Teacher

Linda is the teacher for the Dragonflies, a classroom for ages 4 to 5. Prior to that, she was a teacher for the Snapdragons, for the Little Tikes in the center's toddler program, and for the center’s preschool program. She has worked at the center for more than 25 years.

Past employment
Linda started working at the center during high school.

Education
Linda has a child care certificate and six college courses toward her associate’s degree in early childhood education from the College of Lifelong Learning. She is certified in CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
“It has been very rewarding for me. I like to know that I can inspire children to do their very best. In my longtime commitment to the center, I have had a second generation of children in my care.”

Teaching philosophy
“Children are our future educators and if we don’t educate them, who will? The children are a constant reflection of the things that are being taught to them.”

Family
Linda has two children, Marina and Sean, who both attended the center from 6 weeks old.

Teacher

Angela is a teacher for the Little Loons, a classroom for ages 3 to 5 years. She returned to the center in May 2019.

Past employment
Angela has worked summers at The Children's Center since 2016. She has worked as a teacher's assistant at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, and as a rehabilitation/community integration specialist for Lakeview Neurorehabilitation in Effingham.

Education
Angela earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge. She is certified in CPR and First Aid.

On working at the Center
"Even on the most difficult days, I appreciate the positive impact the staff and families at the center have had on helping me succeed. I look forward to returning the favor."

Teaching philosophy
"My goal as a teacher is to ensure the children are safe and happy. Once those needs are met, we can learn and grow together through exploration and play."

Family
Angela lives in Wakefield with her long-term boyfriend, Josh; and her cat, Ronald. She grew up in Tuftonboro with her "amazingly supportive parents and three older half-brothers."

Teacher

Kara is the teacher for Magic Moments Preschool at The Lakes Region Technology Center, a program for ages 3 to 5. This school year, she returns to the Mis Amigos room for before school care and is responsible for helping to get the Crescent Lake students off the bus in the afternoons. Prior to this, she was a teacher for the Little Owls in the center's toddler program. She started at the center in September 2019.

Past employment
Kara was the lead teacher for Joyful Footsteps Preschool in Alton for 12 years.

Education
Kara has taken courses at White Mountain Community College in Berlin, and Lakes Region Community College in Laconia. She is working toward earning her associate's degree in early childhood education through Penn Foster. She is certified in CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
"I enjoy the center and the welcome I have received here!"

Teaching philosophy
"I believe all children should be given the same opportunities for learning. I think they should be given a rich variety of learning tools and positive guidance towards the right choices."

Family
Kara lives in Farmington with her husband and two boys. In their free time, they enjoy spending time at their camp up north.

Teacher

Isabella is a teacher for the Snapdragons, a classroom for ages 3 to 4. She has also been a child care assistant for Jungle Cubs, Busy Bees, and Little Owls. She has worked at the center since May 2015.

Teacher

Tiffany is a teacher for the Snapdragons, a classroom for ages 3 to 4. She has also been a child care assistant for Dragonflies. Tiffany has worked at the center since March 2023.

Substitute

Kaylin is a substitute for the school-age program. She has also worked as a 1:1 for the school-age program. She has been at the center since June 2019.

Past employment
Kayla is a 1:1 at Kingswood Regional Middle School. She is also a lead instructor for Expressions Dance Academy in Wolfeboro.

Education
Kayla graduated from Thompson High School in Scranton, PA.

On working at the Center
"I love working at the center! It's a very loving environment and I love watching the kids grow."

Teaching philosophy
"Being positive and encouraging with the kids as they navigate through their adolescent years is important, as it shapes their future."

Teacher

Debbie is a teacher for the Playful Penguins, a classroom for ages 4 to 5 years. She has also worked as the morning teacher for the Mis Amigos, a classroom for children in grades K to 1, and an assistanting teacher for Magic Moments, a preschool lab classroom for children ages 3 to 5. Prior to this she was a teacher for the Dragonflies, a classroom for ages 4 to 5. She has been at the center since 1986.

