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! |
|
Kaylee Arias TEACHER Kaylee is an EEC certified preschool teacher born and raised in Salem, MA. The oldest of 8 children (her favorite fact to share because it surprises lots of people :)), she became interested in preschool education at age 15. Kaylee credits her early interest in the field to her mother, also an educator, who would often involve her in the activities and lessons she prepared for her own students. After gaining a deeper understanding of childhood development through classes she attended in high school, she is now enrolled at North Shore Community College. When Kaylee is not teaching, her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her two dogs! |
|
Jamie Giacchino TEACHER Jamie has her lead teacher certification and CDA from ages infant-preschool and is currently enrolled in other early childhood education programs through North Shore Community College and NCECP. She has been working in early childcare for 18 years. Her favorite part of working with children is what she learns from them, and she thinks it is amazing how differently they see things from adults. In her free time, you can find Jamie outside, working on her garden with her husband, ducks and dogs, or running her children around to activities when they aren't at her mom and dad's house in Lynn, where she grew up with her large family. Other favorite activities are reading, talking walks and bike rides, and coloring. When you come to visit you will most likely find Jamie engaged in making some kind of creative mess with the children. She loves the outdoors and all the different ways you can use it! |
|
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. |
|
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. |