Our Team
Leadership Team
Laurie Metcalfe
Executive Director
lmetcalfe@northshiredayschool.org
Laurie, a professional in the field of Education for over 23 years joined the Northshire Day School Administrative Team in August 2017. 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, promoting the HOPE model and the Strengthening Families framework, 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 and Community of Practice Facilitator through Northern Lights at CCV. She is involved with many local, regional and state initiatives, mentors fellow early childhood education directors and sits on the VT State Early Learning and Development Committee and the Advancing ECE as a Profession Task Force.
Favorite Book Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino
Favorite Ice Cream Coffee
Jane Severance
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 spending time with her husband and their blended family.
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. The last four years of being part of the Northshire Day School community has been an amazing experience and she is very excited for what is to come next at NDS. Kelly, along with her fiancé, live in Manchester. They have a blended family of 3 children, 3 dogs and a cat. They are excited to welcome a new baby in the Fall of 2024.
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
Maggie Rubick
Mentor Teacher
mrubick@northshiredayschool.org
Maggie is curiosity-driven and passionate about lifelong learning! After spending more than a decade teaching, caring for, and learning from preschoolers, she has shifted her focus to supporting educators. She is a licensed teacher with expertise in inclusive, multiage preschool and pre-kindergarten education. Outside of her role at NDS, Maggie works as an instructor for Northern Lights at CCV and is a Farm to School coach for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s grant program. She is a research enthusiast and holds 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
Cindy Atkins
Family Tree Coordinator
catkins@northshiredayschool.org
Cindy is excited about becoming part of the NDS team! She holds an A.S. in Human Services from MWCC and a B.A. in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Bay Path University. Cindy has worked in the Human Services field for more than twenty-five years. Her work experience includes home visiting, early literacy, family advocacy, prevention, parenting education, and homelessness prevention and advocacy. Working with families is her passion.
Cindy has lived in Vermont for eight years and delights in the sheer beauty of the area. She enjoys reading, historic houses, some silliness, laughing, and good friends.
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
Courtney Lynch
Saplings
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 currently working on her Masters of Science in Early Childhood Studies with a focus of Administration and Leadership and will be graduated Fall 2025.
Courtney is just coming back from maternity leave after welcoming her first child with her husband, Phil, in June, 2024. She is excited to be able to have their son come to NDS!
During her free time she helps out at her friend's family campground in Arlington. Her and her husband love to bring their two cats and bird 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
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
Paula Perkins
Birch
pperkins@northshiredayschool.org
Paula started babysitting while in middle school and after she graduated high school she went to college for early childhood education. Paula started at NDS in 2021 and left in 2023 to have her baby and just started back. She starts classes back up In January to finish her degree!
Hope LaBatt
Saplings & Birch
hlabatt@northshiredayschool.org
Hope is proud to be a part of the NDS team! She 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 enjoys spending time with family and friends and especially loves playing with her family’s dogs: Lilly (forever), Bailey, Xena, Athena, and Eevee! Hope also likes traveling, sports, and the arts.
Favorite Book Soup by Robert Newton Peck
Favorite Ice Cream Chocolate Peanut Butter
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 25 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 has lived in southern Vermont her whole life. 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 20 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 over 12 years and 4 years at
Early Head Start with children ranging from 6-weeks to 3-years-old. She has been employed at NDS for nearly 3 years. Her teaching centers on creating a trauma responsive classroom in which children’s social emotional needs are met, because that is the foundation for real learning to occur. Her goal as an educator is to help your child reach their full potential while in her care.
Her 25-year-old daughter Ali is her pride and joy and she spends quality time with her whenever
possible, often doing a horse-related activity. Lesley also enjoys kayaking, fishing, going to concerts, day trips to the beach and many other outdoor activities. When not with her daughter in PA you will find her with family and friends.
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 23 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
Andrew Coler
Hickory
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
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
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
Machaila MacDonald
Evergreen
mmacdonald@northshiredayschool.org
Machaila recently moved back to Vermont from Maryland with her husband and two dogs. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in School Counseling. Machaila has worked with children for the past five years in a preschool setting and through nannying. Machaila loves being able to interact and play with the children as well as be a role model for them to look up to! She likes to spend her free time reading, baking, or hanging out with family, husband and dogs.
Ashley Poquette
Hickory & Evergreen
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.
Maple & Aspen Pod
Karen Harrington
Maple
kharrington@northshiredayschool.org
Karen has been working in Early Education since 2012 in the Northshire area, she graduated with an AA in Early Childhood Studies at CCV in 2021 and received 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 has earned an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education (Champlain College), and is a licensed Early Childhood Educator (birth-grade 3) with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education (birth-age 6). She is currently a VTAEYC Exchange fellow in the Equity intersection and works as Adjunct Faculty for VTSU. Her professional interests include developing individualized support plans and all things literacy. She enjoys puzzles, 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
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
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
Cléa Beriau
Multi-Classroom
cberiau@northshiredayschool.org
Since receiving her AA in Horticulture and BA in Cultural Anthropology, Cléa has worked as an administrator for the 21st Century Afterschool program, a sales manager, and a horticulturist. These experiences as well as being raised in a bilingual home contributed to her flexible approach and value of continuing education. As an after school administrator, she taught and organized various
enrichment programs from science based classes with STEM, to physical education with Girls on the Run as well as art based courses with Bennington College artists. As a parent, she supports gentle parenting and approaches that encourage independent growth; as an educator she has a growing interest in various educational pedagogy that support guiding children on their educational
path. As a multi-classroom educator she looks forward to learning and supporting our educational team.
Rafaela Goldman
Multi-Classroom
rgoldmane@northshiredayschool.org
All the way from sunny southern California, Raphaela has always had a passion for working with kids. She has years of experience working as a babysitter and academic tutor as well as assisting in preschool settings. Her most recent position at the Boys and Girls Club in Rutland really cemented her commitment to pursue a career path in childcare.
When she’s not at NDS, she enjoys weaving, playing tennis, writing, and all sorts of outdoor activities, including snowboarding in the winter and backpacking in the summer. Raphaela is friendly, considerate, dedicated and caring and looks forward to sharing these qualities with the children in her care so they can have fun, learn and grow together.
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.
