You can expect to find a true team teaching approach at Grace, and over the year, your child will get to know and spend time with all of our teachers.  Although we’ll start the year with special consideration to helping our newest students acclimate to our program, we work ultimately towards a mixed play environment, which we believe benefits children of all ages. As such, instead of a closed group of 3s or 4s, with designated teachers and a set curriculum, children will be part of a larger preschool family, sharing a much wider group of friends and teachers, as well as enriching activities.

Miss Maureen
PROGRAM DIRECTOR  |  LEAD TEACHER

Miss Maureen has been connected to the preschool program at Grace for the past 15 years, first as a parent, and later as both lead teachers and director.  Maureen studied English Literature at Trinity College in Dublin, and brings her love of language and storytelling to her work. 

Before coming to Grace, Maureen worked with vulnerable children and families, serving as program coordinator for the Irish Department of Education and Science. She has a background in collaborative program design, and experimental approaches to enhancing the learning environment. Maureen is passionate about creating spaces that invite instinctive, child led exploration and discovery.

She brings a love of community building and collaboration with families to her work at Grace. She adores the outdoor leaning ethos of the program, and the daily lessons that unfold in the daily connection to nature, and each other.

Miss Carolyn
TEACHER

Carolyn Wendover is a talented painter and nature lover who  brings her sense of fun and wonder to school each day. An experienced preschool teacher,  Carolyn spent many years with the Hayes Nursery School in Millbrook before until it closed, when she moved to Grace.

Carolyn is our longest serving member of staff, having shared her talents at Grace for 20 years. Carolyn‘s experience with preschoolers is second nature, and she always has a game or song at the ready. Carolyn brings the wisdom of a grandmother to her work, as well as a healthy sense of mischief. The children love her zany sense of humor!

Miss Marcia
TEACHER

Marcia Asplund is the mother of two children who both attended and loved the program at Grace. She has a professional background in clinical social work, and through her work in with the Astor Program, supported many young children through with counseling support.  She joined the program at Grace two years ago, with special emphasis on supporting our youngest students.

Marcia’s patient, gentle ways are perfectly suited to the preschool classroom. She loves encouraging little ones on their paths to self discovery, and considers herself lucky to witness so many social milestones in preschool.

Miss Kara
TEACHER

Kara Cannistra is mother to three energetic boys. Her professional background is in art therapy and counseling. Kara loves working with people of all ages, and her work has included supporting developmentally disabled children and adults.  Her true love, however, is making art with children.

She led creative lessons with preschoolers at Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center for many years, and we are thrilled that she will be joining the team at Grace this fall. She loves working with young learners, and is happiest facilitating joyful, open-ended art projects, letting imaginations run wild. Kara brings with her an open, encouraging approach to the program, honoring the instincts and creative energy of the children in her care.

Miss Ana
TEACHER

We are thrilled that Ana Valle will be joining the team this fall! Ana is the mother of two boys, and qualified as a preschool teacher in her native Mexico in 2004. She comes to us from Stanford Nursery, where she was a valued member of the team for 10 years, until it sadly closed in 2024.

Ana’s experience, professionalism, and love of teaching are evident in everything she does. She is fully present to the children in her care, and brings much joy to her work.  Ana is passionate about creating an environment of excellence for the children, and feels blessed to have the chance to make a positive, lasting impact on their lives. Ana is excited to join the team at Grace.

Miss Kristi
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Kristi Dominique steps back from scheduled teaching this fall, but will continue to be a valued member of the team when the need arises. Kristi is the mother of 3 adult children, who all attended Grace. Her son was in the very first class 20 years ago. Kristi is a natural teacher, who’s loving approach encourages kindness and playfulness in the children around her.

Kristi loves nothing better than seeing children happy, thriving and having fun. Her favorite place in school is by the swing set, where she loves to hear and take part in the bubbly chatter of the children.

Miss Pam
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Although officially retired from Grace, Miss Pam’s smiling face is one you can expect to see throughout the year. Pam has many years of preschool experience, having taught at The Hayes Nursery School in Millbrook before it closed its doors in 2005. 

Both as a teacher and sub, Pam has been a valued member of the teaching team at Grace for the last 20 years. Along with her endless energy, Pam always brings her great sense of fun. Her laugh is heard throughout the school, and she is loved by all.

Miss lily
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Lily Dominique is currently studying in college, but is an MCP graduate who loves coming in to help out at school when she can. Lily is the third generation of women in her family to share her talents with the preschool we, following her mother Kristi, and her grandmother Kay, who recently retired from teaching.  Lily has learned from the best, and brings her maturity, gentle ways, and sense of fun when she assists in school. She is a fan favorite with the kids!