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!: Spending time with family, being outside, being a mom

My name is Andrea Woods and I have been working at The LEAP School for 10 years. I graduated from Stonehill College with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I currently live in Medfield with my husband, Tom, my son, Jack, 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.A. Potsdam College

Where I was born: Ilion, New York

What I love to do!: Reading, hiking, and kayaking

I joined the LEAP teaching team in June 1997. During my time at LEAP I have been a Support and Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, Curriculum Director and Supervisor. I am currently the Curriculum Director in Sudbury. Each school year provides an opportunity for educators to continue to grow and learn as we utilize our learned experiences and access the rich professional development opportunities. As an educator I am inspired by the creativity and dedication of my fellow teachers. It is rewarding to collaborate when developing classroom curriculum and classroom environments. Being a part of the children’s experience as they explore, question, and discover is a powerful experience. As a parent of a 13 year old and an 9 year old it is exciting to see how their LEAP Preschool experience helped to foster a sense of confidence, compassion and a yearning to learn more their world.

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.A. University of California – San Diego
M. Ed. Boston University

Where I was born: Uruguay

What I love to do!: Travel, hiking, cooking, and being with my kids

I am so grateful to find myself in a profession where I find inspiration every day. The children, parents, and teachers that I am surrounded by consistently teach me new things about love, learning and joy. I have been working at LEAP since 1992 and in that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with all the ages we serve. I also have a background in Elementary Education with an emphasis on literacy development. I’ve have raised my own children in this community, and am eager to be a support to other parents as they navigate the years ahead. I’m looking forward to building our community together.

B.A. University of Vermont
M.A. Lesley University

From the time I was a young child, I was always drawn to children— their creativity, natural love, and innate wonder about the world around them. Coming from a loving family, I realized the impact that caring relationships had on children’s growth. I became the neighborhood babysitter throughout my middle school and high school years and loved every minute of my time with the kids. In my sophomore year, I very reluctantly went from my public high school to an all girls’ independent school, but it turned out be an incredibly enlightening experience for me. The independent school was very strong in the creative arts, small class sizes, offered amazingly inspirational teachers, and had hands-on learning. It was this experience that helped me to realize that someday I wanted to be an educator and have a school of my own. I knew then that education was the pathway to change and growth, and I have loved creating that experience for children and being part of LEAP since it began in 1985. No one is more proud of my directors and teachers than I am; their positive impact on children, parents, and each other is an inspiration for me! My favorite childhood book is Ms. Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. It takes place on the coast of Maine, a special place for my family to go each year. The context of the book is to make the world a better place, which is what we do at the LEAP School every day!