Our Team
Administrative Team
Laurie Metcalfe
Executive Director
lmetcalfe@northshiredayschool.org
Laurie, a professional in the field of Education for over 22 years joined the Northshire Day School Administrative Team in August 2017. Previously, Laurie was at Sunrise Family Resource Center where she served as the Early Care & Education Director and the Teen Parent Education Coordinator supporting families and children at Bennington’s Parent-Child Center. While there, she established the onsite comprehensive Teen Parent Education Program using the Learning Together Framework. Laurie’s experience also includes social work and home visiting, residential treatment care, school-age care and special education in the public school system. Laurie is dedicated to supporting teachers offering the highest quality care and learning experiences to young children. Laurie holds a B.A. in Psychology and Special Education and a M.A. in Education. She has a sincere interest in trauma-informed care, systems level change, family & child advocacy and leadership including supporting emerging leaders in the field of early childhood education. She is a 2016 graduate of the Snelling Center for Government Early Childhood Leadership Institute. She is a Level V Teacher, Step 3 Program Director and a Master Instructor through Northern Lights at CCV. She is a 2017 recipient of Let’s Grow Kids Early Childhood Action Hero Award. She is involved with many local, regional and state initiatives and sits on the VT State Early Learning and Development Committee.
Favorite Book Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino
Favorite Ice Cream Coffee
Jane Gras
Curriculum Director
jgras@northshiredayschool.org
Jane has been a resident of the Northshire area for over 20 years. She began her career in education back in 1988 here at the Northshire Day School, after graduating from Green Mountain College with a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science. After working the school age summer program at NDS, Jane continued her education at Castleton State College where she obtained her Masters in Education with a teaching license for early education and K-6th grade. This brought her back to NDS and she became the Director/Head Teacher for five years. Leaving NDS in 1995, Jane worked at Middletown Springs and Tinmouth Elementary schools, providing Title One reading services to children from K-6th grade. The year 2000 brought Jane back to NDS where she is currently the Curriculum Director and Head Teacher. Jane served on the Board of the Bennington County Child Care Association for 10 years. Jane is the 2018 recipient of the NDS You Make a Difference Early Educator Award. She enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her partner Eric and her two grown children, Austin and Emma.
Favorite Book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Eric Carle
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate
Kelly Roemmelt
Administrative Director
kroemmelt@northshiredayschool.org
Kelly was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Vermont in 2009. Prior to her move to Manchester, she attended Binghamton University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development. Before finding her passion in Early Education administration, Kelly worked in management in retail. In 2015, Kelly began as the Administrative Assistant at another Early Education center where she was able to expand her education in the field, develop leadership skills and broaden her experience in childcare business management. From 2018-2020, Kelly worked for Head Start as a family support worker/early education coordinator for the Northshire community. In this role, Kelly supported families, children, teachers and administration through family engagement, family goal setting, education, and school readiness support. Kelly along with her two children, Mason and Ryleigh, a dog named Sadie live in Manchester. She loves being a part of the Northshire Day School community as a family and as part of the administrative team.
Favorite Book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Favorite Ice Cream Butter Pecan
Jen Luty
Development Director
jluty@northshiredayschool.org
Jen comes to Northshire Day School excited to grow a strong development program. She has 10 years of experience in the admissions office at Hamden Hall Country Day School, where she also served on the Technology Committee and as Ski Club Mentor. Jen graduated from Burr and Burton Academy in 2006, earned a B.A. in English and a M.S. in Interactive Media at Quinnipiac University, and continues to be a lifelong learner. She holds a Professional Fundraising Certificate from Boston University. Jen enjoys forming connections with families, educators, and the local community. Jen lives with her family in Dorset.
