Jean Lorence, Program Director/Lead Teacher: Dinosaur Class (4-5 years)

 

Jean began her teaching career as a Second Grade teacher and a Reading Specialist (K-5). She took several years off to stay at home with her four children (all of whom are GCNS Alumni). Jean was excited  to work with children again and eagerly joined the GCNS staff as an administrator and teacher before  taking on the role of Director.  Jean is passionate about early childhood education and about GCNS! She is  Director 1/11 and Lead Teacher certified through the EEC and holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MEd as a Consulting Teacher of Reading both from Boston College.

 

 

Courtney Rowe, Lead Teacher: Teddy Bear Class (3 years) and Kid's Club 

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Courtney worked as a classroom teacher at Grace Christian Nursery School from 2002-2006 and continued to teach music classes at the school while she stayed home with her children (both GCNS Alumni).  Courtney came back to GCNS as a classroom teacher when her youngest went to Elementary School.  She worked for three summers as the Music Specialist for children ages 2.9-5 years at Beaver Country Day School and has been teaching private music lessons in Needham for 11 years.  She loves choral singing, playing the flute, running, and spending time with her husband Ethan and daughters Julia and Madeleine. Courtney is EEC Lead Preschool Teacher certified.

 

 

Sarah Ledbury, Lead Teacher: Dinosaur Class and Kid's Club

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Sarah joined Grace Christian Nursery School as a Teddy teacher in 2013 and now teachers the Dinosaur class with Jean.  Sarah lives in Needham with her husband Steve and three children; Tom, Megan, and Matthew.  She obtained her B.S. in Dietetics from the University of Vermont and Masters in Nutrition Education from Framingham State College. After taking time to stay home with her young children, Sarah chose to make the switch to early childhood education. She enjoys gardening, skiing, spending time with family, and vacationing in Maine. Sarah is EEC            Preschool Teacher certified.

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Abigail Hays, Lead Teacher: Teddy Bear Class (3 years) and Guppy Class (2.9 years)

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Abigail joined GCNS in 2021. After staying home with her three children (two of whom are GCNS alumni), Abigail stepped back into the field of education, working at Mitchell Elementary School as a kindergarten assistant before making the switch to the early childhood setting. Abigail is EEC Preschool Teacher certified, and earned a BA in anthropology and psychology for the University of New Hampshire and a EdM in higher education from Harvard University. With her love for GCNS as a former parent, she couldn't be happier to join the school community as a teacher. She lives in Needham with her husband, Morgan, and their children- Helen, Ian, and Henry.

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Stacey Calarusso, Lead Teacher: Dinosaur Enrichment Days and Kid's Club Coordinator 

 

Sheila Kettlewell,  Part-time Administrator and Substitute

 

Sheila joined GCNS in 2020 and taught the Dinosaur class with Jean. This year she serves as the part-time administrator and substitute teacher. Before staying home with her two sons for several years (one of whom is a GCNS alum), Sheila was an elementary classroom teacher, a Reading Specialist and a Literacy Coach. She recently taught at a local school where she worked with the preschool, PreK, K, and Grade 1. Sheila is EEC Preschool Teacher certified and holds a BA in Elementary Education from Boston College and a MEd as a Consulting Teacher of Reading from Lesley University.  Sheila enjoys reading, golf, and spending time on the Cape with her family. She is happy to be a part of the GCNS community.

 

 

 

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