Past employment
Debbie began working at the center soon after graduating high school. She first worked in the kitchen as an aide, then a coordinator. She later worked as a teacher’s aide to the Gingerbears, as the preschool teacher for the Butterflies, as a teacher in the infant/toddler program, and most recently in the Dragonflies.

Education
Debbie earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from the College of Lifelong Learning. She is certified in CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
“Children are our future. They keep me smiling and young.”

Teaching philosophy
“I believe that an early childhood environment should be a loving, caring, educational place for your children to grow.”

Family
Born in Boston, Debbie moved to Tuftonboro when she was 10 years old. After high school she moved to Wolfeboro, where she lives with her husband, David. They have one son, David, who attended the center from 6 weeks until age 12.

Teacher’s Assistant

Cristina is the teacher’s assistant for Magic Moments Preschool at The Lakes Region Technology Center, a program for ages 3 to 5. She started at the center in February 2024.

Past employment
Cristina has over twenty years experience as a preschool teacher. She was formerly the Director for six years at Immanuel Christian Preschool in Manchester, NH.

Education
Cristina has an Associate’s Degree from NHTI.

On working at the Center
"I am looking forward to working with Ms. Kara and getting to know all of the children and families.”

Teaching philosophy
"I believe children thrive and grow in a safe, warm and nurturing environment. I want to inspire young children to want to learn more about themselves and the beautiful world around them!”

Family
Cristina is married to her wonderful husband of 30 years and has two daughters. Her oldest is a middle school special education teacher and her youngest is studying to be a certified dog trainer. Cristina is also a dog mom to her puppy, Luciano.

Teacher

Mandy is a teacher for the Dragonflies, a classroom for ages 4 to 5 years. She has also worked in Little Owls, Lil’ Angels, and as a special education teacher in our preschool program. She has worked at the center since February 2022.

Past employment
Mandy is a former parent who is very familiar with the center and loves caring for infants. She most recently worked as a Classroom Instructional Assistant at Tuftonboro Central School and has worked as an Early Childcare Provider and a Special Education Teacher/Case Manager before that.

Education
Mandy holds a NH Early Childhood Teacher, Level 5 Credential, and has a M. Ed in Special Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She also has a B.A. in Psychology and Art from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY.

Substitute

Paula is a substitute for the preschool program. Before that she was the lead teacher for the Gingerbears. She has been at the Children's Center since 1991, and retired from full-time teaching in August 2020.

Past employment
Prior to working at the Children’s Center, Paula worked at the Wolfeboro Nursery School for 10 years, where she was an aide, a teacher, and then chief caregiver.

Education
Paula earned an associate's degree in accounting from the New Hampshire Vocational Technical Institute in Berlin. She is certified in CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
"It keeps life interesting. It is challenging and very rewarding. It is a wonder and a gift to see life through the eyes of a 3-year-old."

Teaching philosophy
"I try to provide a safe, respectful and happy learning and social environment for my students. This includes a balance of nurture and discipline, play and routine, allowing for each child's individuality."

Family
"I have lived in Wolfeboro since 1979. I have one daughter, Maggie, who lives in Washington. She is also an early childhood educator."

Teacher

Alissa is a teacher for the Mighty Monkeys, a classroom for ages 3 to 4 years. She has been at the center since January 2022.

Past employment
Alissa most recently was a lead teacher at Kid’s Culture Childcare & Learning Center in Somersworth, NH. She has also been an assistant teacher at a family and child enrichment center in Barrington, NH.

Education
Alissa has her Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from NHTI Concord’s Community College in Concord, NH.

On working at the Center
“I have known since I was 15 that I wanted to work with children. To me the most rewarding job is being able to watch and help children grow and learn.”

Teaching philosophy
“Every child learns differently and that’s o.k. as long as they have a safe and encouraging classroom. Being able to meet every child’s needs and help them succeed anyway we can is crucial.”

Family
Alissa is married with a son and daughter who both attend the Center. She also has three brothers who she truly adores.