Favorite Book Daniel Chooses to Be Kind by Rachel Kalban and Jason Fruchter
Favorite Ice Cream Cookie Dough
Tammy Coulter
Food Service Director
tcoulter@northshiredayschool.org
Tammy is married with three children. She has been cooking for the children of Northshire Day School for over 12 years. She loves introducing the children to exciting and healthy foods and making it for fun for them to try new foods. When she is not busy keeping our children and staff well-nourished, she enjoys waiting on your table at Gringo Jack’s.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Saplings & Birch Pod
Billie Jean Ackert
Saplings
backert@northshiredayschool.org
Billie Jean has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 20 years and has been employed at Northshire Day School for all of those years. For the past 17 years, Billie Jean has been in our Infant 1 / Sapling classroom. Billie Jean has a warm, caring personality and brings a wealth of knowledge revolving around early childhood education. Billie Jean has her CDA (Child Development Associate) and is CPR and First Aid certified. Before working at NDS, Billie Jean worked as an LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) for the Rutland Visiting Nurses Association and did private duty. When Billie Jean is not working and enjoying her time with infants, she enjoys spending her time outdoors, hiking, kayaking and especially camping with her boyfriend Chris. Billie Jean has a beautiful grown up daughter named Stephanie as well as 2 cats and a dog.
Favorite Book Little Blue Truck
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Hope LaBatt
Saplings
hlabatt@northshiredayschool.org
Hope is excited to be a part of the NDS team and make a difference in the lives of young children and the community! Hope is an alumna of Burr and Burton Academy. In 2013, she graduated from Southern Vermont College with a B.S. in Psychology. Before NDS, Hope has worked in retail management and hospitality.
Hope loves to be outdoors: skiing, disc golf, and kayaking are some of her favorite activities. She cherishes any time with family and friends—she especially loves playing with her family’s dogs: Lilly (forever), Bailey, Xena, and Athena! Hope also enjoys traveling, sports, and the arts.
Favorite Book Soup by Robert Newton Peck
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate Peanut Butter
Emma Cool
Birch
egras@northshiredayschool.org
Emma recently graduated with a Masters in Social Work! She loves working with children and
watching how their minds continue to grow and develop with interactive social play, outside activists, and hands on projects!
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Lauren Smilovich
Birch
jspivey@northshiredayschool.org
Jana is ecstatic to join the NDS family! She has lived in Vermont on and off for almost her whole life. She has also lived in New Hampshire, where her teaching journey began and has continued for the past three years until recently, when she came back to Vermont again. Jana is currently working on getting a degree in early childhood education! She loves the joy that comes with teaching a child something new.
Outside of work, Jana loves spending time with her friends and family, reading books, and going on long drives.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream Vanilla with sprinkles
Sycamore & Willow Pod
Molly Watson
Sycamore
mwatson@northshiredayschool.org
Molly began working at NDS in June of 2015. She began her career as a substitute teacher and then she was hired on in Preschool as a Co-teacher. In April 2018 Molly became the lead teacher in the Toddler Classroom. In September of 2020, Molly chose to step away from her classroom duties to focus on TS Gold evaluations, ASQ training evaluations, and fulfilling scheduling requirements in The Toddler Pod. The opportunity was given to enter the classroom once more, but this time in the Sycamore room, in the Fall of 2021. She has come to find, this is her most favored stage of recent. Molly earned her A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Dean College. She then went on to pursue and complete her B.A. degree in Sociology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Molly has worked in a home childcare setting throughout her high school and college years. The Toddler Pod may be Molly’s home base, but she has established many relationships throughout the building as she interacts with all the children
and gets to know more families as the NDS population grows. Molly is CPR and First Aid certified.
