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Our staff members are certified Early Childhood Educators by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The entire faculty is CPR and First Aid trained and all participate in ongoing professional development.
Our staff is comprised of eleven members: our Director, a Business Manager, and nine Teachers. There are two Teachers in each morning classroom program and two additional Teachers for the Lunch and Extended Day Program. The classroom names are based on their proximity to the entrance to the school:
Front Room (3's)
Middle Room (4's)
Far Room (4's & 5's, pre-k)
Liz O’Neil, Director
Swarthmore College, B.A, Psychology
Harvard University, Ed.M
When my family found CNS after moving to Lexington in 2001, it was a homecoming for me of sorts. I grew up around a cooperative preschool in New York where my mother was both director and teacher. A ‘graduate’ myself of that school, the wonder and joy and warmth of a place where both children and adults share experiences and common values resonates with the very core of my true self. I felt privileged to have three of my four children attend CNS and I was thrilled to join its faculty in 2004. CNS is a special place where wonder and discovery meet patience and respect. It is a joyous place to come each day as I continue to learn and grow along side some very wonderful people, both big and small.
Mary-Gayle Sweeney, Business Manager
Framingham State College, B.S. Food & Nutrition
From the moment I met with Joanne I knew CNS was where I wanted my boys to start their journey. Jonathan and Christopher each spent 3 year at CNS (2001-2006). CNS provided a nurturing and encouraging environment where
my boys could explore and grow. When Christopher moved on to Kindergarten, I did not want to leave this warm and exciting place. I now work in the office handling many of the business matters that support the day to day functioning of the school.
Kamala Madhu, Front Room
Eisenhower College, B.A.
I came to CNS as a parent and have never wanted to leave! I have been a member of the teaching staff at CNS since 1995. There are many reasons for my continued commitment to the CNS community, among them working with great colleagues and families. Yet the reason I most love working at Community Nursery School is the joy I feel in being part of the nurturing, caring network that allows children to develop to their fullest potential. And in the process, I am always learning too. Time spent listening to and learning from children is always valuable.
Robbie Blacket, Front Room
The minute I walked through the doors of CNS 10 years ago, it was love at first sight. I knew it was the right school for my then 3 year old. She proceeded to have two wonderful years at CNS. Last year, I was lucky enough to spend the year subbing in all 3 rooms. I fell in love with the children and knew I wanted more. When Joanne offered me a full time job in the Front Room, I accepted without hesitation. To spend 5 mornings a week in the magical world of three year olds, is absolute joy. Is this really a job?!
Noni Cooper, Middle Room
Hampshire College, B.A.
After spending much of my own education in child-centered inquiry based learning environments, I came to CNS in 1998 as a parent and have never left. CNS embodies all that I have learned and that I believe when relating to children. I love the hum of the school, the camaraderie and collaboration of the teaching staff and the involvement and support of the families. My spirits are lifted every single day that I am interacting with and observing the children. I believe the future of the world rests in the souls of these young people and I believe the atmosphere and philosophy at CNS serve as a stepping stone for their futures. CNS is truly a magical place to be, both as a parent and as a teacher.
Leah Burwell, Middle Room
Lesley University
B.S. Early Childhood Education and the Arts with a specialization in the Reggio Emilia Approach
M.Ed. (Lesley University) Early Childhood Education
I first learned about CNS through Nicole (Far Room Teacher) and Joanne Pressman (Former Director/ Consultant) during my coursework at Lesley University. When I first came to visit as a fellow teacher, I fell in love with the shared vision of teachers, parents, and students and the natural sense of community that filled each classroom. There is a love, warmth, and respect that can be felt as soon as you pass through the front doors, and I am so excited to be a part of it! Throughout my studies and years of teaching, I've realized the most important part to the education of young children is the relationships we help mentor and develop along with them, and CNS provides the perfect environment to help these flourish. I look forward to many more years of inquiry, discovery, and bountiful imagination at CNS.
Nicole Johnson, Far Room
Lesley University, B.A. Early Learning, Specializing in Early Intervention & the Reggio Emilia Approach
As a sophomore in college, I fell in love with CNS long before walking through its doors. It was Joanne who spoke to my class about how their school was continuing their journey upon being inspired by the Reggio approach. I was so inspired by her presentation that I made up my mind to learn more as a student teacher under her guidance. I did my student teaching in the Far Room as a senior and then was asked to join the school officially as a Far Room teacher this fall of 2008. CNS has proven to be a very nurturing environment for all. Teachers and children alike are treated with respect giving us the confidence and freedom to strive to reach our full potential.
Alysa Johnson, Far Room
I remember the day my daughter Nicole came home elated that she had met an amazing representative from CNS who spoke at her college. That speaker was Joanne Pressman. Pleased as I was that Nicole had found her calling in the specialized teaching philosophy of Reggio Amelia, I realized then myself that I too had always felt a certain joy in collaborating and nurturing young children.
A homemaker and caregiver for most of my adult life I am again blessed with the opportunity to be a co-teacher in the Far Room. Every day I share my enthusiasm for art, music and storytelling with the children of the Far Room. Together we create a nurturing and supportive place where we’re all free to learn and explore.
Heather Hauser, Afternoon Far Room/Dance Specialist/Come Play Yoga Teacher
Hartwick College, B.A in Psychology
I have enjoyed my experience teaching at a Parent Cooperative Nursery school for the last 8 years working with 3-5 year olds and have also had the good fortune of being a parent in a cooperative setting. Getting to know and connecting with families has been such a fun and important part of my work. I have been actively involved in the Lexington Waldorf School as a parent with my own children for the last 13 years and look forward to bringing some of its wonder and magic with me to the children and families at CNS. Creative Movement, yoga, drama and singing are also a big part of how I love to inspire, explore and celebrate with the children. I feel that every day is an amazing adventure filled with unlimited opportunities for learning, growth and joy as we celebrate our uniqueness and our connection.
Nafees Hussain, Lunch & Extended Day
Karachi University, B.A. Pakistan Montessori Teaching Diploma, Association of Montessori International (AMI)
When I began teaching at CNS in the fall of 2005, I was immediately engulfed by the spirit of warmth and inclusion. CNS is a place where individual creativity is encouraged while the sense of being a part of the community is strong. I have over ten years of experience teaching preschool both in Pakistan and in the U.S. But at CNS I learn something new every day. This is partly because of the dynamic curriculum that the children help to develop, and partly because of the diversity and support of the community all working toward a common goal - the interest of the children. It is a generous support group which has made it possible for me to grow as a teacher and respect and enjoy my time with the children.
Denise Healy, Lunch & Extended Day
Joanne Pressman, Consultant
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, B.A. Education
Lesley University, M.Ed.
CNS has been a very important part of my life for over twenty years. I have had the privilege of seeing Community Nursery School through the lens of a parent (1986-1988), a teacher (1988-1991) and director (1991-2010). One of the very best things about working at CNS is having the daily opportunity to watch and listen closely to children, and try to see the world through their eyes. There is so much to be learned from them! Collaborating with parents and teachers for the benefit of the children makes CNS a very special place. These partnerships serve to support the healthy growth and development of children - and all members of this nurturing learning community.
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