Janet Kovner is the Director at CNS. She directed the Palfrey Community Children's School, a small, parent co-operative preschool program in Watertown, from 1986-1997. Prior to coming to CNS, she directed a new backup child care center, affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital and managed by Partners Child Care Services. She has an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education from Lesley University, and a more recent M.S. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England. She enjoys observing birds, mammals, wildflowers and trees, and most other flora and fauna. On occasion, she leads natural history walks, and brings these passions to her work at CNS.
Valerie is the lead teacher in the 4 year old room. Originally from Ireland, she brings 16 years of experiences as an early childhood educator to CNS. Valerie has experience working with families as a teacher in Ireland and Cambridge and is committed to creating an engaging environment where each child is valued. She brings her love of the natural environment, storytelling, the arts, and hands on exploration to the classroom. Valerie holds a BA in Human Development from Lesley University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Education and Creative Arts and Learning.
Sarah is the lead teacher in the 3 year old class. Originally from Canada, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from McGill University. While living in Montreal she taught private Highland Dance classes and worked at the McGill Summer Sports Camp. Since graduating from university she has traveled the world! Her travels include a cruise down the Nile, a safari in Kenya, a road trip through Australia, exploring Japan by train, and a photo expedition to the Galapagos Islands, among many other adventures. Her work experience has spanned three continents. She was the nursery teacher at St. Agnes’ School in London, England. She then worked in Hong Kong for two years at the Woodlands Happy Valley Preschool with children aged three to six. Now living in Newton, Sarah is happy to be a part of CNS. She brings creativity, warmth and experience to the classroom.
Alison is a former parent board member of CNS, and is happy to have joined the staff as Assistant Teacher, beginning in September 2006. She loves engaging the children in play and contributing to their daily discoveries in art, music, science and nature, and friendships. She is thrilled to be there each day to support the children and the staff. Alison has a B.A. in English from Salem State College.
Kerry, Assistant Teacher in the 4-year old classroom, comes to CNS after 3 years of teaching at the Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary (Massachusetts Audubon Society). She believes in a hands-on approach to teaching natural history, using the schoolyard and surrounding natural environment to learn about plants and animals. Kerry has an M.A. in English and American Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, and she has taught English to elementary, high school, and college students. In our classroom, she works with children to create their own stories through drawing, painting, dance, and drama. She is a former CNS board member, and both of her daughters attended our school.