Favorite Book Baby Beluga by Raffi
Favorite Ice Cream Vienna Mocha Chunk
Nicole Nichols
Sycamore
nnichols@northshiredayschool.org
Nicole was born and raised here in Vermont. She has been with Northshire Day School for the past 23 years. She is a graduate of Burr & Burton Seminary and continued her education at the Community College of Vermont. Nicole has her Child Development Associate Credential and her Level III Teacher Associate Certificate. She is certified in CPR and First Aid. In her free time, she
enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends, especially her two children Hannah and Lucas who are both Northshire Day School alumni.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Lesley Burdick
Willow
lburdick@northshiredayschool.org
Lesley is originally from Pownal, Vermont and moved to the Sunderland area about 15 years ago. She loves living in the country! She graduated from North Adams College of Liberal Arts with a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Child Psychology. Lesley truly enjoys working in the Early Education field and has done so for the past 16 years. She is a Level IV teacher on the Early Childhood Career Ladder. Lesley previously worked as a co-teacher at Sunrise Family Resource Center for 12 years and for the past 4 years at Early Head Start with children ranging from 6 weeks to 3 years old. Her daughter Ali is her pride and joy and will graduate from college this year. She spends quality time with her whenever possible, often doing a horse-related activity. Lesley also enjoys kayaking and fishing with her fiancée Mike.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Ashley Eaton
Willow
aeaton@northshiredayschool.org
Now this is a story all about how
Ashley got into teaching and where she is now.
Graduated from NVU, Spring of 2023,
With a bachelor of Science teaching degree.
In Manchester, VT born and raised,
Crafting is how Ashley spends most of her days.
Getting out relaxing, temperature is cool,
And reading bedtime stories is her favorite rule.
With two caring kiddos by her side,
Making memories together to last a lifetime.
She loves working with toddlers plus her amazing co-teacher,
And in the Willow Classroom is where she will be!
(Music by Fresh Prince of Bel Air/ Lyrics by Ashley)
Favorite Book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Favorite Ice Cream Sweet Cream
Julee Jones
Sycamore & Willow
jjones@northshiredayschool.org
Julee has worked at Northshire Day School for 17 years. For 16 years, she was a floater for all age groups. In September 2017, she moved to a Preschool position and this past summer she moved into a Teacher Assistant position in Senior Toddlers. She has completed the Fundamentals of Early Childhood Class at CCV and she wants to advance in the field of early childhood. Julee loves working with children and especially enjoys circle time and reading to children. In her spare time, Julee enjoys spending time with her daughter, Justine, going on hikes and walking her dog, Pepper.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Hickory & Evergreen Pod
Becky Wilder
Hickory
bwilder@northshiredayschool.org
Becky was born and raised in Vermont. She is married and has two dogs. She has been with Northshire Day School since September 1990 and for the majority of the time has been the lead Preschool teacher. She graduated from Burr & Burton Seminary and went on to continue her education at CCV. She has obtained her Child Development Associate Credential and her Level III Teacher Associate Certificate. She is certified in CPR and First Aid. She frequently participates in professional development continuing to further her knowledge. In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with family and friends. She likes having cookouts, campfires, going on scenic drives, and spending time by the water where she finds her relaxation and peace.
Favorite Book Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Favorite Ice Cream Butter Pecan/Maple Walnut
Emily Houghton
Hickory
ehoughton@northshiredayschool.org
Emily has lived in upstate New York all of her life. She has two children Landon and Lydia that are her pride and joy. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Vermont in August 2023. She will continue her education at Vermont State University as she pursues a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. She also has an Associate’s Degree in Health Science from Community College of Vermont. Emily has previously worked in residential treatment center dorms, with elderly in nursing homes, and respite care for adults with autism. She first began working in childcare when her son was an infant. She learned that she enjoyed working with young children and went back to college for Early Childhood Education. She worked two years in the public-school setting as a kindergarten teacher’s aide. She has also worked as a lead teacher at Take Five in Manchester and Bennington County Early Head Start working with children from 18-36 months. This will be her seventh year working in the field of Early Childhood Education. Emily believes children learn best from play and enjoys nature-based learning and art. Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her family hiking, kayaking, and camping.
