Our Educators

Our educators are the foundation of our program. They create the experiences through which children in our school thrive and grow. We are delighted to introduce them to you!  

Carrie became the Director of the Coop in 2024, but her connection to the school goes back many years. Her oldest daughter began at the Coop in 2008, and all three of her children attended thereafter. In 2015, Carrie joined the staff as an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Program. The following year, she added co-leadership of the Extended Day Programs, and in 2017 she became Co-Lead Teacher in the Preschool Program.

Carrie holds a B.A. in Social Work and spent the first half of her career working with children in this capacity gaining valuable experience in behavioral assessments and implementing behavioral plans—skills that now help her create the best possible learning environment for students.

Known for her warm disposition and sunny energy, Carrie brings joy to every interaction, whether working with a group of children or connecting one-on-one. She loves engaging in fun activities and encouraging children to explore their curiosity about the world. Her curriculum reflects her love of the outdoors and her belief that strong social relationships are the foundation for lifelong learning.

As Director, Carrie believes early childhood education is a team effort between the preschool, teachers, child, and family. She values open communication and the exchange of ideas to ensure each child thrives.

Outside of school, Carrie enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Susan has been the Co-Teacher in our Toddler Program since 2014. She first joined the Coop community as a parent when her oldest child was just two years old. Quickly drawn in by the school’s close-knit atmosphere, she became active on the board and stepped in as a substitute teacher. In 2008, she began working as the Assistant in the Toddler Program before moving into her current Lead Teacher role.

Susan holds a B.A. in Psychology and has studied child development extensively. Before joining the Coop, she worked as a research psychologist and human factors engineer—but her true passion has always been working with toddlers. She delights in meeting her students on their level, whether that means getting down on the floor or joining in messy play. This willingness to fully engage encourages her students to explore, take risks, and build the self-confidence that forms the foundation for future learning.

Outside of school, Susan enjoys walking the local conservation trails with her husband. She also volunteers at the Sudbury CARE Pantry and is active at St. Elizabeth’s Church.

Alyssa joined our Preschool Classroom as Co-Lead Teacher in 2024, after a decade of teaching in the Pre-Kindergarten Program since 2014. Before taking time off to raise her two children—both proud graduates of the Sudbury Cooperative Preschool—Alyssa taught preschool for children ages two through five. While her children attended the Coop, she was an active parent volunteer and served on the board, deepening her connection to the school community.

Alyssa holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Development and Learning, as well as an A.S. in Child Studies. She believes in a child-centered, play-based curriculum, where the teacher serves as a facilitator and children’s curiosity drives their learning. She encourages independence, fosters self-awareness, and helps children develop strong problem-solving skills. In keeping with the philosophy of the Sudbury Cooperative Preschool, Alyssa is committed to creating a warm, inclusive environment that supports positive social interactions.

Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys staying active with her family and friends.

Lana joined our Preschool Classroom as Co-Lead Teacher in 2019, after serving as an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler Program the year before. Before taking time off to raise her youngest daughter, Lana worked as an early childhood educator for more than 20 years. She first became part of the Coop community as a parent, cherishing her volunteer days and opportunities to substitute in the classroom. Finding a play-based, family-centered program was a top priority for her, and the Coop proved to be the perfect fit.

Lana brings a nurturing, compassionate teaching style to her work with children and families alike. She values open, positive communication with caregivers as an essential part of creating the best possible experience for each child. She believes that supporting a child’s social and emotional growth is one of the most important aspects of early education. While she has many tools in her teaching toolkit, singing is one of her favorites—whether it’s a familiar tune or a song made up on the spot, you can often hear her filling the classroom with music.

Alex is our wonderful Co-Lead Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom. She first joined the Coop community in 2015 when her son entered the Toddler classroom—the same year she began teaching the school’s Spanish enrichment program. She continues to share her love of languages with her Pre-K students, weaving Spanish into classroom activities in fun and engaging ways.

In 2020, Alex took on the role of School Age Teacher, helping elementary students navigate both in-person and virtual learning during the pandemic. She has also worked part-time for many years teaching English as a Second Language and serving as a Spanish interpreter. Alex holds an M.Ed. in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) and has taught learners of all ages, from young children to adults.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, two cats, and a Boston Terrier.

Devon began her role as our amazing Co-Lead Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom in 2024. Her connection to the Coop began in 2016 when her son was in the Pre-K class. Drawn to the warm, community-focused environment, she loved volunteering and being part of classroom activities.

In 2019, Devon returned to the Coop as a substitute teacher, later joining the toddler classroom full-time as a Co-Teacher in 2022. Eager to work with older children, she transitioned to the Pre-Kindergarten classroom in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher before stepping into her current Co-Lead role.

Devon holds a B.S. in Human Development from Lesley University. She is known for her calm, peaceful presence and her ability to truly get to know each child as an individual. Her goal is to create a fun and welcoming space where children can feel comfortable being themselves.

Outside the classroom, Devon enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their dog.

Stacey began her teaching journey at the Coop as a substitute teacher while her twin daughters were enrolled. She eagerly volunteered for parent helper days and served on the Board of Directors, where her passion for early childhood education truly began. Stacey is deeply grateful for the sense of community and love of learning the Coop has provided to both her and her children, and she is beyond thrilled to now be teaching in the Pre-K classroom.

Her favorite part of the school day is choice time, when she can watch children use their imaginations, engage in pretend play, and build lasting friendships. Stacey holds a B.S. in Criminology and previously worked in the field of Human Services.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, baking, and exploring the outdoors with her children.

Barbara joined the Coop in September 2021 to launch our Playgroup—a parent-and-me style class designed to help new parents connect while giving children a gentle introduction to the school environment. Many Playgroup families go on to join our Toddler Program the following year. Barbara also teaches two afternoons a week for our Stay and Play program and is a familiar face around the school as a substitute teacher.

Barbara brings a wealth of experience to her work, having spent 21 years with Sudbury Parks and Recreation’s Terrific Twos program before coming to the Co-op. She loves working with young children and says, “It’s a wonderful experience to be with them, learn with them, and watch them grow.”

A Sudbury resident for 35 years, Barbara has four grown children, a granddaughter she adores, and another grandchild on the way. She has been married for 28 years to the love of her life. Outside of school, she enjoys “walking a million miles” with her dog and dancing her heart out at Jazzercise five to six times a week.

Jenn Valerio joined the Coop in 2019 as an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Program. While currently focusing on raising her daughters, she remains an active part of our staff community as a substitute teacher.

Jenn holds a degree in Child Development and has a long history with the Coop—as both a parent and a member of our Board of Directors. She has also taught in Sudbury Parks & Recreation’s Terrific Twos program and previously substituted in our classrooms.

Outside of teaching, Jenn enjoys swimming with her kids, playing piano, having spontaneous family dance parties, and exploring the many activities and programs for young families throughout the MetroWest area.