Sudbury (Sudbury/West Concord)

Tricia Wilson
978-440-7668
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:45am – 4:15pm

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Sophie Milas

Afternoon Arts Teacher

Shauna Bakstran

Upper Preschool Teacher

Anna Bishop

Toddler Teacher

Heather Brien

Upper Preschool Teacher

Katherine Chaparro

Toddler Teacher

Mikaela Charboneau

Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

Kristin Doyle

Upper Preschool Teacher

Holly Garlock

Curriculum Director

Erica Hebert

Support Teacher

Ashley McLaughlin

Toddler Teacher

Alyssa Moore

Afternoon Arts Teacher

Emily O'Connell

Toddler Teacher

Kristen Perry

Lower Preschool Teacher

Ashley Pimentel

Lower Preschool Teacher

Dina Savitz

Lexington Upper Program Director/ Co-Executive Director

Kate Waugh

Afternoon Arts Coordinator/Upper Preschool Teacher

Anne Weiand

Lower Preschool Teacher

Tricia Wilson

Sudbury Program Director/Co-Executive Director

Stacey Wong

Upper Preschool Teacher

Andrea Woods

Upper Preschool Teacher

Sophie Milas

EEC Certification

Year Started: 2023

Where I was Born: Medford, MA, and grew up in Arlington, MA

What I love to do!: My interests lean towards the performing arts. I used to be an actor, enjoy watching my favorite actors on TV, and am obsessed with visual storytelling and cinematography. I love to sing; I am learning to play the Ukulele and often play simple songs for young children. My husband taught me how to play three chords, and I've discovered that one can play many different songs by just knowing three chords!

Children are competent, and they are my best teachers. They teach me about who they are, and I enjoy developing a curriculum geared towards their interests and abilities. I watch them grow and develop as they make new strides and connect with their peers. I also get to have fun with them; nothing is better than being silly with a group of children. It's the best thing!

I am currently enjoying the book series by Mo Willems. My favorite book is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. I love this story because the Pigeon is silly (as he is in the rest of the books), and while he struggles to get the readers to help him drive the bus, I think he enjoys making them laugh too.

Shauna Bakstran

B.A. Westfield State University

Year Started: 2002

Where I was Born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Running, cooking/baking, reading, photography, and spending time with my family

My love for working with children started when I was 12 years old and being the “neighborhood babysitter.” Even then I realized how powerful it was to connect with children and insight a smile, wonder or laugh. It is still the most important feeling for me to this day as I work with children (as well as my own 2 boys.) Children are my biggest inspiration as an educator and I really just “take their lead” – watching and talking with them to discover their interests, personalities and learning styles. My job is to take those aspects and create an environment that nurtures, supports and provides opportunities in order for preschoolers to feel comfortable and confident to explore, create and grow in all areas of development.

Anna Bishop

B.S- Child Development- Colby-Sawyer

Year Started: 2010

Where I was born: Concord, MA

Interest/hobbies: When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, exploring different art projects, traveling, yoga class, and listening to Broadway shows.

Why I love teaching: I have always had a passion for children. I love making strong connections with every child in my class and learning about their interests and personality. I enjoy sitting with a group of children, observing their interactions with one another and listening to the conversations they share with their classmates. I find great joy in planning developmentally appropriate art projects for the children. I also enjoy singing and reading to the children. It is always amazing to watch the children’s creativity, curiosity and their growth throughout the school year.

Favorite Book: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do you See?” by Eric Carle
I enjoy singing this book to children and like how it teaches them about animals, colors, and repetition. It is a simple text and the children quickly pick up on words and join right along! It’s a book that is enjoyed by all ages of preschool children.

Who inspired me: My mom is a preschool teacher and she has inspired me over the years with her creativity.

Heather Brien

B.S. Framingham State University

Year Started: 2014

Where I was Born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Yoga, nature walks, and crafting

My favorite part about being a teacher is getting to live day-to-day in a place of wonder, creativity, and continuous discovery through the children’s eyes. Before working at the LEAP school I taught both swimming and dance for many years. In those fields, I was able to work alongside teachers who were great examples to me, who encouraged me to see teaching as a lifelong career. My current main source of inspiration comes from other LEAP school teachers who all have varied interests and skills which I feel lucky to witness each day. My favorite book as a child was Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, which I feel embodies the kind of fun and meaningful learning that we endeavor to deliver here at LEAP School.

Katherine Chaparro

Year Started: 2014

My name is Katherine Chaparro; this is my Fifth year here at The Leap School in Sudbury. I went to Mass Bay College were I was certified as a Lead Teacher in Preschool, Toddler and Infant.

