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. Most recently, 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, wildflowers and trees, and most other flora and fauna. On occasion, she leads natural history walks, and plans to bring these passions to her work at CNS.
Valerie Giltinan is the lead teacher in the 4 year old room. Originally from Ireland, she brings 12 years of experiences as an early childhood educator to CNS. Valerie has experience working with diverse families as a teacher in Ireland and Cambridge. She brings her love of the natural environment, storytelling, and hands on exploration to the classroom. Valerie holds an AA in early childhood education and will graduate from Lesley University in February 2009 with a BA in Human development.
Sarah McNamara 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.
Shelley Stolitza recently moved to Boston from Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally from Cleveland, Shelley has been teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts in Charlotte for the past 4 years. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in American Studies and English Literature at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. She is looking forward to seeing the CNS children make many wonderful discoveries throughout the school year.
Alison Nashis 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.