Favorite Book Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Favorite Ice Cream Black Sweet Cherry
Lucie Daley
Evergreen
ldaley@northshiredayschool.org
Lucie has lived in Vermont for the last 20 years, being outdoors all four seasons is what attracted her to make a life here. Lucie is married and lives in Dorset with her husband, 12 year old daughter Emma and a playful, hiking buddy (labradoodle) named Maxx. Lucie holds her AA in Early Childhood Education and BS in Early Childhood Education with licensure (0-5) from Northern Vermont University. Lucie is CPR and First Aid certified.
Lucie strongly believes that incorporating outdoor learning and staying connected with nature leads to a happy and well balanced child. This past fall she has started an outdoor classroom in the woods and while it is a work in progress, it makes her happy to see how excited her preschoolers are about the space. There is nothing more wonderful than letting children explore, take healthy risks and enjoy the outdoors all year long. Lucie has also introduced snowshoeing to her class this winter and on nice sunny winter days you can find her class tracking through the woods and exploring nearby trails in their snowshoes. In the warmer months she takes her class on local field trips to expand and connect meaningful learning beyond classroom walls.
Lucie is an advocate for independence and guides her preschoolers to become self-sufficient and independent in age appropriate tasks and activities.
In her free time Lucie loves spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, running, hiking, paddleboarding, skiing or snowshoeing. She also loves to travel and explore new places and cultures, and enjoys reading a good book.
Favorite Book Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate
Andrew Coler
Evergreen
acoler@northshiredayschool.org
Andrew grew up in Western Massachusetts. He has 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, including teaching at Center for Early Education and Care at the University of Mass, Assumption Samutprakarn in Bangkok in Thailand, and Vermont Achievement Center. He received his Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Massachusetts. During his free time Andrew likes talking long walks, listening to music and if course spending time with his 8 grandchildren.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Saranda Osmanovic
Evergreen
sosmanovic@northshiredayschool.org
Saranda is from Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro, a Balkan country with rocky mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic sea. She graduated from the Faculty of Philology; University of Montenegro with bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, and specialized as a teacher. She also gave private classes to kids while studying in college and a year of experience teaching primary school kids. She moved in 2019 to Bar Harbor, Maine and now lives in Manchester Center, Vermont. She is flexible when it comes to working with others and aims to use her skills and knowledge to help grow the company. Saranda believes that every child is different. One-of-a-kind. A unique person, growing and learning at their own pace, in their own special way. Children learn better when they view the learning environment as positive and supportive. A positive environment is one in which students feel like they belong, can trust others, and feel encouraged to tackle challenges, take risks, and ask questions. Mother Nature is a great teacher and getting kids outside to learn and play is good for their brains and their bodies. By
fostering more opportunities for outdoor learning, we will help the next generation grow and develop as they build an appreciation for nature at an early age. In her spare time, Saranda enjoys outdoors, reading, spending time with friends and family.
Favorite Book Eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Favorite Ice Cream Strawberry
Maple & Aspen Pod
Karen Harrington
Maple
kharrington@northshiredayschool.org
Karen has been working in Early Education for the last decade in the Northshire, she graduated with an AA in Early Childhood Studies at CCV in 2021 and will receive her B.S in Early Childhood Education with Licensure in May 2024. Karen brings her joy of the outdoors in her teaching young children by providing learning experiences in our natural world. Karen believes emergent, child-driven curriculum provides the best experiences for growth and development for young children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, fishing, and exploring with her family.
Favorite Book The Gruffalo
Favorite Ice Cream Mint Chocolate Chip
Pearl Schramm
Maple
pschramm@northshiredayschool.org
Pearl grew up immersed in the early education field. She earned an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education (Champlain College), is a licensed Early Childhood Educator (birth-grade 3), and is currently working on her Special Education endorsement. Her professional interests include developing individualized support plans and all things literacy. She enjoys creating things, reading, and spending time with her three dogs. She believes that all children deserve to feel love and security, to maintain a sense of wonder, and to be celebrated for exactly who they are.
