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 took on the role of Director in 2024. Carrie’s history with the Co-op actually began when her oldest child became a Co-op student. All three of Carrie’s children attended the school, and in 2015 Carrie became an assistant in our Pre-Kindergarten Program. In 2016 she added co-leadership of the Extended Day Programs and in 2017 became Co-Lead Teacher for the Preschool Program. Carrie’s educational background is in social work, and her heart for service led her to a first career in that field, with a B.A. in Social Work, and as an LCSW. Her experience in behavioral assessments and implementing behavioral planning are instrumental in creating the best environment possible for our students.

Carrie has a warm disposition and sunny energy, which she showers on children in her care, whether in groups or while one-on-one. She is always up for a fun activity or game, and loves to facilitate the children as they explore the answers to their questions about the world. Carrie’s class and curriculum are designed with love of the outdoors and a focus on building children’s social relationships as a foundation for lifelong learning. Carrie and her family live in Framingham, where she maintains an active role in her children’s education

Susan has been the lead teacher in our Toddler Program since 2014. She originally came to the Co-op as a parent when her oldest child was two, and quickly became involved in the board and as a substitute teacher. Starting in 2008, Susan worked as the assistant in the Toddler Program. Susan’s education includes a B.A. in Psychology and study of child development. Prior to joining the Co-op, Susan worked as a research psychologist and human factors engineer, but her true love is working with toddlers. This youngest group of students benefits greatly from a personal connection with an educator who is willing to get down on the floor and get messy alongside them, which Susan does joyfully every day. Susan finds that willingness to engage her students on their level encourages them as they build self-confidence, the foundation for a successful school experience. Susan and her husband recently moved from Sudbury to Wayland where she can be found walking on the conservation trails near their home. She volunteers at the Sudbury CARE Pantry and is active at St. Elizabeth’s church.

Alyssa joined the Preschool Program as Co-Lead Teacher in 2024, after having taught as a teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Program since 2014. Prior to taking a few years to raise her two children, both of whom attended the Sudbury Cooperative Preschool, Alyssa worked as a preschool teacher for children ages two through five. Alyssa holds a B.A in Psychology, with a concentration in development and learning, and an A.S. in Child Studies. While her children attended the Co-op, Alyssa participated as both a parent and a board member. She is delighted to continue her career in such a family-oriented environment.

Alyssa believes in a child-centered, play-based curriculum, where the teacher works as a facilitator, allowing the child’s curiosity to direct his or her learning. She encourages independence, offers assistance to promote self-awareness, and encourages problem-solving skills. In line with the philosophy of the Sudbury Cooperative Preschool, Alyssa feels strongly that it is important to provide a climate that allows for positive social interactions. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys being active with her family and friends. Alyssa and her family live in Framingham.

Lana joined the Preschool Program as Co-Lead Teacher in 2019, after having taught as an assistant in our Toddler Program the previous year. Prior to taking a few years off to raise her youngest daughter, Lana worked as an early childhood educator for 20+ years. She originally came to the Co-op as a parent, and thoroughly enjoyed her volunteer days and occasional subbing. Finding a play-based and family centered program was a top priority for her, so the Co-op was a great match.

Lana has a nurturing and compassionate teaching style, which she also extends to her interactions with parents; open and positive communication with caregivers is essential in creating the best possible experience for the children. Lana believes that her most important role as an Early Childhood Educator is supporting a child’s social and emotional development. While she has gathered many useful tools throughout her teaching career, singing is one of her favorites. Lana can often be heard singing familiar or made up on the spot songs during the school day. She lives in Wayland with her family.

Devon took on the lead role as Pre-Kindergarten teacher in 2024. Devon was introduced to the Co-op community in 2016 when her son was in the Pre-K classroom. She loved the community aspect of the Co-op and always looked forward to helping in the classroom. In 2019, she returned to the Co-op as a substitute before joining the toddler classroom full time as Co-teacher in 2022, and then as an assistant in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom in 2023. Devon holds a B.S. in Human Development from Lesley University. In her free time, she enjoys getting outside with her family and dog.

