Teachers and Staff
Julie G. - Director
I recently arrived at Nonotuck with almost 30 years in the field of early childhood care and education. After completing my B. A. in Biology, I started what I thought would be a summer job in childcare but ended up, in fact, being the beginning of 7 years working as an infant and toddler teacher, and 3 years as a preschool teacher which I loved. I then went on to become a center coordinator and a training coordinator for the Kids' Place in Feeding Hills, MA. After 14 years at the Kids' Place, I began working in public schools and soon became the Early Childhood Coordinator for Gateway. In this position, I collaborated with preschools in three different towns and worked with many families of young children in the Hilltowns. Throughout my career, I have managed the day-to-day operations of early childhood centers; worked closely with teachers and parents, as well as children from birth through kindergarten; served as an advocate for families; overseen NAEYC accreditation; and have been active in the field on a local and statewide level, working closely with early childhood coordinators in the region. Throughout my years in the profession, I have completed coursework in early childhood education and administration at both Holyoke Community College and Elms College and have taken and taught multiple workshops and seminars.
Sandra R. - Administrative Assistant
As Administrative Assistant, I handle the business aspects of Nonotuck.
I am also EEC Lead Teacher certified. I have a great job because not
only do I work in the office, but also I have the opportunity to
interact with the children when I sub in the classrooms.
Stephanie V. - Toddler I Teacher
Polliwog Room
While I have only been a Polliwog co-teacher since the beginning of 2008, I have been involved with the Nonotuck
community since 2007-as a nanny for two terrific Nonotuck children!
Prior to
my experience as a nanny, I taught High School English, managed a
group home for girls, coordinated resources for families with children
aged birth to 3 years, provided wrap-around services for children, and
worked with an autistic child. I look forward to helping create a
nurturing place for children to express themselves in
their own ways and experience the world they are a part of as they
build confidence, respect for themselves, others and nature. I truly
believe in doing this based on where the child is and drawing on their
experiences to help them realize learning opportunities. Outside of my
professional identity, I have four sisters, a brother and two of the
best parents anyone could ask for. I love kayaking, founded the women's
varsity soccer program at Susquehanna University (my alma mater), fight
for animal rights, love cooking, photography, gardening, and playing
with my two
nieces and three nephews!
Karen S. - Toddler I Teacher
Polliwog Room
Michelle S. - Toddler II Teacher
Frog Room
I have been a teacher at Nonotuck since 1998. I started out teaching in
the Chameleon Room and now teach in the Toddler II Room. I received my
B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where I
concentrated on using theater and the arts as educational tools. I try
to bring my love for the fine arts into the classroom and enjoy dancing,
drawing, painting, sculpting, singing and listening to music with the
children in my class. Teaching young children lets me work in a fun,
creative environment, while still allowing me to feel like I am
contributing positively to society as a whole. I can't picture myself
doing anything else!
Francine B. - Toddler II Teacher
Frog Room
I came to Nonotuck in January 2006 from another
preschool cooperative in Southampton where I had been for 9 years prior. I had also worked in a public school autism program for two years. I
graduated with honors from Holyoke Community College with an
associate's degree in early childhood. I enjoy creating
curriculum inspired by children's books and am looking forward to
exploring favorite books with the Frogs. When I'm not at Nonotuck, I
enjoy reading and gardening although it seems like I spend most of my
time driving my daughter to her horseback riding lessons and various
social events!
Sarah A. - Preschool I Teacher
Possum Room
I have been teaching at Nonotuck since the end of 1998. I started as a substitute teacher and then became the Afternoon teacher
until January 2003. I needed a change so I began working with
the Possums and loved it! I am currently studying for my Early Education
degree at Holyoke Community College. I enjoy bringing arts and crafts,
dance parties, and singing into my classroom. Using my
personal philosophy of education in working with young children, I try
to create a safe, nurturing, friendly, structured, and respectful
environment that encourages children to explore their
individual similarities and differences.
Hannah L. - Preschool I Teacher
Possum Room
My experience working with children really began 18 years ago after my first child was born. I started working as a nanny and then decided to become an assistant substitute teacher at my children's pre-school. When my second child entered kindergarten, I started teaching in a public school classroom for 9-12 year olds with multiple disabilities. When my youngest daughter was in the fourth grade I enrolled her in a small Montessori school. It was then that I began training as a Montessori Early Childhood educator. For three years I worked in multi-age classrooms, first for 3-6 year olds, and for the past two years, 2-4 year olds. I recently moved back to the Pioneer Valley from California (2007). I am so happy to be in Northampton again and teaching at Nonotuck.
Scott J. - Preschool II Teacher
Chameleon Room
I have been at Nonotuck since May 2001. Prior to that I spent eight years teaching at the preschool level in the Belchertown, Northampton and Williamsburg schools. Through the years
I've made many friends with both parents and children alike. I enjoy
teaching in this area where I grew up and feel lucky to be able to
contribute to the growth of the kids in this community.
Paul M. - Preschool II Teacher
Chameleon Room
I started at Nonotuck as a substitute in 1999, and in February 2001 became a full-time teacher. Before Nonotuck, I was committed to several large scale social justice projects, including a yearlong walk retracing the route of the trans-Atlantic slave trade from Europe and America back to Africa, a three month run around Australia for Indigenous rights, and environmental issues. For me, teaching preschool and being a part of a cooperative school community are intrinsically tied to the world of social justice and the need for environmental responsibility. I feel very excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to teach in such a dynamic environment.
Ashley F. - Afternoon Teacher
Although I have just begun teaching at Nonotuck, I was introduced to the school in 2006. While finishing my B.A. at Smith College, I started helping in the classrooms as a teacher's assistant. During the year and a half I spent at Nonotuck, I enjoyed building relationships with the students, as well as the extended school community of parents and families. I had never before considered combining my Psychology background and interest in child development into a career in Early Childhood Education. It seems to be a perfect fit. In addition, I enjoy creating art, exploring nature, riding vintage bicycles, and endless amounts of reading.