Favorite Book Rooting for You by Susan Hood, Don’t Squish the Sasquatch by Kent Redeker, and The Snurtch by Sean Ferrell.
Favorite Ice Cream Banana Chocolate Chip
Jayde Dufresne
Maple
jdufresne@northshiredayschool.org
Jayde is a Vermont native. Jayde was raised in Manchester, and is now raising her son here also. Jayde attended school at Northshire Day School as a small child, MEMS as a grade school student, and BBA as a teen. Jayde attended college at the College of St. Joseph, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Arts. Jayde then began working on her Master’s, and later graduated with a degree in Community Counseling, from the College of St. Joseph. Jayde has worked with everyone from children to adults of all ages throughout her career. Jayde enjoys spending time with her son outside of work. She enjoys nature, gardening, cooking, art, athletics, and riding motorcycle. Jayde looks forward to all of the new faces she will meet this coming year, and all of the fun experiences to come, at Northshire. Jayde enjoys how creative and fun children are, how imaginative and full of life they are, and is eager to start the new year with her co-teachers in Aspen!
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Kimberly Capps
Aspen
kcapps@northshiredayschool.org
Not a native to Vermont, Kimberly spent most of her life in South Carolina working for the Greenville County Special needs and disabilities program as a preschool teacher. It was there that she learned her passion was working with preschoolers and the importance of early intervention. After three years there, she became employed as a lead teacher at “A Child's Haven” a therapeutic treatment center for preschool children with developmental delays due to abuse and neglect. She spent 9 years acquiring many skills on social/emotional development which she found to be the critical foundation of all learning. Kimberly moved to Vermont in 2010 with her husband and youngest son where she soon became employed with Rutland County Head Start as a lead teacher. She worked for Head Start for almost 11 years as she continued her education, and developed the skills needed to teach all areas of childhood development while keeping the skills of therapeutic enhancement that she found to be key for lifelong learning. Kimberly has enjoyed living in Vermont for the past 11 years and loves working with the children and their families in this beautiful state. In her spare time, she enjoy the outdoors, drawing and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Book Angus Thought He Was Big by Amanda Graham
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate
April Strock
Aspen
astrock@northshiredayschool.org
April has worked in the early childhood profession for over 10 years and has a plethora of experience working in a variety of settings. Recently, she was a behavioral technician working with children on the Autism Spectrum. She has experience with all types of disabilities as well as mental health needs. Her approach is both child-centered and child-directed. She believes that a child's driving sense of curiosity, along with their inherent potential, will foster an interest in learning, allowing them to learn and succeed long-term. April also believes that community and communication are a very important part of children’s learning: families are a child’s first teachers. She looks forward to getting to know you and your child. She enjoys spending her free time outside, playing in the rain, camping, or driving RC cars. She also loves to read and continue learning. She considers herself fortunate and blessed to be teaching at NDS and looks forward to continuing to have a positive impact on children by supporting their growth and
new discoveries.
Favorite Book Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Bad Case Of The Stripes by David Shannon
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate
Faith Sullivan
Aspen
fsullivan@northshiredayschool.org
Faith fell in love with working in the classroom at a summer job she had in early education at age 19. That’s when she knew that she wanted to be an early childhood educator. She has now worked in the field for nearly 9 years in various classroom settings. Faith is committed to her professional development and graduated from CCV in 2022 with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with teaching license from Vermont State University in 2024. Faith loves working in the classroom and looks forward to getting to know all of the children, families and staff while working at Northshire Day School.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Additional Staff
Maggie Rubick
Mentor Teacher
mrubick@northshiredayschool.org
Maggie is passionate about lifelong learning. After spending more than a decade teaching and learning from preschoolers, she has shifted her professional focus to supporting fellow early educators. She is a licensed teacher with expertise in multiage preschool and pre-kindergarten education; an instructor; a Farm to School coach; an advocate; and a research enthusiast. She recently finished a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology, which provided her the opportunity to conduct mixed-methods research examining Early Childhood teachers’ emotion regulation, stress, and resilience in diverse contexts. Maggie is also a certified Master Gardener, and she likes to spend her ‘free’ time enjoying nature, reading and relaxing, and exploring new and familiar environments.