I come from Chile, South America where we speak Spanish. I’m married and I have a daughter. Her name is Giulliana, she was part of The Leap School in Sudbury.

This year it will be my fifth year working at The LEAP School, and my third year as a Lead teacher in the toddler group and I am very excited. What I love the most about been a teacher is the connections that we have with the children, how transparent they are and best of all those big hugs that they gave us every day!

One of my favorite childhood books is Stella Luna, because I love the way that a mother had so much love for her own babies and she can also shared the love with others who are in need.

I love playing with little children and I enjoy every minute with them, that was my inspiration to become a teacher. Every day when I come to work, I feel so lucky to have them in my class. My favorite things to do are cooking, running, swimming, dancing and spending time with my daughter Giulliana.

Mikaela Charboneau

B.S. Salve Regina University

Year Started: 2019

Where I was born: Boston, MA

What I love to do: I have two boys, and we enjoy exploring outside in the woods, at the beach, or really just anywhere we can have adventures! Though I have lived in five other states all over the country, it was always my goal to return to New England. I have always loved working with young children, and my favorite part of teaching is sharing my joy of children’s literature with my students. I have so many of my own personal children’s books that I have collected since I was a child that I don’t think I could possibly choose just one favorite! Someday, I even hope to write my own children’s books.

Kristin Doyle

EEC Certification

Year Started: 1999

Where I was born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Reading, exercising, going to the movies and anything outside in the summer months

My name is Kristin Doyle and I have been at LEAP school for over 15 years! I have two young boys of my own and they keep me busy with all of their activities and adventures. I enjoy fitness and nutrition and have discovered that being strong and active keep me happy. Last year (with lots of encouragement from a friend) I entered my first Spartan obstacle race. Not only did I love it, I found out I am pretty good at them! Trying something new led me down a path of fun and excitement! Hopefully I can bring that into the classroom each day.

Holly Garlock

B.A. Potsdam College

Year Started: 1997

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.

Erica Hebert

Year Started: 2022

Where I was born: Shirley, Massachusetts

After getting over the hump of being extremely “new” to the field of early childhood, I can now confidently say that there is no other career path out there that I could adore more. I grew up in central MA and after moving around the state for about ten years, I recently decided to plant my roots back where I came from to be with family and friends. Doing so I could not be more excited to have found a place at LEAP. My teaching philosophy is a giant mix of all my favorite aspects of various known philosophies rolled into one. I am a huge believer in open ended art projects for children. I adore organized chaos and the atmosphere of a preschool classroom in full swing. I have worked with diverse populations across the state, and my six years of classroom experience have taught me more than I ever imagined possible. In my free time I enjoy game nights with friends, trivia nights, camping, concerts and just meeting new people. I look forward to becoming part of the wonderful LEAP community!

Ashley McLaughlin

EEC Certification (B.A. in Process)

Year Started: 2021

Where I was born: Woburn, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Trail walks, baking, camping, spending time with my friends and family, as well as visiting my Fiance's family up at Lake Winnipesauke with our chocolate lab named Winni!

From a young age, I have always been interested in working with young children. I first started out working in the Cosmetology field, but quickly found myself wanting to be part of the education field again. I missed working one on one with the kids and helping them learn in the classroom. I have had 8 years experience working with children ranging from birth to 5 years old. What I love most about being a teacher is being able to work with students one on one and the relationships I get to build with the children and families. My favorite books are Winnie the Pooh and The Lorax. I am truly grateful to be working with other educators who are inspiring and dedicated to make a child’s first learning experience the best at The LEAP School.

Alyssa Moore

B.A. Mass College of Art

Year Started: 2022

Where I’m from: Billerica, MA

What I love to do: spend time with my friends and family, go to the beach, play with my dogs, read, and do art projects!

I have always been drawn to teaching and working with children, inspired by my own teachers who made school a welcoming and exciting place to explore. I love how curious, creative, and enthusiastic children are as they navigate the world around them. Experiencing their discoveries and accomplishments with them is so rewarding. One of my favorite children’s books is Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, because Chrysanthemum’s teacher celebrates her for being exactly who she is. By leading with kindness, she teaches the other students to do the same, and sets a great example for all of us. As a new teacher I’m excited to join the LEAP School community and use my background in the arts to create opportunities for students to learn, play, and express themselves through art.

Emily O'Connell

B.A. Hampshire College

Year Started: 2021

Where I was Born: Worcester, MA

What I love to do!: Crafting and making art, reading and writing poetry, playing board games with my partner, spending time with my loved ones, singing to myself, collecting and exploring in nature.

