B.S. Salem State University

Where I was born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Reading, cooking, hiking, biking, skiing and camping. I love the adventure of a road trip with my family! On a lazy day I enjoy playing Scrabble, watching movies, baking (and eating) cookies. My favorite place to be is anywhere on the coast of Maine.

While studying Early Childhood Education in college, I found the preschool/toddler practicums to provide the greatest sense of satisfaction, gratification and fun. I observed how a developmentally appropriate curriculum allows a young child to learn through their interests, and discover through their explorations. I observed how a developmentally appropriate curriculum allows teachers to treat each child as the individual they are; and to consider all domains of development and growth in their teaching including (but not limited to!) physical, cognitive and social/emotional development. Most importantly, I found young children to be incredibly interesting, caring, smart and engaging. I learned that preschool and toddler teachers have the opportunity to participate in a most fascinating time of a person’s life. Upon reflection, a career as a preschool teacher and director has exceeded my expectations! It has been more than thirty years since my first experience in a preschool classroom, and today I continue to find the same sense of satisfaction, gratification and fun as I did all those years ago.

B.A. Stonehill College

Where I was born: Boston, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Baking, reading, cooking, going to Maine, being near the ocean, drinking great coffee

My name is Andrea Woods and I have been working at The LEAP School for 15 years. I graduated from Stonehill College with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I currently live in Medfield with my husband, Tom, my sons, Jack (6.5) and Nate (4 and currently enrolled at LEAP!), and my dog, Teddy. I love working at The LEAP School because of the supportive community and the strong parent-teacher-child relationships. Each day, it is my goal to create a supportive, safe, and enjoyable experience for all children.

B.F.A Syracuse Univeristy
M.A. Lesley University

Where I was born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What I love to do!: Gardening, playing volleyball, cooking with a new recipe, spending time with family and friends & watching sporting events of my kids/nieces/nephews and all Boston & New England sports teams!

I am member of the Administrative Team at LEAP but also have a background in the arts and teaching young children. As a teacher I love the spontaneous and uninhibited questions that a child asks and their joy in discovering something new, no matter how simple. In my role as an Admissions and Human Resource Director I am eager to be a helpful resource to all parents as they are exploring preschool options for their child(ren) and to teachers that are seeking a career in Early Childhood Education. Harold and the Purple Crayon has always been my favorite children’s book as Harold is constantly on a new and exciting adventure. As I am entering my 37th year at the LEAP School I continue to enjoy learning something new every day!

B.S. Endicott College

Where I am From: Gloucester, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Cooking and trying new recipes, reading, being outside, and enjoying quality time with close friends and family!

As Director of Admissions and Administration, I have the pleasure of introducing LEAP to inquiring families! I love having the opportunity to share with families all about the wonderful educational experience LEAP has to offer. In my 9 years at LEAP, I’ve been fortunate to help many families and children start the process to create their foundation of learning. When I first learned of the LEAP School, I was deeply impressed with the balance of support that is given to children, teachers, and families. I now have 3 children of my own (1 who has graduated LEAP and 1 currently enrolled!) and my experience at LEAP as a parent has given me a greater perspective in my job as an Admissions Director. My goal every day is to be a resourceful part of the support system that LEAP has in place for families.

B.S. University of Maine

Year Started: 1987

Where I was born: Maine

What I love to do!: I love and spend lots of time being a Mom!!! I also enjoy travel and spending weekends and vacations in Maine with my extended family and close friends. We do lots of swimming, boating, biking, tennis, reading, cooking and taking longs walks by the lake and the ocean.

I became an educator in 1980, first working with children with special needs and then running summer camps throughout college. A few years after earning my degree in Child Development and Family Relations, I was thrilled to find an opportunity open at LEAP as a Creative Arts Teacher, joining the team in 1987 and later becoming the Lower School Program Director in 1991. My tenure as a Program Director has been characterized by the opportunity to develop strong, connected relationships with many families, children and teachers, while supporting the needs and strengths of all members of the “Three Seeds of LEAP.” My current position as the Lexington LEAP Director and Co-Executive Director is allowing me the opportunity to engage with families from all our LEAP Schools and is very rewarding. I continue to learn, grow and look for the possibilities in each and every day. I am proud to have been a part of LEAP school now for over 35 years and look forward to many more amazing years supporting the children and families with whom I work every day.

My free time is spent with my 2 amazing daughters, their partners, and my husband, creating a home life that reflects my hopes and dreams for my future and theirs, as well as staying active by spending vacations in Bowerbank, Maine. The laid back Maine pace suits my style perfectly and allows the creativity to flow! The opportunity to connect with my family and friends and re-energize beside Sebec Lake in the summer months is a true blessing. We do lots of swimming, boating, biking, reading, yoga, cooking and taking long walks by the lake. Family is everything and I am blessed to have wonderful friends and family members who support me wholeheartedly.