Teachers

I have had a career in education for over 30 years including time as an elementary music teacher and school counselor, but if it had not been for sending my own children to SNS (born 1995 and 1998) I would never have discovered my love for teaching preschool. Suburban gave me a supportive community when I had young children and a philosophy in which I strongly believe. After several years teaching preschool elsewhere, what luck to have been able to step back in to SNS as a teacher! It was with great joy that I taught both the 2’s class as well as the 4’s class and am now delighted to be the director.

I value communication with parents and enjoy the enthusiasm they bring to the classroom and our school. As director, I look forward to knowing all the children, understanding their strengths and challenges and being a support to both teachers and parents.

I started at Suburban as a co-oping parent in 2009 when my son Aaron (born 2006) was a Yellowbird, and I haven’t left! I co-oped for three years, was a sibling sitter, an aide in the classroom and a substitute teacher in all three classes. When the opportunity became available to be a lead teacher, I jumped at the chance and have now gotten to teach every age group. Suburban is not only a school, it’s a community. You’re not just a face in the classroom or the hallways – you’re a part of a family. SNS focuses on the entire child and their experiences – it’s so exciting to see their faces light up when they figure out something new and share it with their teacher and their friends.

My classroom is a place of learning, exploring, experiencing, growing and fun! We follow a schedule – my Redbirds thrive with a routine – that involves play, art projects, story and circle time, singing, sharing snack and exploring the outdoors. Through the use of songs, rhymes, stories, STEM projects and free choice centers, the children will learn phonemic awareness, concepts about print, social-emotional skills, as well as gross and fine motor skills. I love to see how each Redbird approaches the day and what they are able to share with their classmates. The change (both physically and emotionally) from the first day of school to the last is extraordinary and I’m so happy that I’m able to share this experience with them and their families.

I look forward to everyday I get to spend with my Redbirds!

Before my children were born in 2000 and 2002, I was with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program and worked with families and their children with special needs and developmental delays. Through my training and experience in early childhood development, I knew how critical a nurturing environment is for children to learn and grow. I was also aware of how important it is for children to have first-hand experiences and investigate, imagine and explore through play. So, when it came time to enroll my children in a preschool program, I looked for a play-based curriculum with loving and kind teachers. I found a wonderful school for my children and several years later began to work at the school in different roles, and ultimately became a lead teacher for 9 years. Sadly, due to COVID, that school had to close. I really did not think I would be able to find that magic formula in another school, but then I found Suburban Nursery School and I am thrilled to be a part of the community.

I believe the main role of preschool is for children to learn that school is a fun, exciting and safe place to be. Having this core foundation will provide children with the structure for many years of successful education. Children (and some of us adults as well), thrive on routine and structure. In my classroom we have a developmentally appropriate daily schedule that includes free play, crafts, opportunity for fine motor development, outside play, circle time and snack. Throughout the morning, the children have lots of opportunities to communicate, collaborate and engage with their classmates and create our caring classroom community. I love being able to be a part of this experience each day.

I am a great believer in foundations. Solid foundations make for strength and resilience. Taking their first steps out into the world, away from home and family, children need lots of support, love, and attention. They need to see that there are new friends and helping hands that can gently guide them as they grow and explore. A love for school and the fellowship found therein can set a child off on a wonderful journey of discovery, joy, bravery, and adventure that lasts a lifetime.

After moving away from Washington, DC, my wife and I looked at a handful of options for our then three year old son before we walked through the doors of Suburban Nursery School. For both of us, the moment was revelatory. I genuinely didn’t know that places like this existed. The school was (and is) a miraculous haven where children thrive surrounded by loving adults who respect and safeguard the important work of free play. Through my time as a co-oping parent and a classroom aide I discovered that the miracle of the school runs to its very foundations and is truly a labor of love.

During my 15 years leading music programs at Lafayette Elementary School I discovered a lifelong passion for helping children express themselves with open ears and open hearts. Now having joined the Suburban Nursery School family, I am honored to have the opportunity to help the yellowbirds find their voices in harmony with one another.

For over twenty years, I’ve had the joy and privilege of working with children of all ages. Through my experience as a La Leche League leader and postpartum doula, I’ve worked with mothers and their babies, both visiting them in their homes, as well as leading meetings and groups for young families. Then as a homeschooling parent, I taught both my own children and children aged 5–18 at a local homeschool co-op. My favorite part of this journey began at the beginning of the COVID pandemic when I created a Show and Tell class for 5–8 year olds, which was initially held via Zoom and then later in person.

I believe in being present with children in the moment, letting them know that they are valued and loved. I bring curiosity, enthusiasm, patience, and empathy to every experience I have with a child. I have never met a child who I haven’t loved, and I feel so lucky to play even a small role in their lives and the lives of their families.

As the teacher of our Purple Birds, I invite curiosity, giving them the space and resources to follow their imaginations and interests as far as it takes them.

I also  lead our Hatchlings group! I love being with families and their little ones, as parents get to spend time together while their babies and toddlers can make their very first friends.

Before I joined SNS, I did several part-time babysitting jobs for families in Bethesda and Potomac, MD. I also volunteered at College Garden Elementary School from June 2014 to February 2017 preparing and assembling documents to distribute with students. Before I came to the USA in 2000, I worked as a part time Religious School Teacher in Kotte, Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1991.

I started at SNS as a Teacher’s Aide in Purplebirds in February 2017. I’ve since also been an aide in Bluebirds, Yellowbirds, and Redbirds. I really enjoy working with the amazing SNS staff and families!

My family and I relocated to the United States in 2018 from the country of Georgia, and we were fortunate to find this school for my daughter when she was two years old. We loved it here because every year was so special and memorable. She had a lovely three years at Suburban Nursery School. SNS is an excellent example of how school and family can collaborate to ensure that children have a happy childhood! I enjoyed being a co-op parent and I’m thrilled to be here as a teacher’s aide with the wonderful staff, families, and gorgeous kids!