Blanc 
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
I began my career in early education as a teacher, and taught for over 20 years teaching as a Lead teacher. I decided to become a director when I realized the bigger impact I could have on a program by helping not only the students, but also families and the staff. It has always been my mission to help young children become good citizens and learn how to care for and appreciate nature, and now I can support families and staff in these areas as well. I lived in Lynn for most of my life until recently, when I moved to Seabrook, New Hampshire. Some of my hobbies include card making, crafting, and scrapbooking. My family and I love outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, beach going, canoeing, and making fairy houses out of natural materials. 

Cathy Ventura
LEAD TEACHER
Cathy Ventura graduated from Salem State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working with children for 10 years. Her favorite part about teaching is watching her children’s curiosity unfold as they learn about and experience new things. Her love for the outdoors was sparked by a college Biology professor who gave her the best advice anyone could ever give; whenever you get the chance, make sure you spend time outside. In her free time, Cathy loves hiking with her dog Ace, going to the beach, and camping with her friends. When it comes to teaching, she loves doing art projects and is not afraid to get messy in the classroom. You can be sure to catch her finger painting, using soil for sensory play, or even using props to act out stories. Ultimately, the best thing she believes you can give to children is the opportunity to learn and grow through hands on play. Stop on in to say hello to Cathy any time! 

​Miranda Barker-Cormier
TEACHER​
Miranda was a resident of Lynn for 22 years, now living in nearby Peabody. She’s currently studying Early Childhood Education at the North Shore Community College while raising her three young children. She’s also a volunteer coordinator for The REAL Program’s Little Library Community Campaign. She enjoys: painting the libraries being placed in her childhood neighborhoods, creating songs from everyday tasks, changing her hair color frequently and saving stranded worms during every rainstorm.

​Mary Beth Melton
WALDORF SPECIALIST
Mary Beth Melton, master Waldorf nursery teacher, enriches the classroom twice a week with her lively songs and stories. She has been been authoring and composing for little ones for over 30 years at the Lexington Waldorf School.

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​Paula Jordan
NATURE SPECIALIST
Paula Jordan, she/her, is a Nature-Based Early Childhood Educator, naturalist and children’s yoga teacher. She lives with her family near Boston, Ma on the land of the Pawtucket and Massachusett Tribe. She currently works in a community garden space in Somerville supporting nature and place-based learning, and play opportunities for children, youth and families. She believes that working for equity and increased access to nature-based education is extremely important. ​

​Margaret Ris
WALDORF EARLY CHILDHOOD CONSULTANT/ MENTOR 
Margaret Ris, M.Ed, M.LA, studied Waldorf Education at Antioch University and child development at the Pikler Institute & Orphanage in Hungary. After teaching and mentoring for 30 years, she loves sharing the richness of Waldorf song, activity and story with the children of the greater Lynn community. She believes that children receive a lifelong gift by growing up in the sunshine, listening to birdsong and frogs croaking. She is passionate about fostering the next generation of nature stewards.