Claire Messier joined TFC in 2020Claire has been working with young children for over a decade. In that time, she developed a strong love for working with babies and young toddlers. She sees that there is so much to be learned from connections with the youngest members of our community. Claire believes in finding joy in the little things, both inside and outside of the classroom. This is reflected in the fact that Claire spends most of her time away from TFC engaging in one of her many hobbies including reading, gaming, knitting and various other mediums of art.
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Sarah Hollis joined TFC in 2021Sarah graduated from Lesley University with a degree in Child, Youth, & Family Studies, a double minor in Education and Global Studies and a specialization in Teaching Infants and Toddlers. She has spent the last several years learning and growing as an infant teacher specifically, as this age group has stolen her heart. She hopes to create an environment based on respect through exploration, discovery, and play. She sees her job as helping to guide and facilitate learning through a co-construction of knowledge based on children's curiosity and interests. Sarah's teaching philosophy and pedagogy is deeply rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach and she is continuing her education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education through CU Denver in collaboration with the Boulder Journey School. Outside of the classroom, Sarah is a passionate volleyball coach and player. She is currently the assistant women's volleyball coach at Suffolk University.
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Dawn Sandberg Joined TFC in 2021Dawn was born and raised in Tewksbury, where she still resides in her childhood home with her husband, two sons, and mom. Dawn began her teaching career at an after school program while attending community college. Over time, Dawn found the education classes exciting and engaging, which then guided her further into the field of early education. Dawn went from teaching in an after school program to a traditional daycare center, which her children then attended. As time progressed, Dawn made the decision to finish her degree and attended Lesley University where she earned a degree in American Studies: History and English with a minor in Education. Dawn also holds DESE certification in English and History 5-8. Dawn spent seven years working in a public school as an ABA Therapist, specifically working with pre-k through grade 2 students. She has been trained and certified in ABA practices and Safety Care. Dawn made the decision to leave the public school system and go back to teaching in an early childhood setting. The Reggio Emilia approach has inspired Dawn to reimagine the way she teaches and learns from the children. She especially enjoys the creativity, mess, and joy the children bring to the class! |
Maureen Linnane Joined TFC in 2016A native from the west coast of Ireland, she now calls Boston home. She has a deep love for the city and all that it has to offer to developing minds. She teamed up with her sister to open up a bar and restaurant in Cambridge. While enjoying the challenges and experience of the family business, she knew that her true vocation was to work with children.
While working full-time, she pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education, which led her to The Family Cooperative. She immediately felt a connection to the school and the unique sense of community that exists among the parents and teachers. She feels so fortunate to be part of a Reggio Emilia inspired center and finds it a privilege to witness the growth and development of the children as they build the foundation for a love of lifetime learning. She is excited to share in the wonder and discovery of each day as it’s filled with fun and creativity. |
Kimberly Cosky Joined TFC in 2022Kim has been in the Early Childhood field for over twelve years. She graduated from Westfield State College and holds both teacher and director certifications. Before coming to TFC, Kim taught Pre-K and was a principal at a private school. In the classroom, Kim finds inspiration in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. She enjoys creating a classroom environment that supports each child’s growth and development. Outside of the classroom, Kim enjoys traveling with her husband and exploring the architecture of different cultures.
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Erica Hetrick Joined TFC in 2023Erica was adopted as an infant and was raised by two loving parents in New Jersey. As a tween, her family moved to Florida, where she lived until moving to Newton just before starting the 2023 school year. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida… go Gators! While attending college, she started teaching at a Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood center and quickly fell in love. She brings her passion for art and music into the classroom and is continuously motivated by the children and their interests. She strives to create a classroom environment where each child feels loved and valued. She loves learning alongside the children, and they show her new ideas and perspectives every day. In her free time, she enjoys music, movies, and video games.
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Monica Fall Joined TFC in 2022Monica Fall grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and now lives in Watertown, MA with her husband and two children. Her journey to working in early childhood education began after having her own children and enrolling them in a cooperative preschool. Seeing the joy and fascination young children have as they learn inspired Monica to pursue a career as an early childhood educator. She believes strongly in child-centered approaches to education and is dedicated to growing and learning along with the children at The Family Cooperative.
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Chestnut Room Teachers
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Beth Nadeau Joined TFC in 2020
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Amy Kao Joined TFC in 2024Amy was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan and earned her M.Ed. in Art Education (PreK-8) from Lesley University in 2021. After teaching art in Taiwan for two years, she moved to the Boston area in 2018 and has loved working with young children ever since. Amy is excited to bring her art experience to the TFC community and continue her studies in early childhood education. She’s dedicated to creating a warm and respectful environment where kids feel loved, supported, and free to explore their curiosity. Amy loves finding creative ways to help each child discover their strengths! For her personal practice in art, she loves doing pottery and printmaking. |
Caitlin Maddix Joined TFC in 2017
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