Favorite Book The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate
Jen Rodriguez
Family Tree Coordinator
jrodriguez@northshiredayschool.org
Jen was born and (mostly) raised in Northern Vermont, with some time living in California and Massachusetts. Jen moved back to Vermont 4 years ago with her husband. She graduated from Worcester State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2011. Jen comes to the Family Tree Coordinator position with more than 10 years of experience supporting children and their families in the mental health field. Most recently, Jen has worked at Bennington County Head Start as a Family Support Worker with some time supporting NDS families through their Head Start partnership. Jen has a passion for improving children’s outcomes by recognizing that caregivers are their first and most important teachers. In her free time, Jen enjoys spending time with her own family outdoors and sewing for herself and her two kiddos.
Favorite Book Ten Tiny Toes by Caroline Church
Favorite Ice Cream Black Raspberry
Valerie Coulter
Kitchen Staff
vcoulter@northshiredayschool.org
Valerie was born and raised in Vermont and is a NDS graduate from 2001. She graduated from BBA in 2014 and moved to NYC to be professionally trained in Musical Theater. She is a licensed makeup artist, specializing in regular and SFX makeup. She is currently, continuing her education online to get her BA in English Language & Literature. Education is important to her and when she’s not studying there’s no place she rather be than helping serve food to the kids, learning something new from them everyday.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Stephanie Muñoz Wells
Multi-Classroom
smunozwells@northshiredayschool.org
Stephanie is originally from Southern California and has lived in Southwestern Vermont for about 15 years. She has two children in college, and several nieces and nephews that are a big part of her daily life. She comes from a military family, and has spent 15 years working in special education. She double majored in elementary education and special education, with a certification in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and will be entering into a Master's in Social Work (MSW) program this fall at Rutgers University. She is a VTAEYC Board Member, a past VTAEYC Exchange/Social Justice Fellow, and belongs to the NDS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, VECAA, Let’s Grow Kids Action Team, and is a Migrant Justice supporter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, camping, watching sports (especially football – go Broncos!) and spending time with her large family.
Favorite Book: Anything by Todd Parr, Vashti Harrison, and Sandra Boynton
Favorite Ice Cream: Campfire S'mores
Nadine Rorden
Multi-Classroom
nrorden@northshiredayschool.org
Nadine is originally from Pleasant Valley, NY and has lived in Vermont for 38 years. Nadine obtained an A.A. in Human Services/Child Care at Dutchess Community College. She also studied Physical Education at Castleton University. Nadine is both CPR and First Aid certified
and has enjoyed working with children and families for 44 years. Her approach is student-centered and constructivist self-learning through children's experiences and ideas. Nadine loves spending time with her three adult children and two grandchildren. She also enjoys being outdoors hiking, kayaking, meditating, and exploring beaches and new places. She is looking forward to working with the NDS community!
Favorite Book: Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate
Michelle Danforth
Multi-Classroom
mdanforth@northshiredayschool.org
Michelle has been working with children aged birth-5 for over 17 years. Her career began at the Stratton Employee Childcare where she worked for 6 years before becoming part of the team here at Northshire Day School in 2011. She earned her Associate’s Degree in early childhood education in 2017 and her Bachelor of Arts in Special and Elementary Education in 2022. Michelle is compassionate, patient and open-minded and focuses on the social and emotional aspects of a
child’s development. She believes that every child is an individual and understands how important it is to create relationships with the parents and families of the children in her care. Michelle sees the classroom as a second home for the children and believes it is important to blend fun and education
in order to create a positive learning environment. Michelle is First Aid and CPR certified. She loves reading, cooking, hiking and sharing her love of nature with children.
