Preschool Special Needs Coordinator and Educator

Samantha is the preschool special needs coordinator and educator and has been in this position since May 2022. She works on individual education plans for children. She coordinates services for them and supervises 1:1 aides when necessary. Sam was formerly the teacher for Mighty Monkeys, a classroom for ages 3 to 4 years. She has worked at the center since September 2020.

Past employment
Samantha has worked as a functional support specialist with Community Partners. She has also worked as an assistant infant teacher at UNH's Child Study and Development Center, as a nanny, and as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor for the UNH Theraputic Riding Program.

Education
Samantha earned a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic horseback riding, and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, from the University of New Hampshire. She is certified in pediatric CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
"Working with kids brings a smile to my face every day even on the toughest days. I love being able to see all of their little personalities developing and coming into their own."

Teaching philosophy
"I believe that each child is an individual with their own thoughts, ideas and values. As an educator I will value and work to develop each child's strengths, abilities, and knowledge with respect and love for every child that comes through our doors."

Family
Samantha grew up outside of Seattle, WA and now lives in New Durham with her husband and daughter, their golden retreiver, Penny, and cat, Daphne.

Preschool Paraprofessional

Taya is a preschool paraprofessional that provides 1:1 support to a child in the Snapdragons room. She has worked at the center since February 2024.

Past employment
Taya has worked as a Courier at USPack in Portsmouth, NH and as a Dietary Aide at a rehabilitation & assisted living facility in Rye, NH.

Education
Taya graduated from Exeter High School in Exeter, NH in 2016.

Speech Therapist

Pat works with children enrolled in the preschool special needs program to develop their expressive and receptive language skills. She started at the center in the fall of 2021. She has also provided speech support at the center as a substitute.

Past employment
Pat has more than 40 years of experience working with various school districts in Maine and New Hampshire.

Education
Pat earned a master's degree in communication disorders from the University of New Hampshire, and holds Speech Language Pathologist licenses from both Maine and New Hampshire.

Family
Pat lives in Ossipee with her husband, Rick, and their black lab. She is an avid runner, cross country skier, and enjoys fly fishing with her husband.

Speech/Language Assistant
Dunstan Pediatric Services

Kathleen has her BA in Communication Disorders and BS in Elementary Education. She has traveled extensively around the country working for various healthcare recruiting agencies and school districts with K-12 students. She has a special interest in articulation remediation and loves helping children build their confidence and academic skills through improved communication. Kathleen, along with her awesome husband and two furbaby kitties, is thrilled to be living in New Hampshire and enjoying all the beauty that abounds.

Social Worker and Counselor

Shannon is the site counselor and social worker for the Children's Center. She works closely with the executive director and the coordinators to provide social-emotional, behavioral and problem-solving services to children, their families, and staff ensuring a safe, stable and nurturing childhood. She has been at the center since February 2021. In the spring of 2021, she collaborated with Granite State Adaptive to provide an equine therapy program for preschool children. Using purposeful manipulation of equine move to engage the sensory, motor and cognitive systems, functional outcomes are achieved.

Past employment
Shannon has worked as an inpatient social worker 2 at Concord Hospital for the past 10 years. She has also worked as a clinical coordinator at NFI North Midway Shelter, and as a child protective service worker for the State of New Hampshire, Division for Children, Youth and Families.

Education
Shannon earned a master of social work from Boston University. She earned a bachelor of science in social work from Plymouth State University.

On working at the Center
“I am so happy to be working at The Children’s Center! One of my goals is to help make a difference in the lives of the children and families that we serve. By sharing the same mission and beliefs of The Children’s Center, I am confident it is happening and will continue to happen!”

Family
“I live in Wolfeboro with my husband Jeff, my children Brody and Mason, my bonus children Curtis and Nate and our two dogs, Cooper and Maya!”

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Weston is the founder of Hope Counseling, where he is a clinical therapist. Learn more about his practice at hopecounseling.net.

When Weston isn’t spending time with his clients, he enjoys spending time with his family, biking, running, reading, and doing projects on his home. He enjoys reading about the rich history of homes in New England, and has developed an interest in the restoration process of these old homes.

Kitchen Coordinator

Des is the kitchen assistant at The Children's Center. She returned to the center in August 2020.

Past employment
In addition to working at the center in the kitchen and as a teacher, Des was a lead cook for Camp Merrovista in Tuftonboro. She has more than 15  years experience in the food industry.

Education
Des graduated from Kingswood Regional High School.

On working with children
"I love working with kids because they are still so innocent and full of wonder. I love the sparkle in their eyes and the sound of their giggles. It brings joy to my day."

Family
"I have three grown children and nine grandchildren who bring me great happiness and keep me busy. They are my world!"