Dianne came to the Co-op in 2016, as a lead teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Program. Previously, Dianne taught at the Boroughs Jewish Community in Westborough, MA, as well as at the BLOCKS program in Framingham. Dianne’s family-centered approach and team spirit make her a perfect fit for the Co-op. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood, extensive experience in special education, and a true passion for what she does. Her creative and flexible curriculum gives scope to both STEM and social-emotional development. With her focus on kindergarten readiness, Dianne uses a play-based approach and an engaging curriculum to ensure that children are prepared for the transition, while instilling a love of learning and a sense of community. Dianne’s favorite moments are when she can share in the excitement of children as they make their own discoveries. When she is not teaching, Dianne lives with her family in Milfor

Madeline joined the Co-op as assistant teacher in the toddler room in 2023. Madeline has had the pleasure of working with children in various capacities for many years. Madeline has a Master's in Education and a school counseling license, under which she has worked in the public school setting serving grades PK-4 targeting social emotional skills. Madeline enjoys creating a safe, playful environment for children to learn independence, creativity, and discover all that makes them special. When Madeline is not working, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her friends (and cats).

Bridget joined the Co-op staff in 2023 as an assistant teacher in the Toddler Room. The youngest of her four children attended the Co-op for three years, and she treasured her parent-helper days. Bridget’s original undergrad degree is in Psychology and Sociology, but she has always loved working with children and young families, which lead her to an additional degree in nursing and a short career as a pediatric nurse before raising her kids.

Bridget’s favorite thing about being present at the Co-op and involved with the students was the school's focus on play-based learning, the supportive family community and the knowledgeable, supportive teachers. Now, as a teacher, her favorite thing about assisting in the toddler room is watching the incredible amount of growth in the students throughout the year. She loves their imaginations and the way they find magic and silliness in everything we explore and learn about each day. In her free time, Bridget loves to knit, bake, swim and spend time outside with her family.

Alex joined the Co-op as a substitute in 2019 and is thrilled to be joining us as an assistant in the Pre-K class! Alex first came to the Co-op when her son joined the Toddler classroom in 2015, the same year she began teaching the Co-op’s Spanish enrichment program. In 2020, Alex enjoyed working as a School Age teacher, managing in-person and virtual schedules for elementary students during the pandemic. She has worked part-time for the last 12 years teaching ESL and working occasionally as a Spanish Interpreter. Alex holds a M.Ed in TESL and has taught children and adults. She lives in Sudbury with her husband and two kids (9 & 17), two cats and a Boston Terrier.

Stacey began her teaching journey as a substitute teacher, while her twin daughters were enrolled at the Co-op. She always jumped at the opportunity to come into the classroom for parent helper days, and served on the Board of Directors, which is where her love for childhood education began. She will always be thankful for the sense of community and love of school that it has provided to both her and her children, and she is beyond thrilled to be an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-K room! Her favorite part of the school day is choice time, watching the children use their imagination, engaging in pretend play and fostering friendships. Stacey has a BSc in Criminology and followed a career in Human Services, in her spare time she loves to spend time gardening, baking and exploring the outdoors with her children.

Jenn Valerio joined us in 2019 as an assistant teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Program . She has a degree in child development, and has previously subbed at the Co-op and taught at Sudbury Park & Recreation's Toddler Program (Terrific Twos). Jenn has been a parent at the school, and also served on our Board of Directors. She enjoys swimming with her kids, playing piano, spontaneous family dance parties, and exploring the many activities & programs for young families throughout the MetroWest area.

Barbara started at the Co-op in September 2021 to startup our playgroup, a parent-and-me style class. It's a wonderful class for new parents to connect with others, and then enroll for the toddler class the following year. Barbara teaches two afternoons for Stay and Play, and you’ll see her often as our substitute teacher.

Barbara has a rich background in early childhood education worked. She previously worked for the Sudbury Parks and Rec program, Terrific Twos, for 21 years right before joining the Co-Op. She truly loves teaching the little ones and says “It's a wonderful experience to be with them, learn with them, and watch them grow.” Barbara has lived in Sudbury for 35 years and has four grown and flown children, a new granddaughter (who lives in Marlborough!), and has been married for 28 years to the love of her life. When she’s not at the Co-op, Barbara enjoys “walking a million miles” with her dog, and dancing in a Jazzercise 5 to 6 times a week!