Favorite Book
Favorite Ice Cream
Courtney Lynch
Multi-Classroom
clynch@northshiredayschool.org
Courtney is a NDS alumni and has always loved working with children! She
graduated from Northern Vermont University with her Bachelors in Early
Childhood Education in May 2023. She is beginning her Masters of Science in
Early Childhood Studies with a focus of Administration and Leadership in July
2023. She loves to have bonfires and go wheeling with her friends in the woods.
Her and her husband love to bring their two cats and two birds in to educate
children on empathy and gentle hands with animals and their peers.
Favorite Book: M.A.D.L.Y by Sally North
Favorite Ice Cream: Cookie Dough
Ashley Poquette
Substitute
apoquette@northshiredayschool.org
Ashley studied human services, hospitality, and business at Alfred State and two State Universities of New York before moving to Hartford, NY in 2021 and started her new life to pursue her calling for homesteading and family values.
Passionate, determined, and loving to help shape minds, she knew her 10+ years of child care experience, including those with special needs, pair with her unique educational background, would be a great fit in a classroom!
In her free time, Ashley enjoys crafting, baking, cold brew coffee, and even hosts tie dye classes!
She find happiness with her loving husband Tye of nearly a decade, and their young son Sterling as they grow and continue to build and plan out their homestead lifestyle. They currently raise chickens and have a variety of animals, garden beds, and fruit trees on their micro farm.
Ashley is looking forward to making the most of her time with her students and is dedicated to making a difference.
Annie Peters
Birch
apeters@northshiredayschool.org
My name is Annemarie Peters, but I typically go by Annie. I have my CDA. I enjoy taking
classes and workshops about children and the field of early education. There
are always new things to learn and explore with the children in my care. I have
worked at NDS for 19 years. Prior to coming to NDS, I was a live-in nanny for
four years. I am married and have two children of my own. I am passionate about
working with children. I enjoy infants and young toddlers because I am able to
be a part of their significant milestones. From crawling to cruising, cruising
to walking. From first words to actual conversations. Children grow so quickly
in the early years, and I am grateful to be a part of it and contribute in some
way to their development. I believe partnerships with families play a key role
in quality care and I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to work with
you as we watch the children grow and learn together.
Favorite Book The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown
Favorite Ice Cream NY Super Fudge Chunk
Sarah Whiteside
Substitute
swhiteside@northshiredayschool.org
Sarah is originally from Upstate New York. She has worked with children of all ages for a few years in both camp and education settings. She specializes in education through theatre and the performing arts. Sarah has worked for Northshire Day School since Summer 2020. She has worked in multiple classrooms as well as in the Summer school age program. She is excited to continue to be the Assistant Teacher in the Sycamore Classroom. Since her start at Northshire, she has received her Level 1 Teaching Credential and her associate's degree in Business Administration. She is now working towards a bachelor's degree in Community and Human Services with a focus on Children and Families. In her free time, she enjoys participating in community theater; as well as spending time with her family.
Jennie Stam
Substitute
Jennie joined NDS as a substitute teacher in the summer of 2024. During the traditional school year she works in northern New Jersey as a teacher’s aide and enrichment teacher at a Cooperative Nursery School. Jennie had previously worked in events and marketing for 25 years but three years ago found a new love of teaching preschoolers. She is currently a CDA candidate and thrilled to be following her passion!
Jennie lives with her husband, two teenage children and kitten Quinn Meadow. In her free time, Jennie enjoys tennis, hiking, and exploring new places with family and friends.
Favorite Book Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day?
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate Peanut Butter
Ava Walsh
Substitute
Born and raised in Vermont, Ava is a senior at UMass Amherst studying Speech Language
and Hearing Science. Certified in CPR and AED, Ava has a passion for working
with children and enjoys reading. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm and
skills to Northshire Day School as a substitute teacher.