Teacher

Felicity is a teacher for the Playful Penguins, a classroom for ages 4 to 5 years. She has also been a teacher’s assistant in the Little Loons, a classroom for ages 3 to 5 years. She has worked at the center since September 2020.

Past employment
Felicity has worked as a supervisor at Harvest Market. She also worked at Jo Green's Garden Cafe.

Education
Felicity graduated from Kingswood Regional High School. She is studying early childhood education at the New Hampshire Technical Institute.

On working with children
I love working with children, from how silly they are to their perspective on life. I feel joy when their faces light up because they spelled their name right or recognized the letters in their name.

Family
”My family includes my husband Dylan, and our two fur-babies: our kitten Zander and our dog Chachi.”

Teacher’s Assistant

Gracie’s primary position is a part-time School Age float but also serves as a Center-wide float in general.

Past employment
Gracie has worked at Buckey’s Restaurant & Tavern. She has also been babysitting since high school.

Education
Gracie graduated from Kingswood Regional High School in 2023 with a focus in the Careers in Education Program. She is certified in CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
"It has been a rewarding feeling to be working at the Center. I enjoy having a great connection with not only the children but fellow coworkers.”

Teaching philosophy
"There’s no greater feeling than touching the hearts of the kids. Being the support they rely on is a feeling like no other.”

Family
Gracie has a beautiful baby girl and a partner of two years.

Teacher/Practitioner Coach

Elizabeth supports our continued Pyramid Model implementation as the preschool practitioner coach. She also covers the Mis Amigos room for before school care. She has also been the lead teacher for the Playful Penguins, a classroom for ages 4 to 5. She has been at the center since July 2018.

Past employment
Elizabeth worked at the center as an associate teacher and one on one aide from 2007-2009. Since then, she has worked at the Gorham Community Learning Center and other area childcare centers.

Education
Elizabeth completed her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Granite State College. She earned the State of NH Level 2 Master Teacher Credential.

On working at the Center
“I am so thankful to be back at the place where my spark was lit. When I had the chance to come back, it was a no-brainer. The Center holds the same thoughts and beliefs I do.”

Teaching philosophy
“I believe that each child deserves to be taught in a way that they can learn, and to do so in a safe and secure environment.”

Family
"My family is my world. I am so lucky to have my parents and sister just a couple towns away. They are my biggest cheerleaders."

Teacher's Assistant

Paige is a teacher’s assistant in the Mighty Monkeys, a classroom for ages 3 to 4 years. She has also worked in Playful Penguins, Snapdragons, and Mighty Monkeys. She has worked at the center since April 2021.

Past employment
Paige has worked at the Town of Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation Department and Dockside Restaurant. She has also been a caregiver for infants and toddlers at Lakes Region Vineyard Church. She has been babysitting for more than 7 years.

Education
Paige graduated from Kingswood Regional High School. She is studying early childhood education at the New Hampshire Technical Institute.

On working at the Center
“I remember coming here as a child and loving my teachers. It only felt right to come back to my stomping grounds. I now work with a lot of the teachers I had growing up.”

Family
“I still live in the house I was born in here in Wolfeboro with my parents, my little sister and our dog Zoey.”

Teacher

Bob is a teacher in the All Stars, a classroom for school-age children that provides before- and after-school care. He has worked at the center since 2004.

Past employment
Bob taught English as a second language to children in Tokyo, Japan for 10 years, where he used music as a medium to teach.

Education
Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Plymouth State University. He is a certified lifeguard as well as ACA safety certified. He is also certified in CPR and first aid.

Military service
Bob served in the U.S. Army for four years. He was stationed in Oklahoma and Kentucky, as well as Zirndorf, Germany.

On working at the Center
“Working at the center challenges my creative side. Although at times exhausting, the results are always great.”

Teaching philosophy
“Let kids be themselves making their own choices and understanding the consequences of the choices. At a young age, kids need to be given guidance towards the right choice, but without reprimand for the wrong choice. Kids should feel welcome and comfortable in any setting so they can make the right choice.”

Family
Bob grew up in Wolfeboro. After living abroad, he moved back in 2000 with his wife and two children.