I come to LEAP with a deep love of learning and the desire to help create an inclusive classroom space where all children feel safe to express themselves, explore and form meaningful community connections. I am inspired by the uninhibited curiosity of children and love discovering new things about our world through their constant studying and questioning of life. Each day I spend in the classroom, I am reminded of the serious nature of play, and its spectacular ability to excel learning for both children and adults’. My favorite part about being a teacher is working with children one on one, getting to know them as individuals and supporting their development in fun and creative ways. My favorite childhood book is Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. I love this book because it teaches children to love themselves, be proud of their own unique qualities and highlights the importance of being patient and kind to yourself.

Kristen Perry

B.S. Westfield State University

M. Ed. Framingham State University

Year Started: 2014

Where I was born: Newton, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Cook/bake, read, travel, and spend time on the lake!

This is my tenth year teaching at LEAP! I am a graduate of Westfield State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Reading and Arts/Liberal Studies. I am also a graduate of Framingham State University where I earned my Master’s in Early Childhood Education. I am a Lead Lower Preschool Teacher for the Sudbury Lower School. I love teaching because it is important to be a positive influence on the young minds growing today. Plus, it’s fun! It is so rewarding to see the smiles and hear the laughter in a classroom of children. My favorite book from my childhood is The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn, because it comforted me during my first school experiences, and helped me love school as much as I do today!

Ashley Pimentel

B.S. Salem State University

M.Ed. Salem State University

Year Started: 2019

Where I was born: Lowell, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Reading, baking, traveling, dancing, going for walks, and playing board games. I especially enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family.

One of the many reasons why I aspired to become a teacher myself is because of the caring preschool teachers that I had. They made learning fun and I loved how each day was a new adventure. I love that as an educator we are able to witness children’s growth and development. One of my fondest memories as a child was my mother reading to me, as this began to foster my love of reading. My favorite childhood book is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. I admire the illustrations that go along with Max’s journey as well as the message of unconditional love. My family, specifically my parents, are my greatest inspiration. They are both immigrants from the Azores Islands, which is part of Portugal. Their hard work, determination, and value of education continues to inspire me every day.

Kate Waugh

B.S. University of Vermont

Year Started: 2009

Where I was born: Concord, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Cooking, snowboarding, yoga/ barre, fishing and paddle boarding

I have been a teacher at the LEAP School in Sudbury for 10 years. During my time at LEAP I have taught in the Lower and Upper Preschool and supported all ages of children in the LEAP community - Young Toddler to Transitional Kindergarten. My goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable classroom environment for children to enjoy while at school. I love planning a rich curriculum filled with the ideas and themes presented in our monthly feature books. An interest of mine has always been children’s art and the process behind it. I love planning hands-on projects for the children and watching the different directions they take the activity.

Anne Weiand

B.S. Colby-Sawyer College

M. Ed. Southern New Hampshire University

Year Started: 2016

Where I was born: Mendon, MA but I currently live in Hudson, NH

What I love to do!: My hobbies are dance, yoga, painting, and being with friends and family.

The one thing I love most about teaching is the joy and happiness children get when something they have learned clicks and they are proud of themselves. My favorite childhood book is “Strega Nona” by Tomie dePaola. This is because my mom used to read this to me and it was a chance for us to bond over the love we have for the same book. My greatest inspiration are my parents and my brother because they inspire me and encourage me to be myself and to chase my dreams and goals.

Tricia Wilson

B.S. Salem State University

Year Started: 1987

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.

Stacey Wong

B.S. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

M. Ed. Lesley University

Year Started: 2011

Where I was born: Taipei, Taiwan

What I love to do: I enjoy trying new foods/restaurants, watching movies, and traveling. I also love spending time with my husband, family, friends and cat.

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching children grow and develop new skills. I love building connections with the children and being a part of their learning each day. Prior to LEAP, I was a teaching assistant at the Center for Early Education and Care during my undergraduate studies at UMass Amherst. Then I taught kindergarten and second grade at a charter school in Bridgeport, Connecticut as a Teach For America corps member. After completing my graduate program at Lesley University, I worked at the LEAP School Lexington for two years as a support teacher in the transitional-kindergarten class and as an Afternoon Arts teacher. In the fall of 2013, I joined the Sudbury LEAP team. In addition to teaching preschoolers, another passion of mine is dance. I started dancing at the age of three and continue take classes as an adult. I regularly incorporate music and movement into my classroom routines and curriculum.

Andrea Woods

B.A. Stonehill College

Year Started: 2008

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.